RAPID PROGRESS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 232, 25 June 1921, Page 8

RAPID PROGRESS

THAMES VALLEY CLAIMS A RECORD

The record for New Zealand in regard to recent expansion is claimed by the Thames Valley through the Thames Valley Electric Power Board. In a return supplied to the Minister of Education (the Hon. C. J. Parr) as the result of his recent, visit to the district, it is shown that the value of the dairying output alone will this year approximate .£7,500,000. The area administered by the l>oard comprises 1,474.560 acres, and includes five counties, four boroughs, one town district, and a large swamp area yet. to be reclaimed. Astonishing increases in Hie output of dairy produce have occurred since 1914. For instance, in 191415 the value of the dairy produce was J.T03.6G3, made up of 1901 tons of butter and 59 tons of cheese. In 1917-18 the values rose to £1,683.191. the items being 2919 tons of butter, 6937 tons of cheese, and 2396 tons of dried milk. The 1920-21 season to April has produced 3002 tons of butler, 6951 tons of cheese, ami 10.510 tons of dried milk, of a value of .£6,919.317. It is estimated that the total value for the season, when it is finished, will approximate <£7.500,000. AVhen those figures were quoted during the visit of the Minister, he, despite bis pride in the North, was inclined to think a mistake had been made. It is explained now that the information was obtained by the Power Board from official sources for the purpose of loan negotiations.