THE KING AND AGRICULTURE.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXVII, Issue 1, 20 July 1923, Page 47

THE KING AND AGRICULTURE.

During the recent visit of the King and Queen to Rome they visited the International Institute of Agriculture. In replying to an address of welcome by the President of the Institute, the following interesting remarks were made by His Majesty : —- ■ ».

The agricultural industry is of vital and' universal importance, for it provides not only the actual necessities' of life, but a firm foundation' of social and political stability, while ensuring to a thrifty and industrious population a life under the healthiest of natural conditions. Hence the welfare and prosperity of the agricultural community is a matter of deep concern to the Government and people of ievery country. I take a'personal and, active interest in the ' fortunes and misfortunes of the industry not i only in my own country and in the British dominions, but throughout the world. I am fully aware that, in addition to the uncertainties at all* times inherent ; in agriculture, the industry . to-day has to combat special difficulties owing to; the severe fall in prices resulting from the Great War upheaval. . My sympathy goes out to my fellow-agriculturists in their ’trials and anxieties;, but I do not ■ despair, believing that their traditional patience, courage, and enterprise will again carry them .triumphantly. through this present crisis.. After the ravages of war the way to. peace and prosperity is uphill and devious, and perhaps the best and most direct path is to.be found along the lines of international co-operation, so admirably followed during . the . past eighteen years by the International Institute of Agriculture. One of the . main functions of the Institute is to supply farmers in all countries with the latest information, practical as .well as that based .upon scientific research. . .Year-by;year the necessity for such an.’ organization is' more . generally recognized : throughout the British Empire, and the adoption by the Governments and the agriculturists of these up-to-date methods augurs well for the industry’s future, j Doubtless the same spirit is manifesting itself in. this beautiful land of Italy as elsewhere. In these and other directions . the achievements ' of . the International Institute-of Agriculture must always be of special value, and the Queen and 1 are happy to have the opportunity of inspecting its work. I shall always watch with interest the progress of the Institute, confident.that, favoured by the generous support which it has invariably received from His Majesty the King of Italy, and -with the hearty co-operation of the adhering States, it will continue to. render great services to the most essential and ancient, of all industries.”