H.—29

The following table indicates the respective classes of premises at which these animals were slaughtered : —

Stock slaughtered at ordinary slaughterhouses during the year ended 31st March, 1933, was as follows : Cattle, 56,307 ; calves, 1,392 ; sheep, 243,141 ; lambs, 33,981 ; swine, 22,214. Carcasses of pork killed and dressed by farmers and sent into butchers' shops and small factories and examined by departmental officers numbered 34,554. In connection with the animals shown in the above tables as slaughtered at meat-export slaughterhouses, the following numbers are returned as having gone into consumption within the Dominion : Cattle, 9,505 ; calves, 1,707 ; sheep, 139,050 ; lambs, 75,792 ; swine, 8,805. Compensation paid for Stock and Meat condemned. Compensation to the amount of £6,780 Is. sd. was paid out during the year for animals condemned in the field for disease under the provisions of the Stock Act, and £10,581 16s. sd. for carcasses or or parts of carcasses condemned for disease on examination at the time of slaughter at abattoirs, meat-export slaughterhouses, &c, under the provisions of the Slaughtering and Inspection Act. Importation of Stud Stock from Abroad. The following imported animals were placed in quarantine during the year for the respective periods required : Horses, nil; cattle, 3 ; sheep, 2 ; swine, 17 ; dogs, 25. Exportation of Stud Stock. During the year under review the following stud stock was exported : Sheep, 2,413 ; cattle, 79 ; swine, 9 ; horses, 47 (draught). There was the usual movement of racehorses to and from Australia. Dairy Inspection. Again those farmers supplying the raw material for city use have experienced considerable difficulty owing to falling prices. Notwithstanding this, the standard, both as regards the health of the cows and the sanitary condition of the sheds, has been well maintained, and in many instances has been improved upon. There is a desire on the part of many dairymen to improve their herds, sheds, and surroundings, and thus supply a better article. A spirit of rivalry is in evidence which will produce a better article for the benefit of the consumer. Approximately there are 5,000 registered dairies supplying our cities and towns throughout the Dominion. During the year these dairies are kept under strict supervision as regards sanitary conditions, and all milking machines and other utensils in connection with the dairy are periodically inspected to see that they are kept clean. In addition to this the health of the cows is well maintained. Clinical examinations of these herds are frequently made and any animals found diseased are destroyed, while suspected animals are subjected to the tuberculin test and if diseased they are eliminated. In addition to this, composite samples of milk are taken from a large number of herds and subjected to the biological test, and should positive results be obtained the whole herd is subjected to the tuberculin test and any diseased animals eliminated. The sediment tester has also been largely in use. In all districts samples of milk are taken and subjected to this test, and where it is found necessary to bring about improved milking conditions the farm is visited and instructions given to effect this. At Wallaceville during the season just ended 441 composite samples of milk were subjected to the biological test. Of this number six proved to be positive. The herds were immediately tested and the diseased animals eliminated. It is satisfactory to report that a steady improvement is taking place in the manner in which the herds and premises are kept, and every endeavour will be made by the officers of this Division to see that this improvement is maintained. The Poultry Industry. This section of the Division's responsibilities has been given considerable attention during the year with a view to assisting the industry to better organize itself. This weakness in the poultry industry has been remarked on previously, but the necessity for a better system of organization was never more felt than now in order that the spring and early summer surplus of eggs may be exported with equal benefit to all concerned. In other words, the industry requires and desires to be given the means to organize itself and enable the export of eggs to be carried on without relying on Government assistance. The preparation of the Poultry Amendment Bill was an honest attempt to assist towards this, and it is hoped that the measure will be reintroduced during the coming session of Parliament.

15

Stock. Avoirs. sla M u Se e Ces. Bacon-factoriee. Cattle .. .. .. .. .. 140,083 197,218 Calves .. .. .. .. .. 56,275 541,668 Sheep .. .. .. .. .. 765,151 2,561,306 Lambs .. .. .. .. .. 220,758 9,643,846 Swine .. .. .. .. .. 131,328 347,998 30,583