WEALTH FROM LAND

Evening Star, Issue 20592, 18 September 1930, Page 15

WEALTH FROM LAND

REMARKABLE INCREASE IN OUTPUT “ REASONABLE OPTIMISM " FOR FUTURE [From Ouk Paruamkntakt Buporteis.] WELLINGTON, September 17. Duo mainly to improved grassland farming practice, qnd better animal husbandry and hygiene, there was a remarkable expansion recorded for 1929-30 in the flocks and herds of New Zealand, and a substantial increase in tho production of the main staples of _ dairy produce, meat, and wool, according to the annual report of the Department of Agricultude, presented to Parliament to-day. Mr Murdoch (Minister of Agriculture) comments that the reports of the Director-General and the heads of various divisions outline a wide range of effective work for the benefit of the agricultural industries. “ The department, with its strongly-established organisation and wide resources and experience,” said the Minister, “ is keeping well to the fore in agricultural research and instruction. Good fundamental work is being done at many points, and in applied agricultural science New Zealand is achieving an acknowledged place. This cannot fail to assist our primary industries in the world trade competition, which, under present conditions, steadily grows more intense. The year has been marked by a more or less heavy decline in world prices for tho primary products which form our main export staples. It is seldom, indeed, that such an all-round (simultaneous fall has occurred, the more common experience being the balancing of one commodity against another in market fluctuations; but, although tho general downward trend or reversion of values seems to be establishing itself, a fair recovery in certain products, such as wool, may be anticipated. While tho position can bo regarded with reasonable optimism, it certainly calls for serious study and action at every weak point capable of amelioration. Due provision will be to enable the Department of Agriculture to take its full part in this respect.” According to the annual report of the Director-General of Agriculture, last season was marked by a serious decline in the values of export commodities, with a consequent shrinkage of the national income. So far as the increased production of grassland products to wool, meat, and butter-fat was concerned, the position was exceedingly satisfactory. In the five-year period 1921-1925 tho average annual of grassland products on a standard price basis was £34,620,000. During the five years 1925-1930 the average annual value amounted to £41,456,000. The amount of tho yearly increase for 1929-30 was £11,874,000. “ In no period of Now Zealand’s history lias production increased to the extent that it is taking place at the present time,' declares the report. The value of dairy produce exports represented £18,842,994 out of the total export of £49,045,817. Tho quality of New Zealand butter had been maintained or improved. Cheese quality had been less favourably reported upon, due to unfavourable market conditions, the extensive diversion in tho North Island from the manufacture of full-cream cheese, and an endeavour in some eases to ensure yield rather than high quality. The general unfavourable economic conditions, and larger supplies of butter from a number of dbuntries had prevented tho Now Zealand dairyman from increasing his income. The larger production, however, would bp helpful in off-setting the shortage due to the fall in prices, although the net balance to the dominion showed a reduction of £2,000,000.