DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1919-20.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1920 Session I, H-29

H -29

1920. NE W Z E ALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1919-20.

Presented In both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Sir, — Department of Agriculture, Wellington, 23rd July, 1920. I have the honour to forward herewith, for Your Excellency's information, the report of the Department of Agriculture of the Dominion for the financial year ended the 31st March last, I have, &c., W. Noswouthy, Minister of Agriculture. His Excellency the Administrator of the Government of New Zealand.

REPOKT OF THE MINISTER OF AGEICULTUEE. The country is now well into the post-war period of reconstruction -the placing of the national house, in order and the further development of our resources. The agricultural and pastoral industries must necessarily be the mainstay ol; the Dominion in meeting its heavy liabilities, and their efficiency and betterment are essential for the increased production demanded by the situation. Never before has co-ordination of effort among all concerned, to formulate and work out sound measures, been so necessary as at the present time. We have a splendid field to work on for primary production. Large parts of even the longsettled districts are very much underdeveloped, while in the newer country an immense amount of " cleaning up " could be profitably carried out before further virgin areas are tackled. At the same time there are immense waste or semi-waste areas which, are capable of being handled for development purposes, and extensive tracts of depleted country capable of regeneration. Some of the best farming in the world may be seen in New Zealand, but the general average standard could be considerably improved. This is not necessarily due to lack of knowledge on the part of the farmer ; it is largely owing to insufficiency of working resources, man-power, and machine-power. It should be, the constant care of the State to aid the man on the land to command these resources. Immigration of farm workers is now being actively promoted, while the various hydro-electric-power undertakings in hand will in due course afford the working farmer relief in many ways. Combined with more widely diffused agricultural instruction, better farming methods, and an extended system of rural credit, these factors cannot fail to largely increase production. The year under review has by no means been uniformly favourable for agriculture in general as regards climatic conditions. A fairly open winter was followed by an unseasonable spring and early summer, temperatures being abnormally low. During the same period a, long spell of dry weather was experienced over extensive areas, mainly in the eastern and far northern districts of the North Island. After the New Year a succession of widespread genial rains reversed the position in most parts, and the late summer and autumn have been very favourable for pastures and crops. One exception was the southern part of the South Island, which experienced an unusually dry summer and early autumn, but has since been relieved by ample rainfall.

I—H. 29.

H.—29

2

The weather conditions naturally have been reflected in the crop results as between various districts—differences in the. root crops, for instance, being very marked. A noteworthy feature, however, has been the exceptionally high average per acre yield of wheat in the principal graingrowing districts, which may, indeed, constitute a Dominion record when the final returns are available. The average yield of oats is also good. Another feature is the very heavy potato crop in. the South Island. Owing to the Australian embargo on the importation of New Zealand potatoes, difficulty has arisen regarding the disposal of the surplus. Apart from such measures as stimulating consumption by better distribution, especially in the North Island, the time appears to have arrived when to meet such emergencies the Dominion should, be technically equipped for the manufacture of potato-flour, and for that of commercial alcohol from, potatoes or other suitable crops. The reasons, both national and economic, for New Zealand maintaining its wheat-production at least sufficiently to supply local requirements have been further strengthened by the recent course of events. Australia has demonstrated its unreliability as a source of supply, and shipping facilities in these waters have failed to keep up with the demand for tonnage, while the outside world price of wheat has risen to a level almost prohibitive judged on the standards of this country. A total area of some 300,000 acres of wheat at a normal average yield is sufficient for the Dominion's present consumption, and with reasonable encouragement this acreage can be readily grown. Reports indicate that the area sown and to be sown in wheat for the ensuing season's crop in Canterbury and North Otago will show a substantial increase on last season's acreage. With the increased minimum prices guaranteed by the Government for the crop a. reasonable return should be secured by growers, given fair seasonal conditions. Our sugar-supply is affected by economic conditions somewhat similar to those affecting wheat, and the time seems ripe for definitely taking in hand the production of beet-sugar in New Zealand. A sound start in this industry is all that is required at present, and if the anticipated success is obtained there is no reason why the dependence, of the Dominion upon imported canesugar should not be gradually minimized. Actual tests have amply demonstrated the suitability of our lands and climate for growing beets of high sugar-content, Turning to the live-stock position, it is satisfactory to note a. gradual but steady increase in the Dominion's dairy cattle. It is true that the present lines of development of the dairy industry, leading to heavy slaughterings of newly dropped calves, is somewhat menacing in relation to the future reinforcement of the country's herds as a. whole. There are indications, however, that dairy-farmers are beginning to realize the position, adopting more conservative measures and better calf-rearing methods. The returns of compulsory inoculation of calves for blackleg bear out this view, the last year's figures showing that the great decline in numbers previously recorded, had been arrested in the Auckland District, and that the reduction in Taranaki had substantially diminished. The sheep situation gives cause for careful thought. A record level for the flocks in point of number was reached in 1918. In 1919 a. fairly heavy decrease was shown. The present year's returns, although the final figures are not yet available, indicate a. further decrease of well over a million. Causes for the downward movement can be specified, but this does not materially improve matters. The. estimated number of ewes bred from in 1.919 was less by several hundred thousand, while, the average percentage of lambing also fell, these two factors accounting for a decreased crop of lambs amounting to one million compared with the previous year, and about one million and three-quarters as against the record of 1917. in addition, the killings at the meat-works and other slaughterhouses during the 1919-20 yearly period constituted a record, thus further affecting the returns. In view of the extremely important position occupied by sheep in the development of new country- apart from the direct production of wealth in wool and meat —a backward movement in our sheep stock is economically unsatisfactory. The demand for breeding-stock and resulting hardening of values therefor which may be anticipated should soon right the matter, but some corresponding shrinkage in the meat-export trade will probably be felt meanwhile. Another reduction in swine has to be noted. There are indications, however, that the, campaign for more, pig-raising on lines to meet present-day conditions in regard to foods is bearing fruit, and that an upward movement may be expected shortly. The branches of agriculture responsible for our main primary products meat, wool, and dairyproduce —have continued to enjoy prosperity under the, system of Imperial Government purchase contracts, which were renewed for a further year. The wool-clip, however, was somewhat deficient in weight and quality as compared with that of the previous season, with a consequent lower aggregate return to the growers. In the dairy industry the expansion of cheese-manufacture has continued, over 60,000 tons having been dealt with at the grading-ports during the official year. New Zealand, in fact, has become one of the principal cheese producing and exporting countries of the world. The industry is now well equipped in general with cool storage for cheese at the various ports (largely a fortunate legacy from the war conditions), which will affect the, trade very beneficially in respect to quality and saving of shrinkage. As was to be expected, butter-production shows a decrease, the raw material being not only increasingly absorbed by the cheese branch of the industry,

3

B. -29

but also by the expanding manufacture of dried milk. Present developments of the latter business, however, are mainly for the production of skim-milk powder combined with buttermaking. Greater production of butter is also being stimulated by the rising world-market conditions and prices for that product. In considering the Dominion's production of butter, the fact should be. kept in mind that our domestic consumption of this food is very heavy, amounting to about a third of the total output. As regards the lesser branches of the dairy industry, the manufacture of casein has shown a, further increase, and condensed-milk manufacture is prospering, but the market for sugar of milk has been depressed. The position created by the termination of the imperial purchase contracts for meat and wool, and the resumption of open-market conditions after some live years of controlled and protected business, demands careful handling. The Government has drawn up plans to meet any emergencies of finance, &c, and has the advice of an able committee appointed in connection with the recent conference of producers and related interests. There is good reason to anticipate that the Imperial Government will agree to provide shipping-space for privately owned meat in oonjunction with its own stocks. It is estimated that not more, and possibly less, than three million carcases will be in store in New Zealand when the new season opens, while prospects for a good supply of tonnage to lift meal and other export products are satisfactory. The marketing of a quantity of lamb ill America on behalf of the Imperial Government has already done a. great deal towards relieving the prevailing congestion of stocks here and consequentially in Britain, and the American market bids fair to become a useful one. London advices indicate a general improvement in the position as regards reducing the great accumulations of mutton, and it is hoped that market conditions will be back lo normal before the new season's shipments from New Zealand arrive heavily. It must be realized, that 1919 created a record in tint total volume of meat exported from the Dominion in any one year, and given satisfactory clearances of storage in Britain, plus the forecasted substantial additions to the fleets of the shipping companies in this trade, even heftier should be done in 1920 21. These companies, it may be noted, expect next year to have refrigerated tonnage capable of transporting ten million carcases in a twelvemonth, after allowing for dairy-produce. The fruitgrowing industry has been favoured with heavy crops during the past season. After a closing of export outlets for several years owing to shortage of shipping-space, overseas shipments on a moderate scale have been made to the United Kingdom. Next year it is intended to largely increase exports, including a resumption, if possible, of the South American trade. The local market, however, must remain the first consideration, and the Department is co-operating with the growers' central organization in endeavouring to bring about a, better system of marketing and distribution within the Dominion. Poultry-keeping is steadily gaining in strength as an organized industry. It has been handicapped by the prevailing shortage and high price of foods —wheat in particular--but commercial poultry-keepers who secured fair supplies have made handsome returns, owing to the high average values ruling for eggs. The. beekeeping industry has had a good measure of prosperity, and continues to expand in spite of certain difficulties of its own. Exports of honey showed a substantial increase. A further decrease in output has to be recorded in regard to the flax-milling (phormium) industry, this being ascribed mainly to prices falling to unprofitable levels, except in the case of exceptionally well-situated mills, combined with the increased cost of production. The market, however, improved towards the end of the year. It is satisfactory to note that on the gradings quality showed an appreciable all-round improvement. Another good feature was the much greater margin in values as between the different grades, this being the best incentive to millers to raise the quality of their fibre. Improved steam communication recently established with the Atlantic seaboard of North America, should prove of much assistance, in the marketing of the output. The supply of artificial fertilizers for the Dominion's agriculture, depending as it does very largely on importation, has much exercised the minds of all concerned during the last two or three, years, shrinkage of supplies being accompanied by steadily rising prices. During the twelvemonth under review the supply of phosphates (the most essential fertilizer for this country) received from overseas showed a considerable improvement, with the important exception of superphosphate. Competition for supplies of Australian bonedust and other classes of manure, it may be noted, is being increasingly felt from Eastern Asiatic countries. The Peace Treaty arrangement regarding Nauru and Ocean Islands has now assured our position as regards phosphates for many years to come, and it is hoped that supplies will be coming to hand shortly. Arrangements for the treatment and distribution cf the phosphate are well in hand, the business involving considerable industrial development within the Dominion. The potash famine due to the war is now being relieved by supplies of Alsatian as well as German material. The, Alsatian deposits have been proved to be of great volume and richness, and should be well developed under the French regime. The Board of Agriculture has rendered valuable service during the year. Various important matters bearing on the agricultural and pastoral industries were referred to the Board, and the recommendations made by it have been on sound lines and of material aid in dealing with the questions involved. 1 desiie to express my hearty thanks to the Chairman of the Board and his colleagues for their work. The annual report of the Board is printed as a separate document.

H.—29

4

The matter of co-ordination with other Departments of State in matters where their activities touch those of the Department of Agriculture particularly as regards the Education Departmenthas been well advanced during the year. Conferences held between those responsible should result in still closer touch being maintained in the, future. The question of higher agricultural education is receiving careful attention, ore of the central objectives being the early establishment of a fully equipped State agricultural college for the Dominion, together with other institutions for training lads specially in the practical work of the farm. In regard to this Department itself, the various services have worked smoothly during the first complete year under the reorganization effected in 1918, although the scheme remains to be completed in certain, directions. The strength on the more strictly scientific side, and in fully trained agricultural instructors, is not; yet up to requirements. In considerations of staff it has to be realized that although our population is relatively small we have a- country to deal with almost as large as the British Isles. The volume of work connected with a soil-survey, for instance, relates almost entirely to area, not to population. I would conclude this brief review with an expression of appreciation of the year's work carried out by the staff of the Department in its various branches. With a continuance of high conceptions and faithful execution of duty the future must be fruitful of great result. W. Noswoimiy, Minister of Agriculture

REPORT OF THE DIKECTOR-GENERAL OF AGRICULTURE. The Hon. Minister of Agriculture. Wellington, 15th July, 1920. 1 BEG to submit the, following report of the work of the Department during the year ended 31st March last :--■ The period has been marked by a further development of the operations of the Department in meeting the growing requirements for the expansion and the improvement of the pastoral and agricultural industries in their various branches. The scheme of re-organization adopted in 1918 and gradually brought into operation is proving satisfactory in working, thanks to the good spirit shown by all concerned. One of the most important features of the scheme lay in the amalgamation of rabbit and noxious-weed inspection with stock-inspection, together with a system of district control. The large division thus constituted is doing good work in carrying out its onerous and, at times, difficult duties. That branch of the Department's service dealing with agricultural experimental and demonstrational work (both on State farms and smaller areas), and with agricultural instruction and general advice to agriculturists, has shown marked development, one feature being the appointment of three, trained instructors, who, together with the capable and reliable officers already engaged in this work, now form a nucleus from which an instructional service capable of supplying the needs of the Dominion should quickly develop, provided the necessary supply of suitable, men can be secured. At the present time the, agricultural instructional staff is located with headquarters at Auckland, Wellington, Wanganui, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hokitika respectively, the officer stationed at Wellington having Nelson and Marlborough included in his district. Associated with three of the principal Instructors are student assistants who are going through a university course in agriculture, and who will in due course become available, for instructional work in the Department after their university studies have been completed. Meanwhile they act as assistants to the Instructors in their spare, time. In the work of agricultural instruction cordial co-operation has existed between this Department and the Education Department, thus enabling better results to be attained than might otherwise have been the case. As regards the larger experimental farms, particularly Weraroa and Moumahaki, some change in the methods of working has been adopted, with a result that though more expenditure has been incurred in the purchase of stock, the receipts have practically counterbalanced the outlay. Weraroa, as a matter of fact, would have, shown a useful surplus were it not that very considerable expenditure has been incurred in improvements, particularly in fencing. Ruakura has still further developed its educational activities, and necessarily suffered in its immediate revenue-earning capacity. At the same time the educational work done there must be admitted to be of great value to the Dominion. On tin; smaller farm areas the special feature, of the work has been the application of scientific knowledge to practical, farming - work, and the, demonstrational results attained have, it is trusted, been of value to the farmers in the districts surrounding each area. There is a persistent demand for tin- establishment of more State experimental farms, butthis requires to be met cautiously. It is undoubtedly necessary to do what is possible to meet the very evident desire of the agricultural and pastoral community for more information and more advice on matters bearing on the further development of these industries and on the, increase of production, but this can be done without unduly multiplying Government farms. A commencement is being made with the, demonstration farm arranged to be established in the West Coast District of the South Island. The possibilities of this portion of the Dominion for dairying, and from a pastoral point of view generally, are, very considerable, and the establishment of a demonstration farm there should prove of practical value to the district and, indirectly, to the, country as a whole. Special consideration is also being given to the question of a farm for the southern portion of the South Island.

5

H.—29

The Department has co-operated with the Repatriation Board in controlling the farming operations of that Department's training-farms at Tauherenikau (Wairarapa) and Avonhead (Christchurch). Arrangements have also now been made with the Defence Department to take over the control of its farms at the Pukeora and Hanmer Sanatoria. The necessary finances are provided by the Repatriation Board and Defence Department respectively. Mention must also be made of the Wairarapa Training-farm, near Masterton. This consists of 730 acres vested in the Government by a body of Wairarapa settlers, who also provided the live-stock necessary. It is managed by a local committee, two of whom are nominated by the Government, while, a departmental officer is an additional member. This farm is at present utilized for training returned soldiers in farming, and is being rapidly developed on sound lines. The first complete official year of the Live-stock Division under the scheme of reorganization has shown satisfactory results, and the efficiency of the service should be still more marked during the current year. The already wide scope of the Division has been extended on two special lines—those, of pig-raising and wool-handling by the appointment of an Instructor in Swine Husbandry and a Wool Instructor. It is confidently hoped that the very practical work now being undertaken by the former officer will go far towards arresting the decline in our pig stock, and stimulate this important branch of farming. The work of the. Wool Instructor, both directly and by tending to co-ordinate with local, technical instruction on the same subject, should also help towards increasing the returns of our smaller wool-growers. In connection with the health of live-stock which continues on a generally high level as regards serious disease it is satisfactory to note that condemnations for tuberculosis in cattle inspected on slaughter again show some reduction. Measures for the control of cattle-tick in the North Auckland districts are well in hand. During the, year regulations under the Stock Act were issued, giving the Department comprehensive powers to deal with the position. In order to cause as little dislocation as possible and enable, farmers to adapt their practice, the regulations have been brought into force gradually. It is, however, hoped to apply the control system in its entirety during the coming year. The erection of cattle-dips in the affected districts is proceeding, with the, assistance, of the Department. The entire absence of tick fever in the Dominion may again be noted. The rabbit pest, which had got ahead in many districts during the war years, has had very active attention in the period under review. The co-operation of the great majority of landholders is well demonstrated by the largely increased sales of phosphorized pollard and other rabbit poison from the Department's depots. The amending Rabbit Nuisance Act of 1918 has proved to have been quite necessary, however, and every care is taken in its administration. it is unfortunate, that rabbit-netting remains very scarce and at an almost prohibitive price. The general position of control was rendered very much more difficult by the extraordinarily high market values ruling for rabbit-skins during the, year, affording a strong incentive to rabbit-farming in some, districts. It is satisfactory to note that on the whole station-holders and farmers generally have, done good work in the control of rabbits, and it is obvious that, given a still further development of co-operation between the settlers and the Department, the rabbit pest is capable of being got thoroughly well in hand throughout the Dominion. The control of noxious weeds presents many difficulties, and in view of this it must be admitted that excellent work has been done by the divisional officers. An amending Bill has been drafted with a view of enabling the work of control to be carried out more satisfactorily and with less openings for the raising of difficulties between departmental officers and settlers. It is hoped that this measure may be introduced during the coming session. The Bill includes provision for making blackberry the only weed of general application in the compulsory schedule, and giving local authorities the option of declaring other weeds as being within this schedule for the purposes of the administration of the Act within their districts. The meat-inspection services of tin- Live-stock Division have been well and efficiently maintained. The termination of the Imperial purchase of meat and the resumption of open trading will make further calls upon the energy and efficiency of the officers engaged in this branch of the service. The inspection of dairies supplying cities and towns has been carried out satisfactorily. The inspection of live-stock for disease has continued on the same lines as heretofore, and the activity shown by the officers engaged in this work is indicated by the number of diseased animals which have been condemned and destroyed, thus removing sources of danger for the, spread of infection to other animals. The inspection of manure-sterilizing in Australia and India has made less call on the Inspectors than in previous years, owing to the much smaller quantity of bonedust brought into the Dominion. Good work, however, has been done by detecting and preventing attempts to evade the regulations by shipping to the Dominion animal-manures which have not undergone, the sterilizing process necessary to prevent the risk of introduction of dangerous disease. At the Wallaccville Laboratory a considerable volume of work has been done. It is intended to extend the scope of the investigation work at this institution. The branch of the Live-stock Division dealing with poultry continues to do very efficient work. The demand for the services of the Instructors is in excess of their capacity to keep pace with it, and increase in the instructional staff is desirable. As regards demonstrational and experimental work, the position of the Department's poultry-station at Milton requires consideration, the class of soil on which it has been established being really not suitable for poultry-farming, while the plant is becoming out of date. The question of whether the, existing buildings on the present site shall be renovated or replaced by up-to-date structures, or whether a more suitable area, preferably in the same district, shall be acquired, is under consideration. The Dairy Division has handled a big year's work with success, well maintaining also the close touch and friendly relations with the industry which have long obtained in this branch of the Department's service. The capability of the, Division to give the industry a sound economic lead as regards up-to-date developments in the manufacture of milk-products, more especially with reference to milk-powder, was much enhanced by the visit of investigation made by Mr. W. Dempster to America and Europe. The value and helpfulness of this officer's report, published by the Department, has been widely acknowledged in the, industry. The investigation has thrown much-needed

H.—29

6

light on various phases of the production and marketing of sugar of milk, condensed milk, and casein, as well as on the dried-milk question. The effect on the latter business has been steadying, but not discouraging. Progress may be recorded in the. work done on farms in connection with the raw material supplied to the dairy factories. Twelve Instructors appointed under the, special arrangement with dairy companies as to payment of salaries were at work at the close of the period under review, with other appointments [lending. The position, however, still calls for strong handling and further instructional action. In view of the great importance of increasing the returns from high-priced dairying-lands it is satisfactory to note that the Department's propaganda work in the herd-testing movement is bearing good fruit. The, system has shown a greater extension than in any previous period. During the year the, Dairy Division had under its direct control twenty-seven associations, comprising 10,460 cows (an increase of over 200 per cent, in each case), while independently operated associations were estimated to be testing 14,744 cows. The " C.0.R." testing of purebred dairy cows, controlled by the Division, also shows a record number of certificates issued, and the beneficial influence of the system on the breeding of our dairy herds in general, cannot fail to be more and more felt. In connection with the grading of butter and cheese at the shipping-ports, a useful feature, apart from the routine work, has been that of gatherings of factory-managers at the grading-stores for educational and informational purposes in conjunction with the official Graders. This is found to be a valuable plan for promoting a knowledge of requirements in quality and uniformity, besides keeping the Division in better touch with the working heads of the factories. Among the dairy companies themselves the system of cream-grading was further developed, and several useful conferences have been held to promote the movement. The results on the quality of butter manufactured from home-separated cream are already very marked. The varied activities comprised within the function of the Horticulture Division have given all concerned a very busy year. A leading feature of the work was that centring round organization of the fruitgrowing industry in its various phases. In dealing with this subject the Division was much strengthened by the visit paid by Mr. J. A. Campbell, Assistant Director, to the United States and Canada for the purpose of acquiring the latest information in all branches of the fruitgrowing industry, more especially in connection with standardization and marketing of output, together with the co-operative system. A basis for control of our fruit trade, both export and local, has been afforded by the issue of regulations providing for grading, marketing, &c. The cool storage of fruit is receiving special attention, and the Division is carrying out a valuable series of experiments comprising all stages from the picking of the fruit onward. The State's financial interest in this branch of the industry is now becoming comparatively large, the advances under the Fruit-preserving Industry Act amounting at the close of the year to £84,500, the larger part of which has been utilized for the provision of cool storage. The Division has had a heavy (sail made on its resources by the outbreak of the serious disease known as " fire-blight "in orchards over a wide area of the Auckland Provincial District. In order to cope with the position a special force had to be, organized under the supervision of Orchard Instructors, and energetic and thorough work is being done in lighting the disease, which, so far as is known, has made its first appearance in New Zealand. Arrangements were made, for shipping a certain quantity of fruit (principally apples) to London this season, and the result of the shipments must, under the, circumstances, be looked upon as satisfactory. The Government guaranteed a minimum return to growers, and apparently it will not be necessary to give effect to this, as the returns from the sales should be sufficient to render the payment of the guarantee unnecessary. A. busy year's work has been carried out by the apiary branch of the Horticulture Division in instruction, inspection, and honey-grading. The Tauranga Apiary is now well established, and queen-rearing and experimental work has progressed both there and at Ruakura. The most important work of the Chemistry Section has been that dealing with soil-investigation, fertilizers, and lime and liming. Good progress has been made in these allied matters, although limitations of staff, equipment, and other resources still impose restrictions on work which is capable of very great expansion, and which, under existing conditions, has to be spread over a longer period than could be desired. The analysis of type soils of various districts has been carried out during the, year, together with two or three abnormal classes of soil. The agricultural economic side of the survey is being kept well to the front in this work. In regard to Canterbury, an arrangement has been arrived at with the, Lincoln College; authorities with the object of avoiding overlapping, as the College, is undertaking a soil-investigation of several districts. It has become, fairly evident that if the Dominion is not to fall behind other agriculturally advanced countries our fertilizers law will have, to be amended and strengthened in several directions. The shortage and high price of standard fertilizers experie-nced for some time past has had the effect of bringing on to the market new low-grade proprietary mixtures, also certain phosphates of doubtful effectiveness. In regard to the- development of limestone resources, an official committee was formed during the year, eionsisting of this Department's Chemist, the Director of the Geological Survey, and the Assistant Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department. The main object is to better co-ordinate the information and advice placed at the disposal of bodies of farmers and others undertaking the supply of limestone and lime- in the-, various districts. Legislation laying down compulsory standards of quality in connection with the sale of agricultural lime or ground limestone, with the idea of protecting consumers, has been suggested. Owing, however, to the extremely variable nature of the deposits and the variation in plant for handling the- raw material, it is not improbable that such restrictions would largely defeat their object by involving a material increase in cost to the consumer. It would be feasible, however, to make provision for vendors te> sell optionally under guarantee of purity. Consideration of the important matter of the efficiency of sheep-dips in connection with proposals for some system of registration of these compounds has brought out a suggestion that the' object sought wemld be best attained by comprehensive legislation, on the lines of the United States Insecticide Act, covering all such preparations, including orchard sprays. This idea is certainly worthy of favourable consideration.

7

H.—29

Work of much value, to the Dominion's agricultural industry continues to be carried out by the Biology Section. The ecological study of our grasslands is doing a great deal towards their improvement —a matter of first importance. In plant-pathology the main work has been on " dry-rot "in swedes, "take-all" in wheat, and " yellow-leaf" of phemnium, while the Section has also taken a useful part in investigations connected with the fire-blight campaign. In economic, entomology a good deal of original work has been carried out. Forest insect pests, and particularly those affecting eucalyptus plantations in the South Island, have been given some study. During half the year the Biologist, Mr. A. H. Cockayne, was absent on a visit to the United States. His time in that country was mainly devoted to a study e>f agronomical conditions and research, seed-testing methods, and agricultural education, including the university extension system. The widened first-hand knowledge and experience, acquired from this overseas travel should prove of much value in the development of the' Department's work. An adaptation of American practice as regards standards of real value—definite percentages of purity and germination —for imported seeds has been embodied in a Pure Seeds Bill which has been prepared for submission to Parliament during the' current session. The efficiency of our excellerit seed-testing system can also be strengthened in several directions, especially with regard to more careful sampling by seed-merchants and others sending in sample's for test. The volume, of work connected with flax-grading has fallen off somewhat as a result of decreased output consequent upon market and shipping conditions. The quality of the product shows improvement, good-fair grade, which may be regarded as the standard, showing a substantially increased percentage of the total gradings. More care' in manufacturing, especially in the scutching process, is required, however, in some of the> mills. Owing to the urgent requirements of the Board of Trade in connection with the purchase of wheat the' services of the' Chief Grain Grader were loaned to the Board during the greater portion of the' year. In view of the necessity for keeping abreast of the times it is intended, as soon as opportunity permits, to review the whole system of grain-grading as at present in operation, with a view to effecting improvements in the direction of greater efficiency. The publications work of the Department has been well maintained, the circulation of the Journal of Agriculture having continued to increase during the year. Difficulties in connection with the papersupply, however, have since placed severe restrictions on expansion in this direction, also on certain other publishing activities which had been proposed. Under legislation passed during the 1919 session e>f Parliament a separate, Department of Industries and Commence was constituted, and shortly after the. New Year the functions of that branch of this (Agriculture) Department were taken eiver by the new organization. At the same time the Department of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce became simply the Department ed Agriculture. The industries and commerce work carried out by this Department during the' first part of the period under review was on similar line's to that outlined in last year's annual report, and doe's not call for any special comment. As indicated in that report, such work was extraneous to the legitimate functions of a Department of Agriculture, and the change here recorded will enable' this Department to devote itself exclusively to its own great field of work. During the past ten years the Board ed Governors of Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, has had in hand experimental work with the' object of supplying to farmers improved seed of the commonly grown varieties of wheat. The Department of Agriculture now grants a subsidy te> allow of the further prosecution, in conjunction with the Department, of this work and of its extension to the improvement of oats. Last year about 20 acres at Lincoln were under various wheat-sedections, with their accompanying check-plots of commercial seed, the latter being used to estimate the superiority (if any) of the selections. Most of the plots were devoted to strains of White-straw Tuscan and Velvet, these being the, two varieties in which no markedly improved strains have been isolated by the work of preceding years. There are indications that the trials of the next two years will allow the distribution of a strain of White-straw Tuscan of as goed quality as the strains of Hunters, Pearl, Solidstraw Tuscan, and Purple-straw that the' College has already produced. A start has been made with the selection of oats, anel at present about 5 acres are' under strains of Algerian oats on their trial. The' improved strains of wheat already produced have been distributed to farmers at ordinary seed prices, and supplies of the pure' seed are' maintained by the Canterbury Seed-growers' Association, a group of farmers who take steps to keep their crops pure enough for seed purposes, and who submit them to inspection from that point of view. The Department assists the work by paying the travelling-expenses of Dr. F. W. Hilgendorf, of Lincoln College, while inspecting the farmers' crops. Some 2,000 bushels of seed-wheat bearing his certificate of purity were distributed during the past season. In conclusion, I must express my thanks to the staff of the Department throughout for the energy and activity displayed in carrying on the work. 'Die Assistant Director-General has worked in close co-operation with myself, and proved a most valuable coadjutor. The Divisional Directors, together with the Chemist and the Biologist and other respemsible officers, have rendered most reliable and efficient services. I append detailed reports furnished by each branch of the Department's services. C. .1. Reakes, D.V.Se'., M.RC.V.S., Director-General.

H.—29

8

APPENDIX. CONTENTS. , , t,. . . v w e - Page. Live-stock Division ..... . . . 8 Chemistry Section .. . . . . . . :i(i Dairy Division . . . . .. . . 15 Biology Section . . . . . . . . 4'S Horticulture Division . . . . . . 25 Hemp-grading Service .. 44 Fields Instruction and Experimental Parma Branch 29 Grain-grading Service .. ..47

LIVE-STOCK DIVISION. REPORT OF TDK DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR. The Director-General. Wellington, 22nd June, 1920. I forward herewith my annua] report for the year ended 31st March last. A. R, Young, M.R.C.V.S., Director. Introduction. In presenting my annual repent for the past year 1 may be permitted to say that, while the whole of my anticipations have not been realized, a great amount of very useful work has been accomplished by the Division, the effect of which will be felt in the present year's operations, The organization brought into being towards the close of the previous year has worked smoothly, and by the exercise of district centred greater efficiency has been maintained than would otherwise have been possible with the rapidly expanding calls now made on the Division's officers. The- scope of the work of the Division is steadily growing, and during the year it was decided to expand the avenues for conveying advice to those on the land, particularly to now settlers, who mostly comprise returned soldiers, by appointing instructors in wool and swine husbandry .respectively. Mr. 11. H. Chaplin was appointed to the position of Wool Instructor, but he subsequently resigned, and Mr. .1. G. Cook was appointed to the position. Mr. K. W. Gorringe, who has had a large practical experience of swine-breeding anil management, was appointed to the position of Instructor in Swine Husbandry, and entered upon his duties last January, He has already done, a, great amount of useful work, particularly in giving instruction to returned soldiers at the respective farms where they are receiving instruction in farming operations. Great inconvenience' has been experienced by officers of the Division on account of the lack of housing accommodation everywhere, this difficulty being particularly met with in the event of any transfers of married, officers becoming necessary. This matter deserves serious consideration at the hands of the Department, and some scheme devised whereby its officers can housed without the constant worry of not knowing the moment when they may be required to vacate the houses rented by them and without any prospect of obtaining another except under the same conditions. The staff of the Division comprises some three hundred officers, most of whom are married, and the majority of those not yet in that position are most anxious to become so if only they could obtain houses. To the District Superintendents arid Principal District Inspectors at Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland J have to tender my thanks for loyal and valuable assistance at all times rendered, and for the energy and enthusiasm which they have shown throughout. I have also to convey to all other officers of the Division my thanks for their services during the year, rendered sometimes, I know, under difficult anil unencouraging circumstances, Conditions of Stock generally (Superintendents' Districts). Auckland District.- Following a dry autumn the winter of 1919 was entered with pastures very bare, generally, a totally inadequate supply of hay and other fodder-crops, and stock, particularly cattle, in rather poor condition. The' shortage of feed continued to become more acute as the winter advanced, with the' result that, by the end of winter the condition of stock generally varied, from poor to emaciated, according to the acuteness of the food shortage in different localities. The area, which suffered most was that north of Whangarei and Dargaville (usually good winter- country), whenheavy mortality occurred among cattle, and also, though to a less serious extent, among sheep. Proceeding south from Whangarei and Dargaville the pastures continued to improve, and in the southern part of the' province sufficient feed was available to carry the stock through the winter in a satisfactory condition. Good rains were experienced in. the early spring, and stock improved rapidly in condition, but this was followed by a very dry summer, which was broken only by passing showers right through to February. Since February welcome rains have' been experienced at regular intervals, with the- result that pasture and root crops are now in excellent condition, and good takes of autumn-sown grass and oats have been secured. All classes of stock are now in a satisfactory condition, and present indications point to an ample supply of feed being available to carry them through the winter in good order. Wellington District. -The season's rains have been well distributed over the district, and both grazing and dairying areas have prospects of ample winter feed, with the exception of Hawke's Bay and Gisborne lands, where during the summer: the severe drought affected the pastures badly, and though'good rains fell about the end of March they unfortunately came, too late to provide the, necessary growth to carry cattle through the winter months. Sheep, owing to their ability to utilize barer pastures, will not fare so badly. The health and condition of horses has been good. Horse-

9

H.—29

breeding generally in this district is not carried out on progressive lines. This is most noticeable. in the case of hacks and harness horses. Draught and milk-cart horses are again in good demand at high prices. Good hacks and harness horses are also scarce and prices high. Weedy-sorts are fairly plentiful and almost unsaleable. The condition and health of cattle are satisfactory generally and good price's have been maintained, good dairy cows reaching a record price. Throughout the dairying districts a very large, percentage of this season's calves have been slaughtered, which will no doubt show its effect on the young-stock markets later on. Christchurch District.- In a considerable portion of this district cattle, were in rather low condition at the end of last winter. Those on the We«t Coast and from Ashburton northwards were in poor condition —in some instances very poor; while those south of Ashburton were in fair condition. This poor condition was specially noticed in regard to dairy oeiws in two inspection districts, and consequently in these two places the, percentage erf deaths among cows at and after calving, on account of their low condition, was higher than usual. With this exception the general health anil condition of cattle have been good. The estimated percentage e>f deaths among dairy cattle, from all causes during the year varies in different Inspectors' districts from 2 per cent, to 5 per cent. The estimated percentage of calves kept varies from 12 to 90. The percentage erf mortality among calve;s under one year old varies from 4 to 10, the principal causes being parasitic gastritis, improper feeding, anil want of shelter. The calves are fed chiefly on skim-milk and whey, while in some cases a little; proprietary or other food is added. Several 'of the; Inspectors estimate that the, depreciation in value owing to insufficient care and improper feeding under one year old is very large- up to as high as 33 per cent. In a few localities more interest has been taken in the: breeding of horses than during the previous three years ; but on the; whole horse-breeding could not be said to be, progressive. There, is a, great demand now for draught and half-draught horses, and good prices are being paid for them —up to £50 and. £60 for ordinary geldings. At one side' in the, Linceiln district a two-year-old draught entire colt was sold for 1,000 guineas,- which is said to be the, Australasian record for a colonial-bred two-year-old colt. The increased demand and prices for horses should have a stimulating effect upon breeding operations. In the majority of instance's winter feed, such as roots, hay, straw, lucerne, &c, is provided ; but in some cases, especially on the West Coast, very little provision for winter feed is made. Otago-Southland District. —The season proved to be a rather dry one, particularly in South Otago and Southland, but the, condition of stock in general has been good and very little mortality has been reported. At Tuatapere only one special case erf malnutrition has been reported. This was in a, portion of bush country on the bank of the Waiau River. In the first year after burning and sowing, stock did very well, but in the second year there was a, considerable loss, the prominent symptoms being emaciation and in a, large number of cases diarrhoea. Treatment was applied with beneficial results, and some of the, stock removed to other pastures immediately improved. There was a tendency on the part of the settlers to overstock, and, being a wet season, the forage did not seem to be sufficiently nutritious. During the past season, which has been fairly dry, stock have done very well. Two owners recently sold a line of fat cattle, while the third is milking thirty-five cows and rearing twelve calves, each on an allotment of 130 acres, and, considering the large area covered by stumps and fallen trees, conditions generally are improved and prospects more favourable. The past year has been singularly free from disease among sheep. The season has been good and fairly dry, and several diseases due, to excessive feeding and want of exercise have; been marked by their absence. Animal Diseases. Blackleg. —The regulations under the Stock Act designed to control the spread of this disease have been administered as heretofore in the areas defined, with quite satisfactory results. No alteration has been necessary in the boundaries of the Taranaki District area, but it will be necessary to review and slightly modify the boundaries of the areas defined in the>, Auckland District, and this is having attention. The number of calves inoculated had shown a ste>,ady decrease in the past few years, owing to the practice of killing the majority of the calves at birth, and it is somewhat satisfactory to notice that the former heavy decreases shown are not so marked this year. The figures of calves inoculated during the last three years ended 31st March are as follows : — 1918. 1919. 1920. Auckland .. .. .. .. ..106,614 98,881 98,500 Taranaki .. .. .. ~ .. 73,620 53,024- 45,667 The vaccine, used was all prepared at the Department's Veterinary Laboratory, and the results were entirely satisfae;tory. Contagious Mammitis. —This disease, continues to give, trouble in dairying districts, but would appear to have been less in evidence in the; Auckland dairying districts than heretofore. The loss occasioned by its appearance must still, however, be considerable, and every precaution possible to avoid its occurrence requires to be, undertaken. Good work has been done by Veterinary officers and Inspectors of Stock by lectures and advice to owners, and a large number of sample's of milk are examined at the Veterinary Laboratory to determine the presence or otherwise, of the specific organism, Contagious Abortion. —The position regarding this disease, remains much the, same, and it is not reported to be more in evidence in any of the districts with the exception of Wellington, where cases are more or less frequemtly reported. The' disease is, however, more amenable to treatment than contagious mammitis, and where the treatment recommended by the Department is carefully followed goeid results are obtained. Nevertheless the loss must still be great, and more care should be', exercised by farmers when introducing new animals to their herds to see, that they are isolated and preventive measures taken before allowing them with the, existing herd. Vaginal Catarrh. —A number of cases which on investigation, were found to be, suffering from vaginal catarrh have been reported, and it is more; than probable that a, number of the cases of cows constantly returning to the bull are attributable to this trouble.

2—H. 29.

H.—29

10

Tuberculosis. —The examination of all carcases of animals slaughtered at meat-export slaughterhouses and abattoirs again shows a slight reduction in the, percentage found affected with, tuberculosis in any degree, as indicated by decreases in the following classes of stock : Cerws, 0-07 per cent. ; bullocks and heifers, 0-70 per cent. ; and swine, 0-98 per cent. Bulls show an increase of 0-13 percent, on the, previous year's figures. While' these figures are no doubt satisfactory so far as the' examination of slaughtered, stock is concerned, the condemnation of cattle in the field by Stock inspectors does ne>t appear to indicate a corresponding reduction, as the condemnations have increased from 2,914 to 3,261. Some of this increase may be accounted for by a greater degree erf activity on the part of the field staff, but after giving the present methods a gooel trial it would appear that this disease can never be eradicated or even reduced to a minimum by the present method, whilst the demand for increased compensation calls for an early review of the whole position. lam erf opinion that if we were to give inducement to owners to have their animals subjected to the tuberculin test by increasing the amount of compensation payable' only for cattle condemned as a, result of that test, some permanent good would follow, and I trust that consideration will be given to proposals to more effectively battle with this disease in the, future. Actinomycosis. —This disease, has again been responsible for a number of condemnations in the field, especially in the Auckland and the Otago-Southland districts, where the proportion of animals condemned is exceptionally high. The condemnations fen- actinomycosis we're as follows : Auckland District, 158 ; Wellington District, 102 ; Canterbury District, 59 ; Otago District, 135. Cattle-tick. — The control of the tick found affecting cattle in the North Auckland district has been taken well in hand. Regulations were gazetted during the year, and although they were not put wholly into operation, owing to dipping facilities not being available in the tick-infested districts, the provisions regarding the removal, of stock to clean country were put into operation, and it is hoped to have the regulations fully carried out before next season. The dip erected at Oakleigh (Whang irei) proved quite satisfactory, and, with a few minor alterations to the, plan, has been adopted as the standard for erection by local bodies or committees appointed throughout the district. Sites for the erection of dips have been approved in a number of instances, applications for the Government subsidy of pound for pound up to £150 have been granted, and it is anticipated that a number of the eiips will soon be erected and ready to receive, cattle for dipping. Livu-stock Statistics. S.heep, —The enumeration of sheep in the Dominion as at 30th April, 1919, showed a, decrease of 709,748 when compared with the previous year, but this was not unexpected, as the previous yeai-'s increase was partly accounted for by delayed slaughtering owing to the backward season, and the 1918 lambing had shown a material reduction. Last year's figures, however, were, still in advance of all previous years' returns with the exception of 1918. The following table slreiws the number of sheep in the Dominion for the stated years : —

The present year's figures arc not, at time of writing, compiled, but in the face of the increased slaughterings shown, and the decrease in the estimated lambing-percentage, a reduction em last year's figures must be looked for. Cattle. -The, statistics collected in January, 1919, again show a satisfactory increase over the' previous year in both dairy coWs and other cattle. The following table shows the numbers of the respective classes : —

Swine. —I have again to record a, marked reduction in the number of swine' in the' Dominion as revealed in the last enumeration. The', figures for the last five' years are as follows : 1911,348,754; 1916,297,501; 1917,283,770; 1918,258,694; 1919,235,347 Consequent on the high prices ruling for bacon, hams, and pork the breeding of pigs is receiving more attention this season than for some few years past, but on account of the. utilization of the' whole of the by-products of milk through the increase in cheese-factories and the dried-milk industry a new system of feuding becomes imperative, before any permanent improvement can be possible. Advice on the growing of suitable forage crops and the system of feeding is being given by tire Division.

Year. Stud and Flock Rams (Two-tooth Breeding-ewes, anil over). Other Sheep. Lambs. Total. 1913 .. 1914 .. 1915 .. 1916 .. 1917 .. 1918 .. 1919 .. 313,690 321,869 315,251 316,131 329,230 325,111 321,304 12,521,036 12,920,176 12,615,341 12,892,767 13,260,169 13,022,034 12,341,900 4,371,257 4,377,936 4,625,681 4,682,298 4,530,471 5,295,269 5,734,029 6,985,827 7,178,782 7,318,148 6,896,954 7,150,516 7,895,888 7,431,321 24,191,810 24,798,763 24,901,421 24,788,150 25,270,386 26,538,302 25,828,584

Bulls (all Ages). Dairy Cows. Other Cattle. Total. Year. 1908 1911 1916 1917 1918 1919 30,170 40,670 50,858 49,930 51,935 56,706 591,617 633,733 750,323 777,439 793,215 826,135 1,151,539 1,345,568 1,616,310 1,747,861 2,024,315 2,152,637 1,773,326 2,020,171 2,417,491 2,575,230 2,869,165 3,035,478

11

H.—29

Horses. —The enumeration of the horses in the Dominion taken in January, 1919, showed a, decrease of 10,412 as compared with the, previous year, the figures being 363,188 and 373,600 respectively. Slaughter of Stock for Export. The contract with the Imperial Government for the, purchase of all meat slaughtered for export remains in force until 30th June, 1920, at the schedule, of prices arranged in November, 1916, and a very large quantity of meat still remains in the, freezing-chambers, with little prospect erf obtaining a clearance before the commencement of the', next season's slaughterings. The termination erf the oontract and the difficulty of finding immediate shipping will necessitate the making of financial arrangements to meet the new position, and these may be expected to mean a marked increase on pre-war charges. As will be seen from the: following table, a, very substantial increase lias taken place in the number of cattle, sheep, and lambs slaughtered at me'at-experrt works (principally for export) during the twelve months ended 31st March, compared with the previous twelvemonth's slaughterings : — 31st March, 1920. 31st March, 1919. Increase. Cattle.. .. .. .. 256.459 218.871 37.588 Sheep.. .. .. ..4,658,897 3,690,152 968,745 Lambs .. .. .. 3,139,238 2,845,413 293,825 Several of the: freezing com panics found it necessary to provide: additional cold-storage' accommodation during the year. Two new meat-export slaughterhouses are about to be erected, both in the North Island. Inspection of Meat. The inspection ol all carcases slaughtered at meat-export slaughterhouses, abattoirs, and baconfactories was carried out satisfactorily, and now that all our troops have returned no further difficulty should be experienced in keeping a sufficient staff, to undertake this work. The following are the numbers of each class of stock slaughtered under direct inspection during the year ended 31st March, 1920 :— Cattle .. 359,173 Sheep .. 5,263.605 Swiue .. 115.225 Calves .. 32,069 Lambs .. 3,254,184 With the exception of swine, which again show a decrease in the number slaughtered, these figures easily constitute a, record for any erne ve:ar, the: increases on the corresponding period of last year being as follows : Cattle, 51,357 ; calves, 13,197 ; sheep, 1,093,081; lambs, 325,292 (1,418,373 in the combined sheep and lamb slaughterings). The following table indicates the destination of the dressed carcases, those animals slaughtered at abattoirs being almost wholly for local consumption, and those slaughtered at meat-export slaughterhouses being (except in the case of swine) intended principally for export : — ~ ~ . Meat-export ~ ~ . Abattoirs. ~. , , ,' Uacon-iactones. slaughterhouses. Cattle, .. .. .. .. 102.711 256.459 Calves .. .. .. .. 22,692 9,377 Sheep .. .. .. 604.708 4,658,897 Lambs .. .. .. .. 114,946 3,139.238 Swine .. .. .. .. 53.880 38,013 23,296 At ordinary slaughterhouses the stock killed was as follows: Cattle, 51,033; oalves, 2,302; sheep, 248,877 ; lambs, 26,417 ; swine, 25,520. In addition, 24,424 carcases of pigs killed and dressed by farmers under the exemption clause: of the Slaughtering and Inspection Act and sent in to butchers' shops and small bacon-factories were inspected by departmental officers. Compensation paid foe Stock condemned. During the year 4,148 head of cattle' were condemned and ordered to be- destroyed under the provisions of the Stock Act, and compensation to the amount of £15,034 (being at the rate of half the market value as fixed at the time of condemnation) was paid out for the financial year. Compensation paid for animals condemned on inspection at, the, time of slaughter, under the provisions of the Slaughtering and Inspection Act, amounted to £12,014, making the total compensation paid during the year under the Acts named £27,048, as compared with £22,438 for the previous year. Importation op Breuding-stock. Shipping difficulties and the high cost involved were undoubtedly again responsible for the numbers of stud stock imported not being greater than they were:. The following animals were imported and entered into quarantine as required under the regulations : Two trotting-stallions, five bulls, three rams, and four pigs (three sows and one boar). Inspection of Dairies supplying Milk to Towns. The inspection of dairy premises and herds supplying milk for town consumption has been carried out energetically during the year, those supplying milk to the cities and larger towns being necessarily given more frequent visits of inspection to ensure that, as far as possible, the utmost cleanliness is observed and conditions maintained in respect to each of the premises as is compatible with the: requirements of a good and clear milk-supply. The scarcity of cement has to some extent hampered the efforts of the. Inspectors in connection with the provision of concrete floors and drains, but on the whole the premises are, maintained in reasonably good condition and the Department's requirements attended to.

H.— 29

Tun Wallacuvillu Laboratory. During the: latter period of the war the: work at the Wallaceville laboratory necessarily fe:ll off considerably, the only operations being of a more or less routine character. The members of the staff doing duty at the outbreak of the war, all of whom answered the' Empire's call, returned to duty during the, year. Mr. C. S. M. Hopkirk, Laboratory Assistant, applied for and was granted leave of absence for four years, to enable him to proceed to the Veterinary School erf the Melbourne University, for the purpose of qualifying for the degree issued by that institution. An important feature of the' we>rk at the laboratory was the preparation of blackleg vaccine', 180,000 doses being supplied for use by Inspectors. Examination of samples of milk for both contagious mammitis and tubercle bacilli, and of pathological and bacteriological specimens, and some feeding experiments, were undertake:!).. Other general work of a more or less varied nature, was also carried out. It is hoped to go further into the question of contagious mammitis and contagious abortion during the current year, with a view to further enlightenment on these two diseases. The operations on the laboratory farm have been well carried out by the, Farm Overseer during the' year, and the experiment with a. view to testing the effect of manures applied to pastures in regard to the production of mutton was continued. An account of the results of these, experiments up to last year was given in the Journal by Mr. B. C. Aston, who is responsible for the scheme. Importation of Animal Manuhks. The: importation of animal manures again failed to meet requirements, although the quantity imported was e;onsiderably greater than has been the case for some years. The embargo placed on the exports from Australia, and the want of shipping from there and India., were the main factors in the situation. Competitors from the East have also had to be contended with in both India and Australia,, and in some cases considerable quantities of bone manure which Intel actually been prepared under the provisions of the New Zealand regulations for export to New' Zealand ultimately found its way to the East. The matter of the embargo by the Commonwealth Government was taken up by the: New Zealand Government, and as a result of representations made: permits were granted, although in some, cases quantities of manure were lost to Ne:w Zealand erwing to the delay experienced in obtaining the permits not allowing for shipping before the departure of the steamer on which space had been secured. 1 append the report of the Inspector erf Manure-sterilizing, Sydney, who has carried out his duties with great satisfaction, anel has at all times kept the Department well advised of the position in Australia : - New South Wales was the only State within the Commonwealth whence animal manure was exported to the Dominion during the period under review. Seven mills carried out the- preparation and manufacture of animal manure under the requirements of the New Zealand Stock Act, 1908, regulations. The, names of the licensees and the location of those works are shown hereunder :—

The system of inspection has been carried out on the same lines as hitherto followed ; little or no difficulty has been experienced in obtaining the full treatment required under the regulations for all animal material intended for export. Regarding the licensed buildings, appliances, and surroundings generally, these lam pleased to bo able to report on as satisfactory. The great increase in the cost of production has compelled the proprietors of these mills to install more modern appliances than hitherto used—in the way of artificial-drying machinery, conveyors, and dustcollecting appliances, all of which are beneficial in the further protection of sterilized material from contamination during manufacture. The recent closing-down of many of the meat-packing works in the vicinity of Sydney has considerably reduced the supply of raw material formerly obtained from this source. A reduction in the quantity of bone refuse from butchers' shops is also being noticed ; this is owing to tho State Meat Board instituting a new method for the distribution of meat by boning the forequarters of beef at the abattoirs, and supplying the meat direct to the public in a minced form. The bones in this case are treated at the State abattoirs. The supply of dry country bones has of late been greater than usual, no doubt attributable to the effect of the drought, which is still severely felt in a large section of this State. During the past year the exporters of manure have laboured under many difficulties in the way of numerous strikes, shipping shortage, influenza epidemic, and tho Federal embargo against exportation—the latter being found the most grievous. Notwithstanding these handicaps it is gratifying to be able to record that the quantity of animal manure exported to New Zealand was almost three times as much as that sent the previous year. The total quantity for which declarations were countersigned by me was 91,005 bags, weighing 4,028 tons. (if this 4,447 tons was bonedust, 31 tons desiccated blood, and 150 tons blood-and-bone. With the exception of 295 tons this manure was all shipped during the last eight months of the year. Buyers of fertilizers for the East are now competing very strongly hero for all classes of manure, and a continuance of this competition will probably cause a great shortness in stocks. The demand from the Dominion for animal hair this year has been larger than formerly. The only exporters from this State were Messrs. D. Leo and Sons, of Botany, whose works wore regularly visited during the preparation of consignments for export. lat all times found the treatment to which the hair was subjected fully in accordance with the demands of the regulations dealing with this article. I would suggest in the. ease of consignments of mixed fertilizer described by the shippers as " other than animal manure " as defined by the Stock Act, the desirability of a statutory declaration accompanying the same, setting forth all the ingredients of such manure, and that during its manufacture it was not in contact with any animal material or any other substance or matter likely to convey disease. The package of the same, in new bags should, I think, be demanded, as in the case of animal manure. I wish to place on record my appreciation of the efficient manner in which Mr. Pearson, my assistant at Botany, carried out his duties, and also to express my thanks to Mr. S. T. D. Symonds, M.U.C.V.S., Chief Inspector of Stock, Sydney, and members of his staff, for assistance and advice on many occasions.

12

a So 3 Name of Mill. Licensee. Name of Mill. Location. 1 o 3 4 5 0 8 Metropolitan .. ..' M.'O'Riordan and Sons Kitchen and Sons, Limited, Kitchen and Sons, Limited No. I. Excelsior . . . . M. Gearin and Sons Pyramid .. .. Paton, Burns, and Co. Paragon . . .. It. S. Lamb and Co., Limited. . Riverstone Meat-works .. B. Richards and Sons, Limited Newcastle Abattoirs .. Newcastle District Abattoir Board Alexandria, N.S.W. Alexandria, N.S.W. North Botany, N.S.W. Alexandria, N.S.W. Alexandria, N.S.W. Riverstone, N.S.W. Newcastle. TV ote.—The above-mentioned mills, with the exception of Nos. 6 and 8, have ; Iready applied for a renewal of licen si

H.—29

13

Sheep-dipping. The' practices of exposing for sale sheep affected with bee and failing to dip according te> the provisions e>f the Stock Act are still, unfortunately, far- too prevalent, and in the interests of the: Dominion as a whole this should not be. A number of prosecutions have, again had to be instituted for the:se often -es, and heavier penalties will have to be asked for if lice-affected sheep are to be reduced to a minimum. Liee —and ticks too, for that matter —can be kept off sheep. A practical instance of this came before' the Department during the year, when a. trial erf a certain sheep-dip was to be carried out on one of the quarantine stations where a few flock ewes were depastured. To carry out the test sheep affected with ticks had to be introduced from outside, as the ewes were perfectly clean. Mamaku Farm (Bush-sick Area). During the, past year good progress has been made at this farm. More: land has been acquired, and an early start will be made in the production of suitable crops to enable systematic dairying to be commenced. New sheds are to erected, and a large area is to be stumped and put under the plough, Financially the' farm has been a success, anil now with a, permanent supply of water assured it is confidently expected that it will continue, self-supporting, and that any experiments necessary for the' investigation of bush sickness will be covered by the income produced. There are no new developments to report, but a number of observations have been noted which will prove erf great value when dairying operations are commenced. Poultry. The' high, prices that have ruled for poultry-food during the past year, and the inability on. the part of many potiltry-kee:pers to secure a sufficient supply of wheat for their birds, have: not had a tendency terwards the industry regaining its pre-war condition. So acute has been the position that none but the highest type of bird would pay to keep. This has necessarily meant a serious reduction of stock, and consequently a great shortage of fresh eggs. The demand for this article of diet has be:en far from satisfied, with the result that higher prices have bee:n paid for guaranteed fresh eggs than ever before in the Dominion. Poultrymen who thoroughly understand their business and who severely culled their flocks, retaining only birds of heavy egg-capacity, and who were in a position to secure: ample food, report making more, money out of their poultry than ever before. Particularly does this apply to those who were in a position, te) grow their own food- namely, the small settlers on the land. It is fiom this source that the supply of eggs and table, poultry must chiefly come. The great drawback to the industry at the present time is that too many poultry-keepers are soledy dependent on the farmer for growing the necessary food-requirements, and whether the industry advances or not largely depends on how far the farmer is prepared to do this. In this connection history has repeated and will again repeat itself —that is to say, when foodstuffs —particularly wheat—are cheap and plentiful, eggs will also be in a similar position, and vice versa. Small settlement, whereby the: poultry-keeper can grow his own fowl-food, and particularly where, the business is conducted as a side-line, appears to be the only prospect of the industry being developed and multiplying in importance. Milton Poultry-station. —The policy of the Department in supplying purebred poultry and settings of eggs from tested stock at moderate: rates from this station has been continued during the past year. The demand was so great, especially from the farming community, that many orders had to be refused and the, money returned. None but the best specimens of the breeds have, been bred from, and the progeny have had a gratifying effect in raising the standard quality of many poultry flocks of the Dominion. While much good work has been done in this direction, the equipment does not serve as a means of demonstrating the best methods of hpusing, (fee;., that should be adopted on a modern plant. The buildings are: absolutely out of date, and in many cases are, fast getting in a decayed condition. Further, the general layout of the plant is in these more enlightened days anything but what it should be, making it most costly to work. In view of this, and taking into account the unsuitability of the soil for poultry, together with the severe climatic conditions usually experienced at Milton, I am of the opinion that it should be closed, and that a new up-to-date plant should be established in its place in another locality. If this were done, the policy of supplying eggs and stock for breeding purposes could be continued, but in addition tire plant would serve a dual purpose by demonstrating the, right methods of keeping poultry for profit-making. With the present place it is most unsatisfactory, especially seeing that so many returned soldiers have gone and are contemplating going to Milton for the purpose of being given a thorough training in all branches of poultry-work. The stock on the plant is of excellent quality, but it requires constant oversight to maintain the standard under the existing conditions. Feeding-tests. —During the, year two feeding-tests were carried out at the Milton Station—the one to ascertain the cost of rearing pullets to an age, of six months, and the other to find out what result in egg-yield could be secured by the elimination of meat or its substitutes from the ration. The results of these tests are being published in the Department's Journal. Poultry Instructors. — Though there are' now four Poultry Instructors, it is found impossible to comply with all the: many requests for their services to delive:r lectures and to visit plants for the purpose of giving practical advice, on the spot. The question of increasing the staff of Instructors is a matter for urgent consideration. Utility-poultry Standards. —In order to place the judging of utility-poultry on a sound and uniform basis the publication of a New Zealand Utility-poultry Standard, with drawings of the, various breeds dealt with, was undertaken by the Department, with the valuable assistance of delegates appointed by the different poultry organizations. It is satisfactory to state that the book is now an accomplished fact, and reflects credit on all who gave their assistance to its preparation. The most difficult part of the work lay in the drawings, involving an immense amount of patient working-out of detail on the part of Mr. F. C. Brown, Chief Poultry Instructor, and Mr. C. Cussen, who rendered valuable assistance. Great credit is also due to Mr. 0. NordstrUm, of the Government Printing Office, for the maimer in which he completed the drawings for the respective plates.

H.—29

14

Rabbit Nuisance. The administration of the Babbit Nuisance Act has been carried out energetically during the year, and although the whole of our expectations have not been realized, goerd spade-work has been done:, and with favourable conditions a very groat improvement should be shown in the near future. Weather conditions have been unfavourable for the suppression of the, pest, and although good work was done, in the early part of the season the: improvement Could not be followed and maintained, owing to the, continuous wet weather manifesting itself when poisoning operations should have been pushed ahead. The 1918 amendment to section 2 of the, Act has been adversely criticized in some quarters, and strong representations have been made for its withdrawal; but the past year's experience has more than demonstrated the absolute necessity that existed for the strengthening of the Department's hands, and the statements made in support of the agitation have, in my opinion, done, more to show this than otherwise. As I mentioned in my last report, the section n question may be said to be drastic, but administered with judgment and fairness, as 1 am prepared to say it has been, it is no more' elrastic than other enactments administered by the Department. No prosecution has yet been authorized without corroborative evidence being forthcoming from an independent Inspector or Inspectors of the conditions existing, and each application is reviewed by the Superintendent of the: district, and also by myself personally, before being authorized. Advantage has not in the slightest degree been taken of the provision " to the satisfaction of the, Inspector " in connection with these prosecutions. The Magistrate is always there to see fair play and that there is no sign of persecution on the part of an Inspector. Prosecutions are, not liked by the Inspectors, who would be much happier without them, and are in no more, favour with the Department; but, unfortunately, there are some, landholders who must be prosecuted or nothing would be done. The complaints voiced during the year have not been from those who are anxious to rid their country of the pest, but from, the dilatory owners and others who have an interest in the export of rabbits and their skins. I am thoroughly convinced that any amendment to the Act tending to weaken its present powers will have an effect that would be disastrous, and any progress made would be entirely lost. The high price to which rabbit-skins soared during the year only tended to aggravate the trouble a, ud was not an unmixed blessing. I append the reports made by the respective, District Superintendents on the rabbit pest in the portions of the Dominion controlled by each : — Dunedin. —The rabbit nuisance entails an enormous amount of work on the Division. On the whole the year was not a favourable one for suppressing rabbits. Early and excessive breeding occurred owing to a mild winter and early spring, while the continuous wet season later interfered considerably with the work of destruction, and this, together with the extra insincerity of many landowners, has caused the increase of the rabbit pest to an alarming extent. No doubt the high price ruling for skins last year was a further incentive to many dilatory and short-sighted property-owners to save rabbits as much as possible in anticipation of receiving substantial remuneration from the pest this season, although greatly to the detriment of their (locks. It is now a recognized fact that bonuses have been freely demanded and paid, some of which are on the percentage basis and others by lump sum. Unfortunately, the work of destruction is greatly controlled by rabbit-exporters, skin-merchants, and a huge gang of professional rabbiters, all out to make the most of the position, which is surprisingly tolerated by owners of infested lands. Therefore thorough and systematic steps for the eradication of the pest are rare. Extensive trapping was carried on till late in the year, and after rabbits were frightened and scattered poisoning without any system was resorted to in places, much of which was only patchwork, and consequently not effective. The recent big drop in the price of skins and the closing of at least some of the rabbit canning and freezing works came somewhat as a bomb-shell to those interested. The, 1918 amendment to the Rabbit Nuisance Act now places the Department on a sound footing, but it is greatly deprecated by the rabbit-farmers and naturally much denounced by them. Nevertheless it is being the means of making landowners realize their responsibilities, and will eventually compel them to work hand-in-hand with the Department, Phosphorized pollard and oats, strychnine with carrots, swede turnips, or oats, and fumigating with bisulphide of carbon, charcoal, and chemical, also with lignite sulphurous coal, arc all more or less resorted to, and are capable of good results if thoroughly carried out. The supply of phosphorus last winter and early spring, owing to war conditions, was limited, and thus interfered with the output of manufactured poison from our depots. Fortunately we now have a good stock on hand for the present season. The importation of phosphorus, strychnine, and bisulphide of carbon by the Department was a wise step, and is no doubt greatly appreciated by those using these commodities. Some necessary prosecutions have been instituted, and fines ranging up to £100 (the maximum) have been inflicted. The natural enemy continues to do good work where unmolested by the trapper, but no doubt hundreds of cats, ferrets, stoats, weasels, and hawks are killed annually. Wire netting is of the greatest assistance in dealing with the rabbit difficulty, but unfortunately many existing netting fences arc not maintained as circumstances warrant, more especially as this article is now exceedingly costly, the price being almost prohibitive. The following are the 1919-20 sales of poison, &c, by the Department to storekeepers and settlers, also the amount of material used on Crown lands, Native lands, and railway-lines : Phosphorized pollard, 158,827 lb. ; phosphorized oats, 0,124 lb. ; phosphorus, 285 lb.; strychnine, 2,414 oz. ; bisulphide, HIS gallons. Material used on Crown lands and railway-lines : Phosphorized pollard, 7,156 lb. ; phosphorized oats, 292 Ib.; strychnine, 4 oz. ; cartridges, 750 (approximately); charcoal, Oil bags ; chemical, 21 bags; coal for fumigating, 4 bags; bisulphide, 7131b. Christchurch. —During the year more and better work has been carried out for the destruction of rabbits than ever before in this district. Taken on the whole, poisoning was most successful, so that the pest was considerably reduced, but it will take more work yet to reduce the pest to pre-war dimensions. The controversy—trapping versus poisoning and other methods of destruction —still continues. Trapping lias done more to promote the increase than it has to reduce numbers, as it kills the natural enemies, scatters the rabbits over now country, and, what is a very important factor in the increase, of the pest, it thins down tire bucks. Many landowners seem slow to see the vast harm done to their properties by allowing the rabbits to become numerous, and they fail to recognize that it would be far more profitable to have clean properties which would provide sufficient feed for cattle and sheep than to have the herbage eaten off and the ground polluted by rabbits. It is regrettable that the price of wire netting is so high at present that it is almost prohibitive. The question of supplying wire netting to settlers under some easy terms of repayment is well worthy of consideration where opportunity offers, as much useful and permanent work can be done by erecting rabbit-netting fences. Poisoning by phosphorized pollard or oats and the use of strychnine, are still recognized by experienced landowners to be the cheapest and most effective method of dealing with the pest. Over 104,000 lb. of phosphorized pollard and 400 oz. of strychnine were sold at the Department's depots during the year, as well as 401 lb. of phosphorus. This quantity is far in excess of that sold in any previous year. Inspectors are carrying out their duties under the Rabbit Nuisance Act with tact, while at the same time they are energetically doing all in their power to get the pest reduced, such as serving notices whore required, keeping in view simultaneous action on the part of owners of land in the same part of the country, &c., and also following up these notices with inspections with a view to taking action if the owners fail or neglect to take reasonable steps to promote the destruction of rabbits or are not energetic towards that end. During the year a few prosecutions were carried out and the defendants were convicted and fined with costs—the fines varying from £2 to £10. In one of these cases the permission to prosecute was given towards the, end of last year. Over and above these, applications were forwarded asking for permission to prosecute in two other cases, but for several reasons these were withdrawn.

15

FT.—29

Wellington. —Though reduced in numbers in most districts and well in hand in some parts, rabbits are still much too plentiful in many parts of the district, though the work of their destruction has been vigorously pressed by Inspectors, and much more rabbit-extermination work (poisoning, &c.) than usual has been done in nearly all districts where rabbits exist. Gisborne, Wairoa, and Hawke's Bay districts are under the administration of the East Coast and Hawke's Bay Rabbit Boards, and good work has been done by both Boards in keeping the pest in check. The cost of rabbiting Crown and Native lands within their respective districts has also been undertaken by these Boards, and the cost of this work charged to this Department has been heavy. The principal method adopted by settlers for the destruction of rabbits is poisoning, the principal poison used being phosphorized pollard. During last year, however, owing to the very high price of skins, a good deal of trapping has taken place. This is a matter for regret, as the pest can much more efficiently be dealt with by systematic poisoning, fumigation of burrows, &c. Where rabbits have a high market value and trapping is resorted to the ourse of rabbit-farming is almost inevitable. During the year 70,1331b. of phosphorized-pollard rabbit poison was manufactured at the Mastorton depot and sold to settlers, as against 42,259 lb. made and sold the previous year. Auckland. —A steady fight was carried on against the pest right through the winter, with very good results, and at the end of winter it was considered that the number of rabbits was considerably less in all localities than had been the ease for several years past. Unfortunately, however, the climatic conditions during the spring and summerseasons proved most favourable to their increase, particularly owing to the absence of spring floods, which can usually be relieel upon to drown a large percentage of the early litters, which are those that matter most. The, climatic conditions which had been so favourable to the rabbits during the summer, and would also have been favourable to their destruction by poison later, altered during February—about the time it was intended to commence the first general poisoning. The rains which have been experienced at, regular intervals since have interfered considerably with poisoning operations, due both to the flush of young grass and to a great deal of poison being destroyed by rain after laying. Every effort is being made by officers to organize settlers in the different localities in their districts into committees and boards to enable the work of rabbit-destruction to be carried out systematically, and in most cases settlers are responding readily. The organization for fighting the pest in this district is now better than at any time in the past, and notwithstanding the unfavourable conditions during the past year the pest has been considerably reduced in all parts. During the year approximately 166,043 lb. of phosphorized pollard has been prepared and despatched from the Department's poison-mixing depot at Frankton Junction, as against 124,559 lb. for the year ended 31st March, 1919, and 04,880 11). for the year ended :51st March, 1918. No difficulty has been experienced in filling all orders promptly. We also disposed of 170 oz. of strychnine and 10,000 lb. of carbon bisulphide. Noxious Weeds. In connection with the administration of the Noxious Weeds Act a steady request for the appointment of additiemal Inspectors has been received from local bodies and others, but I. am of opinion that this is unnecessary if a more strict application of the provisions erf the' Act is carried out by the Department's officers by reducing the number of warnings given obvious defaulters, thereby enabling the Inspectors to cove-r more ground, instead erf having to make repeated inspections to see if previous warnings have been complied with. It is a matter for consideration whether the time has not come for an amendment to the Act by leaving blackberry alone, in the Second Schedule and giving local bodies an option regarding other weeds, but with provision few the, protection of the interests of adjoining local bodies through the officers of the Department retaining their powers under the Act, to enab'e' them to enforce uniformity as between the, occupiers of land in adjoining districts. Provision should also be made for road-lines to be kept cleared by the local authority, and not by the, adjoining owners as at present. The administration of the Act as it at present stands has been carried out with increased energy, especially in districts where, too great headway has not yet been made by a particular weed. Rut the application of the provisions of the Act in so far as some districts arc concerned presents many difficulties, and the position will become increasingly worse, as time geres em unless uniform action on the part of settlers is undertaken throughout the whole erf these districts.

DAIRY DIVISION. REPORT OF THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR. The Director-General. Wellington, 28th May, 1920. I submit herewith the annual report of the Dairy Division for the year ended 31st March, 1920, and desire to acknowledge the help and co-operation of Mr. W. M. Singleton, Assistant Director, in connection with the supervision and control of the divisional work during the year. D. Ouddie, Director. The Season. Owing to the climatic conditions prevailing it cannot be said that the 1919-20 dairying season has been altogether a favourable one for the producers of the Dominion. The autumn was unusually dry, and feed for cattle became abnormally scarce: in the principal dairying districts, with the, result that the quantity of dairy-produce manufactured at that time did not reach the: ordinary level. When it came to the colder months of the year many of the, dairy herds suffered severely. The late spring, acceimpanied by a continual low atmospheric temperature, accentuated the shortage of feed, and consequently many of the cows were, in a low condition at the opening of the season, owing ter the' want erf proper nourishment. For this reason there was a heavy mortality amongst the cattle, more particularly in the North of Auckland district, and the financial loss entailed proved a serious item ter the settlers concerned. The: early summer months gave promise of a return to a normal state, of things, but this was not fully realized, and the, outlook in November and December was far from reassuring from the dairy farmers' point of view, owing to the absence of sufficient rainfall. The, milk-supply at factories generally showed a rapid decrease' in quantity, but fortunately the position was relieved during the month of January, when muchneeded rain fell, resulting in a great improvement in the pasture. Feed for stock soon became abundant, and was followed by a marked increase in the volume of milk and cream received at the factories. From then onwards a better season was assured, and although the- previous shrinkage' in the production has not been fully made up, the season has proved more profitable than was formerly expected.

H.—29

16

Production. Notwithstanding the partially adverse weather conditions referred to, the production of cheese, for the year has been in excess erf the quantity dealt with for the corresponding pevriod of the preceding year. As will be seem from the> quantity tables contained in this report, this increase amounted ter 71,795 e.wt., or 6-27 per cent, above the production for the 1918-19 season. On the other hand, there has been a falling-off in the production of butter to the extent of 61,805 cwt., which is equal to a reduction of 17-7 per cent, during the, same period. While the quantity of cheese, manufactured per annum has steadily increased for many years past, there has been a yearly drop in production of butter as from the' 1917-18 season, and this reduction has been greater during the season under review than in any other year. As mentioned in previous reports, the main reason for the decrease in quantity is due, to lower relative prices obtainable for butter as compared with the price, for cheese. In expectation erf producers being allowed to receive higher marke:t prices after the end of the present contract to sell to the, Imperial Government- which expires in July- a number of the dairy companies at present manufacturing cheese have been making preparations to manufacture butter. This action is deemed advisable owing to the: present high price few butter in Great Britain being far above normal. If these' prices continue and producers are allerwed to take advantage of them in accordance with pre-war arrangements for marketing, it will undoubtedly mean a large, increase in the production of butter in the, Dominion during next season. In view of the present world-shortage of butter and its importance as a food for the people, it is to be hoped that those engaged in this branch of dairying will be' givem every encouragement to produce: the: maximum quantity in the years to come. Exports of Butteb and Cheese, Although the production of butter was only moderately less than for the: previous year, the quantity exported for this year shows a big decrease as compared with last year's figure's. This is accounted for by the: fact that very little butter available, for export remained in sterre on 31st March, 191.9, whereas on the same date in 1918 large: stocks were awaiting shipment. In addition to this the quantity of butter in store at the end of the year under review totalled .186,715 boxes. Cheese, on the other hand, shows an increase both in production and exports, the total shipments being 351,907 cwt. in excess of last year's figures. This quantity, however, more than represents the actual increase in production, as the total in store awaiting shipment on 31st March, 1919, was considerably greater than that in store at the end erf the present year. The. following tables show the quantities and classes of dairy-produce exported from the various grading-ports. Where, not otherwise: specified the figures refer ter the ye:ar£endedj3lst March, 1920. The weight of a, package erf butter may be taken as 56 lb. net, and that of a package of cheese: as 160lb.net,

Creamery Butter to United Kingdom.

Whey Butter to United Kingdom.

Dairy Butter to United Kingdom.

Port. Total Packages. First Grade. Second Grade, j Third Grade. ' Auckland ,. lisborne <Tew Plymouth 327,031 4,720 42,356 570 14,371 58,530 33,845 9,229 305,138 4,720 42,249 390 12,814 57,394 32,554 8,838 21,591 302 'atea Vanganui Vellington jyttolton and Timaru .. )unedin 107 180 1,557 1,136 1,291 391 Totals .. 302 490,652 464,097 26,253

Port. Total Packages. First Grade. Second Grade. Third Grade. Auckland New Plymouth Patea Wanganui Wellington Lyttelton Dunedin 6,968 4,644 8,1.50 1,171 6,445 394 465 397 2,963 5,708 305 5,476 315 375 6,288 1,681 2,442 866 957 75 90 283 12 4 Totals .. 28,237 15,539 12,399 299

Port. Total Packages. First Grade. Second Grade. Third Grade. New Plymouth Wellington 58 46 17 41 46 Totals .. 104 17 41 46

17

H.—29

Milled Butter to United Kingdom.

Total Quantity of Butter exported.

Cheese to United Kingdom.

Cheese to Australia and South Sea Islands.

Tola 1 Quantity of Cheese exported Port. Packages. Cwt. Auckland .. .. .. .. 150,281 214,973 New Plymouth .. .. .. .. 206,483 294,976 Patea .. .. .. ■.. .. 243,626 348,037 Wanganui .. .. 16,726 23,894 Wellington .. .. .. .. 251,507 359,296 Lyttelton .. .. .. .. 27,747 39,638 Dunedin .. .. .. .. 37,873 54,104 Bluff ■..; 96,839 138,341 Totals .. .. .. 1,031,082 1,473,259

3—ii. 29.

Port. Total Packages. First Grade. Second Grade. Third Grade. Wellington Totals .. .. ! 1,173 942 1,173 942 942 231 231 231 231 Butter to South Sea Islands. Port. Total Packages. First Grade. Second Grade. Third Grade. Second Grade. Third Grade. i Auckland 3,735 3,713 22 22 Totals .. 3,735 3,713 22 3,735 3,713 22

Port. Creamery. Whey. Dairy. Dairy. Milled. Totals. Weight. Auckland (a isborne New Plymouth Packages. 330,766 4,720 42,356 570 14,371 58,530 33,845 9,229 Packages. Packages. 6,968 4,644 58 8,150 1,171 6,445 46 394 465 Packages. Packages. 337,734 4,720 47,058 8,720 15,542 66,194 34,239 9,694 Cwt. 168,867 2,360 23,529 4,360 7,771 33,097 17,119 4,847 Patea Wanganui Wellington Lyttelton and Timaru .. Dunedin 1,173 Totals 494,387 28,237 104 1,173 523,901 261,950

: I Port. i Total Packages. First Grade. Second Grade. Third Grade. I I Auckland Ne;w Plymouth Patea .Wanganui Wellington Lyttelton Dunedin Bluff 150,079 206,483 243,626 16,726 251,507 27,747 37,873 96,839 128,167 199,455 236,681 15.606 225,035 25,922 36,070 95,815 21,801 111 • 7,028 I ■ 6,929 16 1,120 26,329 143 1,825 1,803 1,024 21,801 7,028 6,929 1,120 26,329 1,825 1,803 1,024 111 16 143 Totals . . 1,030,880 962,751 67,859 270

Port. Te Total Packages. oti ;al i-l J ackages 9. First Grade. Firs •st jirade Second Grade. Third Grade. uckland '202 202 194 194 8 Totals .. 202 194 8

H.—29

18

Quantities of Butter exported for the Years ended March, 1919 and 1920.

Quantities of Cheese exported for the Years ended March, 1919 and 1920.

Quantities of Butter and Cheese forwarded to Grading-stores for Grading.

The Cheese Industry. As the result of the rapid extension in the manufacture: of Cheddar cheese which has taken place during recent years New Zealand now ranks as one: of the principal countties engaged, in the' export of this valuable, food-prerduct. In view of the, increasing demand on the' world's markets for other milk-products, including butter, condensed milk, and dried milk, it is impossible to say at this juncture to what extent a further rapid development in cheese-production will take place' in this country even in the immediate future 1 ,. All will depend upon the, relation of the prices obtainable: lor the; respective milk-products, and the net return to the farmers who favour this branoh erf elairying in preference to others which may be considered equally profitable. It may be mentioned, however, that during the period under review preparations have been continued for the future extension of the cheese industry in many districts where dairying is being commenced on land not formerly used for this purpose. Moreover, many of the dairy companies already in existence have also decided to enlarge, their cheese-factories in order to cope, with an increased supply of milk. Therefore the present outlook is by no means unfavourable towards the continued production of a large annual output of cheese, and so long as the quality of this proeluct can be, maintained at a comparatively high average standard remunerative prices may be expected. The total quantity of cheese dealt with at all grading-ports for the year amounted to 60,799 tons. This was manufactured in 384 factories, of which 260 are situated in the North Island. Of these factories 347 are carried on by co-operative dairy companies and the remainder are in proprietary ownership.

Port. 1919-20. 1918-19. Decrease, 1919-20. Increase, 1919-20. Packages. ! Net Total Decrease, 1919-20. Packages, i Packages. 647,847 15,363 112,536 11,420 22,050 121,934 34,453 19,603 Packages. 310,113 10,643 65,478 2,700 6,508 55,740 214 9,909 Auckland Gisborne New Plymouth .. Patea Packages. 337,734 4,720 47,058 8,720 15,542 66,194 34,239 9,694 Wanganui Wellington Lyttelton and Timaru Dunedin Totals .. 523,901 985,206 461,305 461,305

Port. 1919-20. 1919-20. 1918-19. j Decrease, 1919-20. i Increase, 1919-20. Not Total Increase, 1919-20-Auckland New Plymouth .. Patea Wanganui Wellington Lyttelton Dunedin Bluff .. Packages. 150,281 206,483 243,626 16,726 251,507 27,747 37,873 96,839 Packages. 118,386 114,745 142,008 12,813 180,071 16,915 30,067 64,170 i Packages. Packages. 31,895 91,738 101,618 3,913 71,436 10,832 7,806 32,669 Packages. Totals .. 1,031,082 679,175 679,175 351,907 351,907 i I

Year 1919-20. Year 1918-19. Port. Butter. Cheese. Butter. Cheese. Auckland (I is borne New Plymouth .. Patea Wanganui Wellington Lyttelton anel Timaru Dunedin Bluff Cwt, 210,611 8,325 38,278 5,898 9,825 48,576 17,942 8,976 Cwt. 211,321 222,798 280,940 17,840 284,906 31,236 51,120 115,824 Cwt. Cwt, 245,504 192,680 5,676 44,702 214,040 4,496 240,390 8,164 17,300 64,706 292,077 24,293 31,300 12,695 46,471 109,932 Totals .. 348,431 1,215,985 410,236 1,144,190 I

19

H.—29

Quality of Cheese. So far as the quality of the cheese manufactured for the season is concerned, it can be sail! that some improvement has taken place. This applies more particularly to the cheese, manufactured from the beginning of September to the end of December. During that time many of the factories produced a uniformly gererd-flavoured article, and a lesser number continued ter do so to the end of the period to which this report refers. The cheese from these factories was well made and practically free from blemish of any material kind, and must therefore give full satisfaction alike to merchants and consumers. As soon as the warmer weather set in, however, a considerable quantity of the cheese then manufactured was found to be faulty and irregular in flavour, the consignments from many of the: factories possessing a flavour that was decidedly objectionable and altogether foreign to oheese made from milk which had. been handled in a careful and cleanly manner on the farm. While the percentage of ill-flaverured cheese has not been large in proportion to the total quantity receive:d, it is essential in the interests of the industry as a whole that steps be taken to further reduce the, quantity by every practical means at the disposal of those who are, immediately concerned. As regards the, body and texture of cheese, for which the factory-managers have to accept the greater part of the responsibility, it, may be, said that little or no fault could be found in many of the consignments offered for export, the' cheese being close in body and possessing the right degree of firmness which is so characteristic in a we:ll-made cheese. On the other hand, numerous consignments came forward which were more or less defective in body and texture, For instance, looseness and openness in body, which is always looked upon as a serious fault in cheese, was altogether too common. Where this irregularity was general, and in an acute form or attended with other defects, it was necessary to classify the produce as second grade, which represented a loss of Jd. per pound to the producer, to say nothing of the harm resulting to the industry when such cheese is placed on the market. Although a remedy which will completely overcome this fault in cheese under all conditions is not yet available, it can be greatly minimized by close attention to the process of manufacture recommended by the Instructors of the Division. Over-acidity, which interferes with the appearance and also with the food value of the product, came under notice to a greater extent than usual during a part of the season, but was quickly corrected by the factory-managers after their attention had been drawn to it by the instructors or per medium erf the giading-certificates. Taking the year's work as a whole, and making clue allowance: for the referred ter above, the cheesemakers of the Dominion generally have carried out their duties in a careful and competent manner, and have given evidence of anxiety to manufacture a product which would be up to the standard desired. Cool Storage of Cheese. The New Zealand cheese-producers are now in the fortunate position of being able to forward their cheese direct from the factory to an approved cool store at every grading-centre in the Dominion, where it can be held in first-class condition up to the time of shipment and transhipment. The temperatures of these stores —with one exception —have been controlled in such a way during the: season as to ensure: the safe preservation of the produce and prevent anything in the nature- of excessive shrinkage in weight. The: lowe:r temperatures have also had the efie:ct of preventing the serious development of the mite, pest which occurred in former years, and which necessitated the, fumigation of the stores for the: destruction of the mites when cheese was held for a lengthy period awaiting shipment. At the end of the 1918-19 season there were no less than 474,754 crates of cheese in stock, and it was feared that sufficient cool-storage space would not be available for the output of the incoming season, but early shipments were made and continued with unexpected regu arity through the year. Consequently this fear was not realized to any material extent, for although there, has been a shortage of space in the cool stores at Auckland this did not occur until towards the end of the year, and the weather being then much cooler no damage to the produce is anticipated. The only weakness in the storage for cheese that now exists is in respect to the transhipments forwarded to Wellington from Patea and Wanganui, and occasionally from New Plymouth. Room cannot be found for these transhipments in the Wellington cool stores, as it is required for the cheese from the nearer provincial factories and those in the Nelson and Marlborough districts. As long delays frequently take place before transhipments of cheese can be loaded on the oceangoing steamers, the cheese which has previously been cooled at the district stores becomes overheated and more or less spoiled. Such treatment is grossly unfair to the buyers of the produce, and must also seriously affect the reputation of the dairy companies concerned. Therefore it is imperative that means be provided whereby all transhipments of cheese can be immediately cool-stored on arrival at Wellington. If that can be accomplished it will bring the storage of cheese in New Zealand up to date and in keeping with the importance of the industry. Pasteurization of Milk at Cheese-factories As a cheese-producing country New Zealand leads the way in respect to the application of the principle of pasteurization to this branch of the dairy industry. Its introduction has been the means of greatly improving not only the flavour of the finished product but alsojits keeping-quality. Factories from which cheese of indifferent flavour was being turned out yearjafter year are now producing an article which is usually sound in flavour and altogether superior to that formerly made: from unpasteurized milk. The demand for regenerative pasteurizing-machines—which is invar ably the type used —has been greater than the supply. As additional plants are imported or manufactured locally they are eagerly purchased by dairy companies which have decided to adopt this system of treating the milk for the manufacture of cheese. The number of factories at which these machines have already been provided is 155, and the total quantity of cheese manufactured from pasteurized milk amounted to 32,200 tons, equivalent to 53 per cent, of the year's production.

H.—29

20

Til 10 BIJTTI'II4 Industry. Creamery Butter. Apart from the reduction in the total quantity of cieamery butter produced for the year, this branch of dairying has been carried on even more successfully than during the preceding season. In the Auckland Provincial District, where the greater portion of the output is manufactured, there has been a noticeable improvement in the quality of the finished product reaching the central stores for giading and shipment. The. progiess in this respect can be correctly attiibuted to the comparatively cool weather during the beginning and middle of the season. Another reason for this improvement is the extsnsion of the system of cream-grading, and more especially the payment of a differential price for the cream according to grade. Furthermerre, the recent amalgamation of the larger dairy companies operating in the Waikato has also had its effect in a similar direction. The: disastrous element of competition for the supply of cream which formerly existed in this locality has been almost eliminated. The result thus achieved may be taken as an encouragement towards a wider adoption of the cream-grading system, and also towards a better understanding as between the dairy companies regarding the competition for the raw material. The quality of butter made in Taranaki, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago has been well up to that of the average of these Provinces in former years, and numerous consignments came forward for which the makers well deserved credit. The flavour of that from the leading factories was excellent, and all possessed that degree of uniformity which is much desired in the product in order to maintain the country's reputation for butter of the best quality. Although the foregoing is true, it has to be admitted that the butter from quite a number of the factories was not up to such a high standard. The faults were mainly in flavour, and showed unmistakable, signs of previous deterioration in the cream from which it was made. It is undoubtedly one of the weak points in the system of selling that butter which merely reaches first grade, or little more, can be disposed of for a price, equal to that from the factories which receive the highest pointing. Providing even a small premium were, paid for the latter it would be the means of stimulating greater interest in the production of the best quality. Fortunately the, quantity of second-grade butter made in New Zealand is small and only amounted to 5-6 per cent, for the period covered in this report. The body, texture, and colour of the butter made during the year calls for no special comment-, as this feature of the work is as a general rule carried out by the factorymen in a manner which is highly commendable. Whey Butter. Although the manufacture of whey butter at cheese-factories can ernly be considered a side-line, by means of which it is now possible to save the butterfat which formerly came under the heading of an unavoidable loss, where the necessary care is exercised it is a side-line: which is netting a good return for the capital invested in the plant and machinery specially required for this purpose. The quantity of whey butter received at the grading-stores for the year amounted to f8,739 cwt., valued at £149,292, taken at the, price paid for this product under the contract for sale, to the: Imperial Government. With this additional amount of revenue at their disposal there, can be no question of the wisdom erf dairy companies in devoting their attention to this particular branch of the industry _ The year has marked a considerable change in the manufacture of whey butter on the; part of a, number of the cheese-factories, from which a. product of fine quality has been turned out, and it has been in contrast to the inferior article: formerly made. The results obtained at these factories are an object-lesson in what can be, accomplished when the details of the process as recommended are put into daily practice. It is no exaggeration to say that the best whey butter produced has been superior to some of the creamery butter made under the home-separation system. On the other hand, the' quality of the whey butter consigned to the grading-stores by other companies had nothing to commend it, some consignments being ill-flavoured and most objectionable as a product intended for human cernsumption. The cause of such inferiority is entirely due: to lack of care, and of interest em the part of the makers, who apparently have: no desire' to do better work for their employers. As a general rule, the appliances in which the whey is handled prior to separation have been found in fairly good order and showed an improvement during the year, but the Instructors in the ordinary course of their duties have had to insist on the: separation of the whey being discontinued at factories where the plant and utensils have been allowed to become, unclean or insanitary. For instance, the use of ordinary galvanized piping for the conveyance of whey to the separators, and which cannot be maintained in a thoroughly clean condition, can no longer be permitted, as it is a fruitful source of cerntaminating the product. Given the right class of plant and fittings, together with a reasonable amount of skill and attention, no factory need manufacture whey butter of inferior quality. Moisture in Butter. In order to prevent the export and sale of butter whicli conta'ns more water than, the, legal standard of 16 per cent., it is found necessary to take a large number of samples at the time of grading, and to subsequently test these samples for water-content. The, number of such samples dealt with during the year amounted to 15,047, showing an average of 15-007 per cent, of water, as compared with an average- of 15-09 per cent, for the 1918-19 season. - Acting under the statutory power conferred by the: Dairy Industry Amendment Act, 1915, the butter which was found to contain an excess of water was reconditioned and the, percentage reduced to conform with legal requirements, the expense, incurred in this respect being made a charge against the owners of the produce, who were compelled to dispose -of it in the manner prescribed. Only in the case of a fractional excess was the butter allowed to be: returned to the, manufacturer Generally speaking, the: law regulating the quantity of water permissible in butter has been we'll observed ; but where offences of this nature are repeated it would seem necessary to prosecute the owner, and where a conviction is obtained to ask the Court ter inflict a substantial penalty.

21

•&.— 29

Grading of Butter and Ciieesu. It is now over twenty-five years since the compulsory graeling erf butter and cheese was commenced in New Zealand, which was the first country to introduce the; system, and it has been continued without interruption to date. The grading from year to year is now more or less of a routine nature', and calls for little comment in this report. It is sufficient to say that the past year's work has been conducted on a similar basis to that in vogue: in former years. Consignments of butter and cheese reaching the cool stores have in all cases been promptly hanelled, graded, and stamped with the corresponding official mark in readiness for export at the first opportunity. The grading-stores have, been frequently visited during the: season by dairy-factory managers, who have be:en given the opportunity of examining the, produce: from their own and other factories then being graded. Several grading conferences were held in the North Island during the, year, and with two exceptions were well attended by members of the New Zealand Dairy Factory Managers' Asserciation. At these conferences a large, quantity of cheese and butter in store was carefully examined by the members of. the association and officers of the Division. Some valuable, discussions on the quality and packing of the produce took place, which was evidently appreciated by those in attendance.

Table showing the Grading-points scored by the Butter and Cheese graded throughout New Zealand for the Year ended 31st March, 1920.

Cream-grading. Up to the present time the: grading of cream and the payment for same according to grade: has not extended beyond the, butter-factories located in the Province of Auckland, but as this is the principal butter-producing district in the Dominion it is encouraging to find that the value of the system is being realized more and more as it becomes better understood by farmers and faetorymen. Where the grading of cream has been adopted, and payment arranged on a scale which provides for a reduction in the' price for cream below the standard of first grade: and a premium for that which is superfine, (scoring 92 points and over), there has been a noticeable' improvement in the supply, with a corresponding improvement in the' quality of the. butter made: therefrom. It has now beem clearly demonstrated that the grading of cream is a practical means erf uplifting the quality and value of this product. What is now required is an application of the same method of grading in other districts where, cream is at present being acoepted at the factories at a uniform price irrespective of its condition and comparative value at the time of delivery.

Grading-points. Butter. Chei ise. I Number of Boxes. Percentage of Total. I Number of Crates. 1 Percentage of Total 75 77 78 781 79 804 81 81J 82 82* 83 834 84 844 85 854 86" 86 i 88 88 i 88 894 90 904 91" 914 92" 921 93 93 i 94' 944. 95 951 96 96£ 39 44 7 56 "I 62 108 95 565 78 554 1,384 2,466 3,039 5,38.1 6,766 9,770 5,374 5.187 17.069 30,717 30.734 43.031 61,600 74,427 77,754 84,135 59,808 40.946 30,747 27,258 12,623 10,579 4,683 554 162 0-0060 0-0067 0-0001 0-0086 0-011 1 0-0095 0-0166 0-001 I 0-0872 0-0012 0-0855 0-2136 0-3806 0-4690 0-8305 1-0443 1-5081 0-8294 0-8006 2-634.6 4 -74 1 I 4-7438 6-6418 9-5079 I I -4887 12-0013 12-9862 9-2313 6-3200 4-7458 4-2072 J -9483 1 -6328 0-7228 0-0855 0-0250 US s 132 103 573 149 268 721 2,279 4,210 8,219 11.541 21,606 11.477 31.860 3.259 77,172 97,915 125,975 110,643 98,916 77,722 67,380 32.493 20,398 9,618 2,631 212 0 0 |.'):i (1.0(109 0-0155 0-0121 0-0673 0-0175 0-0315 0-0847 0-2679 0-4949 0-9662 1 -3568 2-5400 I -3492 3-7456 4.2627 9-0726 11-5113 14-8101 13-0076 11 -6289 9-1373 7-9211 3-8200 2-3980 1-1307 0-3092 0-0249

H.—29.

22

Those who are supporting the grading of cream recognize the importance of arriving at some: uniformity in connection with the standard se:t for each grade: or class by the various factories, and with this end in view several cream-grading conferences have been held during the year, which were attended by factory-managers and Instructors of the Division. At these conferences a considerable; (|uantity of cream was examined and a decision arrived at as to the grade in which each consignment should be classified, It has been found that where cream-grading and instruction on the farm in the- treatment and care of the product go hand-in-hand progress towards the desired end can be more rapidly accomplished. Milk-powder. The question of establishing an additional number of factories for the drying of milk has received .much attention from co-operative dairy companies during the; year, the subject having been, discussed in practically every dairying district in the Dominion. Shortly after the end erf last season a number of the dairy companies operating in the Taranaki and. Wellington Provinces jointly arranged for delegates to proceed to the United States of America, Canada, Great Britain, and Holland, with a view of collecting the: latest information as to the payable nature of this and other branches of dairying, the methods of conducting the business, the class of machinery used, and the prospects for future development of the trade in milk-powder. Although the report furnished by the, delegates shortly after their return to New Zealand has not been published, it is understood to be of a favourable: nature, and more or less in accordance with the report of Mr. W. Dempster, Dairy Instructor, who visited the above-mentioned countries at the same time on behalf erf the Government. The report of this officer on the investigations made by him in this connection appeared in the February number of the Journal of Agriculture, and contains information which, should be helpful to dairy companies in any action it is proposed to take regarding the manufacture of milk-powder. The success which has attended the drying of skim-milk, more particularly in America, lends encouragement to the co-operative interests in New Zealand, and if prices for this class of powder are maintained further developments in this branch of dairying may be looked for in the near future. In addition to the four large milk-powder factories which have been in existence for a number of years, and which are controlled by private enterprise, one co-operative company has already erected a modern factory of this nature at Waharoa, in the: Waikato, and is expected to commence operations at an early date, while seve;ral others are now under way. The co-operative companies concerned in this new movement intend to confine their operations almost wholly to the drying of skim-milk, the cream from which, will be made into butter. Some attention is also being given to the drying of buttermilk at a number of the larger butter-factories, and it is believed that plants for this purpose will be provided as soon as they are procurable. The venture in co-operative milk-powder factories is being carefully watched by others who are in a position to take advantage of similar facilities providing such a step be warranted. Casein. One of the aims of all dairy companies should be, to make the maximum profit by an economical use of all the' by-products from their factories, whether it be by a process erf manufacture into a marketable article or by otherwise disposing of them to the best advantage. The by-products front a butter-factory where whole milk is received are, strictly speaking, skim-milk and buttermilk, In the case of the " home separation " factories, of course only the buttermilk is available. But when the casein is extracted from the: skim-milk and buttermilk there remains the, additional by-product of casein whey in considerable: volume', which is either returned to the farmer as a pig-food or is allowed to go to waste. Under present-day conditions it is a moot point as to whether the: extraction of the casein or the complete recovery of all the solids in the skim-milk and buttermilk by a process of drying to a powder will prove the most profitable. Peuiding a closer acquaintance with the methods and cerst of drying these products ter a milk-powder, a number of dairy companies are, devoting their attention to the extraction of casein from one; or other or both of these liquids. The number of companies following this course has recently increased, the casein being prepared in curd form at precipitating-stations and from there forwarded to a central factory, where the process is finally completed and the casein made ready for marketing. It is estimated that the, total output of casein for the year has been 1,000 tons, the greater bulk of which has been of the lactic variety. Owing, however, to a keener demand arising for rennet casein at higher values, its manufacture was commenced at a number of the precipitating-stations about the middle of the season. But while some success was attained the quality generally was not altogether satisfactory. It was found that the factories had to be specially fitted up for this branch of the work, and that a mechanical stirring-apparatus was indispensable in making this class of casein. Subsequently some really good rennet casein was prepared, and it is now evident that the difficulty at first experienced has been overcome. An unusual defect in the casein at the curd stage when extracting on the " lactic " system was met with principally in the Waikato district. This defect made its appearance in the form of the curd turning a distinct pink colour. Although the actual cause was not traced and duly identified, it was overcome by changing ter what is known as the sulphuric-acid system, which produced a good casein of equal value to that of the lactic method. The quality of a considerable portion of the casein graded during the year was lacking in uniformity, more particularly that from the: Taranaki and Wellington Districts. This has been putdown to the want of experience amongst some of those who aie in charge of the precipitation-stations, and also to the, length erf time which frequently edapses before the green curd reaches the diying-factory. Casein-manufacture, like any other branch of dairying, must be conducted by those who have, received a good training and have also had the necessary experience before: the best results can be expected. The Instructor in the' preparation of casein has had his hands full in attending to the, many phases of the; industry, including the' grading of the product, and he has done exceedingly well in carrying out the respective duties in connection therewith.

23

H.—29

Instruction tn Factory-dairying and Development. The benefits derived from the strong element erf co-operation, which exists between the directors of dairy companies, their managers, and the Instructors of the Division are far-reaching, and this united effort enables these, latter officers to render the maximum amount of help in carrying on the industry to the advantage of all who are connected therewith. During the year the Instructors engaged in this class of work have been successful in helping factory-owners to a very great extent, and their e'fferrts in this direction have been appreciated. Outside of the disposal and marketing of the' finished products the help thus afforded embraces practically every section of the work which comes under the heading of dairy-factory interest and control. Beginning with the formation of the dairy company, the Instructor's advice is usually followed at each stage of the procedure, and includes the> selection of site', size and nature of the, building's, and equipment of machinery and accessories. An equally important feature of the work at all times under supervision is the maintenance of factory buildings and surroundings in a sanitary state. Where alterations or extensions to factories are contemplated, and additional machinery is required to cope with an increase in production, such work is now rarely undertaken without consultation with the; Instructor for the district, whose advice is almost invariably accepted. Co-operation of this kind makes it possible to keep the factories up fir a more, uniform' standard of efficiency, and greatly aids in the manufacture of products which are similar in quality and general appearance. Furthermore', the actual process of making cheese, and butter comes in for a large share of the Instructors' attention, and where the methods followed are not in keeping with an approved principle the former are corrected as far as possible and suggestions made for carrying on the work to better advantage. Instruction to Returned Soldiers. An officer of the Division has frequently attended classes at the Trentham Military Hospital for the purpose of giving lectures and demonstrations in the testing of milk and cream by the Babcoe-k method. At these, lectures the subject of herd-testing was also discussed. The Instructors of the Division have, also visited a number of the returned soldiers who were about to commence dairyfarming. Plans for milking-sheds were supplied ter them, and advice' given as to the construction of the buildings, &c. At two of the, soldier settlements in the Wairarapa district, where it was decided tei form co-operative: companies and provide buildings and machinery to manufacture cheese, one, of the.Tnstructors was deputed to go fully into the matter with the' parties concerned, when it was agreed that the Instructor should make all arrangements for the preparation of plans for the buildings', attend to lists of machinery, and generally supervise the work up to the time both factories are ready to commence operations. The necessary capital required has been provided by the Repatriation Department. Condition op Milk and Cream supplied to Dairy Factories. It has again been forcibly demonstrated during the year that many herds of cows are being milked under conditions which should not be allowed to continue. Numerous instances could be quoted where the Instructors in the course of their duties have found milking-sheds, yards, milk-stands, milkingmachines, and dairy utensils in a most insanitary state, due, to either neglect or lack of knowledge on the part of the, owner or employees. That many of the dairy premises as well as the apparatus and utensils used therein are kept in a clean and satisfactory condition goes without saying. At the same time a really large proportion are in need of immediate improvement in this respect. The most serious phase of the question, however, is in relation to milking-machines, which are frequently allowed to become so foul through want of a thorough daily cleaning that the milk passing through them is contaminated tei such an extent as to render it wholly unfit for the manufacture of any food-product. It is to be regretted that no provision has been made on many of the farms for a supply of boiling water and the, necessary set of tube-brushes, which are indispensable for the proper cleaning of these machines. Every dairy-farmer should be compelled not only to provide such facilities, but also to use them in his own interest as well as that of the, consuming public. It would seem advisable to consider the, question of issuing a license to all users of milking-machines, which could be cancelled if the appliances were not maintained in good order. If the registration of dairies be essential to attain a desired standard in the case of milk required for city supply, it is surely as important to in some, way protect the purity of milk which is used for the, manufacture of butter and cheese or any other milk product. A measure, of protection against this evil is already provided for in the districts where Instructors have been appointed by special arrangement with the dairy companies, as these officers are continually visiting the farms belonging to the suppliers of the companies with which they are associated, for the purpose of advising the owners thereof and, where necessary, insisting upon an improvement in the methods employed in handling the milk and cream, including the cleaning of the, appliances referred to. Twelve Instructors are now engaged in this special work, and at least two others will be appointed in. the immediate future by arrangement with two of the dairy companies operating in districts covering a wide area from which cream-supplies are drawn. In addition to this effort, which has been attended with much success as far as it has gone, the Instructors in cheese and butter making, who are regularly visiting- the factories, have, devoted as much time as possible to instruction on the farms from which inferior milk or cream is being received. The number of farms where instruction is urgently needed is so large, however, that all cannot be attended to with the, limited help available from this source. It is therefore quite, evident that the early appointment of additional Instructors who can be deputed to specially confine their duties to this work alone is highly desirable for the welfare of the; industry as a whole. Milk and Cream Testing. Following the: practice, of feyrmer years, the Divisional Instructors have: given attention to the testing of milk and cream samples at the, factories when requested to do so by the directors or manager of a diary company. These requests have generally been made as the result of some, dissatisfaction having arisen with the factory tests amongst the suppliers. As a rue, such action on the part of the:

H.—29

24

officers confirmed the correctness of testing as carried out by the factory employees, but in some instances it was found necessary to recommenel an alteration in the method which had been previously followed. The arrangement entered into between one of the largest co-operative, dairy companies in the Dominion, whereby the, whole of the milk-samples are regularly tested for butterfat by an officer of the Division, has proved satisfactory berth to the directors and milk-suppliers of the company, and the fairness and accuracy of the work has not been questioned by either party. The central testing-room at Wellington, to which samples of milk and cream can be, forwarded from any part of the Dominion for attention, has been utilized to a considerable extent during the year. In all cases where the samples are taken in the presence of the milk or cream supplier and a representative of the factory the tests are completed as a check against the factory result, and in this way many misunderstandings are cleared up with evident acceptableness to the farmers concerned. It would seem advisable that the Department should again provide, for the official testing of all calibrated glassware used at factories in making the Baboock test, and that such glassware be specially marked when found correct, as was done during certain periods in the past. At the present time, the greater portion of this glassware is checked for accuracy by a private firm, and while there is no reason for believing that this is improperly attended to it weruld certainly be: preferable to have, it carried out under official control. The Department should go further and make provision whereby no dairy company or diary-factory proprietor sheruld be allowed to use: glassware which has not been correctly calibrated and duly certified on each part thereof. It should also be made an offence against a law or regulation for any one to knowingly underread the percentage of fat as shown in the milk- or creamtest bottle. Testing op Dairy Herds for Butterpat-production. The testing of daily herds under the, association system has shown a greater extension during the last twelve months than in any equal period since its commencement. In the first place this extension can be attributed to the keener interest taken by dairy farmers in the need for herd-improvement, with its consequent increase in production and higher monetary returns from the individual cerws of which their herds are composed. It can also be stated that the continuous adveroacy of the, Division by means of lectures, distribution of pamphlets, and articles written and published per medium erf the Department's Journal, together with personal interviews with farmers by the responsible officers in support of this all-important work, has done: much to further the progress which can be recorded for the year, The method erf utilizing as far as possible the services of those officers who have been specially appointed in connection with the certificate -of -reoo-rd testing of purebred dairy-stock has proved successful in coping with extra duties entailed in the testing of ordinary dairy herds. The number of associations in active work under the control of the Division for the season has been twenty-seven, representing 422 herds comprising a total of 10,460 cows, the records of which have been regularly prepared in accordance with the milking-period, which, of course, has varied in 'ength in the case of some: herds and ndividual members thereof. This shows an increase of 219 per cent, in the number of herds and 202 per cent, in the number of cows tested as against the figures tabulated for the previous year. Over and above the, number of cows dealt with by the Division on behalf of their erwners, it is estimated that 14,740 cows have' been tested for the- whole' err part of the seasern by private arrangement. The year's work as regards the: organization of asserciations, the, monthly testing erf milk-samples, and the compil'ng of individual returns on behalf of herd-owners has taken up much time> and occasionally overleraded the available staff, but the results erbtained have fully warranted the' efferrt made to create a wider interest n herd-testing. The advancement made and the results achieved, as indicated by the greater production on farms where herd-testing has been intelligently practised for a number of years, in building up a herd of high-producing cerws by careful selection and approved breeding, is stimulating groups of farmers to commence the same' practice in either districts. On this account the: formation erf an additiemal number of associations is already assured for the, coming seasern, provided the requisites can be secured. CeRTIFICATH-OF-RECORII TESTING OF PUEEBEETJ DAIRY COWS. The certifieatc-of-record testing of cerws registered by different breeders' associations, which is under the' independent control anel direction of the Diary Division, constitutes a work of the, first importance by reason of its far-reaching effect not only on the owners of the cows under test, but other breeders, and also em all dairy-farmers wher desire ter improve: their errdinary crossbred herds by introeiucing purebred strains from foundation stock the productive capacity erf which has been duly authenticated. This branch of the. Division's work was commenced a little over seven yeais ago, and has shown steady advance and the, greatest increase during the past year, with e:very prospect of further extension in the immediate future. A full account of the' results being obtained in respect to certificate-of-record testing, together with valuable, articles on the, subject covering the year's operations, have appeared in the Journal of Agriculture, from the pen of Mr. W. M, Singleton, who is in charge of this branch of the work. The various breeders' associations, anel also many of their members who have, taken advantage of the' facilities provided for by the certificate-of-record testing-system, have shown the fullest satisfaction with the' methods employed. It is therefore quite evident that this work has the' confidence, as well as the' appreciation, of those who are directly concerned. Staff. It is desired to mention that the Instructors, Dairy-produce Graders, and Milk-testers erf the' Division have: carried out their varierus duties in a competent manner during the year. One: and all have' undoubtedly rendered valuable assistance to the industry in their respective spheres, with evideuit satisfaction to the; producers as well as ter the' Department. The clerical staff have also performed their duties with care and exactness, thereby materially contributing to the general success erf the work undertaken by this branch of the Public Service.

25

H.—29

I fORTICULTURE DIVISION. REPORT OF THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR. The> Director-General. Wellington, 18th June, 1920. I have pleasure in submitting herewith the annual report, of this Division for the year ended 31 st- March, 1920. T. W. Kirk, Director, Introduction. The following are the principal activities dealt with by the Horticulture Division:— (1.) Instruction in fruit and vegetable production; inspection erf ore-hards, vineyards. gardens, and nurseries, anil affording information as lo the' most up-to-date methods of controlling diseases and insect pests ; alser giving advice as to suitable varieties of fruit, vegetable's, &c, to plant. (2.) Administering fruit-export regulations, and the regulations relating to the sale, for consumption within the: Dominion, of New-Zealand-grown fruit. (3.) Demonstrations and instruction in the grading and packing of fruit, and in pruning and spraying. (4.) Testing new brands of spraying-oompounds lor the purpose of ascertaining their efficacy under local conditions. (.5.) Affording advice on the preserving of fruit and vegetables both for commercial and domestic purposes ; cool storage' ; advances under the Fruit-preserving Industry Act. (6.) Advice regarding ore-hard shelter, hedges in general, &c. (7.) Control of the Horticultural Stations at Te Kauwhata, Tauranga, and Arataki. (8.) Registration erf all orchards and nurseries in the Dominion. (9.) Orchard-tax : Issuing of tax-demand notices, &c. (10.) Inspection of all imported fruit, plants, vegetables, bulbs, &c, at the ports of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Bluff; also inspection anel grading of all locally grerwn fruit, plants, vegetables, &c, intended for e>xport. (II.) Viticulture and winemaking : Giving advice on the growing erf grapes, both outdoor and. under glass, the control of pests and disease's, anel em the making of wines. (12.) Affording information on beekeeping generally and the production of honey for market. (13.) Inspection of apiaries and instruction in up-to-date methods erf controlling disease. (14.) Grading of honey hn- export ; registration of honey-export bra-nils. (15.) Registration of apiaries, The Fruitgrowing Industry. The season's fruit- crop has been a very satisfactory erne. Apples and pews have yielded heavy crops, whilst- the return of stone-fruits was above' the average in most localities. Satisfactory prices are being realized by growers, ospee-iallv those who take e:are to forward nothing but clean, wellgraded fruit. Brown-rot disease; in stone-fruit- has been less prevalent, although in some localities apples and pears were attacked to a slight extent. Black-spot infection was again fairly conspicuous, especially in the Nelson and Motueka districts. Other diseases and pests have' Ire'e'ii more easily kept under contrerl. The' Orchard Instructors report that considerable' improvement is noticeable in the: management and care of orchards generally. A. pleasing feature, is the large number of returned soldiers who have taken up fruit-growing under the: repatriation scheme. With one or two exceptions they are, promising to become a valuable' acquisition to the various districts in which they are settled. Assistance is given them as far as possible by the Instructors, both by practical demonstrations and written advice. The demand for information em fruitgrowing matters has increased ter a considerable extent, and involves a large amount erf correspondence as well, as special visits. The, Assistant Director, Mr. J. A. Campbell, who spent the major portion of the year investigating the' horticultural industries of the United States of America and Canada, returned to the Dominion in December last. During his visit Mr. Campbell secured a large' amount of valuable inferrmation, particularly in connection with the grading anel packing of fruit, co-operation, and marketing. This in format ion is being passed on to the. New Zealand fruitgrower, and shoulel in the near future' have' a beneficial effect on the fruitgrowing industry of this country. The area planted during the. year in new orchards was 494 acre's, which is a slight decrease on that planted the previous year. The following figures show the area in acres planted during the 1919 planting season: Whangarei, 15; North Aue:kland, 55; South Auckland, 22; Poverty Bay, 14; Waikato and Bay of Plenty, 5 ; Hawke's Bay, 108; Taranaki, 21 ; Manawatu and Wairarapa, 11 ; Nelson anel Motueka, 80 ; North Canterbury, 120 ; South Canterbury, 13 ; Otago, 30 : total, 494 acres. Outbreak of Fire-blight.- Towards the end of the year an outbreak erf fire-blight disease in fruittrees occurred in the Aucklanel District. Steps were immediately taken to prevent any further Spread of the trouble. A thorough inspection of all on-hards anel nurseries in the affected district was commenced, and all suspicious infections destroyed by burning. The work is proceeding satisfactorily, and it is anticipated the disease' will be successfully checked, Quarantine regulations will be gazetted at an early date.

4—H. 29.

H.—29

26

Export of Fruit. —A commencement has again been made in the export- trade, in fruit, which had ceased in 1916 owing to lack of shipping facilities brought about by the war. Considerable difficulty was experienced in obtaining shipping-space, but arrangements were made for the shipment of some 15,000 cases to London by the s.s. " Athenic," sailing early in April, a-nii further consignments by two later boats. Every care is being taken at this end to ensure the fruit arriving at destination in gooel condition, and it is hoped the results will be entirely satisfactory. The shipments are being made' under the Government guarantee of Id. per pound to shippers. The new export regulations recently gazetted should greatly assist in the proper grading, [racking, &c, of fruit for export, and thus place the industry on a sound footing. The following figures show the number of cases exported in each export season from 1908 to 1916 : 1908, 1,236 : 1909, 191 ; 1910, 5,647 ; 1911. 6,031 ; 1912, 14,869 ; 1913,33,000; 1914,67,964; 1915,62,164; 1916,19,246. Apple Grading and Packing Classes- -These classes have, been continued during the, year in the main commercial centres, and were, well attended. Six persons sat for the Department's certificate, and of these one gained a second-class certificate of competency ter paok fruit. The numbers of certificates issued to date; are — Six first-class certificate's in fruit-grading, seventeen first-class certificates in fruit-packing, and two second-class certificates in fruit-packing. Demonstrations by Orchard Instructors. —The usual practice of giving demonstrations in up-to-date metherels in pruning and spraying during the, winter months has been continued during the year by the Orchard Instructors in their respective districts. Keen interest is manifested in these demonstrations by growers and others, many coming long distance's in order to be present. There is little doubt of their desire for knowledge in all matters pertaining to the improvement of methods of production. Co-operative Fruit-testing Areas. —A number of these plots have- now reverted bae;k to the- owners. the term for which they were taken having expired. Valuable results were 1 obtained from the bulk of the areas, and some of these have been published in the Department's Journal. Some forty-two plerts remain in operation in different parts of the; country, the, agreement in connection with these being still in force. Spraying Experiments. —The carrying-out of experiments for the control erf orchard diseases and the testing of various spraying-compounds has been continued during the ye;ar. It is of the, utmost importance: to growers that reliable brands of sprays be used, and it, is in their interests that these tests are conducted by the Division. The work is carried out at, the horticultural stations, and in private' errchards in co-operation with the fruitgrowers' association. Tests for the control erf the' following diseases were, made : Brown-rot, black-spot, red mite, brown beetle, silver-blight, appleleaf hopper, pear-leaf-rolling midge, and verrucosis of lemon. Manurial experiments wire also conducted on fruit-trees. Particulars of the results obtained are published in the Journal in due: course. Fruit Cool Storage. — Comprehensive experiments in the picking, handling, and packing of fruit for cool storage were, undertaken last season. This was done with the view erf assisting growers and to help the, cool-storage companies to improve their present working-practices, and at the same time' to ascertain the storage qualities of the different varieties of apples and pears. Full details appeared in the January, 1920, number of the Journal. Arrangements have been made for the continuation of the experiments next season. Fruit-preserving Industry Act. —The. assistance given under this Act for the erection of cool stores and packing-sheds has been of great value to the fruit industry. The, total advances made ter date' represent some £84,500. It is estimated that the, quantity of fruit placed in cool store; this reason will greatly exceed that of former years. Orchard Registration and Orchard Tax. — Some 7,563 commercial orcharels were' registered during the year, and £1,894 oolleoted in orchard-tax. The moneys received are, paid over to the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation (Limited), less cost of collection, and are utilized in furthering the interests of the, fruitgrowing industry in the Dominion. Registration of Nurseries. This work is progressing satisfactorily, and reports received from the' Instructors indicate that nurserymen generally are, eager to comply with the regulations. 454 nurseries were' registered, being an increase of forty as compared with last year. The fees collected totalled £458 ss. Horticultural Stations. Te Kauwhata (Lower Waikato). A successful season has been experienced at this station. The fruit crops were heavier, and the weather conditions enabled fungoid disease ter be more easily kept in check. On the fruit-farms the: trees have made splendid growth, and the same applies to the trees in the old nursery and the home orchard. The grape crop was an excellent one, the weather being very favourable during both the setting and ripening periods. The lucerne, area has done well considering the, dry season. One cutting was made in December and another in February. The autumn-sown plot is well ahead of that sown in the spring, the former at the end of March being 9 in. high. 350 tons of wattle-bark have been stripped in good order and some 60 tons disposed erf in the bundle. The plot sown in clover to ascertain the value, of such covering in checking the sperres of black spot, as against cultivated land, has been further tested, but with no apparen' result. A good demand continues for the wine made at the station, particularly for Frontignao (sweet red). The: following are particulars of wines sold during the year : Frontignae-, 6,788 gallons, value £4,018 16s. ; Madeira, 969 gallons, value £581 Bs. ; claret, 688 gallons, value £354 ; hock, 557 gallons, value £293 ; unfermented, 22 gallons, value £13 4s. : total, 9,024 gallems, value £5,260 Bs. Arataki (Hawke's Bay). The weather throughout the year was exceptionally dry, the rainfall being considerably below the average. Such conditions are against growth, particularly on this station, where the soil is shallow and overlies shingle. Heavy frosts during April caused a fair amount of injury to the immature wood of both grape-vines and fruit-trees, whilst late frosts during Novem-ber injured the

H.—29

27

grape crop and seriously damaged the potato crop. Apricots were a total failure, but all the other varieties of fruits bore good crops. Owing to injury by frosts the grape crop was a light one. The whole of the orchard was divided up into blocks for various spraying experiments, and a pert-ion erf a neighbouring orchard was taken over for the same' purpose. Very comprehensive tests were carried out for the control of brown-rot and red mite. In the vegetable-garden a, few trials were carried out, but on ae:count erf the: dry we>ather the results were not satisfactory. Tests with different varieties of tomatoes were carried out, and the results were fairly satisfactory. Seveiel demonstrations in ore-hard cultivation, spraying, &c, were carried out during the year, and two lie'ld days held under the: auspices of the Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association. There was a good attendance of fruitgrerwers e>n each occasion. The unfavourable weather was rather against se:edgerminatiern in the herb-garden. Nevertheless some varieties have made, satisfactory progress, Tauranga (Bay of Plenty). Good progress has been made with the; various operations at this station. Great interest- is being taken in the citrus-testing area. This is evidenced by the number of people' from other districts who have visited the station seeking information. The trees are making good growth and commencing to carry fair crops of fruit. Tests are also being made: in the growing of pomegranates, guavas, and the avocado or alligator pear. The latter promises to succeed well in the district, the trees making good progress notwithstanding a very cold winter. Trials with different varieties of maize, kumeras, and tomatoes were made, during the year. Spraying tests for the control of orchard pests and diseases were continued. I'apanui Experimental Orchard, Ohristchukch. Experimental work, which is a leading feature at this orchard, has been pushed on during the' year. The' results of the various spraying tests, &c, are: publisher! from time ter time. Fruitgrowers in the' district are' showing great interest in the various operations, and the demonstrations given periodically are largely atterrded. AvoNHEAu Training-farm. A farm under the repatriation scheme, in conjunction with this Department, has been established at Avonhead for training returned soldiers. The portion of the farm coming within the scope of this Division up to the present is about 9 acres, erf which approximately 4 acres have been planted in fruit-trees. Shelter-belts have been set out, and a nursery planted, with currants, gooseberries, strawberries, &c, preparatory to planting out. The cultivation of vegetables is also being attended to. School of Horticulture. In my last report I drew attention to the urgent need of establishing a Dominion school of horticulture. The, question has again been brought up by fruitgrowers' associations and others, and it is hoped something will be done in connection with this important matter at an early date. Hops. According to figures supplied by the Customs Department 1,946 cwt. of hops, valued at £14,903, were exported during the, year. The following figures show the quantity and value of hops exported from the Dominion during the last five years ending 31st March : 1916, 4,425 cwt,, £17,742 ; 1917, 4,449 cwt., £17,708; 1918, 2,134 cwt., £9,541 ; 1919, 2,294 cwt., £12,830; 1920, 1,946 cwt, £14,903. Imported Fruit. The following figures show the quantity of fresh fruit and fruit products imported into New Zealand during the year, the previous year's figures being also quoted for comparison :

Inspection of Imported Fruit, Plants, and Vegetables. The: examination of all fruit, plants, vegetables, &c, imported into the Dominion during the year lias been carefully carried out at the ports of entry—Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Bluff. The Fruit Inspectors report that the bulk of the consignments arrived in good order and condition. It was found necessary to destroy a number of lines for fruit-fly infection, and a fairly considerable quantity of fruit affected with live scale and mealy bug had to be fumigated before being allowed to land. A good deal of the fruit from the Coerk Islands was found to be in bad order on arrival. This is attributed ter a large extent to the unsuitability of the: boat at present employed in the Island fruit-trade. An improvement is noticeable in the quality of bananas received from Fiji. Oranges and mandarins from Australia varied considerably in quality. Canadian apples arrived in first-class condition.

1919-2( 1918-: 9. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Fruit, fresh, dutiable . . ,, ,, free ,, bottled and preserved ,, dried Lemon and orange peel in brine Fruit pulp and partially preserved fruit . . 1,891,017 lb. 19,039,317 lb. 64,630doz. 9,450,103 lb. 132,433 lb. 195,042 lb. £ 33,972 150,207 38,225 311,312 2,486 3,679 1,381,061 lb. 18,808,525 lb. J47,380doz. 8,070,001 lb. 115,626 lb. 67,686 lb. £ 20,249 135.464 59,821 221,105 2,100 1,532 Totals 539,881 440,271

H.—29

28

The following is a summary of all fruit, vegetables, plants, &c, examined at the different ports of inspection for the year ended 31st March, 1920 :—

Vineyards and Vinehouses The area under vineyards still stands at 454 acres. The season was a favourable one, and as a result a good grape crop was harvi'sted, being considerably in excess of that of the previous year, when unfavourable weather conditions were experienced. It is estimated the yield of wine will be 60,000 gallons, which, at a conservative estimate of 6s. per gallon, represents a value erf £18,000. The number of glasshouses in the Dominion is 871, being an increase of twenty-one on the previous year's figures. The yield of fruit was up to expectations and prices good. The crop under glass is estimated, at 528,779 lb., which, at Is. 3d. per pound, has a value, of £33,049. A number of returned soldiers have taken up the cultivation of grapes and tomatoes under glass as a means erf livelihood, and every assistance is being given them by the Divisiern in the way of practical advice and printed information. Beekeeping Industry. The demand for information and instruction in beekeeping has increased to a considerable' extent, and the Apiary Instructors have been kept busy during the; year attending to the numerous requests in this direction as well as their erther miscellaneous duties. Numerous lectures and demonstrations have' been given by the, Instructors during the year, including a number given at the various trainingfaniis for soldiers. The attendances have, been good, and keen interest taken in the proceedings. In the Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland districts the honey crop has been a good average one. The past season in the Auckland District, however, has been the worst experienced for some years. This was due to the exceptionally dry weather in the spring and early summer. Although the, reports on the London market show rather a dull, demand for honey, it is considered, the prospects are still good, and the, return sheruld be satisfactory for some time to come. Although one or two additional Inspectors were appointed during the year, further assistance is still urgently required to deal with the; proper inspection of apiaries for disease, particularly foulbrood, which requires close systematic inspection to keep it, under control. Experimental work has been continued at the Ruakura and Tauranga Apiaries. Some interesting tests were carried out with aluminium comb-foundation, which promises to be erf considerable value, to the beekeeping industry, mere particularly by facilitating the, extraction of thick honey. These experiments will be continued next season. Certificates in Beekeeping.- The demand for instruction in commercial beekeeping at the Ruakura Apiary still continues strong. Some: forty-seven cadets attende:d last season, and of these thirty-seven duly passed the examination and gained the Department's certificate of proficiency. The classes have a very capable instructor in Mr. Trythall, the Beekeeper in charge of the, apiary. Queen-rearing Apiary, Tauranga. This apiary is now well established, and considerable progress is being made, in the, work of queen-rearing, &c. During the year 459 queens were sold, comprising 346 untested, 59 tested, and 54 selected queens. The present strength of the apiary is 65 full colonies and .1.59 nuclei, or 244 in all. Of at least 129 laying-queens, 58 are, of known purity and the bulk untested. The honey-house has now been completed, and is a valuable addition to the apiary. Avonhead Farm Apiary.- --This apiary, consisting of forty colonies, was started for the instruction of returned soldiers in October last. Mr. L. Ilight was appointed Beekeeper in charge, and has been kept busy raising queens, making up new hives, and keeping the site in order. Different makes of hives are being tested, and experiments carried out dealing with South Island conditions. Export oj Honey. According to figures obtained from the Customs Department, 9,975 cwt. of honey, valued at £34,141, was exported during the year. This represents a considerable increase on last year's figures. The' following figures show the quantity and value of honey exported from the the Dominion during the last five years ending 31st March : 1916, 2,390 cwt., £6,067 ; 1917, 1,572 cwt., £3,554; 1918, 2,81-9 cwt., £7,991 ; 1919, 6,619 cwt., £32,018 ; 1920, 9,975 cwt., £34,141. The bulk of the honey graded for export was of prime quality. A. few lines had to be rejected on account of fermentation, rusty tins, and unsuitable case's. Registration of Apiaries. —There are some 6,392 persons, representing a total of 69,877 hives, registered to date. The triennial registration of all apiaries from one hive upwards takes place in the, current June, (1920). Full publicity is being given to the requirements of the regulations, and it is hoped that any persons who previously failed, to register will see: that the: matter is attended to without fail. Staff. In concluding this report I would mention that all officers attached to the Division have by close attention to their respective, duties greatly assisted in the carrying-out of the vaiious activities dealt with by this branch of the. Department.

Fruit. Plants, Vegetables, &c. ! Auckland Wellington Christchurch Dunedin Bluff .. Port of Entry. Cases. 365,171 84,426 24,616 4,288 1,877 Total. Cases. 365,171 84,426 24,616 4,288 1,877 Destroyed. Fumigated. Reshipped. Total. Destroyed. Fumigatod.j ,,, , j j j __ I ■ _ Cases. Cases. Cases. Packages. Packages. Packages. ! Packages. 1 296 4,942 25 22,64.1 33 .. 387,812 3 1,143 461 .. 22,762 .. .. 107,188 3 214 .. .. 7,721 2 .. 32,337 i 92 50 .. 7,145 1 .. 11.433 7 16 .. .. 769 .. .. 2.646

H.—29

29

FIELDS INSTRUCTION AND EXPERIMENTAL-FARMS BRANCH. Introduction hy the Director-General. During the year active' work has been carried out by the: officers engaged in this service. Inquiries have been made with a view to endeavouring to find a thoroughly capable and in every way suitable: man ter take' charge, of the branch, but no appointment has yet been feasible. Meanwhile the control and direction of the work has been in the hands of myself, aide:d to a very large, extent by Mr. B. C. Astern, Mr. A. H. Cockayne, and Mr. J. L. Bruce. Mr. Aston has handled the bulk- of the correspondenese, and in collaboration with myself has exercised such direction as was necessary, while all details of the work ter be' carried out by the various officers have been dealt with by him, Mr. Cockayne, and myself in conjunction. In the' ease of the: larger experimental farms Mr. Bruce has superintended the: whole of the work, being in close collaboration with myself. C. J. Rbakes. Experimental Farms. Ruakura Farm of Instruction, Hamilton. The Ruakura Farm has still further developed as an instructional centre, and though the expenditure on the place has been very considerable during the year its value: from ah instructional point of view and from the standpoint of the' development of agriculture must be, admitted to have been very great. Quite apart from such instructional work, the number of farmers and others who visit the farm for the purpose' of obtaining inferrmatiern is still increasing, these including not only people from all parts of the Dominion, but many from outside countries. An important feature of the; work done on this farm is that in connection with returned soldiers, who are given a four-months course erf instruction in various farm occupations of a lighter nature, this place being reserved especially for men who through wounds, sickness, or other causes are unfitted for the more laborious types of agricultural work. The quarters provided are always full, and the average number of soldiers on the, place is about thirty. As it is, the existing accommodation is quite inadequate for the number of applications received for admittance, to the instructional courses, and consequently additional quarters are being erected by the Repatriation Department. Apart from the training of returned soldiers, more and more instructional classes arc being held annually for the benefit of farmers, school-teachers, and scholars. During the year members of fifteen branches erf the: Farmers' Union held field-days at the farm, and the annual teachers' course was carried out. In addition, special days were set aside for visits of inspection by members of various breed societies. A very successful farm school was held in July last, this being attended by upwards of seventy farmers. As regards the' agricultural work, good progress has been made each year, bringing the land into a higher state of cultivation, For the past few years much work has been done in bringing into profitable use land previously consisting of waste sorrel areas, these being converted into good temporary pastures. From now on it will be possible to devote more attention to rotation cropping, also to breaking up some of the older pastures. Good crops of oats, wheat, barley, and rye-corn we're harvested during the' year, but the hay crops were light owing to the dry spell in early summer. Some erf the' root crops were exceptionally heavy, the seed erf these, having been grown on the farm and saved from selected roots only, uniform in shape', sound and vigorous in growth. A comparison with other root crops grown in the same field from purchased seed and given exactly the same treatment as regards cultivation, &c, afforded an excellent object-lesson, the yield in the latter case being much smaller. The whole of the Department's Milking Shorthorn stock are now located at Ruakura, those previously at Weraroa having been transferred early in the' year. The Berkshire pigs are doing well, and by careful selection and heavy culling the Ruakura pig-stock is reaching a high standard, and is coming into demand from prominent breeders throughout the' Dominion. During the year a calffeeding experiment, mainly with a view to ascertaining to what extent milk or whey could be profitably eliminated from the dietary by the substitution of other ferods (largely farm-grown), was carried out with successful results. In the horticultural section of the' farm a considerable' amount of test work has been done in connection with spraying, pruning, &c. The' garden work was carried on successfully, and was greatly appreciated by those returned soldiers on the farm who were specially desirous of receiving instruction in horticulture. The apiary section is still expanding, and during the year forty-four persons received training, these comprising twenty-nine returned soldiers, six returned nurses, and eight other ladies. Queenrearing operations were actively carried em during the season, anel considerable sales were made of full colonies and nuclei, all headed by choice-bred queens. The whole were supplieel to returned soldiers and former learners. Experimental work was continued on various lines. The apiary is also becoming more self-contained every year in the matter of making its own appliances. In reference to the expenditure, much of this has been in the direction of improvements, one: important item being the erection of a new piggery. A new system of farm accounts and costing has been initiated, and appears ter be working satisfactorily. Mr. A. W. Green, the Farm Manager, has done excellent work throughout, and has been well backed up by the officers associated with him. Central Development Farm, Weraroa. Farming operations for the- season mainly consisted of comprehensive variety tests of root crops, trials of fodder crops for hay purposes, trials to ascertain the effect of certain economical field crops for weed-smothering, trials of oats and tares for hay to replace the usual grass-hay, variety tests of

H.— 29

30

oat and potato crops, and manurial tests of mangolds. In addition, the usual crops of barley, linseed, rye:, maize:, and white turnips were grown for farm purposes. Eleven acres of lucerne were serwn about the middle of November last, also a further three acres in the: autumn. It is considered that lucerne should replace much of the maize specially grown in this district by dairy-farmers to tide over the usual dry months of December, January, and February. To effect the better cultivation of fields generally a system of rotational cropping has been initiated, and it is anticipated the results will demonstrate, to farmers generally the value, of systematic methods. Owing to the, condition of practically the whole of the boundary and divisional fencing it has been necessary to completely renew the same. The greater portion of this work has been completed, totalling over eight miles. It was, fortunately, not necessary to purchase any new wire, which, at the present high values ruling, was a very great saving. During the year the scheme, for connecting the, farm with the Levin high-pressure water-service was completed, anel fills a long-felt want. The three breeds of dairy-cattle,-- Friesian, Red Poll, and Guernsey- kept on the farm are maintaining their reputations. The, Red Polls have this year proved satisfactory milk-producers, and have well justified the term of " dual-purpose cattle." All purebred Shorthorn cattle were transferred to Ruakura during the year. The usual spring clearance sale, of young stud bulls (together with certain female Friesian cattle) was held in October, the prices realized being very satisfactory, one yearling Red Poll bull bringing 120 guineas. Calf-feeding experiments were, carried erut on the same lines as at Ruakura, and all the, test calves are being carried, through winter in order to watch the effect of the different methods of feeding, if any, on the constitutions of these young animals. It is intended during the' coming season to carry out certain experiments in depasturing pigs, in order, if possible, to eliminate feeding by-products of the dairy. With this end in view six acres erf land have been ploughed, and certain portions have already been sown in lucerne and crimson clover. It is hoped to make a start with this grazing system about next July or August. It is intended to introduce Tamworth-Berkshire crosses, and with this end in view a purebred Tamworth boar has been purchased. The number of farmers visiting the: farm has greatly increased. Apart from individual visitors, two large gatherings representative of branches of the Farmers' Union wore he:ld on the farm in the form of field-days. The training of discharged soldiers has been effectively undertaker) at this station. Accommodation is provided ferr twenty-four men, and a systematic course of training in practical farming has been carried out. In addition lectures embracing agricultural subjects were given during the four-monthly course of tuition. The present Farm Manager, Mr. W. J. McCulloch, took charge in July last, anil with the, loyal co-operation of the farm staff has done much good work for the farm, under somewhat difficult conditions. Moumahaki Experimental Farm, Waverley. Lack of efficient labour retarded general operations, nevertheless useful demonstration werrk has been accomplished. A judicious system of cropping, whereby the land, is enabled ter feed a greater number of cattle and sheep, together with the laying-down of good pasture and reasonable attention ter same, has been continued as a strong feature. Top-dressing pastures with various fertilizers and the renovation of old clover on old pasture are under test. Among other operations, a field of 6 acres is in course of preparation for depasturing pigs during next season. Despite the unfavourable spring weather fine crops were grown. Rape and peas provided excellent forage for lambs, and store, lambs are being fed on good crops of turnips and swedes. Mangolds though, somewhat patchy, will yield well, and carrots arc a very good crop. Peas proved an excellent crop, but owing to rain some difficulty was experienced in harvesting. Oats and barley were secured in good condition, the area in cereals being limited as compared with previous years. Owing to the dry spring, potatoes were a light crop ; the quality is, however, very good. The health of live-stock has been good, and sales of fat stock exceeded those of the previous year. The herd of Ayrshire cattle continues to hold its place, and has secured awards wherever exhibited. The flock of Ryeland sheep is increasing, and all rams for sale, meet with a ready market. All the Berkshire pigs bred are easily disposed of. New piggeries on a good practical plan have been erected These; will supply a long-felt want, greatly facilitating work and effecting economy in feeding. During the year the farm has continued under the efficient management of Mr. 11.I 1 . W. Lonsdale. Instructional Work, and Lesser Experimental Areas. The work of the fields instructional staff in the, various districts is carried out principally on the following lines : Investigational and demonstrational work on selected areas ; advice and instruction to farmers regarding soils, manures, pastures, and field-crops in general ; lectures, practical demonstrations, and field talks ; fertilizer control ; collection of soil-samples for analysis ; collection of limestone, and lime-samples for analysis and report. The following information is furnished by officers in charge of instructional work in each district :— Auckland: T. H. Patterson, Instructor in Agriculture, Auckland. Under the: recent scheme of reorganization the work of fields instruction ter farmers in the Auckland Province was placed under my charge in November last. Investigation and Demonstration. —Experimental areas are in operation at Albany and at Puwera (near Whangarei). The chief investigation that has be;cn attempted at Puwera is a set of experiments the aim of which is to find the best and most economic method of establishing permanent pasture of the best possible type on poor gum-lands. Trials are also in progress for the growing of suitable and profitable, supplementary fodder crops. In so short a period one cannot generalize with, any degree of certainty ; however, present knerwledge indicates that drainage:, preliminary long fallow, liming, and deep cultivation, including subsoiling, are effective means of soil-treatment preparatory to cropping Subsoiling, both at Albany and Puwera, has proved so useful an operation in securing better crops of roots, including turnips, swedes, and mangerlds, that other trials are being carried on for further

31

H.—29

testing the value of subsoiling. Much local interest- in now being taken in both these areas by bodies of farmers and others. The Whangarei High School students taking agricultural courses are condue;ted over the Puwera plots periodically and shown what is being derne. Other than the, areas at Puwera, Albany, Motuihi Island, and the co-operative experiments at Dargaville (the latter carried out in conjunction with the Auckland Education Board), no further investigational work has been attempted, as the present staff oemlel not- cope' with it. The need for an extension of field experiments, covering the great- diversity of soils and other conditions in the province, is, however, very great. Advice and Instruction- This is givem either on the farm personally or in the office to callers, or over the telephone to inquirers, err by letter. The advantages of giving advice in regard to soils, pastures, and crops personally on the farm are, obvious, though it- entails much more time and expense in travelling. The farmers thoroughly appreciate this method, which has proved the most satisfactory. Callers at the offie:e average two or three a eiay, and are, increasing. The small herbarium erf economic plant-specimens that I am setting up, as also a reference library and other instructional aids, will be of practical value in this connection. A range of soil-samples from typical areas in the province, with analyses attached, as alsei a. range of manorial samples set up similarly, should prove useful, for reference. Lectures and practical demonstrations have been delivered to the branches of the Farmers' Union in the Northern Wairera and Kaipara districts ; to members of the> settlers' associations at Waihi and Aria respectively ; and to dairy-association members at Piopio ; also series of lectures to soldier trainee's at- Ruakura Farm and Motuihi Island, and cadets, teachers, and farmers at the schools held at Ruakura. The subjects covered have been chiefly soils, manures, crops and cropping, anel lime and liming —all dealt with, particularly to farmers, in a practical rather than an, academic, way. Several ensilage-stack-building demonstrations have been givern, Mr. Dibble's special knowledge' in this proving of great value. On selected farms neighbouring farmers have, met the Instructor, and, while being conducted over the farm, pastures and crops were examined, unknown plants identified, and their useful and other characters discussed. Instruction of a very practical nature has been accomplished in this way. Farmers appreciate this more than instruction within the four walls of a room. Fertilizer Control- Regularly samples of fertilizers on the market are takem under the Fertilizers Act, and sent for analysis ter the; Chemist at Wellington. The greatest menace: to high production at present is the' scarcity of fertilizers, especially phosphate's, and the very high prices charged. Lime and Limestone. Since analyses have shown that lime is very necessary in most of the soils of this province l , anel deposits of limestone rock being well distributed, farmers are sending samples of stone frerm various parts for analysis. We' have sent many samples forward to the, Chemist. His reports show that deposits are found varying in carbonate-of-lime content within the, limits erf 40 to about 90 per cent. Some, farmers are, considering installing small crushing plants on their farms where deposits are found, to supply their own agricultural lime. Liming as a regular farming practice is growing in favour, and shows, as one would expect, good results. Seed-control. —There, is, unfortunately, no Pure Seeds Act on the statute-book, and the necessity for one is indicated by the fact that tests have shown in some; cases recently no germination whatever or entirely low percentages. We collect samples and send them on to the Biologist for testing. Advantage, is taken of this free service; by farmers and others. Control of Plant-diseases and Insect Pests. —I have noted flag-smut in oats, rust in various cereals, and other fungoid diseases in field crops whe:n on my usual itinerant duties. We aelvise' farmers, as also when insect pests are noticed, and give information on preventive' or remedial treatment, or both, when and where necessary. If it is a matter of some unknown trouble, affected specimens of plants (or, in the case of insects, specimens of the insect itself) are sent to the; Biologist for investigation and report. On the whole, the province is fairly free from disease; of a serious nature in regard to field crops and pasture. Ergot, particularly in tall fescue and rye-grass, and rust in cereals and some of the, grasses such as meadow-fescue, are the only outstanding cases of plant-disease we have noted in this province. Rhizoctonia I have noted in one' lucerne crop, also in a ereip of Early Puritan potatoes. Weather.— The spring was unusually dry, and crops and pasture suffered in many parts. Late frosts in the: first week of December caused much damage and consequent loss, with potato and maize, crops chiefly. However, some farmers who put in millets, sorghums, and similar crops for green feed had fodder for dairy stock, and were not so badly affected by the dry spring and summer. In the New Year copious rains fell, and the autumn proved a good erne, with the consequence that abundant pasture and stock feed was assured for the oncoming winter. North-west Wellington, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, ami Poverty Bay : J. W. Deem, Fields Instructor, Wanganui. Weather.— The year has been a peculiar one, as regards weather. The' winter and spring were cold with incessant high winds, and nothing like the; nerrmal rainfall. The six months ending 31st December, 1919, showed a shortage of from 30 to 50 per cent, according to locality, and in parts of Hawke's Bay and. Gisborne it was eve:n greater. With the New Year the, weather broke and the rainfall for the last quarter was considerably above nerrmal, and has to a great extent made up for the deficiency in the spring. The exceptions are the low country about Gisborne and central Hawke's Bay. In these latter localities there was very little rain until the' last- week in March, when a fairlygood downfall was experienced. From a dairying point erf view the; spring was bad, but the autumn lias been one of the, best on record. Crops. —The area in wheat was less than last year. The, yield was much about the, same, but considerable difficulty was experienced in saving it, consequently some of the grain was not of the: best quality. The oat crops are much about average, on the west coast, but very light in Hawke's Bay. Very little barley was grown, but the yield was fair. The area under soft turnips was greater than last year, and on the whole the crop has been much better. The swede area is about normal this year, and the crops on the whole arc good and in many cases very fine. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting a strike, and many settlers had to

H.—29

32

resow, but this was probably more owing to bad weather conditions than to bad seed. With the exception of a few corners, the aphis anel moth have not been bad. Club-root and root-rot have again been prevalent in the Brassica crops, more especially in swedes. The, area erf mangolds is greater than last year, and on the whole the crop promises to be a good erne. As was the case last year, many farmers had to resow. The area of kales is about the same, and the season has been better for second growth. As usual, the, early-sown rape: crop was patchy, but the main crop was very good except in central Hawke's Bay. In Hawke's Bay and Gisborne a fair area of field-pumpkins is grown, but the season has been too dry and the crop is light. On the' west coast the' season has not been suitable, and very few pumpkins are to be seen. Lucerne : This crop has done well, especially from December on. The March growth was excep tionally good, which shows that even on this west coast lucerne will do better with frequent showers during the warm period. As was the e:ase: last year, the early-sown areas are, patchy, but where the sowing was delayed until the early part of December the takes have been good. From the number of requests for advice' and general interest shown 1 think that the' area serwn will show a, considerable increase : especially is this the case in the, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne: districts. In both these: districts lucerne doe's well over a considerable area ; and when one' considers the condition of a great deal of valuable; stock, and the numbers that have died during the last two years for want- of food, erne' wonders if it would not be a fair thing to prosecute many settlers for criminal neglect. The amount of seed sold by leading seedsmen on this west coast (including Taranaki) was 19,396 lb., against 22,845 Ib. last year. In Hawke's Bay leading firms sold J6,293 Ib., and in Gisborne 18,659 Ib. In addition to these quantities large supplies are' procured by growers direct frerin Wellington, Blenheim, and Christchurch. The, early hay crop was very light, but was saved under fair conditions. The; later crops were, much heavier, but as the weather was broken many of them were saved in indifferent condition, and some, particularly oaten-hay crops, were ser badly knocked about as not to be worth saving. lam pleased to say that good stacks of hay are, noticeable this year in districts where in former years none were to be, seen. The area in maize in Hawke's Bay and Poverty Bay is much about the same as usual, and at present the, yield promises to be fair. On the west coast the, area is much the same, and the weight of green stuff very much better than usual. As there has been an abnormal growth erf grass during the autumn a great deal of the maize: is not- required for green feed (for which purpose it was grown), and many farmers talk of making it into ensilage; Generally, however, they are: afraid of the labour entailed. As regards ensilage in general, from the small number of stacks seen and the limited number erf inquiries received it does not appear to be' gaining very rapidly in favour —the, labour question, as indicated, being the great bogey. Japanese millet is still grown for green feeding, and has done we'll this year. Where tried Sudan grass has also done, we'll. The, potato area- is much about the same as last year. The' early crop was good and healthy, being free from blight. Owing to the moist conditions since the' New Year the main crop has suffered rather badly from bight, and although the tubers were fairly well grown before the blight made its appearance' it is found on digging that many of the tubers quickly rot. In Hawke's Bay the crop is light but fairly sound. Very little: spraying is done. Crops of rye-grass and crested dogst-all were much better than last year. Cocksfoot- was fair, but not a great- deal was saved. Seeds. —There have been a lot of complaints about bad germination, a great deal of which is traceable' to badly prepared seed-beds and unfavourable weather conditions. At the same time the popular lines of seed have been very mixe;d, and in some eiases the germination has been low. Pastures. —At the time of writing (end of April) the, pastures are gewd all along the west coast and through the Hawke's Bay side as far as Dannevirke ; from there on north-west they get poorer, and after passing Waipukurau they are very bare. The same applies to the' lower country in the Gisberrne district. Winter Feed generally. —As previously mentioned, the root crops are good along the, west coast, and although the, hay crop was light a- larger area- was saved. This, coupled with the good autumn growth, makes the winter prospects bright. On the east coast there are very few root crops, and what there are are very poor. There was practically no hay orop to save, anel although sheep will get through fairly well cattle are going to have a hard time in many instances. Field Competitions. —These continue, of interest, and two new competitions were started during the year. As mentioned last year, 1 think these competitions are worthy of the Department's support. Fertilizers. —These show a stead)' increase in value and, what is worse', they are difficult to procure, farmers being frequently forced to wait a considerable time and then accept anything offering. Shipments of Ephos phosphate have helped, and there has alser been a- little basic slag erffering, but with the exception of one consignment of 18 per cent, it has been of low grade. Two or three shipments of high-grade slag are expected shortly, but these will show a considerable increase on last year's prices. A few samples erf fertilizers have been taken for analysis, and one prosecution is pending. It is hoped to take more samples during the, coming year. Lime. —This is being more and more used, and practically all obtainable is being applied. During the year representative samples of soil we're' collected for analysis to ascertain the lime-requirement, and they have shown deficiencies from 14 cwt. to 8-2 tons per acre. A number of applications are still waiting, and will be attended to as fast as the samples can Ire dealt with by the Chemical Laboratory. Experimental Work. —This has been confined to the Stratford, Waimate West, Marton, Rawhiti. and Waipukurau areas. Stratford Merdel Dairy Farm : The experiments on this farm are more or less a continuation of last year's work. One> new feature is the growing of special ensilage crops. These consisted erf wheat, oats, and barley in conjunction with tares and peas, and the results will be erf considerable interest to the district. Frerm an area of about 8 acres approximately 100 tons of green material were made into an ensilage' stack. As details of experiments are published from time to time it- is

33

H.—29

not necessary to repeat them here. Since, last report a further 20 acres has been stumped, part of which is in root crops, and these latter promise: to be the best grown on the farm.. The policy of developing the farm as fast as income will permit has been continued. Waimate West Demonstration Area : This area was taken over on Ist April, 1919, and a start made to get improvements effected. Owing to the scarcity of labour, the railway traffic cut, &c, this was a very difficult proposition. However, the farm was divided into ten paddocks, a house, cowshed, and outbuildings erected, a herd of forty-eight grade, Jersey cows and heifers procured, and milking started in August. The, experiments have consisted in the top-dressing of 36 acres with different mixtures, and the growing of 8 acres of various root and fodder crops. These crops have been universally good, but have entailed a lot of work in the way of weeding, the land being full of fumitory, wild turnip, and Poa pralensis. This 8 acres is intended for lucerne, and it is necessary to give it special attention. Marton Experimental Area : The, season was very unfavourable for spring-sown crops, the land being cold and slow to warm up. There are also parts badly in need of drainage, and this will have to be attended to before the results from portion, of the area will be satisfactory. Then, in the autumn, owing to the continued wet weather, great difficulty was experienced in saving crops. The crops grown this year consist of 9 acres of Algerian oats, 1J acres Ruakura oats, 9 acres wheat (six varieties), 8$ acres barley (two varieties), 11 acres peas (five varieties), 11 acres millets (eight varieties), 1 acre potatoes (three: varieties), 8 acres roots, kales, and rape (several varieties of each), 5 acres of rye and clover cut for hay, and 2 acres of lucerne. The crops, with the exception of the oats which were in a cropped-out paddock, have done, well. The wheats ran from 29 to 56 bushels per acre, and averaged 40 bushels per acre for the 9 acres. In the lucerne area an acre of the. Grimm variety has been established. Portions of this Marton area are very badly infested with weeds, particularly spurrey, red-. shank, and Agrostis stolonifera. Rawhiti Area (Hawke's Bay) : The w°rk on this area has consisted in sowing down 8 acres in a special grass mixture, half in the spring and half in the: autumn, 6 acres in soft turnips (four varieties), and 8 acres in swedes (four varieties). It is proposed to sow the latter 14 acres in different permanent grass mixtures next season. The season in Hawke's Bay has been very unfavourable for root crops, and it was very hard to get them started, consequently the, crop is patchy, but has made fair growth since the, New Year. The lucerne plot of 4 acres sown last year still shows plenty of plants, but has made little or no growth. Waipukurau top-dressing experiment: As the owner of this land wished to plough up the untreated area, the experiment was discontinued as from the Ist January last. During the two and a half years the, experiment has been going it has demonstrated the, advantages of top-dressing, but it is a pity it could not have been continued on more definite lines and with different mixtures. This is another example of the undcsirability of carrying out experiments on land over which the Department has not complete control. Lectures and Correspondence. —During the year I have given addresses at different centres on the following subjects : Lucerne-growing, root and fodder crops, laying down and care of pastures, lime and manures, and ensilage-making, and the requests in this direction are on the increase. Letters asking for advice are also on the, increase, and take up a lot of time. Wellington (except north-western districts), Marlborough, and Nelson: F. E. Ward,' Instructor in Agriculture, Wellington. Since my appointment in January, 1920, inquiries on. agricultural matters addressed to the, Department's head office have been attended to by me, and where necessary farms visited and. advice given. During the. months of February and March a number of branches of the New, Zealand Farmers' Union in the, Wairarapa and Manawatu districts were addressed on agricultural subjects. The Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association has set up a special committee to confer with the district Instructor as to how the Department can further assist the farming community, and useful work will doubtless develop in this direction. Weekly lectures on such subjects as soils, manures, crop-growing, and pastures have been given to the returned soldiers receiving training at the Central Development Farm, Weraroa, the Wairarapa Training-farm, Masterton, and the Training-farm, Tauherinikau. Canterbury and North Otago : A. Macpherson, Fields Instructor, Christchurch. Weather. —The year has been remarkable for its abnormal weather conditions —its very cold spring and the frequent snowstorms, especially on the inland plains, which have characterized every month from April up to December inclusive, the last fall occurring on Bth December, when up to 3 in. were recorded on the, western portion of the plain. In the middle of January snow covered South Canterbury, but the fall was slight in. North Canterbury. At this time the harvesting prospects were very doubtful, and the position might have become acute but for the beautiful spell of weather that ruled almost continuously from the middle of December to the middle of March last. As it turned out, the harvest was somewhat delayed, especially in South Canterbury and Otago, but to. no serious extent. Frosts have been frequent and at times severe. It was remarkable that the severest frosty spells occurred at the end of May and the beginning of September, not during June, July, or August, as would be expected in a normal season. The extent of damage done by frost proved to be slight compared with estimates of farmers, but the April and May frosts damaged undug potatoes. An unusual feature of the autumn and winter of 1919 was the somewhat marked prevalence of high north-west winds, a wind which is normally associated with spring and summer in this province. As a consequence the, winter was an alternation of unseasonably mild weather and more seasonable, cold spells, when southerly changes occurred. Only slight damage, however, appears to have been done through, the premature budding of plants. Moderately heavy snowfalls occurred on 22nd June, and from Ist to 4th July inclusive, but were soon dissipated by succeeding heavy north-west winds and rain following, so could not be considered serious in their effects. The, heaviest falls occurred in the spring months, especially during September and November, and occasioned serious losses to sheepowners. The year ended with a rainfall which approximated, over most parts of the Canterbury

5—H. 29.

H.—29

34

Province, the average annual precipitation. A narrow coastal strip which includes Christchurch recorded a rainfall some 2 in. below the annual average. In North Otago the rainfall for the, year was slightly more than in Canterbury. Pastures. —The condition of the pastures generally is capable of great improvement. Large areas, quite 75 per cent, of the land returned as in English grasses, are completely run out, this applying equally to Canterbury and North Otago. Statistics show that for quite twenty-five years, in neither of these has the stock-carrying capacity of the pasture lands increased, although during that period there has been a considerable, increase in the area under that head, and large properties have been cutup and considerable land-settlement effected. This condition of the pastures is mainly attributable: ter (1) The sowing of unsuitable mixtures of grasses ; (2) not consolidating the; seed-bed before sowing the seed, and not covering the seed sufficiently after sowing ; (3) stocking whe;n the first growth is only a few inches high, and continuing this process of eating off the growth when a few inches high at shortintervals, thereby stunting the plant by not allowing the root portion to develop properly during the first year of its growth, which has a prejudicial effect on it afterwards ; (4) the too common practice of sowing pasture grasses for catch-crops or annual and biennial pasture's emly, instead of sowing pasture grasses, clover, and deep-rooted forage, plants which form more, permanent pastures ; (5) the exhausting of the humus in the soils by too frequent white crops being taken, also by the frequent open fallowing and working of the soil in dry periods ; (6) the sowing of inferior seeds. Pastures at the close of the year under review in North Canterbury and mid-Canterbury are probably in better condition than usual, owing to a better distributed rainfall. In South Canterbury and North Otago they are not so good, through want of sufficient rain during March. Crops. —Cereals : Wheat-growing generally has been successful, and in some cases the yields have been quite beyond expectations. Cases of yields up to 89 bushels per acre have been reported. North Otago wheat crops aro very good. There was an absence of rust and smut, but the disease known as " take-all " did. some damage in a restricted area ; it is not considered, however, the total yield for the district was materially affected by this cause. Mr. R. Waters, of the, Biological Laboratory, visited the affected districts and investigated the disease on the, spot. The promptitude, with which the Department handled this matter has been most favourably commented upon by growers. In regard to oats, the quality of the grain is good, but the yields are approximately 10 bushels per acre under last year's. Very little rust or smut was in evidence this season. Some damage was done to barley by caterpillars in the Ellesmere districts, but the barley crops on the whole have given a bountiful return. Reports of yields up to 93 bushels per acre, have been published, and prices have been in the vicinity of 9s. per bushel. There is an apparent shortage of this cereal. Root crops : In selected spots some fair turnip crops have been obtained, but generally throughout the district the returns are small, and in many cases the cost of growing turnips is not recouped by the. amount of feed obtained. Swedes are badly blighted in most districts. Mangold crops are good this season, but most farmers find it an expensive crop to grow. Forage crops : The returns from rape and kale have been disappointing. It is now admitted by most progressive farmers that the growing of rape or kale is anything but a paying proposition in Canterbury, where, owing to the climatic conditions only one passable; crop in seven years is the 1 average. Potatoes : There appears to be, a greatly increased area in potatoes this year. During a shortspell of damp, warm weather in February blight made its appearance, but did not develop to any extent. Good yields are expected, but crops are late, and digging will not be general till the middle of May. Lucerne : The past year has shown that the interest taken in this crop is an ever-increasing one. Many farmers have laid down areas in some cases up to 100 acres in extent. The unremunerative conditions of most Canterbury pastures, and the comparative failure, of turnips and rape, have convinced many landholders that if the stock-carrying capacity is to be increased they must turn their attention to lucerne. Improper cultural methods have been responsible for many failures and partial failures during the year amongst would-be growers of lucerne. Investigation on an extensive scale was carried out during the past year in regard to many wrong and absurd ideas prevalent in regard to the growing of this plant. Matter is being prepared for publication, dealing with these, accompanied by photographs. Advice on Agricultural Matters. —The number of farmers and others calling at the office to seek advice has again shown a substantial increase. The past year has been a record one in the number of requests made both verbally and in writing for advice on matters appertaining to the various branches of agriculture. The, work of attending to inquirers regarding lucerne-growing, and to the; lucerne demonstration areas, has now become so heavy that it more than keeps one officer fully occupied. There, have been many urgent requests to visit farms in various parts of the district to give practical advice on the spot. These requests have been attended to as far as time permitted, but there are at the end of the year a number of farms yet unvisitcd. It is not only amateur farmers who are seeking advice ; many of the requests come from men who have been all their lives on the land, but who are impressed with the need of reform and the adoption of more up-to-date methods in the treatment of the soil, the growing of pastures and forage crops of a more reliable character, and the, need of building up the, humus-content of the soil. They are also struck with the lack of sufficiency of lime in most soils, and the indiscriminating use of artificial manures with all manner of soils and crops. This interest shown by many practical farmers may be looked upon as a keen awakening to the needs of a change in our methods, and that the, efforts put forth by the Department in field-work in the past have not been in. vain. Lucerne Demonstration Areas.- —lt is too early to report on the results for the past year, which can only be dealt with when all the crops for the season have been secured. These demonstrations are fulfilling the purpose for which they were initiated, and are proving how poor lands can be brought to increase the production of the, Dominion. Hi Ashburton Experimental Farm. —As usual, a special report is being prepared in connection with the operations and work carried out during the past year. It may be mentioned, however, that good payable crops of cereals have been secured, and that the, lucerne demonstration area has

35

H.—29

disclosed some valuable: information .in connection with the culture of this plant, which will have far-reaching and beneficial results bearing on this important question. Displays at Shows. —There have been three of these during the year. The first was at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Show, at Leeston, during October. The next was a display of grain, &c, in the Colosseum, at Christchurch, during Industrial Week. This display was staged for eleven days and was much admired. A display was also made at the Canterbury Metropolitan Show, at Addington, in November last. A very busy time was experienced on all these occasions, and the demand for information was very great. Middle and South Otago and Southland: R. P. Council, Instructor in Agriculture, Dunedin. Since taking up my duties in Otago and Southland in October last a considerable portion of my time has been devoted to the demonstration areas at Gore and Winton, the 1919 season's work for which had been planned previous to my appointment. The Gore area is approximately 30 acres, and on it good crop results have been obtained this year. The most valuable section of the work is the swede-dry-rot investigation block, which is under the direction of the Biology Section, but turnip and oat variety trials, pasture demonstration work, origin of seed-oat investigation, and potato-culture, are all providing interesting results. The soil is making distinct response to the, ameliorating practices which have been carried out during the current and previous seasons. Details of some of the crop-investigation results have already been submitted, but in most cases the harvesting has not been completed, and results are not yet available. Mr. R. L. Beaton, who is farm overseer, carries out his work very efficiently. At Winton the major portion of the: area has been under an oat crop, but there is also a swede-dry-rot investigation block similar to that at Gore. Extensive, drainage has been done during 1919, and the beneficial effects of this work have been obvious. Indeed, on portions where good crops were grown it is doubtful whether, in view of the unfavourable: season, a crop would have, been harvested at all but for the improvement in the conditions due to the drainage. Mr. W. Campbell, the farm overseer, satisfactorily carries out his duties. I have spent a considerable amount of time attending to inquiries from farmers. It is a significant aspect of this work that the bulk of the inquiries refer cither to pastures or to methods of soil-nianagement. These are features of farm practice in which there is much scope for improvement, and the fact that inquiries arc frequently received in this connection shows that the farming community itself is not so satisfied with the methods now in general use as to be apathetic to other methods which may be deemed worthy of recommendation. Another pleasing feature of the work among the farmers is that the number of inquiries received in a given period is gradually increasing. As opportunity offers information is being gathered about the results of any special farm practice, and also about the details of the present farm practice,, all of which knowledge is of special value in the work of planning the experimental work of the future. Matter's which receive particular attention in this respect are irrigation in Central Otago, liming and the use of artificial fertilizers, and the establishment of pastures. The boys' farm-competitions fostered by the Otago Expansion League were well advanced for last season, when I took up duties in the province. For the coming season I intend to work in conjunction with the League, with a view to extending the competitions and making them as instructive as possible. To a limited extent I have been able to accompany Dr. L. Cockayne on his investigation of tussock-grassland problems, and this has given me the opportunity to become acquainted with the main features of his work and the lines on which he is proceeding. Among the miscellaneous duties that have at times called for attention are the collection of fertilizer samples, and samples of soils for the determination of the lime-requirement, also reporting on crops. Mr. W. Alexander, Fields instructor, stationed at Invercargill, has very satisfactorily carried out the duties allotted to him. West Coast of South Island : C. S. Dalgliesh, Fields Instructor, Hokitika. Climatic conditions in this district from April to the end of December, 1919, were decidedly against farming operations and the carrying-out of work in progress on experimental areas, owing to the excessively wet weather, there being a rainfall of 77 in. in that period. Since then the conditions have been excellent —fine weather with occasional bursts of rain. Another feature which militated against getting satisfactory work done on experimental areas was the scarcity of suitable labour ; in fact, labour sufficiently skilled to do the work required cannot be procured on the Coast, and one has to make the best of whatever labour is available. Cereal crops did well, and made a rapid growth during December. Turnip crops are at present looking healthy, although the brairds were extremely poor in some districts, and resowing had to be resorted to in many instances. During the year a number of farms were visited for the purpose of giving advice in the growing of suitable crops, laying down of pastures, and manurial treatment. Soil-samples for lime-require-ment were taken and forwarded to the Chemist for analysis, the results being communicated to the farmers. All samples forwarded show that heavy dressings of lime are required. In company with Mr. A. Macpherson, Fields Instructor, of Christchurch, a visit of inspection was paid to the Grey Valley district last August, for the purpose of selecting an area for an experimental farm. An area of 150 acres was selected at Waimaunga. Experimental Areas. —Hokitika : Of this area 6 acres were in turnips and 7 acres in lucerne. The turnips, although sown late (February, 1919), made very good growth. The area has since been sown down in grass, and is carrying good feed at present. The lucerne has done poorly, and 4 acres of same has been resown with grass. Moana : This area has been leased for grazing purposes during the year. Grass mixtures sown in February, 1919, have made favourable progress. Rotomanu : This area was ploughed in the spring, and sown in swede manurial and variety tests at the end of December, weather conditions delaying the sowing until this date. Three plots of

H.—29.

36

Magnum Bonum variety failed to make a satisfactory braird. Imperial Green Globe turnips were then sown, but these, failed to strike. The other seven plots made: a good growth, but after thinning was completed the common cutworm did considerable damage. Poerua : This area was sown in permanent pasture, and no further experiments will be carried out. Westport: The Westport grassing-area of 2 acres was sown in two grass mixtures of half an acre each, and one acre in ten individual grasses. The grass mixtures have done, excellently, but the individual grass plots suffered from a strong growth of weeds, principally spurrey and redshank. The area at Sergeant's Hill was abandoned, and the fencing-material removed and used for the Westport grassing-area. Murchison : The fernland grassing-area at Murchison has been well stocked with sheep during the season, and at present is closely fed down. Sheep show a decided liking for the No. 4 plot, in which Poa pratensis is the dominating grass. Drainage of bush-terrace land : Drainage by explosives was tried on this class of land by driving a bar down to depths of from 5 ft. to 8 ft. and then putting in a strong charge, erf explosive, but results were not effectual. Shafts were sunk to a depth of 9 ft. and fl ft., and good drainage was obtained in this way. General. The economic investigation of the montane tussock-grassland conducted by Dr. L. Cockayne, F.R.S., as outlined in last year's report, has been continued during the period under review. Many data of a valuable nature have been obtained and the most important features published in the Journal. During the year the matter of an experimental farm for the West Coast District of the Seruth island was definitely advanced by the purchase of an area of 150 acres near Waiinaunga Railwaystation, Grey Valley. Measures to develop the area are now being put in hand.

CHEMISTRY SECTION. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. The Director-General. Wellington, 17th Juno, 1920. I forward herewith the annual report of the Chemistry Section for the year ended 31st March, 1920. B. C. Aston, F.1.C., F.N.Z.lnst., Chemist. Introductory. During the year there has been an increase in the amount of work done in the Chemical Laboratory. As a temporary measure since 20th October, 1919, the supervision and administration of the fields instruction work, in collaboration with the Director-General, has been added to the Chemist's personal duties. He has also been responsible for the work of the departmental library during the year under review. Soils. The general work of soil-investigation has been continued as time and staff permitted. Samples of soils from different parts of the Dominion have been collected from time to time, and the investigation of these samples has gone on continuously during the period ; 156 soils were collected (for analysis) by the Chemist and staff, and 214 were collected (for lime-requirement tests) by field officers. In June of last year it was decided, in view of the great value of lime as an improver of New Zealand soils, that steps should be taken to bring home to farmers the necessity for liberally liming their lands in order to obtain the best results. The Fields Instructors and their staff were therefore notified to collect typical samples of soil from their districts, and to select the samples in such a way that the tests would result in the greatest good to the greatest number of farmers. They were instructed to collect few samples of a representative character rather than a large number of samples which might represent only limited areas. The results of this work, so far as it has gone, are being published in the Journal. Early in May, 1919, the Chemist visited the Te Teko district, the Mamaku Experimental Farm, and the Ruakura Farm of Instruction, and in the course of the trip took a number of samples. In February, 1920, he visited Dunedin and collected representative Otago Peninsula soils for analysis and study. The Canterbury lucerne areas were also sampled. Articles on the soils of Nelson and Marlborough were published in the August and October, 1919, issues of the Journal. The results were most instructive, and indicated the need for further research on the soils of these districts. Mr. Rigg, the agricultural chemist to the Cawthron Institute (and late assistant in this laboratory), is now engaged in making a soil survey of Nelson. An article embodying the first part of the Manawatu soils investigation, and dealing with the dune areas of the west coast of this Island, has been published in the Journal. The comparative richness of the dune lands in mineral plant-food is there made public. A report on the encroachment of sand-dunes at Kawhia was made to the Director-General in June, 1919. The importance of adopting a progressive policy in utilizing the dune areas of New Zealand has been pointed out not only in order to make waste lands productive, but also to fix sand-dune areas and prevent their destructive action on adjoining good land —an action which is taking place in many localities in the. Dominion. At the request of Mr. F. W. Furkert, Assistant Engineer-in-Chief, Public Works Department, the composition of the Canterbury scrub lands has been again investigated. Some previous results of

H.—29

37

analyses of lands at West Eyreton arc given in the Journal for August, 1913. Mr. Furkert has had further samples taken, and these, after separation from the gravel, proved to be fine sandy silts deficient in available and total phosphoric acid, the amounts of nitrogen and other mineral plant-foods being high. The treatment indicated as most desirable would seem from analysis to be phosphatic and lime-carbonate manuring, and the stimulation of the growth of leguminosa; with a view to increasing the humus in these light lands. The so-called " tarry " soils of Oamaru have been investigated, and found to have a limerequirement of from Jto | ton of carbonate of lime per acre. These soils rest on a limestone subsoil, and are another instance of the popular fallacy which assumes that because a soil is on limestone it contains sufficient lime. Some kauri-peat soils collected by the Fields Instructor at Auckland proved to have a high limerequirement and very low phosphoric-acid content. Further samples and field experiments are required, however, before generalizing as to the manurial requirement of this extraordinary type of soil. The policy of examining the soils of the State farms in detail has been carried out at Weraroa, every paddock of which has now been sampled and analysed. In connection with the lucerne experiments of Canterbury, samples of the land on which the lucerne has been sown have been taken for analysis. Soil-investigations of the following districts have been suggested or applied for : North Auckland, Thames, Whakatane, and Westland. An understanding has been arrived at between this Department and the Lincoln College authorities that there will be no overlapping of work in connection with the soil-survey of some of the Canterbury counties, the work of which is being carried out at the Lincoln College Laboratory, and that the Department will confine its operations to counties other than those being investigated at Lincoln. The following table shows the number of soil-investigation samples received during the year : From Whakatane County, 33 ; Ruakura Farm, 12; Mamaku Farm, 2; Rangitaiki district, 7 ; Thermal district, 11; Manawatu district, 49; Nelson District, 6; West Wanganui Inlet, 3; Westland District, 14 ; Canterbury District, 10 ; Otago Peninsula, 14 : total, 161. With regard to the testing of soils for lime-requirement, the following figures indicate, as an average, the net result of each instructor's work for the year. It must be borne in mind that reliable generalizations as to the average lime-requirement of any one province can be arrived at only after many more samples have been collected and tested.

Limb. Limestone-supplies. The testing of limestones and reputed limestones has been a prominent feature of the laboratory work ; 161 samples were examined this year. Some of these samples were quite valueless for agricultural purposes ; but the following summary of the more useful limestones tested during the year indicates many excellent sources of supply for both high-grade and low-grade limestone. The publication of Bulletin No. 22 (New Series) of the Geological Survey has brought up to date the available information of New Zealand lime-supplies.

Number of Samples collected. District. Average Tone of Lime-carbonate required per Acre. 70 24 6 8 9 14 16 Auckland Wellington Taranaki Hawke's Bay.. West Coast, South Island Canterbury Otago and Southland .. 3-8 1-8 2-3 2-0-4-9 1-3 2-3

Sample. Particulars of Locality or Ser Particulars of Locality or Sender of Sample. index a- of Sam] lple. Carbonate of Lime (CaOo ;1 ). r Remarks. L/l L/2 L/l I L/12 L/21 L/29 L/39 L/40 L/46 L/47 L/48 L/55 L/l 03 L/104A L/104B L/l 35 L/151 L/l 74 L/182 L/l 83 L/214 L/224 L/328 L/329 L/330 L/341 Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company T. Anderson, Carrington H. Jeffreys, Omahanui, Wairoa D. C. Smith, Whangarei D. C. Smith, Whangarei F. G. Worker, Wellsford F. G. Worker, Wellsford F. G. Worker, Wellsford B. Grigg, Eiffleton C. W. Fairweather, To Kaha .. E. Broomfield, Whitford E. Broomfield, Whitford W. G. Bambry, Marima, Pahiatua Milburn P. Evans, Te Akau Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company R. P. Flood, Utakura, Hokianga H. J. Walton, Martinborough .. J. Fish, Aorere, Collingwood F. Hewitt, Waipukurau F. Hewitt, Waipukurau Farmers' Union, Mahoenui Per Cent. 92-0 72-0 79-0 71-0 85-0 96-0 77-0 74-0 77-0 83-0 81-0 89-0 78-0 87-0 70-0 53-0 88-0 55-0 68-5 72-0 88-5 90-0 09-0 05-0 75-0 94-0 Calcareous sinter. Soft stone. Soft stone. Soft stone.

H.—29

38

Development of Limestone Resources. Advice on the subject of grinding limestone and " burning " lime has been given in response to inquiries from time; to time. In order to place this work on a more satisfactory footing it was decided to form a committee of Government experts to assist and advise those interesteti in working limestone deposits. The committee consists of Mr. F. W. Furkert, Assistant Chief Engineer, Public Works Department; Mr. P. G. Morgan, Director of the Geological Survey ; and the Chemist to the Department of Agriculture. The utilization of sea-shells is receiving attention in North Auckland, particularly in the Kataia district, where there is a proposal to form a co-operative company in this connection. Some field experiments designed to test the calcareous mudstone termed " papa " have been published (sec Journal, April, 191.6, p. 303). It is difficult to see how it could prove remunerative to apply a substance like papa, which contains only a very small percentage of carbonate of lime, as the material which is e;ffcctively useful. Some varieties of papa may be baked in a wood-fire kiln to a consistency and hardness of the best drainpipes and have the following composition after calcining, the sample being from Tokimira : Silica (Sio 2 ), 64-30 per cent.; alumina (A 1 2 0 3), 17-70 per cent.; iron oxide (Fe 2 o 3 ), 8 per cent.; calcium oxide (CaO), 2-70 per cent.; magnesium oxide (MgO), 2-28 per cent.; alkalis (soda and potash), 4-37 per cent.; loss on ignition, 0-65 per cent.: total, 100 per cent. Lime Legislation. Many farmers are under the impression that legislation regulating the exjniposition of lime supplied would be an admirable thing in New Zealand. It is extremely doubtful if such legislation would improve matters, but there is little doubt that it would increase the cost of the lime to the consumer. The Department has taken some steps to obtain information regarding the practice of other countries, and it is significant to note that the great English-speaking agricultural countries have no legislation limiting the sale of lime to that of any particular quality or specifying standards of purity. It is not thought advisable at present to put any restrictions on the output of lime by laying down the standards, as the quality of the lime sold is likely to vary so much in every district with the quality of the stone and the facilities for reducing or calcining it. The most that can be recommended is that it may be permissible for vendors to sell lime under a guarantee of purity. The purchaser would then have civil right of recovery for any breach of warranty.

Sample. Particulars ol Locality or Sender of Samples, Carbonate of Lime (GfijCbg). Remarks. L/302 L/303 L/367 L/381 L/382 L/399 L/401 l,/402 L/403 L/404 L/482 L/522 L/523 L/524 L/527 L/528 L/538 L/581 L/582 L/583 L/624 L/631 L/632 L/676 L/683 L/684 L/685 L/680 L/708 L/738 L/761 L/705 L/779 L/793 L/837 L/838 L/839 L/840 L/84I L'842 L/877 L/878 L/879 L/927 L/953 L/903 L/964 K. S. McKenzie, Te Kuiti K. S. McKenzie, Te Kuiti 3. W. Carter, Collingwood S. H. Green, Dairy Flat, Auckland H. Foary, Takaka, Nelson J. L. Shanks, Kaukapakapa Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company Kaipara Farmers' Lime Company Hokianga Chamber of Commerce W. .1. Newport, Takaka W. J. Newport, Takaka W. J. Newport, Takaka A. Thomson, Chancet, Ward A. Thomson, Chancet, Ward J. P. Turnbull, Napier J. T. Boyde, Paparoa, Kaipara J. T. Boyde, Paparoa, Kaipara J. T. Boyde, Paparoa, Kaipara C. S. Dalgliesh, Matari Valley, Murohison T. Anderson, Carrington D. J. Macauley, Carrington Hokianga Chamber of Commerce Instructor Patterson, Warkworth Instructor Patterson, Purewa Instructor Patterson, Purewa Instructor Patterson, Purewa Hawkes and Robertson, Kaukapakapa .. J. E. Simes, Matakanui D. McGregor, Gladstone Hokianga Dairy Company H. J. W T alton, Martin borough A. Hobbs, Balfour Sir W. Buchanan, Gladstone Sir W. Buchanan, Gladstone Sir W. Buchanan, Gladstone Sir W. Buchanan, Gladstone Sir W. Buchanan, Gladstone Sir W. Buchanan, Gladstone S. B. Newcombe, Tauhoa G. Thompson, Port Albort G. Thompson, Port Albert H. F. Stewart, Kaukapakapa I. Patterson, Beefton C. B. D. Kemp, Gladstone C. R. D. Kemp, Gladstone Per Cent. 8P0 95-0 72-0 51 '0 95-5 64-0 73-0 70'0 70-0 82.0 57'0 97-0 9P0 95 '0 73'0 85-0 92-0 92-5 86-5 87-5 93-0 86-5 91-0 66-0 72 -0 84-0 75'0 71-0 oo-o 93-0 90-0 62-0 65-0 83-0 87'5 84-0 81-0 90-0 92-5 87-5 91-0 80-5 72-0 80-0 80-0 91-5 93'5 * Soft stone. Soft stone. Soft stone. Soft stone.

H\—29

39

Fertilizers. Fertilizers on the New Zealand, Market. An endeavour has been made during the; year to put the work of the supervision of the fertilizer trade on a more satisfactory footing than has hitherto prevailed. The; systematic collection erf official samples for testing under the Act has been instituted. Some; samples have proved to be of a quality inferior to the guaranteed analysis, and further investigations have been made. One prosecution is already arranged, and legal proceedings are likely to be instituted in at least two other instances. In order to secure, publicity of the quality of the numerous brands of fertilizers on the market it was arranged to publish in the Journal all registrations of fertilizers. The; registration of fertilizers has also Been conducted by the; Chemistry Section during the year. The investigation of several fertilizers of doubtful epiality has been occupying a gerod deal of time. Fertilizer Law. It is essential that the fertilizer law of the, Dominion should be brought into line with that- of other countries, or even in advance of those' countries. One has much sympathy with those, farmers who would like to see the invoice certificate state exactly from what ingredients the fertilizer is made. Since mixtures containing coalelust, ground limestone, and aluminium phosphate are ooming into use in New Zealand as fertilizers (?), it is highly desirable; that farmers should know for what they are paying such huge prices. In connection with the administratiein of the Fertilizers Act it, is desirable that a stricter supervision should be exercised in future. If an officer coulel be detailed to devote his entire time' to this work during the; fertilizer season it would no doubt have the effect of correcting much loosemess which exists even in some of the largest firms regarding their compliance with, the' provisions of the Act. Phosphates. The supply of phosphatic fertilizers has engaged the special attention of the Department for many years past, but during the ye;ar 1919-20 this subject has been particularly important by reason of the arrangement for supplies from Nauru Island. The Nauru Island phosphates were dealt with in a special report submitted by the Chemist for the information of the Board of Agriculture (see Parliamentary Paper H.-298), The prospect of increased imports of phosphate; rock lias made it necessary to arrange; for additional supplies erf sulphuric acid for treating the; rock. Attention has bee;n directed to the New Zealand supplies of sulphur, which it is hoped to utilize for the preparation of superphosphate within the Dominion. Advice has been received that about 42,000 tons of rock phosphate will be delivered at New Zealand ports during the year 1920. Most of this rock will come from Makatea and Ocean Islands. The total amount is said to be about the maximum quantity that can be ground by the existing New Zealand works in their present state' erf efficie-noy. It is expected, however, that during the year 1921 new and improved mills for the grinding of phosphate rock will be in operation, anel that the total grinding-capacity of New Zealand works will reach 80,000 tons. It is of interest to note that the, 42,000 tons of imported rock phosphate arranged for this year compares more than favourably with the quantities imported during recent years, fen- which.the figures in tons for the years ended 31st March are as follows : 1914, 22,093 ; 1915, 23,983 ; 1916, 39,366; 1917,24,993; 1918,37,037; 1919,31,351. A number of samples of reputed phosphates have been received and tested. Inquiry has beem instituted with regard to a patent phosphate made by an electrolytic method, called Palmaer phosphate, which it is considered might be useful for New Zealand soils, and possibly might- be manufactured in the Dominion. A practice of adulterating in Australia bonedust intended for export to New Zealand with from 10 to 15 per cent, of superphosphate;, which has sprung up during the last year, has been brought to light, and the importers in New Zealand have all bee;n warned in order that they may protect themselves. The supplies of basic slag have recently been scarce, and some of low grade, contained only about 10 per cent, of insoluble, phosphoric acid. The question of the; supply of basic slag is deemed so important in Great, Britain that a conference of scientific men of the' highest standing was reoently convened to consider the whole question of supply. Early in the year the top-dressing experiments with New Zealand artificial slag (manufactured in Dunedin) at Wallaceville Laboratory Farm were reported upon. The results erf hay from experiments with the; artificial product made in the South Island, as compared with basic slag, were as follows, both being applied as a top-dressing on 14th April, 1918, at 4 cwt. per acre, and the; hay being cut on 18th January, .1919: Artificial slag, 9|cwt. of hay per acre;; basic slag, 14|cwt. erf hay per acre. Recently the quality of a new basic slag manufactured in Auckland was analysed, and it appeared that the, phosphate, (the valuable, part of the slag) was not naturally present, but had been added for the purpose of making the, slag useful as a fertilizer. The supply of phosphates for departmental use has been attended to from time to time. A consignment of 50 tons of bone-char was procured from Australia. This fertilizer contained about 70 per cent, of tricalcic phosphate, and was finely ground—the residue on sieve being only 2 per cent., while, 38 per cent, of the material passed through a sieve. This fertilizer was distributed to the various experimental farms. In addition, 50 tons of Ephos phosphate was purchased for the Department. Nitrogenous Fertilizers. There has been a movement afoot to establish the local manufacture of nitrogen compounels from the air. But it appears that, while the New Zealand demand for nitrates is limited, the supply available, from Chile is enormously large, and the prospect of successfully competing against other countries in electrically manufactured nitrogen compounds is small. Moreover, it has been pointed

H.—29

40

out that the application of nitrogenous fertilizers in New Zealand to lands deficient in phosphates tends to produce a rank growth of crop and increases susceptibility to plant-diseases. In view of these circumstances it was not considered advisable to give, much encouragement to the proposal for the local manufacture of nitrogen fertilizer compounds. The Department has obtained a supply of Chilean nitrate of soda, and the Instructors in Agriculture for Canterbury, Otago, and Southland are arranging for experiments to be conducted with this fertilizer. Potash. A sample of werod-ashes from the; Hamilton sawmills was analysed in June;, 1919, anel found to be of good quality, containing 5-37 per oent. of soluble; potash and 9-96 per cent, of potash soluble in hydrochloric acid—total potash. There was practically no elemand for these ashes. Another sample of wood-ashes sent in by a farmer in the; Kawakawa district was analysed and found to contain 4-23 per cent, total potash, 3-14 percent, soluble potash, 1-24 per cent, phosphoric acid, and 32-04 per cent. lime. Inquiries regarding the production of potash from seaweed have been received. Owing to the prospect of the; liberation of supplies from Alsace and other European sources, there seems ter be less likelihood than ever of economically producing potash fertilizer from local sources. With regard to the imports of potash, the Director-General has been in communication with the High Commissioner and also with the manufacturers of mixed fertilizers in New Zealand. Supplies of Alsatian potash salts and German potash salts are now available, in New Zealand. The, utilization of wood-ashes from sawmills has not in practice proved a success, owing chiefly to the, lack of interest displayed by the producers of the; by-products. The, amount available from this source is, moreover, very small. " Radio Manure." ■ Early last year a fertilizer called " Radio Manure " was brought under the, notice of the Department, and was duly registered under the Fertilizers Act. This manure; is mixed at Hamilton, and has been offered for sale in various parts of the North Island. It has been freely advertised by pamphlets and in the newspapers, and many farmers have given testimonials that the compound is efficacious as a fertilizer. The mixture consists mainly of coaldust and limestone, with a small amount of phosphate;. The Department made, arrangements to have the " Radio Manure. " tested by experiments under the supervision of the Instructor in Agriculture, Auckland, and the Fields Instructor, Wanganui. The Stratford trials were conducted on new land, free from the influence of previous manuring, and it was found that the yield of turnips from the plot treated with " Radio Manure " was practically the same as the yield from the control plot, which was unmanured. At the same time plots treated with ordinary commercial fertilizers gave, a. very much higher yield. Some of the vendors hael suggested that the, manure was exceptionally radio-active, and would consequently have a beneficial effect on plant-growth. A sample was therefore submitted to Professor Marsden, of Victoria College, anel the result of his test showed that the radio-activity of " Radio Manure " was less than that of ordinary Wellington soil. Moreover, the experiments conducted in England, so far indicate no hope of the successful employment of radium ores as an aid to either horticulture or agriculture. An official sample of " Radio Manure " was analysed in this laboratory and found to be below the guaranteed analysis as registered under the Fertilizers Act. As the deficiency was materially to the prejudice of the purchaser, a prosecution was instituted. The case against the vendors was heard in the Magistrate's Court, Marton. The evidence of the prosecution was not contested, but the case was dismissed on the, technical point that the information had been laid against the manager of the company instead of against the company. Arrangements have been made to publish the details of the case, as well as the results of departmental trials, in the Journal, so that the farming community may be; informed of the position in regard to this reputed fertilizer. " Carbon, Iron, and Lime Mixture." Another " fertilizer " which is much advertised and is being sold in the Auckland Province, is called the " Carbon, Iron, and Lime; Mixture." This is not sold as a fertilizer, but only—it is presumed —as a substance to supplement or dilute, fertilizers. It is manufactured by an Auckland firm (quite distinct from the mixers of " Radio Manure "), but it is also composed mainly of coaldust and limestone. The Department has analysed several samples, and field experiments arc being conducted to ascertain the agricultural value of the, mixture. Fish Products. Inquiry has been made as to whether a fish- and shark-products company could be started in the North. It/would appear that far more definite data are required as to the constancy of the, supplies before any definite advice; could be given. It is known, of course, that immense quantities of fish and sharks visit certain parts of the coast at intervals, but definite- information is wanting as to the daily catches of material which can be relied upon, even during a season of a few months. The products from such an industry would be chiefly insoluble nitrogenous fertilizers, fish-oil, and fish food. Deficiency Diseases. A report has been submitted to the Director-General, and to the, Director of the, Live-stock Division, who controls the bush-sickness experimental farm at Mamaku, suggesting new line's of experimental work, and steps have been taken to initiate several new experiments. The experiments of Glenhope have, been continued. The deficiency disease in that area is now considered to be very similar to bush-sickness. What is also a similar trouble has been reported from Tuatapere, Waiau Valley, Southland. The soil of the Tuatapere locality was analysed. The limemagnesia ratio was unbalanced, and the lime-requirement test showed that 2J tons of carbonate of lime per required.

41

H.- 29

Work for the Divisions. Live-stock Division. A good deal of work has been done in co-operation with the; Live-stock Division, and the following are' the more important subjects : — Stock diseases : The investigation of soils and general assistance with the experiments at Mamaku Farm and at Glenhope (Nelson) has necessitated periodic visits to these places. The' preparation of stock-licks has been carried out at the Wallaceville Laboratory, and new stock-medicines have been made up for the Pathologist there. The Chemist has arranged for the supplies of chemicals, and lias supervised the making of the licks. Sheep-dips : A few samples of sheep-dip have, been analysed during the year. Advice 1 has alser been given on the question of the registration of sheep-dips, it being suggested by the' Chemist that this matter should be dealt with by means of introducing a comprehensive Insecticide Act on the lines of the statutory provision in the. United States. The necessity for such a law in New Zealand as will regularize the sale of sfu;ep and cattle dips, and plant sprays and disinfectants, is continually being felt, and it would be, the means of protecting the honest proprietor against fraudulent competition, as well as safeguarding the prerducer. Cattle-dipping solution : In connection with the Department's efforts to control the' cattle-tick in the Auckland Province, arrangements have been made; with the Live-stock Division for the; testing of samples, in order that the dip may be kept uniform in strength. The first sample was received on 24th January, 1920, from the Oakleigh dip. In order to make comparisons from time to time, a request has been made for a sample of the original fluid to be sent for analysis. Stock foods and waters : Two samples of calf-foods were; analysed. The first compared favourably with stock-foods previously analysed by the Department, but a second was not up to the standard of the other samples, being low in protein and containing a large' amount of undigestible carbohydrate, matter due to the shucks of the grain being used. Waters for stock have been analysed. Rabbit-poisoning : Information has been collected regarding supplies erf carbon bisulphide, which has been found very effective as a, rabbit-poison, and an article on this subject was published in the; Journal. The local manufacture, of carbon bisulphide, has been suggested, and this phase has been the subject of a report by the; Chief Electrical Engineer (Mr. Birks). It is doubtful if it would pay to install a plant for making rabbit-poison alone, but if the demand could be increased for other industries the project might be feasible. One settler desired authority to experiment with poison gases to cerpe with the rabbit pest, but owing to the danger to human life the Department did not entertain the proposal. Inquiries are being made with a view to securing a source, of cheap strychnine-supplies. Dairy Division. At the; request of the Dairy Division arrangements have been made; for the analysis of condensed milk for export, and any consignment will be analysed, thereby providing the exporter with the same epiality-guarantee as is in use, in the Australian States. The testing of export butte;r for moisture-content has been cerntinue;d during the year, thirty-seven samples having been dealt with. The, analysis of potable waters for dairy purposes has been carried out as hitherto. Horticulture Division. Some samples of spraying-materials, a sample of fruit-juice, and a sample of fertilizer were analysed. In addition, se;veral sample's of poisonous honey have been received for examination, but owing to the difficulty of securing sufficiently largo samples little could be done in the matter. General advice, as to spraying-compounds has been given from time' to time as required. TOXICOLOGIOAL, The usual lead-poisoning cases have, occurred, and have; been detected in specimens sent in to the Laboratory. In one cow's stomach about 3 ozs. erf lead-paint was found. Periwinkle (Vinca major) has been suspected of poisoning a cow driven, it, is supposed, by hunger to partake of it. Periwinkle; is a naturalized plant which is spreading in some parts of the country. Another plant suspected of poisoning stock was Ranunculus sceleratus, the "cursed crowfoot," a well-known poisonous introduced plant common on the margins of ponds and other wet places. Buttercup-poisoning has been mentioned in the Journal (June, 1918, p. 325). Poisoning erf stock by any of the species of Ranunculus is extremely difficult to establish definitely. The medicinal value of tutin, the active principle of the tutu-plant (first isolated in this Laboratory) is being investigated by two well-known New Zealand medical men. Dr. James Macpherson has already published a paper in the New Zealand Medical Journal, Vol. XIX, No. 89, in which he states (p. 13), " Much fuller investigation and observations of the action of the drug are necessary, but I feel that I am. warranted at this stage in recording its manifest and striking physiological actions, Baseel etn these, I believe; the drug might prove useful (1) as a heart-tonic in cases of broken compensation with oedema, (2) as a diuretic, (3) as a purgative or adjuvant to purgatives, and (4) as a general tonic." Bebt-stjgae. When in Christchurch in February, the Chemist was interviewed by the, gentlemen who are floating a company or syndicate to establish a beet-sugar factory in Canterbury —Mr. Tulloch and Mr. Taigel (expert in beet-sugar manufacture). They were' supplied with all the information published in the 1907 8-9 reports of the Chemistry Divisiern, and the matter was discussed at length. It appears that one of the conditions insisted upon by their supporters is that the factory should be established in Canterbury. This seems to be rather unfortunate, as it may afterwards be found that Canterbury with its abnormal climate and soil is not so well adapted as some othe;r provincial districts, notably those; of Otago and Southland, where the greater rainfall, longer growing-day, deeper soil, colder

6—H. 29.

FT.—29

42

harvesting period, better limestone, and fuel facilities, and more, intensive agriculture generally practised would augur a- better chance of succeeding with this entirely ne;w industry. Some sugar-beet is now being grown at Ashburton, and arrangements-have been made with Mr. A. Macpherson, Fields Instructor, to assay some, of the roots for their percentage of sugar. It is rather curious that Canterbury is a district from which no beets have e-ve'r been tested in this Laboratory for sugar-percentage, although much work has been done on sample's from Ruakura, Waikato, Auckland, Moumahaki, and Otago. A leading article in the Christchurch Press, erf 18/2/20, summarized the work of this Department in the matter. DIATOMACEOUS AND SILICEOUS EARTHS. Excellent samples of these earths continue to be received from widely spread localities, showing that there, is no necessity to import this material for manufacturing purposes. A note on the' subject, was published in the Journal for March, 1920. Industrial and Miscellaneous. Wool-greases. —Machinery for separating wool-fat in a wool-washing plant has been installed at Oamaru, and is reported to be working satisfactorily. Wool-refuse. —A sample of wool-refuse, the cleanings from werol badly contaminated with the common New Zealand burr, utuwai, piripiri, or bid-a-bid (Acaena sanguisorbae), was found on analysis to contain 6-8 per cent, of fat. Wool-fat is evidently absorbed to a great- extent, by the utuwai. This was interesting enough ; but when the sender explained that such, utuwai when left in a heap spontaneously took fire and burned to an ash, the subject became more important. Fires in wool-ships, which were so disastrously common some ten err twelve, years ago, may have been caused by the practice erf shipping bales of very " seedy " wool. The idea seems to merit further inquiry, bearing in mind the extremely hygroscopic nature' of wool-grease, and the ease with which vegetable fibre's will spontaneously take fire, provided suitable amounts of moisture and conditions for retaining the; heat generated are present. A note was inserted in the. Journal for November, .1919, calling attention ter the matter. Arsenic-supplies. — Assistance has been given—in conjunction with the Customs Department — to manufacturers of sheep-dips to enable; them to import arsenic, from Japan in tins instead of iron drums, as provided by the regulations. Red-clover Seed. —An interesting specimen of red-clover seed, in which masses of the; seed were bailed together with some syrupy matter, was submitted by the, Biologist. The substance dissolved in water, and reduced Fehling's solution without previous inversion. It now appears that the phenomenon is well known in America, and is caused by an aphis. Quality of New Zealand Leather. —The quality of the, leather produced in New Zealand has been under review, and a preliminary report has been furnished to the, Director-General as to certain objectionable practices adopted by some tanners. Paint Materials- Several samples of soft carbonate of lime have been submitted to a firm of paint-manufacturers with a view to the discovery erf a source, of putty-powder which all has to be imported at present. No sample was found to be suitable; for the purpose. Sulphur-supplies. —The importance of ensuring a continuance of supplies of sulphur has claimed a share of attention. At present the, bulk of our supplies comes from Japan. There; are', however, large quantities of sulphur in the thermal district of the North Island, and these, if more accessible, would undoubtedly be worke;d. Reports on the; subject have been submitted to the Director-General. Fencing-wire. —lnformation regareling means of testing fencing-wire has been collected with a view to instituting some protection against inferior qualities. Samples received. The; following is a list of samples received during the, twelve; months under review : Soils collected by Chemist, 156; soils collected by field officers, 214; miscellaneous soils, 98; limestones, 1.61 ; barks for tanning and dyes, 12; reputed phosphates, 51; fertilizer and reputed fertilizers, 101 ; fertilizers sampled under the Act, 35 ; butter, 37 ; milk, 15 ; toxicological specimens, 13 ; stockfoods, 6 ; waters, 13; spraying-materials, 8 ; grass-seeds, 8; oils, 7 ; sheep and cattle, dips, 4 ; sheep - drenches, 2; honey, 4; cheese, 3; miscellaneous minerals, 19; other miscellaneous samples, 16 : total, 986.

43

H.—29

BIOLOGY SECTION. REPORT OF THE BIOLOGIST. The Director-General. Wellington, Ist June, 1920. I HEREWITH submit my annual report on the main lines of work carried out by this Section during the year ended 31st March last. A. H. Cockayne, Biologist. Visit to the United States. I left New Zealand on Nth August, 1919, and visited the United State's, returning em 14th February, 1920. During this period Mr. R. Waters carrie-el out the duties of officer in charge of this Section with ewery satisfaction. To him anil to all the other members of my stall I give my sincere thanks for (he very capable way in which they carried out their various duties during my absence. In the four and a half months spent in the United States I was enabled to visit many of the, agricultural institutions in the west, middle west, and eastern States, devoting myself mainly to a study erf agronomical conditions from tint Standpoints of education, research, and extension. Seeds and Seed-testing. The seed-testing branch of my Section continues to grow steadily, and during the year over eight thousand samples were analysed for germination and purity. While in the, United States I paid considerable attention to seed-teßting methods in vogue there, and also studied the effect erf many of the seed laws that are in operation. With regard to seed-testing great care is taken that lines reported on arc extremely carefully sampled. This is a matter requiring considerable attention mi (he pail ol merchants here. Many if not all the- discrepancies arising in the germination of such seeds as cocksfoot, Chewings fescue, and the' like arc due to lire sending into the laboratory of sample's carelessly sampled and not truly representative of the line in question. I found this same delect had been quite common in the seed-testing work of many of the States, but seed-merchants there now recognize that the laboratory test is true only of the sample submitted, and if not sampled properly may give quite an errone;ous result so far as the whole line is concerned. Very special emphasis is given in the United State;s on the control of imported seed, and unless lines conic within the standards of real value — i.e., certain definite percentages of purity and germination such seed is not allowed ter be sold. Some similar method of control of imported seed should operate in New Zealand, and this phase, of the question has been embodied in a Pure Se'i;ds Bill which has now be;em prepared. During the year very considerable losses have been suffered by merchants in the export from New Zealand of Chewings fescue, owing to its great loss in vitality during transit overseas. Tin; causes of this deterioration are now being made the' subject ol special investigation in co-operation with the Bureau of Plant Industry, at Washington. The overseas demand for Chewing's fescue is rapidly diminishing owing to the unsatisfactory germination on arrival in Europe and America. It is hoped that the studies em the loss of vitality in Chewings fescue will have a wide significance, and will be valuable in putting the storage and shipment erf many agricultural seeds on a heller footing. The prices for agricultural se'e;ds have been maintained at an extremely high level during the year. This is especially true, of grass and clover seeds, such as danthemia, brown-top, lotus, and others that are particularly necessary for the; grassing of our poorer lands. In fact, so high has the price of danthonia become that it should be; the policy of all large users of the see;d of this grass to lay down paddocks' specifically for seed-production. Plant-pathology. The Iwo main lilies of work ill plant-pathology have been a study of the dry-rot fungus of swedes {Phoma napo-brassicae Rost.) and fire-blight (Bacillus amylovorus Burr.). Much valuable information on the control of cabbage Phoma was secured in. Wisconsin, where infected seeel Iras been shown to Ire the main method erf spread. From experiments conducted here, however, it appears conclusive thai the swede dry-rot fungus is a soil saprophyte capable of living in the ground for several years. Ne'verthiiess its appearance from time to time' in crops grown on virgin land indicates that the serwing ol' infected see-d is a factor in its dissemination. From Ihe preliminary experimental work carried out it- has been shown that the applie;ation erf large quantities of water-soluble phosphates increases the disease considerably, and that potash manures have a depressing effect on the; development of (he fungus. Much work of a fundamental nature still remains to Ire done before practical methods of control can be' laid down. Fire-blight, which is justly considered one of the mdsl dangerous diseases of pip-fruits, made its appearanoe for the first time in New Zealand during the summer in Ihe Auckland District. Conditions being favourable for lower-infection, the disease spread rapidly, and considerable areas of the Auckland Province have beoome in lee-ted. It is especially bad in the Waikato. Apart from apples and pears, hawthorn has been found to be seriously affected, anel much work has been done to determine whether hold-over- cankers are developeel on this plant. Present indications are that such is the case, and if this proves correct it will make the' control erf fire-blight extremely difficult in districts where hawthorn hedges are largely grown. Just how and when this bacterial disease was imported has not yet been ascertained, but from investigations conducted it appears that the disease is of extremely recent origin here, and the reports that it has been in the Dominion for many years have no foundation. Considerable attention has been given to wheat-diseases, especially with regard to take-all (Ophiobolus graminis Sacc). The control ol wheat-diseases, owing to the altered economic and national position of this crop due ter the lessened production of the, world's liieadstuffs, has become' of considerable moment in New Zealand, and warrants special study being given to the subject.

H.—29.

44

Yellow-leaf of phormium has been the subject of considerable study, and a new species of Ramularia very similar to the one, causing a root-disease in ginseng has been isolated. So far, inoculation experiments have been of a negative character, but it is more' than probable that this Ramularia is a weak pathogene only capable; of infection when the phormium-plants have' be;e;n weakent;d by adverse soil-conditions. As has 1 n pointed out by Dr. L. Cockayne, at the present time there is a very general improvement in the vigour of flax swamps, and in consequenoe yellow-leaf is far less pronounced than last year. During the year very considerable, amounts of mycological material have been collected, and the cryptogamic herbarium has been largely increased. This work is erf fundamental importance in the work of the plant pathological laboratory, and it is hoped shortly to establish a series of exchanges with foreign institutions in errder ter strengthen the collections, As was usual in past years, a large; number of mycological specimens have been examined and reported upon. This portion of the work of the Section continues ter grow, and takes up much time and patient study. Entomology. Apart from the routine work on the identification of insects and supplying information on control, a considerable amount erf original investigation has been carried out. The insect pests of the eucalyptus plantations of lire' South Island have be'en given some study, anil a publication on the subject is being prepared. Work also on the life-history of the; meadow-foxtail midges, the grassgrub, and the pear-bud .midge has been undertaken. There has, however, been much call on Mr. D. Miller's services for field-work, and this renders difficult the carrying-out of any sustained laboratory investigations. Agronomy and Agrostological Investigations, Work on the. ecology of New Zealand grasslands has been continued, and to this work Mr. E. B. Levy has devote;d a large amount of time. Many photographs of numerous ecological phases erf grassland production and management have been secured, and these have been found to be of the greatest value in extension work along the line of farmers' lectures. Advice on grassland werrk in general has steadily increased, and the, work of this Section along these lines has done much towards an improvement in our grasslands. Field Experiments and Agricultural Extension. Much of my time; has been occupied in the planning of experimental work on the experimental and demonstration areas, notably at Winton, Gore, Ashburton, and Marton. Advice and field work in connection with the; agricultural extension work carried out by the Fields Instructors has also had to be undertaken from time to time. Leotuees and Educational Work. During the year many lectures to farmers have, been given, both in the North and South Islands, anel a, series of lectures have been given to the returned soldiers undergoing training at the, Central Development Farm, Weraroa. HEMP-GRADING SERVICE. REPORT OF THE CHIEF HEMP-GRADER. The Director-General. Wellington, 15th May, 1920. Herewith please find my annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1920. W. H. Ferris, Chief Hemp-grader. Volume of Production. The quantities of hemp and tow received at the grading-stores for the year ended 31st March, 1920, again show a very marked decrease compared with the previous corresponding period. The large reduction is accounted for by the low prices ruling during a great part of the season and by the high cost of production. Only those millers who were' favourably situated could produce hemp at the prices offering. Also, during the three months when the shortage of ceral caused a curtailment of the railway service, very few mills were able to carry on, and the industry was practically at a standstill. The grading-port most affected by these causes was Bluff, the total number of bales of hemp graded being only 7,612, as compared with 20,053 for the previous year, a decrease, of 12,441 bales. Wellington and by-ports show a decrease of 13,818 bales, Auckland 10,012 bales, and Foxton 9,634 bales. Drought in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato districts was responsible for the destruction of large areas of green flax by fire, while blight and disease in the Ma-nawatu district was the cause of a decrease of at least 8 to 10 tons of fibre per day. Prices. The average f.o.b. prices per ton obtained for phormium fibre for the past year are as follows : Hemp Good-fair £33 10s., high-lair £31 1.05., low-fair £28, common £23. Tow—First grade £8 10s., second grade £7 10s., third grade £0. Compared with the previous year these prices show a decrease of £8 10s. for good-fair and high-fair, £10 for low-fair, and £7 for common, whilst the price of tow has increased by £1 per ton in all grades.

45

H.—29

Quality of Eibre. The quality of the hemp during the past year, as can be seen from the', attached tables, shows an all-round improvement at all the grading-ports as compared with the previous year. The percentage of good-fair is increased by 9 per cent., and low-fair and common also show a moderate improvement. This without doubt is due principally to a difference of £3 to £5 per ton ruling during a great part of the year between the different grades, and it is to be hoped that this difference; will continue, as the majority of millers will do their utmost to mill for the higher grades. Most of the low-fair and common, hemp graded at the ports of Foxton anel Wellington was due solely to the very inferior (diseased) leaf several millers had to contend with, and very short leaf in the Southland District was responsible for the; high percentage, of low-fair graded at the Bluff. In many cases, howe;ver, the hemp graded during the year would have pointed much higher but for the unsatisfactory work in scutching. This branch of nulling is invariably done under the contract system, and the tendency is to aim at quantity and not quality. One result of poor scutching (with the resultant bad tail on the hanks), is that cordage-manufacturers experience great trouble in spinning, and oversea buyers often complain strongly of this we;akness in our fibre, which must have a detrimental effect on its safe. This fault has to be recognized in grading, and many large, parcels dealt with during the year had in consequence; to be put into a leiwer grade than that whiedi the quality of the; body of the fibre, merited. I would especially impress upon millers that something must be done to uplift the industry by improving the methods followed in the production of phormium-fibre, more; especially in the scutching process. In so doing a regular quality of fibre would be preidueerd, which woulel be appreciated by users and lead to an expansion of the demand. There, is not the slightest doubt that in conseepaence, of the large quantities of sisal nerw produced, and the imprerved methods erf producing this fibre, phormium-fibre is likely to suffer in the' world's markets unless something is done to materially improve on its present average quality. The loss to the Dominion on the past year's outpu caused by the production of low-grade, fibre which woulel have easily secured a higher grade by extra scutching is estimated at betwe;e;n £10,000 and £12,000, this calculation being based on the differene'e of prices between the various grades. Not only is there a direct lerss in the; output of a low-grade article, but an indirect one caused by the prejudice created in the minds of manufacturers, who, perhaps being unaware of our better quality, discard phormium under the impression that they have seen our best. The quality of the tow produced in the past seasern must be regarded as very satisfactory, the. percentage of third grade for the Dominion being only 7-5 per cent., compared with. 18 per cent, in the previous year. First grade has also gone up from 30 to 35 per cent. The low prices offering and very small demand for stripper-slips were responsible for the large' decrease in this by-product. The Marlborough, West Coast (South Island), and Wairoa districts still uphold their reputation for turning out a first-class epiality of fibre, and millers in these districts have no trouble in disposing of most of their output to local manufacturers. There are also several millers in the' Wairarapa and Manawatu districts who deserve special mention. Manufacturing Processes. A sulphur-bleaching process has been carried out by a few millers, but so far has not been as successful as was anticipated. Grading Statistics. The following tables give' particulars of the grading during the year emde;d 31st March, 1920, the Dominion totals and percentages for the: previous year being also shown for comparison in the' firstthree tables :—

ei np (Bales). 6 c ,. ., ,. <p -,,,, Uood-urading-ijorts. fe Dine. , , p, lair. s cc Auckland .. .. .. 46 3,488 Foxton 1.4 2,250 Wellington .. .. .. 92 6,184 Bluff .. 305 Dunedin .. 315 Blenheim .. .. .. 4-1,136 Pie-ton .. .. . . 394 ! 264 Napier .. 2,1.08 Lyttelton .. .. .. 50 178 High- Low- ,, i, . , . Con- ,. ? ci ■ Common. Reiected , , fair. lean-. ' demned. ._ 10,493 4.991 551 14 14,964 5,480 491 212 I .. 19,352 ' 9,658 579 94 2,650 2,625 301. , 13 .. 752 535 116 40 13 19 3 i 14 .. Total. 19,383 23,411 35,959 5.894 1,718 1,215 872 2,108 308 80 Totals, 1919-20 .. .. 800 16,228 I Percentage .. .. 0-88 17-82 48,345 23,102 2,057 336 53-23 25-43 2-26 0-37 72,970 44,105 6,276 596 105 53-32 32-23 4-61 0-43 0-08 99,868 Totals, 1918-19 .. .. 571 12,150 136,773 Percentage .. .. 0-41 8-92 Total decrease ii n 1919-20, 45,905 bales.

H.-29

46

Tow (Bales).

Stripper-slips (Bales).

Percentages of the various Grades of Hemp at each Grading-port.

Percentages of the various Grades of Tow at each Grading-port.

Grading-ports. First Grade. \ I Second Grade. | Third Grade. I Condemned, j Total Auckland Foxton Wellingtern Bluff 73 890 4,702 2,124 872 4.305 353 3,435 209 662 89 121 314 6 148 I 4 85 61 1 9 3,130 5,549 8,355 751 121 505 527 365 455 • • Dunedin Lyttelton Blenheim Picton Napier 185 375 280 455 Totals, 1919-20 .. 6,960 11,194 1,533 71 19,758 Percentage 35-5 57-5 7-5 57-5 0-35 Totals, 1918-19 .. 6,669 10,869 3,930 485 21,553 Percentage 30 50 18 2 Te jtal decrease in 1919-20, 1,795 bales.

Grading-ports. First Grade. Second Grade. 75 57 Condemned. Total. i 75 57 Wellington . . Foxton Total 132 132 132 1919 599 599 Decrea .so in 1919-20, 467 bales.

Grading-ports. 8 fc ! Fine. ' Qi ! 3 CO Goodfair. Highfair. LowFair. Common. Rejected. Condemned. I 54-20 64-20 53-50 45-00 43-50 3-29 1-40 l 24-70 23-40 27-00 44-55 31-50 1-07 Auckland Foxton Wellington Bluff Dunedin Blenheim Picton Napier Lyttelton .... 0-23 .. .. 0-06 .. ... 0-25 .. .. 0-32 | 68-20 .. .. 16-00 1,8-00 9-60 17-00 5-18 18-50 93-50 30-30 100-00 58-00 2-80 2-09 1-60 5-10 6-50 1-56 0-07 0-90 0-26 0-20 0-24 26-00

Grading-ports. Auckland Foxton Wellington Bluff Dunedin Blenheim Picton Lyttelton Napier First Grade. 2-3 16-0 56-3 711 76-7 36-6 100-0 I Second Grade. 67-8 77-7 41-1 88-3 100-0 28-1 23-3 62-3 Third Grade. 27-5 6-3 2-3 11-7 0-8 1-1 I Condemned. 1-5 0-1

47

H.—29

GliA [N-GKADING SERVICE. REPORT OF THE CHIEF GRAIN-GRADER. The Director-General. Christohuroh, 18th May, 1920. Herewith please find my annual reporl for the pear ended 31st March, 1920. A. W. Smith, Grain-grad"T 1 have to report that grain-grading as carried out by the licensed Graders during the past year has given satisfaction, and has proved of great benefit to those engaged in the trade. I am sure that the confidence placed in those' carrying out the grading duties will be maintained bo long aj the same unbiased and expert-attention is given to sampling as is done at pre: cut. Periodioil visits ol inspection have been paiel during the year to those ports where Graders are stationed, and I think that as the result ol my visits there is now a, more uniform interpretation of the standards on which the grading is being done. During the year arrangements were- made as regards plae-ing the grading facilities at Dunedin on a. much better footing. By payment of a retaining lee to Mr. J. Tipping by the Department, merchants in that town are assured that a Grader will always be available when required, A request was received from the; Gore merchants that a resident Grader be appointed there. In the past- Gore merchants have at times sent, down to Blufi in good faith certain line's of oats which, when the Bluff Grader sampled the line, he found were not up ter the standard. As a result the trucks containing the erats were ordered back to store, which step incurred a, great deal of expense. Consequently the Gore Grain-brokers' Association thought that if a Grader was appointed at Gore he could sample the oats on the- truck and reject any not up to grade before the line was loaded. Although not altogether in favour of having Graders away from the shipping-ports, I visited Gore, and alter an interview with the president anel secretary of the local association I approved, as atrial, of the Con' nominee entering inter a working arrangement with Mr. McQuarrie, Graeier at the Bluff, whereby the former will be directly employed for this purpose by Mr. McQuarrie, the latter taking full responsibility for the, certificates issued. When the present season is finished I will be able to state if this step has been a success. During the year the New Zealand Government's purchase of wheat in Australia has continued to arrive in the Dominion, and a large, portion of my time has been taken up in sampling and distributing the' various cargoes. For the period covered by this report there arrived 1,255,362 bushels, anel the quality taken over all shipments was superior to the sample on which the contract was made. The sampling as carried out by Messrs. Davidson Bros, on the Australian side has been conscientiously done, and I have had practically no complaints to make on this score during the; year. My comments em those cargoes arriving previous to March, 1919, evidently had the effect erf tightening up the sampling, as millers are very well satisfied with the quality of the wheat that has arrived since. The' balance of the purchase of 4,000,000 bushels should all be landed in (he Dominion by .line. The arrangements whereby the licensed Graders act- as arbitrators for the Wheat Controller are still in existence, and during the past year their services were availed of in the case of disputes. At the request of the Wheat Controller 1 was transferred in October to the Wheat Control ()lfie;e fo understudy the duties of Assistant Wheat, Controller, and in January, on the resignation of the then Assistant Wheat Controller, Mr. W. S. Pratt, 1 was appointed to the position, such appointment being contingent on my still supervising the carrying-out of the grading by lioensed Graders. While in this position I will still be able to keep in close touch with the' Graders. The' grain trade is still working on the descriptions of the grades submitted to their association by me in October, 1918, but up to the present has not availed itself of the offer made by me on behalf of the Department to set up permanent standard samples. I still have hopes, however, that the request will sooner err later be made, and if it does eventuate I shall bring my best efforts to bear on the question, and am confident that a set of standards acceptable to all parties will be established.

Approximate Coat of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (7, r >ii copies), £(i 7 10s.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington. 1920

Price, Is.