Manawatu Daily Times Primary Produce Prospects

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6802, 4 January 1929, Page 6

Manawatu Daily Times Primary Produce Prospects

'J’HE. Director-General of Agriculture has issued an interestingreview of the past year and has made an encouraging statement regarding the prospects for 1929. The Dominion depends to such a large extent upon the welfare of its primary industries, that favourable conditions for their steady development are essential. There is ever-increasing competition in the world’s markets, and geographically we have to face some handicaps, but, fortunately, the road leading to success is clear.

Quality is the key to the position, and Dr. Reakes shows that this fact is becoming more generally recognised. lie refers to “ the quite noticeable improvement in the quality of the lower cross-bred wools,” and to the further improvement noted in the preparation of the clip for market. In the dairying branch there has been a steady increase in the output, and it is confidently expected that the export figures for the current season will* constitute a record.

The high quality of New Zealand butter is gaining general recognition in overseas markets, and the research work now being undertaken should ensure further progress in this direction. The latest figures prove that the dairy farmers realise the importance of herd-testing, and if care is taken to breed only the best then there should come, within a reasonable time, not only an increased output per cow, but also a better grade of milk. Ihe climatic conditions of the Dominion arc such that the average yield of our dairy cows should not be surpassed in any part of the world.

A feature of the annual stock returns was the large increase in the number of sheep in the South Island. Canterbury reported an increase of 437,000, and Otago and Southland an increase of 531,000 for the year. The Director-General attributes this development to the decrease in the rabbit-pest during the past year or two and, in part, to the greater use of top-dressing for the improvement of grass lands. Mention is made of the revival of our export trade in beef, a development which, if sustained, should do much to increase the carrying capacity of large areas in the north, where cattle must be run if the pastures are to be kept in good order for sheep. Better values for beef, he says, arc already bringing signs of improvement in this branch of production.

Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions during the past week or two have created much anxiety among wheat-growers and all who depend largely on cereal crops (says the Lyttelton. limco). A spell of fine, hot weather is necessary if widespread damage is to be avoided. There has been too much moisture of late, and already reports of damage have come to hand.

In some of the minor but very promising branches of production, marked progress was recorded last yeai, and there is no apparent reason why this season should not see still fuithci giowth. Our export trade in pork is assuming larger dimensions, and here, too, efforts are being made to improve the breed of pigs, and so ensure the quality of output that will command attention in overseas markets.

There has been cheering evidence lately that New Zealand produce is becoming recognised as the standard of quality in British markets, and no effort must be spared to maintain valuable reputation. The aid of the scientist is being enlisted for the purpose, and, with cordial co-operation and support from those actually engaged in the various spheres of production, the year that lies ahead snould see further progress made.

While they were absent on holiday, a burglar entered the residence ot Mr and Mrs C. Williamson, of Cloverlon, and helped himself to men’s cloihing and jewellery. Mr and Mrs Williamson’s first intimation of anything amiss was when they discovered the back door had been forced open.

The total insurances in connection with the fire in the premises of the Hawke’s Bay Banners’ Co-operative Association, Ltd., at Hastings are as follow: —Stock, £12,500; building £3000; plant, £775.