H.—29.

1942. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1941-42.

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

Office of Minister of Agriculture, Wellington, New Zealand, 17th March, 1943. Dear Str, — 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, 1942. This report provides a summary of the principal farming activities of the year and briefly outlines the comprehensive and numerous functions of the Department in its work of maintaining and fostering the growth of the rural industries. Another year of New Zealand at war has passed, and farmers continue to render outstanding service in supporting the production policy of the Government. The anticipation that we would be unable to ship much of our primary produce was not realized, and we must consider ourselves fortunate in this matter. Labour problems in farm industry have been difficult, but farmers are to be complimented on the excellent production maintained under present-day conditions. The National Council of Primary Production, District Councils, and producer organizations have been most helpful in keeping up production and arranging the requirements of various farm commodities. The accompanying statement by the Director-General of Agriculture and the reports of the Directors of the various Divisions of the Department cover a wide range of subjects. Plans have been formulated for the approaching season's primary production, and every possible assistance will be given to the farmer in his task of providing New Zealand's share in the requirements of the Allied nations. I have, &c., J. G. Barclay, Minister of Agriculture. His Excellency the Governor-General.

ANNUAL REPORT OF DIRECTOR-GENERAL. Farmers and all others associated with the agricultural and pastoral production of the Dominion have given of their utmost during the past year towards the fulfilment of the Government's agricultural programme. This has not been achieved without considerable difficulty. The problems of labour, shortage of much farm equipment and material, restricted transport, and other difficulties resulting from the war have all been faced and overcome in a spirit of cheerful co-operation. The carrying-on of the work of the Department to the extent desired has been made difficult by the calling-up of staff for military duties and the restriction on travelling due to petrol rationing. Nevertheless, every endeavour has been made to maintain the Department's wartime work and essential services to the farming community. In particular, all activities relative to the war effort have received special attention.