THE SOIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 23 March 1910, Page 6

THE SOIL.

OUR PRIMARY RESOURCES.

A WORD TO STOCKOWXERS. Some interesting 'remarks concerning the development of our primary industries were made at the annual meeting of th 0 Auckland A. and I'. Association by the president (-'i'' Isaac Gray). During the past four years, he said. th e Hocks in Xew Zealand increased from 19,000.000 to L' 1.000.000. the wool clip last season was 530,000 bales and the quantity of lamb and mutton exported last year was 4.500.000 carcases, while the local consumption was probably 2,fj00,0U0 to 3.000,000. "1 fear that we are going to see a deterioration # in our herds betoic long.''said Mr Gray, "because of the inferior class of bull which is uci-ng used throughout the country." Unfortunately, it was not possible lo enforce regulations in regard to Ih/ir bulls, as was done in the case of horses, but he would advise stockowners to endeavour to go in for ;. class of bull combining fattening an. 7 milking strains. "If there is one industry that New Zealanders should be proud of," said fhe president, "it is dairying, and the magnificent strid.s which it continues +0 make are extremelv gratifying.'' They must nit overlook 'the fact that they had ji:M passed through a most favourable season; still it would not surprise him to find quite as satisfactory returns next year. (Applause.) Ho trusted fo;' good results from the provincial competitions 'among dairy herds, which the association was financially encouraging. The poverty of exhibits in fat stock was to be regretted. In speaking of the improvement 'n the breed of horses, Mr tlray expressed appreciation of the action of tne Auckland Pacing Club is distributing £IOO among different associations for the encouragement of an .improved class of hacks. Agricultural and pastoral development was absolutely phential to the progress of the provide \ and, whereas the people of Auckland had in the past relied too much up"i its gold mines and gum lands, they should now strive their utmost to derive the best results from the lord. (Applause.) He suggested that attention be given fo the greater selection of fodder plants for <the improvement of fodder lands, and he wished that the experimental farms would do a little more in this connection. (Tie:;:, hear.) Ther c would be sfill gre.it-T progress when the Government opened up their "taihoa" lands. (Hear, hear.) He also suggested_a sys'-en; of agricultural education for the sors of farmers for a year or two after leaving school.—"Herald."