DAIRYING IN FIJI.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 19 August 1929, Page 9

DAIRYING IN FIJI.

PROGRESS OF INDUSTRY

GREAT FUTURE PREDICTED

Considerable progress has been made in the dairying industry in Fiji within recent- years, according to Mr T. Potts, agricultural instructor at Fiji, who arrived at Auckland by the Tofua. on a visit to New Zealand. Mr Potts said that during the past three or four years, farmers in Fiji had ceme to -realise that the industry must be placed on a good footing and up-to-date methods introduced. tracts of country were being brought in for dairying ami sheepfarming ami the staff of the Agricultural Department was being increased to give itiist Miction and advice. Three butter factories were established in Fiji and they were all paying concerns. One factory for tinning meat was also in operation. The industry had a great future in Fiji. Mr Potts said. The country was well adapted for both sheep and cattle. Large areas were carrying sheep, while the cattle were particularly free from disease. Jerseys-, milking Shorthorns and Friesians all seemed to do well in the Islands, the stock of Friesians ami Jerseys was imported mostly from New Zealand, while Australia, was relied upon for the best milking Shorthorns. One of the leading farmers had recently spent £4OOO in importing good strains- of Shorthorns from Australia-.

Before dairying could become fully established it had to face some difficult problems, he said. Unfortunately most of the land was owned by natives, and farmers were not- able to obtain the freehold. The leasehold could be obtained at reasonable -rates, provided the owners were approached: in the l ight wav. —“Auckland Herald.”