AGRICULTURAL CONFERENCE.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13931, 13 July 1917, Page 1

AGRICULTURAL CONFERENCE.

OPENED IN WELLINGTON. MINISTERIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 12. T.lip annual conference of llio New Zealand Council of Agriculture opened to-day. ''■■'. Addresses were given by the Hon W. D. S. Mac Donald and Sir Joseph Ward, the Premier not being present owing to family bereavement. Referring to finance Sir Joseph Ward remarked that the Government had an enormous task to provide for this year and if the war continued there would be a greater burden next year, but ho did not think the war would go on to next year. Still they must be sure that adjustments were made. Mr Mac Donald referring to the shipping problem, assured .his hearers that the positoin was really very acute but there was now an improvement, which would make it possible for producers to get their produce away, It was our ■lii'.y now to itim'iise production, and ik' hoped legislation would lie brought in this session to help the small men to produce more. The farming community was asking the Cloveruiuent to have examined phosphate and other rocks for 'luaniirial purpOHes, hut- he would remind them that there was now but one man available to do the work of experts. There was a world shortage, aiid Xew" Zealand should train its own experts. Regarding wo.tl, the Minister said he believed it would be disposed of next season on the present conditions.