THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5697, 16 October 1896, Page 1

THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.

» ANNUAL REPORT. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, Oct. 15. The f ourth annual report of the Department of Agriculture "was laid on the table of the House last night by the Hon J. M'Kenzie. In the opening senteuces the Secretary for Agriculture and the Chief Inspector of Stock states that since the date of the last report prices for grain and wool have greatly improved, though frozen niutton and dairy produce have not kept up the average of former years. Reports from London respecting niutton are to the effect that the quality is deteriorating, and that there are, in some instances, signs of damage (bone taint) through, insufficient freezing prior to shipment. Steps should be at once taken to obviate the recurrence of these complaints, and the method proposed is the appointment of inspectors and ..graders., whose • duties it would be to inspect pind branU all carcases according to quality, and, further, to see that they were properly frozen before leaving the chambers for shipment, such inspectors and graders to be appointed by the Government. It is believed that the cost would be small in proportion to the benefits which would be derived. During the year there was a marked decrease in the quantity of butter and cheese produced, the principal cause being the small supply of milk in the earlier spring months consequent upon the lateness of the season and the low condition of the cows. Nevertheless it is gratifying to find that there has been a marked improvement in the general quality of produce. Referring to agricultural statistics the report states that no estimate has yet been made of the yield of crops, as it is intended to have a return of actual yields taken of a few of the representative crops in each riding of every county, and from these an estimate of the total yield for the whole colony will be obtained. In connection with Mr Gilruth's visit to Europe, the report indicates that his report of the inspection of abattoirs in Germany, Holland and Denmark should be of considerable value. The quarantine stations at Motuihi Island (Auckland), Somes Island (Wellington) and Quail Island (Lyttelton) are being gradually got into good order. Trees for the shelter of stock are being planted, though nothing has yet been done in the way of cultivation. The harvest of 1896 has been, the report states, Jthe most satisfactory experienced for many years. The yield was considerably above the average, the quality was superior, and the prices ruling were much above anything ruling for some time. Dry weather in Auckland interfered with the growth of crops. In North Canterbury and Marlborough high winds did considerable damage just prior to harvest, while in Southland the weather was broken towards the end. The ascertained yield of 254,441 acres under wheat is estimated at 6,873,768 bushels. Taking 28 bushels as an average, this is an increase of 3,230,731 bushels compared with last year. Deducting from the yield the requirements for seed and consumption in the colony, there, is an apparent surplus of 1,743,768 bushels. The report suggests that as prices in the United Kingdom are so low, an outlet should b& sought for in Australia, as owing to the extreme drought there is a great shortage in New South Wales, the shortage, compared with the previous year, being put down as 1,846,066 bushels. It is understood that a large quantity of grain has arrived in Sydney from California. The removal of duty in New South Wales on many articles produced in this colony should make a marked difference in the returns from that colony. Referring to hemp, the report says that there has been little or no demand for this fibre during the past year, and as the prices offering are so low many millowners have stopped working. The proposal to send a qualified man through America and Great Britain to bring New Zealand fibre before manuf acturersis a good one, but it is pointed out that manufacturers are already well acquainted with our fibre, and that it is only a question of quality and price. In the event of the industry assumirig-anydimensio'ns, the appointment of a grader should not be lost sight of. Under the heading of fruit, the report states that no doubt the reduction in railage rates has given an impetus to fruit culture, but the best results cannot be expected till a great deal more attention has been paid to the care of trees and proper marketing. A number of cuttings of approved kinds of vines have been planted at Momohaki, and a number will be ready for distribution at the proper season. Under the heading meat export, it is stated that the out-put for the past year was 1,692,880 carcases of mutton and 730,034 of lamb. Breeders are warned against the practice, which is too prevalent, of disposing of ewe lambs as they become fit for freezing, and are advised to pick out the most suitable for stock purposes before so doing. From personal observation the Secretary of Agriculture is pleased to state that there is a marked diminution of rabbits.

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