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the autumn growth of grass has been small, and root crops, particularly in the Waikato district, suffered to such an extent that good yields are likely to be the exception. The general health of horses during the year was satisfactory. The number offering for sale, particularly of heavy draughts, has been barely sufficient to meet the demand, and tho high prices which ruled during the year ended 31st March, 1920, have been generally maintained during the past twelve months. The keen demand and high prices have given the breeding of heavy horses a fillip which was much needed. The condition and general health of cattle during the year under review have been above the average, and the mortality from all causes has been light. As a result of the mild winter and an ample supply of winter feed, dairy cattle came into profit in good condition, and this, combined with the excellent spring and summer seasons which followed, has resulted in one of the most successful dairying seasons yet experienced in the Auckland Province. All classes of cattle were in keen demand at satisfactory prices in April, 1920, and values continued firm, with a gradual rise to almost the end of September, when values for all classes except dairy cows commenced to decline—at first slowly, but during the last three months rapidly—until now all classes of beef cattle are difficult to quit even at prices approximately 30 per cent, below those ruling at the commencement of the period here reported on. Sheep generally have done well during the year. Climatic conditions were very favourable, and the percentage of lambs was high. The latter did particularly well, and a greater percentage than usual became prime for slaughter or pasture. The wool-clip was fully up to the average in both weight and quality. All classes were in keen demand at high values in April, 1.920, and this condition continued up to about October when prices commenced to decline, until, at time of writing, practically all classes are difficult to sell at a reduction of approximately 45 per- cent, on the values which ruled at the opening of the period. The condition and general health of swine has been satisfactory, and there is nothing regarding them requiring special mention. During the year under review there was a drop in the values of swine averaging 38 per cent, for all classes. Wellington District. Throughout practically the whole of the East Coast districts droughty conditions have prevailed during the summer and autumn months, with consequent bare and dry pasture lands. 'Poverty Bay district commenced the season with good rains and an early spring, but during the months December to April little rain fell and pastures dried up rapidly, resulting in a falling-away in the condition of stock. Hawke's Bay also commenced the year with good promise, but another drought-stricken summer and autumn followed, and though stock maintained their condition fairly well the prospects (or the winter and early spring are not good. Last year large numbers of stock, chiefly cattle, left this district for the west coast and northern districts, and have not yet been replaced. The Wairarapa likewise suffered severely from want of rain, and the hot drying winds during the summer and autumn, with consequent withering-up of pastures, brought about a shortage of feed. Peilding district commenced the season with good spring and early summer pastures, but had an abnormally dry late summer and autumn, the pastures and root crops suffering severely. At early winter the fields were very bare. Taihape district, though not having tho prolific and abundant pastures of other years, came through the season without serious shortage of feed. In the King-country pastures were good generally. Nelson and Marlborough pastures remained fairly good generally throughout the year. Taranaki had ample pastures in the early part of the season, and much hay was stacked. The first three months of 1921 were dry, and pastures generally are now barer than usual. The health and condition of horses have been good. The only diseases that have been reported arc; influenza and strangles, and in no case, has cither' of these diseases appeared in a Bevoro form. Except in the Masterton district tho breeding of horses (both light and heavy) is practically neglected. There, however, the breeding of draughts is being carried out on progressive lines. There is a good demand in all districts for farm, horses, and unless more intorest is taken in breeding it will only be a few years before difficulties will arise in getting suitable animals for farm-work. The general health of cattle in this district has been normal throughout the year, no outbreaks of any disease of a serious nature, being reported. The number of cattle found affected with tuberculosis, actinomycosis, and other malignant growths, and condemned by Inspectors in the field, is slightly less than the previous year, but no marked decrease is shown, the figures being 1,503 for 1919-20, and 1,4G0 for 1920-21. In one herd at Hastings an outbreak of actinomycosis took place, sixteen animals being simultaneously affected ; this was practically the only departure from normal conditions found. The market values of cattle unfortunately slumped heavily during the year, this slump being felt all over the Dominion. This decline, together with the drought and consequent bareness of pastures which prevailed during the summer and autumn months over a great portion of this district (chiefly in Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, and Wairarapa) and which left the cattle in low condition to face the winter, has been anything but encouraging to cattle-raisers, many of whom have been financially hard hit. Reports received indicate that a largely increased number of cows will bo milked for dairy-factory simply during the next season, many farmers relinquishing sheep in favour of dairying owing to the heavy drop in wool-values and the good prices still offering for dairy-produce. Sheep generally have remained healthy during the year, and the last wool-clip was considerably better than the previous one. The lambing was successful, and the percentage of lambs rather higher than in 1919. A number of cases of protrusion of tho vagina were reported about last September, but inquiries made in all districts showed that it was not any more prevalent than in previous years. A few eases of facial eczema were reported from various districts, but in no case was there any extensive outbreak. Considerable mortality was reported from the Wairarapa and Woodville districts from acute renal congestion during the months of September and October, but since then no trouble has been experienced. A careful examination of all sheep at saleyards has been made, and where liee-affeeted sheep have been found the owners have been prosecuted. There appears to he very little doubt that in a number of cases the sheep found to be affected with lice had been dipped before being brought to the yards. That the dip has not been effective is in the majority of cases due to the carelessness of the owners in not carrying out the printed instructions sent out with the (lip. Too many farmers look upon dipping as a matter of form, and either do not mix the dip properly or hurry the sheep through short dips so as to get the job finished. Owing to the dry weather and shortage of water a number of applications for extension of time in which to dip have been granted. Two outbreaks of pasteurellosis have been reported—one from Kai Iwi, near Wanganui, and one from Carterton. In the first outbreak there were four deaths and in the latter eleven. The trouble was confined to the two farms on which the outbreaks occurred, and no further cases have been reported. Cases of paralysis in pigs have been reported from time to time, and in practically every case investigated the methods of feeding have been at fault. Pneumonia has also been reported in one or two districts, being attributed to the unsuitable conditions in which the animals have been kept. There is no doubt that the pig is a very much neglected animal on tho majority of farms. When the price was high and pigs were well worth rearing very little was done for their comfort, but now the price has gone down considerably it is feared they will be more than ever neglected. Tuberculosis among pigs, as evidenced by the returns from bacon-factories and abattoirs, is still far too prevalent. Christchurch District. In several of the stock inspection districts —namely, Rotherham, Amberley, Christchurch, Timaru, and Waimate— a number of horses were noted during the year to be affected with strangles, but apparently this disease caused no mortality of any consequence. Apart from this trouble, tho health and condition of horses in general have been good. Tho breeding of horses is progressive in about half of the district, while in the remainder it is at a standstill in some parts and very unprogressive in others. In farming areas draught horses are in good demand and are commanding satisfactory prices. At the end of winter, cattle in the Waimate, Timaru, Amberley, Rotherham, and Kaikoura inspectorates were in fair to very good condition, while in the remaining portion of the district their condition was poor. At the