AGRICULTURAL REPORT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12002, 20 October 1906, Page 6

AGRICULTURAL REPORT.

Work of the Department

The fourteenth annual report of the Department of Agriculture, issued under the direction of the Hon. R. McNab, Minister in charge, was presented in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. As an indication of the work entailed m i^B production it may be stated that the report covers the operations of the divisions of dairying, veterinary, chemistry, poultry, statistk-s, biology, horticulture, and publications, and runs into 530 pages. In addition the present publication includes a large number of engravings relative to the different subjects treated, with comparative statistical tables showing piogress mmda in the various branches ot work. In his introductory remarks the Secretary of Agriculture", Mr J. D. Ritchie, states that the season ended on March 31st, 1906, proved a bounteous one for the settler. Ail the principal products realised high prices, and everything points to a continuance of such a. satislattory state of affairs. Though grain growers, especially in the south, experienced trouble in securing crops owing to a protracted spell of wet weather, the actual damage sustained was 'not great. Gtass was plentiful throughout the season, as a consequence of which stock of al kinds wore maintained in good condition. CROPS. Areas under ceieal crops during 1900-6, with average yields per acre, were as follows: — Wheat 223,571 acres, decrease *5,325 acres; yield 30.60 bushels, decrease 1.78 bushels. Outs 599,256 acres, increase 50,318; yield 35.86 bushels, decrease 6.67 bushels. Barley 32,914 acres, increase 713 acres; yield, 34.54 bushels, decrease 3.72 bushels. Rye 2923 acres, increase 425 acres; yield, 38 bushels, ■ increase 10 luishels. Maize 13,110 acres, increase 1270 acres; yield. 60.39 bushels, increase 11.70 bushels. Wheat thus showed a large decrease in area compared with the previous season, but oats occupied :i larger share of growers' attention, and other crosp smaller increases. Turnips show an increase in areas, but it is feared that the feeding qualities will be much below the average. Acreages in 1905-6, with relation to the previous seaspn, were: — Turnips 409.579, increase 22,335; mangolds 7090, decroa.se 3286; rape 131,742, increase 15i. There was an increase of 503 acres' in the area under jx>tatoes, the total acreage being 26,834 acres. Diseases of this crop were more or less prevalent throughout the colony and, excepting where spraying was systematically carried out, the yield of sound tubers was small, and in many places the crops were a total failure. Somo of the newer sorts withstood the disease fairly well, and this clearly shows the necessity for a change of seed every second or third year. Spraying was generally resorted to, but in many instances was performed in a perfunctory manner, and in consequence was time and money wasted. Where, however, it was carried out intelligently, the results were most satisfactory. Special reference to this subject is made in the report of the Government biologist, incorporated in the departmental volume. In rye grass and cocksfoot areas slight decreases are shown, but these are more than compensated for by improved average yields. PIGS. Pigs in tho colony on October 31st last numbered 249,727, as against 255,320 in 1904, a decrease of 5593. That a. decrease j!:ould be shown is somewhat difficult to account for. The demand ior baeoners has been steady throughout the year at 10muncrative prices, while, on the other hand, the demand for calves has been the reverse. The percentage of diseased carcases found on inspection at the works is vry considerable, and demands the earnest it lent ion of owners of pigs. The principal lisease is tuberculosis, which may be transmitted through the milk, and is probiblv accelerated by the totally inadequate provision made for the housing of the animals on many farms. POULTRY. The poultry branch of tho department's •york is receiving considerable attention in ■nany parts of the colony. Birds and eggs from tho Department's several poultry ■stations are boiner s?nt daily to almost .•very district, and although no effort- is 'icing made to bleed for show purposes, ;MlI it is found that many of the birds, or birds hatched from eggs obtained from the lepartment, secure prizes at the leading -•hows. The stations arc now fully equipped, and, in addition to the pens for breeding, a number of hens have been penned off for the purpose of testing their egglaying capabilities on a commercil basis. The quality oi the birds sent into tho Department's depots for export and local coni.tmption continues to improve, but there is still great room for progress in this rejpect. TIXPORTS OF WOOLS. In suminaming the figures relating to wool exports, it is shown that while the quantity has diminished, the high prices ruling have fully compensated growers. At 1 lie local wool salea many clips were sold .Tt what were considered satisfactory prices, but if these clips had been shipped to London much better returns would have 'k«cii obtained. FROZEN MEAT. Exports of mutton during 1905-6 show a decrease in value of .£229,693, as compared with the previous year, but lamb ineicased by .£35,479. The report says: — It may be safely i-said that even with the large export of lamb the alrcnffth of tho Hocks will now be maintained — indeed, increased. It cannot, however, be said that the quality is being kepi up. Complaints are numerous that many of the carcases are coarse and too heavy. FRUIT AND VITICULTURE. Considerable progress is reported in the work done by this branch of the department, growers recognising the value of the adoption of more up-to-date methods in treating orchards. Reports from Frimley. Hawke's Bay, and Roxburgh, Otago, state that v^vy successful seasons were experienced by the fruit canneries it those places, as also at several ->maller establishments in the colony. The Grovernmpnt Fruit Expert has visited the various districts to instruct and advise jrchardists in their work. Work has proceeded steadily at the vineyards al Arataki, near Hastings, and Waerenga Waikato. A large number" of ; rooted vines on resistant stocks has been Prepared ior distribution to viliculturists.