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1930. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1929-30.

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

Wellington, 31st July, 1930. Sir, — I have the honour to forward herewith, for Your Excellency's information, the report of the Department of Agriculture for the financial year ended 31st March, 1930. The reports of the Director-General and heads of Divisions outline a wide range of effective work for the benefit of our agricultural industries. The remarkable expansion recorded in the country's flocks and herds, and the substantial increase in production of our main staples of dairy-produce, meat, and wool are due mainly to improved grassland-farming practice, and to better animal husbandry and hygiene. In the promotion of these matters, as well as in the development of the fruitgrowing industry, the Department has given an excellent lead. As regards dairying, herd-testing has been an important factor. The Department, with its strongly established organization and wide resources and experience, is keeping well to the fore in agricultural research and instruction. Good fundamental work is being done at many points, and in applied agricultural science New Zealand is achieving an acknowledged place. This cannot fail to assist our primary industries in the world trade competition which, under present conditions, steadily grows more intense. The year has been marked by a more or less heavy decline in world prices for the primary products which form our main export staples. It is seldom indeed that such an all-round simultaneous fall has occurred, the more common experience being a balancing of one commodity against another in market fluctuations. But although a general downward trend or reversion of values seems to be establishing itself, a fair recovery in certain products, such as wool, may be anticipated. While the position can be regarded with reasonable optimism, it certainly calls for serious study and action at every weak point capable of amelioration. Due provision will be made to enable the Department of Agriculture to take its full part in this respect. I have, &c., A. J. Murdoch, Minister of Agriculture. His Excellency the Governor-General.

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