PERPETUATING QUALITY

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1933, Page 7

PERPETUATING QUALITY

FARMERS’ RESPONSIBILITY

IMPROVING STOCK AND PASTURE.

ADVICE OF GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

DEFINITE SIGN OF BETTER PRICES.

Ay Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, July 11. A message from the Governor-General to the annual conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was received to-day. His Excellency regretted he was prevented by long-standing engagements in Auckland from accepting the invitation of the union to open the annual conference and to be the first to offer up the inaugural prayer composed by Archbishop Averill for use on these occasions, a new departure with which, having a deep conviction of the dependence of man’s supreme welfare upon a higher power than man’s own, he was personally in full sympathy. During the acute economic depression, which hit farm husbandry more severely than any other branch of productive activity, Lord Bledisloe continued, the fanners of New Zealand had his sincere sympathy, coupled with his -unqualified admiration for the plucky and resourceful maimer in which the majority of them had faced their difficulties. At long last a definite, glimmer of better prices for primary commodities was appearing on the commercial horizon, particularly for wool. With the present state of the world’s currency exchanges,' aided by speculation, constant price fluctuations would appear to be inevitable, but on the average a steady advance in world values to more remunerative levels appeared to be now probable. • There were, however, many factors that pointed to keener discrimination in oversea markets in future between products of the highest quality and those of a relatively dower grade which, being open to more severe competition, would command substantially lower prices. He welcomed with profound satisfaction the obvious determination and will of the more responsible farmers in the Dominion to support the Government in its efforts to level up the average standard of New Zealand’s primary exports and thus not merely maintain but -enhance the Dominion’s reputation overseas for outstanding quality coupled with clear recognition of the exact requirements of its British customers. INDISPENSABLE CONDITIONS. If this standard of quality was to be secured and perpetuated two conditions were indispensable. One was the maintenance at the highest possible level of the quality and constitution of New Zealand’s livestock, and the other the maintenance and improvement of the condition of pasture land. The first essential would be achieved ’ only _ if flocks and herds were protected against deterioration through in-breeding. Such protection was conditional upon the availability from overseas, subject to adequate safeguards against disease, or pedigree males of the right type at a price the ordinary commercial stockowner could afford to pay. This vitally important fact was realised and acted upon by all leading pastoralist rivals throughout the world. Lord Bledisloe knew fears were entertained by many New Zealand stockowners on the subject, and he fully respected them, although unable to share them in the light of scientific knowledge and past experience. He could not conscientiously ignore the problem, for its wise solution appeared to be vital to the future of the pastoral industry that constituted the economic backbone of the Dominion. . Failing such a solution, they might well be justified, after he had returned to Britain, in blaming him for his silence, especially if new and lucrative openings in live stock husbandry presented themselves in the not very distant future. He would gladly discuss this matter with representatives of the union or breed societies. Another requisite for securing the highest possible standard of primary exports appeared to be due care of grassland. New Zealand’s best pastures were the best in the world, but many sufferedfrom mineral deficiencies, especially in the- ma'iter of phosphates of lime and (m bush-sick areas) of iron. Unless these deficiencies were constantly made good the land would suffer capital depreciation far outweighing the cost to the farmer of appropriate fertilisers and. calculated later to awaken regret at the reduced farm output in the face of improved prices for farm products. No one would more heartily rejoice when the anxieties and impoverishment were swept away and the sunshine of prosperity once more irradiated, this fertile land of stout-hearted husbandmen.