39

H.—29

open a subject and get up a discussion by means of questions. The volume, of correspondence dealing with advice on agricultural subjects has greatly increased during the year, and is a great tax on time. Wellington (except North-western Districts) , Marlborough, and Nelson: F. W. Greenwood, Instructor in Agriculture, Wellington. Weather. —Conditions were, on the whole, fairly normal throughout, and tho rainfall was well distributed and about the average in total fall. The months of February and March closing the period under review were warm and dry. Crops and Pastures. —The matter of pasture-improvement has received due attention. Lucerne has also engaged considerable attention, and is being sown in much larger areas, especially on the Manawatu coast. A number of crops have been sown in wide drills to allow of intercultivation ; this may be regarded as an innovation, as the broadcast crop has almost entirely prevailed, in the past. Roots were grown to about the same extent as in previous years, and where intercultivation was carried out heavy yields resulted. In some localities much damage was done by dry-rot. Potatoes were not extensively grown. The area sown in wheat showed a decrease in comparison with that of former seasons, while the area sown in oats was slightly greater. Barley showed an increase, especially in the Marlborough District. Forage crops continue to be sown as supplementary fodder for dairy stock, and the season generally was favourable to heavy yields. Advice and Farm-inspection. —A large volume of correspondence was received requesting advice on agricultural matters. A great portion of this was answered by letter, but in many cases an inspection of the farm was necessary, the latter method being undoubtedly the better one. Very often a number of farms in one locality were visited at the same time. Considerable time was also devoted to assisting soldier settlers by means of personal advice. Work through Farmers' Organizations. —Much useful work was done through such organizations as the Farmers' Union and the various Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. In many cases lectures were given at their regular meetings, and in some instances these were supplemented by field-days and inspections of farms where work of special interest to the district was being undertaken. Some twenty branches of the Farmers' Union were addressed, the average attendance being thirtyfour. The use of lantern-slides proved a valuable adjunct, particularly during the winter months. Demonstration Areas. —A special committee was set up by the Masterton and the Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Associations to meet the Instructor and arrange for a series of demonstrations to be carried out on private farms. The object of these demonstrations was to test the local practices against suggested improvements—each area to be visited by organized parties when the crop or pasture had reached maturity. The economic aspect being of major importance, no work was undertaken which could not be profitably carried out by the ordinary farmer. Eight of such areas were established, and there is every indication that a greater number will be undertaken next year. Lectures to Soldier Trainees. —One of the chief duties lay in giving regular lectures to trainees at the Central Development Farm, Weraroa ; Wairarapa Training-farm, Masterton ; Repatriation Farm, Tauherenikau ; Military Hospital, Trentham ; and also at the Waipukurau Sanatorium (by special arrangement with the Instructor in charge of the Hawke's Bay District). Each period of instruction was four months, and covered a course of sixteen lectures on such subjects as soils, manures, crops, and pastures. The average attendance at each lecture was twenty-two, and the interest manifested very gratifying. In certain cases lectures in dairy science were given by arrangement with the Dairy Division. Where possible the trainees attended local shows in company with the Instructor, who gave demonstrations on the exhibits. Lime and Liming. —A large number of soil-samples for lime-requirement tests were taken from typical soils, and the results made known to the farmers in the districts concerned. Lime-deposits at Dyerville (Wairarapa), Takaka, and Upper Takaka were inspected at the request of local companies, and advice given as to the most suitable site for a plant and the best methods of dealing with the raw material. Fertilizer-control. —Samples of fertilizers were taken for analysis from several of the manuremerchants, and one prosecution was instituted for breaches of the Act. General. —Numerous plant-diseases and insect pests have been reported during the year, and when required specimens were forwarded to the Biologist for identification and suggestions as to methods of control. Considerable damage has been done by dry-rot of swedes ; grass-grub in pastures ; redleaf on cereals, in restricted areas ; and flag-smut on grasses, notably danthonia. When visiting farms a number of seed-samples were taken for germination and purity tests, and the results obtained from the Biological Laboratory. Canterbury and North Otago: F. E. Ward, Instructor in Agriculture, Christchurch. Weather. —The winter of 1920 was fairly open, and there were no heavy snowfalls. During December and the early part of January very hot weather was experienced. Frequent northwesterly winds prevailed from October until the middle of January, and quickly dried up any moisture that fell. In North Otago and South Canterbury very little rain fell between September and the end of March. In this respect conditions were more favourable in North Canterbury, although in all parts of the district forage crops, such as rape, kale, &c, have in most cases been almost a failure owing to dry, hot weather during critical periods of their development. The month showing the heaviest rainfall was January, with 4-62 in, while February, with 0-98 in, was the driest. The rainfall for the year was actually above the average for Canterbury, but this precipitation was mostly in the nature of heavy showers followed by drying winds, and so was not of any groat benefit to plant-life. The rainfall at Christchurch for the twelve months ended 31st March was 2-67 in. greater than that for the