WEALTH FROM LAND

Hawera Star, Volume L, 18 September 1930, Page 5

WEALTH FROM LAND

INCREASES IN OUTPUT

PAST SEASON REVIEWED

OPTIMISM FOR, FUTURE

<By Telegraph—Special to “The Star- * WELLINGTON, Sept. iIS. Due mainly to improved grassland farming practice and better animat husbandry and hygiene, there was a remarkable expansion recorded tor 1929-30 in the Hocks and herds or JSew Zealand and a substantial increase m production of the main staples, of dairy pioduce, meat and wool, according to the annual report of the Department of Agriculture, which was presented to Parliament yesterday. Hon. A. J. Murdoch (Minister oi Agriculture) comments that the reports of the Director-General and the heads of the various divisions outline the wide range of effective work for the benefit of 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, and this cannot fail to assist our primary industries in the world trade competition, which, under present conditions, steadily grows more intense. The year lias been marked by a more or less heavy 'decline in world prices for the primary products which - form our main export staples. It is seldom, indeed, that such an all-round simultaneous fall has occurred, a more common experience being the balancing of one commodity against another in market fluctuations, but although the 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 the position can be regarded with reasonable optimism it certainly calls lor serious study and action at every weak point capable of amelioration. Due provision will be made to enable the Department of Agriculture to take its full part in this respect.” According to the 1 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 national income so far as increased production of grassland products such as wool, meat and buttez’-fat were concerned. The position was exceedingly satisfactory in the five year period 1921-1925. The average annual value of grassland products on a standard price basis was £34,626,000 during the five years 1925-1930 and the average annual value amounted to £41,456,000. The amount of the yearly increase for 1929-30 was £11,874,000. ‘ ‘ln no period l of New Zealand’s history has production increased to the extent that is taking place at the present time,” declared the report. “The value of dairy produce exports represented' £18,842,994 out of a total export of £49,045,817.” The quality of New Zealand butter had been maintained or improved, but cheese quality had! been less favourably reported upon,', due tol unfavourable market conditions and the- extensive diversion in the North Island from the manufacture of full-cream cheese and' the endeavour in some cases to ensure yield rather than high quality. General unfavourable economic conditions and larger supplies of butter from a number of countries had prevented the New Zealand dairyman from increasing his income. Larger production, however, would be helpful in offsetting the shortage due to the fall in prices, although the net balance to the Dominion showed a reduction of £2,000,000.