HON. J. G. COATES' SPEECH.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16811, 1 June 1926, Page 6

HON. J. G. COATES' SPEECH.

RECEIVES GREAT OVATION. VALUE OF SUCH EXHIBITIONS. The Prime Minister, who was given a great reception, on rising to open the Show, said he had a shrewd idea that in selecting Mr J. A. Young as one of his Ministers he had made a very wise selection. (Applause.) He congratulated Mr Young on rising to Cabinet rank and the people of Hamilton on having as their member a Minister of the Crown. (Applause.) He was sure Cabinet would benefit by his wisdom, sound judgment and hard work. He referred to the value of such exhibitions and to the excellent display of agricultural produce "which afforded a splendid demonstration of the special features of the Auckland Provincial district and especially the Waikato. Not only did it bring visitors in large numbers, but particularly afforded opportunity for farmers to get together and exchange views. Speaking generally of the agricultural industry Mr Coalcs said the past season had been unsatisfactory from a climatic point of view with the late spring and drought in Hawkc's Bay, East Coast and Marlborough, although conditions in Auckland, Taranaki, and Canterbury had been better. The chief features of the agricultural year had been a substantial increase in sheep, whilst there had been a decline in production of butter-fat and a shrinkage in the number of cattle. The market features were a fall in the value of wool, lamb and mutton, with a less decline in butter and cheese.

Dairying, said the Prime Minister, had become the domi. ant industry of the Auckland Province and 00 per cent., of the Dominion's output of butter and 15 per cent., of cheese comes from the province. The decrease in the value of dairy products exported during the last financial year approximated three million sterling compared with the previous year. This sum was made up by a million due lo lower prices, a million due to decreased production, and a million due to increased stocks in store at 31st'Mareh. Speaking of the meat industry, Mr Coatcs said the output of lamb for the six months' period lo 30th April, was -i,215,000 carcases, an increase of 150,000 on the corresponding period last year. Beef showed a large shrinkage for the same period, while the pork export trade showed a small increase, but lacked real expansion. Belter feeding and care of the animals was, said the Premier, essential. The European markets were now proving a useful outlet for our secondary industry. Speaking of the wool industry he said there was an increase of 750,000 sheep in 1925. The average value realised at the Dominion sales was just under 12d per lb., compared with nearly 20d for 1925. Fruit production had eclipsed all previous records and the Government had extended a guarantee of a penny per lb. up to 750,000 cases. The hemp industry had also attained considerable expansion during the year. Importance of Quality. The Prime Minister stressed the necessity for high grade quality in all our export produce. He referred lo Ihc advantages to be gained by llie regulation of shipments and speedy transit, also to (lie dangers accruing from deterioration by long storage and increased competition from outside countries nearer to Britain. Great Britain, he added, was our best customer, therefore it was essential she should be prosperous. New Zealand could help towards Ibis end by buying British goods in preference to foreign. Speaking of the needs of llie agricultural industry to-day the Prime Minister cxampled intensive cultivation, cheaper fertilisers, small holding, more subdivision, as all leading to increased production. Referring to agricultural education lie mentioned the value of Sir Frank Heath's report on scientific research. The matter of the agricultural college, he said, was one of Dominion rather lhan parochial interest. The farmers' chief problem to-day was the matter of cosls and the Government was endeavouring lo ease finance for the producers. Everything in New Zealand depended upon the primary producls. If our exports exceeded our Imports we would be running on sound financial lines, but immediately Hie position was reversed we would feet the pinch. Foreign Competition. Ticferring lo llie competition of foreign countries, -Mr Goates emphasised that this was growing annually and said it became more, necessary every day to build up the quality of all our produce. Speedy transit was an important factor in preserving the high quality of New Zealand's dairy produce. Speed in transport was all important in the mailer of marketing. A voice: What do you think about control? Mr Coates: Well, you have the whole matter in your own hands, but the main thing is, if we are to keep our place on the world's markets, lo maintain the quality and we must watch very carefully anything that is likely to affect this. Great Britain was New Zealand's principal buyer. If New Zealand gave her produce that she liked she would buy it. We should also remember lli.it whenever we wanted a loan we went to Hie Mother Country for it, and she never failed to advance it. (Applause.) In return he thought we should assist llie Mother Country by buying whenever we could British goods in preference to those of oilier countries. (Applause.) If New Zealand was to oblain and retain a position in the sun she must have more population from abroad, and we should sec I hat this as far as possible was while and British. (Applause.) The Prime Minister concluded by deprecating any feeling as between town and counlry and said it was essential there should bo mutual understanding and co-operation between [both.