H.—29

" The increased production of the last twelve months is more likely due to an increase in the crops grown on farms for pigs. In all districts increased areas of crops for pigs are now available. Had production not been interrupted, there is hardly any doubt that these crops would have produced a considerable increase in pig meats during the next twelve months. The presence of these crops, and of pigs sufficient to consume them, now presents a problem to farmers, who are asked to reduce their pig-production in the immediate future. " Publications and Publicity. —No new publications have been issued during the year. Articles on pigs reporting the result of feeding trials or management returns, or advising on health, feeding, housing, &c., have been published regularly in the Journal of Agriculture and in the public press, and have been broadcast from time to time. Arrangements have now been made with the Director of Broadcasting for regular service talks from six of the main stations every month. These talks are prepared by Supervisors of District Councils and submitted to the Departments concerned for approval. " The daily newspapers have frequently published statements advising the public of adjustments made necessary by changing circumstances, and for this and their very active interest in matters related to pig-production the thanks of the Department are freely offered." Meat Inspection and Slaughter of Stock. The standard of inspection of all meat has been maintained at the same level during the year. Although staff changes continue to be necessary as a result of war conditions, it has been possible to carry out the necessary inspection by the addition of some new appointees. The operation of the Meat Act as from Ist April, 1940, was effected with a minimum of hardship in so far as the killing of pigs on the farm was concerned. Owners now make the necessary arrangements for the slaughter of their pigs at the local abattoir or at a meat - export works. Consequently a more complete inspection of pig meat for local consumption is now being carried out. During the year the system of telescoping carcasses of mutton and lamb for export was necessary in an endeavour to conserve storage and shipping space. As the season advanced other changes necessarily came about owing to shipping difficulties. The total numbers of stock slaughtered at registered premises were : Sheep, 4,610,183 ; lambs, 11,972,411 ; cattle, 723,961 calves, 1,064,958 ; swine, 959,360. There has been a substantial increase in all classes of stock slaughtered ; and, as will be seen from the table below, the increased lambing percentages recorded and the favourable climatic conditions have been reflected in a record number of lambs having been put through meat-export works. The table below shows the stock slaughtered during the past year at freezing-works only : —

For further comparison the following table, showing the killings of sheep and lambs at meat-export slaughterhouses for four periods, Ist October to 31st March, indicates the stock killed from the beginning of each season to the 31st March.

The following table shows the number of stock slaughtered under direct inspection during the year ended 31st March, 1941, at abattoirs and meat-export slaughterhouses : —

12

r . Year ended Year ended | . Class of Stock. ;ust March, 1941, 31st March, 1940. 1 -Increase. _ 1 Cattle .. .. .. 475,039 346,074 128,965 Calves .. .. .. 1,010,724 1,001,176 9,548 Sheep .. .. .. 3,655,314 2,905,836 74-9,478 Lambs.. .. .. 11,828,172 9,928,605 1,899,567 Swine .. .. .. 767,908 624.038 143,870

Stock. | 1937-38. 1938-39. j 1939-40. 1940-41. Sheep .. .. .. 1,748,035 2,362,223 2,129,396 2,060,957 Of which Ewes were.. .. .. 942,380 1,178,543 1,225,834 1,492,510 Lambs .. .. .. 7,040,149 7,454,031 7,439,551 8,682,457

„1 , ii i, ■ Meat-export Total Slaughterings Class of Stock. Abattoirs. Slaughterhouses. under Direct ® inspection. Cattle .. .. .. 174,991 475,039 650.030 Calves .. .. .. 52,537 1,010,724- 1,063,261 Sheep .. .. .. 723,830 3,655,314 4,379,144 Lambs.. .. .. 123,241 11,828,172 11,951,413 Swine .. .. . 164.477 767,908 932,385