C.—l.

experienced occasionally, but the main effect of the drought was felt in the Wairau Plains and south to the Clarence River. The yield from all crops was poor, peas in particular receiving a severe setback. The acreage in peas increased by 20 per cent, to 10,000 acres, but the average yield in consequence of the drought and an unseasonable frost in January was reduced by 40 per cent, to 15 bushels. Wheat, oats, and barley showed a small variation in area, but yields were down from 10 per cent, to 20 per cent. Yields of grass and clover seeds were lower, but splendid samples were harvested. Rape and turnip crops were generally very patchy and poor, and in many cases complete failures. In many parts of the district feed was so short that outside grazing had to be secured or stock had to be sold at a sacrifice and those who had to sell will be faced, later on, with the necessity of restocking at greatly increased prices. Right up to the end of March the outlook for winter feed was very gloomy, but splendid rain fell on the 27th of that month and, providing reasonably mild conditions prevail for a time, the district should come through the winter reasonably well. The Kaikoura district proved to be more fortunate than the rest of Marlborough, and had abundant rains and consequently plenty of winter feed. Owing to severe frosts at the critical growing period and the drought, orchardists had a very bad year, the estimated yield for export being 41,000 cases, which is a reduction of 44 per cent, on last year's export figures. Owing to the dry conditions, the production of butterfat is expected to be much lower, and this, allied with the poor prices being received, has made the outlook for the dairy-farming community very depressing. The bulk of the Crown lessees and mortgagors engaged in dairying are doing their utmost to meet present conditions.

WESTLAXD. (T. Cagney, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Low prices ruling for butterfat overshadowed all other aspects of farming in this district, and was practically the only serious factor militating against what otherwise would have proved a most successful year. Favourable weather, above the average, was experienced, particularly towards the latter part of the period, thus affording farmers suitable climatic conditions for the saving of hay and also ensilage to carry stock through the coming winter. As sheep-farming, particularly where Crown tenants are concerned, is pursued on a comparatively limited scale in this district, the favourable prices ruling for sheep products has not been appreciably reflected in the revenue collected, which however, under all headings, discloses an increase on lastyear's figures. It is pleasing to record that, notwithstanding the setback to farmers as the result of continued low prices for butterfat, Crown holdings are generally being maintained in good order, although probably the use of fertilizers has had to be curtailed to some extent. This condition, however, need not be regarded as serious if not unduly prolonged, and a moderate rise in butterfat prices would to a large extent relieve the position. Butterfat-production continues to show an increase, as compared with previous years. Herdtesting figures for last season disclose an average test of 252 lb. of butterfat per cow, which represents a substantial increase compared with previous seasons. Although prices for butterfat opened comparatively well early in the season, a rapid decline followed, with local factories advancing in the vicinity of 6d. per pound towards the end of the period. Probably, when final payments are made, the average total payment for the season will not exceed Bd. per pound. Pig-farming, as a supplementary to dairy-farming in this district, has been gradually decreasing in volume for the last two years or more. The adoption locally, as elsewhere, of improved methods for grading and export has been receiving serious attention lately, and it is hoped will impart a fillip to this important branch of the farming industry, which has in the past not received the attention it merits. Local prices for beef this year showed a moderate increase on last year's figures, ox beef averaging about 225. per hundred, heifer beef about 195., and cow beef in the vicinity of 14s. Bush feed, on which cattle graziers relied to no small extent in the past, is gradually being eaten out, and no doubt the noticeable increase in deer is having a marked effect in this direction . At the same time, the abundance of rough open grazing land available in this district will always ensure a steady production of beef in no mean volume.

CANTERBURY. (W. Stewakt, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) This year's rainfall has been more evenly distributed than usual throughout the twelve months, so that there has been no serious drought, but some of it has been rather unseasonable, causing delay and loss in harvesting and slower fattening in lambs. Several violent storms have also caused much damage. The high country had no prolonged periods of rough weather, or exceptionally heavy falls of snow, such as cause a heavy death-rate and poor lambing, but had many severe frosts that delayed spring growth. Over all, it can be said the climatic conditions throughout the year have suited Canterbury farming. With the recovery in prices for sheep products and the favourable season, pastoralists have had a good year. The outlook in the autumn was not bright, rape and turnips had failed over wide areas, substitute green feed was making little growth through want of rain, and there was no surplus of roughage ; but late rains improved the position somewhat, and a milder August and September than usual allowed stock to come through the winter better than had been expected. The amount of rain from October onward produced ample feed, which has produced good clips and satisfactory stock increases, whilst the outlook for the coming year is hopeful. The agriculturist has not fared quite so well, for though his prospects looked bright at New Year weather conditions were not so kind to

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