H.—29.

In an endeavour to obtain a further alternative outside market the United States Government was again approached with a view to endeavouring to obtain admittance of New Zealand apples and pears into its country. Previous efforts had failed owing to the market conditions imposed in the United States against countries whose fruit was liable to be affected with the Mediterranean fruit-fly, this being extended to New Zealand (where this fly does not exist) on account of the fact that importations of fruit from other countries where the Mediterranean fruit-fly was present was permitted by New Zealand. After a period of negotiations an Order in Council was enacted prohibiting the importation into New Zealand of fruit from any country where the Mediterranean fruit-fly existed, and, as a result of this, the United States market was made available for us. Circumstances have prevented any large quantity being exported there during the present season, but as a result of the visit to Washington and New York of Mr. Campbell, Director of the Horticulture Division, it is anticipated that the United States market will be thoroughly tested out next season. Other Branches op Primary Industry. The high production recorded in the main primary industries of the Dominion has in general been duplicated in other primary industries which, though relatively smaller, are of considerable importance, and this may be intensified because of marketing difficulties relative to the products of the main primary industries, with which a number of the subsidiary primary industries may be linked advantageously. The knowledge that pig-keeping properly carried out can be made to supplement valuably the unsatisfactory returns from butterfat is being applied much more freely than previously : In 1933-34 the number of pigs slaughtered in comparison with that in the previous year increased by 45 per cent, to 744,569, and the quantity of pork exported increased by 102 per cent, to 377,863 cwt. Further considerable growth in pig-keeping' is being planned by dairyfarmers, and it seems probable that, while dairy by-products will continue to be a major constituent of the feed of pigs, a greater place than in the past will be given to the feeding of pigs both on pastures and on such crops as mangels, lucerne, peas, and barley grown on the dairy-farms. Increasing attention is being given to the rearing of the most profitable type of pigs available. This is due to a considerable extent to the efforts fostered by the Pig Industry Committee, on which the Department of Agriculture is represented. Recent investigation points to much correlation between feeding and the incidence of disease in pigs, and indicates that improved feeding must be a key-note of successful increased future pig-rearing. The grading of pig carcasses has recently received considerable attention ; improvement has been brought about ; but more attention must be given to this matter, which is of fundamental importance to the pig industry. The Poultry-runs Eegistration Act, 1933, provides for the setting-up of a Poultry Board comprising two Government and four producers' representatives. The Board is charged with the administration of the Act, and is empowered to organize and develop the poultry industry. It is hoped that the weakness which has long been felt in the industry will be replaced by organization mutually advantageous to producer and consumer. The export of eggs is considered of value firstly as an initial step towards the establishment of a regular export trade, and secondly as a means of disposing of seasonal surplus, and thereby of preventing local prices falling below cost of production. The amount of eggs in shell exported was 12,107 cases of 30 dozen each—the greatest amount exported to date. In the previous season 5,264 cases of eggs in shell were exported. As in previous years, the eggs exported were well graded both in size and quality, but, because of market conditions in England, the prices obtained were lower than in previous years. The voluntary export committee handling the business did excellent work. The Wallaceville Poultry Station proves of considerable educational value. The Department's policy continues to be the advocacy of poultry-keeping not as a sole means of livelihood, but as a side-line to other branches of farming. Considerable expansion in the domestic consumption of eggs is still possible, and recent relatively low prices may assist in bringing this about. The honey industry cannot be said to have had a good year, as climatic conditions caused a light crop. In addition, many producers have not yet been able to clear off their indebtedness to the Honey Producers' Association (now in voluntary liquidation, brought about by overadvancing). The Honey Board is now in control and is doing its best to meet the still existing difficulties of the industry, which, it is sincerely hoped, will gradually improve its position, to the advantage of a good and highly deserving section of the community.

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