THE NORTHERN ADVOCATE Registered tor transmission through the Post as a newspaper. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14, 1948. New Zealand's Flourishing Primary Industries

Northern Advocate, 14 January 1948, Page 2

THE NORTHERN ADVOCATE Registered tor transmission through the Post as a newspaper. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14, 1948. New Zealand's Flourishing Primary Industries

In view of (he accepted fact that the economic stability of the Dominion depends upon the prosperity oi. the primary industries, the buoyant state of dairy farmers and sheep farmers at the present time is a matter upon which secondary industrialists and townspeople generally should congratulate themselves as well as their country brethren.

The Dominion's larger flocks of sheep have made possible the greatly increased number of lambs which are coming forward to freezing

works in every district. Northland, it should be noted, has made a creditable contribution in this respect while, as throughout the Dominion, its wool clip has been of a very satisfactory nature. The Dominion’s wool cheque for the season will reach a formidable total, record prices in some cases, and unusually high figures generally, having been obtained at all sales. Exports of butter, cheese meat and wool must reach a high level even if, as. the Minister reminds the country, conditions should not remain as favourable as they have been so far this season. It is always wise not to count chickens until they are hatched, but in view of the lead already obtained, it may reasonably be said that prospects at the moment are of a highly satisfactory nature.

Statistics released yesterday by the Minister of Agriculture disclosed that a very gratifying state of affairs has existed so far during the present season. In the first four months of the season production of butterfat increased by no less than 15,000,000 lbs. ard the number of lambs killed in November was 89 per cent greater than that for the conesponding month in 1946.

The great increase in production of butterfat is an achievement of special importance to Northland, which far outdistanced other dairying districts, its increase being 22.46 per cent compared with 13.20 per cent for the Auckland Province, which covers a large portion of the Nort.h Island. This constitutes convincing evidence of the productivity of Northland soil and climate combined, and indicates what might be done by the seven northern counties if settlement of available land were speeded up and ex-servicemen accommodated in the North rather than having to take up land south of Auckland under the provisions of the rehabilitation scheme.

It may be not inappropriately suggested, in view of the current prosperity. of primary industries, that advantage should always be taken of fat years to provide against the possibility of lean years.

A stabilisation fund to bridge any period of reduced prices for dairy produce exists, but as was evidenced), when an abnormally dry spell seriously embarrassed dairy farmers in Northland, help- was not as easily procured as would have been the case if an emergency insurance fund had been in existence, thus making unnecessary appeals for assistance such as had to be made during the last drought period. However, there is reason greatly to rejoice that the combination of effort by the farming community and the prevalence of excellent weather conditions during the season have made possible the fine result announced yesterday by the Minister of Agriculture, for not only has d strengthened the Dominion's economic structure in the meantime, but it must greatly cheer our kinsfolk in Britain, to whom the increased quantities of butter, cheese and meat sent from these shores will come as a veritable boon.

While the natural advantages enjoyed by Northland primary industrialists are admittedly of a most heartening character, the great increase in the output of butterfat could not have been recorded without the wholehearted response of farmers to the appeal for greater production. In this they have been encouraged by the better financial reward received for their labour and enterprise. but there is little doubt that the plight of British people and their crying need for greater supplies of food constituted an impelling influence upon the majority of dairy farmers.