PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19217, 5 January 1926, Page 7

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.

REVIEW OF THE PAST YEAR. GOOD MARKET RETURNS. DAIRY PRODUCE OUTPUT. MEAT AND WOOL PROSPECTS. The year just closed has been a notablo ono in the history of the farming industry of New Zealand. Production in the Auckland Province in all branches of farming was stimulated to a remarkable degree and tho effect of the farmers' activity will be felt in tho form of increased national revenue, not only in the year just closed, but also in future seasons for which the programme of production must 'bo planned. A summary of the year's operations in primary industry from January to December comprises portions of two producing seasons. The most important branch ot farming in tho Auckland Province is dairying, and notwithstanding fluctuations in the market that have come to be recognised as seasonal the year 1925 will bo entered up as one of steady progress. Production was maintained at a high level, the butter-fat yield to the end of June reaching record figures. This output was well maintained when the new season opened in July, but the pendulum swung to cheese manufacture which offered a rather better return for tho moment than butter. Prices for butter-fat during recent years as represented by butter and cheese respectively over a season's operations have been maintained at a level of about Is 6d per lb. This price has ruled as an averago for the last two seasons and butter-fat values appear to be stabilised at about that figure. This makes the outlook of tho dairy-farmer quito satisfactory and at present prices for land assures to him a fair return for investment in dairying property. Comparison oi Returns.

The butter returns of the year which have been placed at nearly 1,500,000 •boxes arc slightly below those of tho previous year, but the indications aro that the complete butter-fat returns for the year will exceed those of 1924. The price per lb. will be approximately tho same as was received during the previous year, so that the dairy farmers will ,be in a very satisfactory position as d result of tho year's operations. The question of complete control or noncontrol may have some effect on prices during the season, but this question may be left to provide its own solution according to the ideas of tho farmers most interested. Meanwhile the market for dairy produce, although not at tho highest level, is quite sound and the future of tho industry for the season is very bright. Tho past year has been a good one for the dairyman and the new year open 3 with the promise of good markets. One of the most gratifying features of the year and one of the most national importance was the manner in which wool maintained its value. Commencing the season with the sensational price of 2s per |b. for crossbred in a forced market good wool was always commanding a payable price during the year. A number of growers who were not satisfied to tako tho prices offered in New Zealand adopted ( the conservative method of shipping to the British markets. This policy was proved to be out-of-date two or three years previously. The price of the product is now set in the country of production and if growers do not accept what is offered for their wool in Now Zealand they have little chance of improving theiy returns by shipping. Payable Prices Maintained.

The prices paid in England now reflect values in the country of production and Dominion producers should mark the trend of the times. Probably last year's results will have a salutary effect in directing growers to tho importance of the sales in the Dominion. The high standard of 2s per lb. for crossbred was not maintained in tho opening sales of the present season. That was not expected. Values were, however, maintained at a payable price and sheep farmers have no ca'Jse to complain. They had one wonderful season to compensate for slump prices and with values established at a payable figure can look forward to the future without fear. Last season the Auckland wool offerings totalled 38,131 bales, which averaged £27 3s 3d per bale. The first sale held in Auckland this season saw about 15,000 bales sold at an average of about £lB a bale. The remainder of the season's clip should realise about the same price, and this should assure to the woolgrowers of the province a really good return for the season's operations. Improvement in Quality.

A gratifying feature of the wool sales in Auckland was the fact that the quality of the clip was immensely better than in previous years. Although a large proportion of the wool still came under the heading of medium to coarse the offering showed a growing percentage of fine wools. Tliero was a noticeable quantity of Rom-ney-Corriedale and Romney-Southdown. Condition is another direction in which Auckland wools are improving, the proportion of bright lustrous wools being much greater than was the case a few years ago. - New country is still being brought in and naturally there will be a percentage of log-stained wools offered. The next sale in February will see a large offering and with prices stabilised at about 12d to 14d per lb. for crossbred there should bo a great clearance. The meat producers of the province have had an excellent year, although the prospects for cattle graziers have not improved as much as could have been desired. From the beginning of the year good prices wore obtained for mutton and lamb and, values have remained at a high level ever since. Operators for export were particularly active during the season, and j the bulk of the sales of lamb was made at about 9d per lb. As a result of losses last season export buyers are not now so keen but the overseas markets are still good, and producers are assured of a good year.