COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXII, Issue LXXII, 12 July 1917, Page 7

COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE.

ADDRESSES BY MINISTERS

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION

WELLINGTON,. July 12

The Council of Agriculture opened, to-day. Addresses were given by the Hon.' W. D. S. Mac Donald and Sir. J.. G. Ward. The Premier was not present owing to a family bereavement.

Referring to ii nance Sir J. G. Ward remarked that the Government had an enormous task to provide ior this year, and if the war continued there would be a- greater burden next year, but he did not think the war would go on to next year. Still there must be some adjustments made.

The Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald,, referring to the shipping problem, assured his hearers that the position had been really acute, but there was now an improvement which would enable producers to get their produce away. It was our duty now to increase production, and he hoped legislation would be brought in this session to help the small men to produce more. The farming community was asking the Government to have examined phosphate and other rocks for manurial purposes, but he would remind them that there was now but one man available to do the work of experts. There was a worldshortage and New Zealand should train its own. Regarding wool he believed that rb would be disposed of 'nextiseason on the present conditions.

The president then gave his retiring address, winch dealt with several subjects;.