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1941. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1940-41.

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

Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Dear Sir, — Wellington, New Zealand, 30th May, 1941. 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, 1941. The report provides a summary of the principal farming activities of the year, and outlines the comprehensive and numerous functions of the Department. For many years our agricultural policy has been to foster the growth of our rural industries," and for the last eighteen months our agriculture has been tuned up to a war tempo. Abruptly that tempo has been ruptured. New circumstances have arisen which place a heavy responsibility on those whose duty it is to direct our agricultural policy. New Zealand's main primary industries are faced with problems which have no precedent in the history of the Dominion. In response to the call for foodstuffs from Great Britain, New Zealand has made prodigious efforts to increase production. Aided by a favourable season, farmers achieved that objective ; but, due to circumstances over which we have no control, we are now faced with the necessity for readjustment to a drastically limited market. Such readjustment cannot be effected without encountering difficult problemsagriculture cannot be suddenly braked from full speed to idling like a machine— and it is the aim of my Department to work as closely as possible with farmers in order to meet and overcome these problems as they arise. Although there has been a curtailment of the export of some commodities, we still have an obligation to supply certain materials to the United Kingdom. Great Britain requires still greater quantities of cheese, wool, and linen flax, and it is our duty to see that these materials are provided for her. New Zealand has undertaken to supply 100,000 tons of cheese, which will necessitate an even greater change-over from butter to cheese making. It will be realized, therefore, that the wholehearted co-operation of the dairy industry will be required if the quantity asked for is to be attained. . , To assist farmers in the maintenance or expansion of production, the Farmers Loans Emergency Regulations were passed during the year. These regulations played an important part offsetting the financial outlay by farmers in the changeover from butter to cheese. Finance will still be available under these regulations, but only for projects that are in line with the national production programme. Our agricultural policy must also be directed towards making New Zealand selfsufficient in a number of lines for which we formerly depended on overseas countries. Increased acreages of wheat and malting barley are necessary, and arrangements are already in train for a greater production of small seeds and grass and clover seeds. The National Council of Primary Production, together with District Councils and Local Production Committees, have continued to give good service, and the National Council has tendered useful advice to the Government covering practically every aspect of farm organization. During the last year my Department has co-operated closely both with farmers' organizations and farmers themselves in the drive for increased production, and I feel that this mutual association has had a not inconsiderable effect on the outstanding results obtained. Although a plan has been formulated for the coming season's primary production, unforeseen contingencies may enforce some modification. However that may be, one objective which must be kept steadily in view is the maintenance of our current potentialities of primary production. I have, &c., J. G. Barclay, Minister of Agriculture. His Excellency the Governor-General.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF DIRECTOR-GENERAL. The Dominion has now completed its first full farming year under war conditions. During that year much has been accomplished—more than would have been deemed possible in ordinary circumstances. Aided by a favourable season, New Zealand farmers responded magnificently to the call from Great Britain for increased production, and the fourteen-poinfc plan formulated by the National Council of Primary Production at the beginning of the season was carried forward to a successful conclusion in practically every respect. The season under review was one of the most favourable experienced by the Dominion for many years. An outstanding feature was the phenomenal pasture growth in the North Island during the spring and early autumn, due to the well-distributed rain. In the South Island, however, the season was remarkably dry. Good growing-conditions prevailed in the early spring, but continuous dry weather during the summer had a somewhat serious effect on stock and pastures, particularly in Canterbury and North Otago. On the other hand, this factor enabled crops to be harvested early and rapidly. The health of the stock in the Dominion gives grounds for satisfaction. On the whole, the season was not marred by any serious outbreak of disease or any abnormal mortalities in stock. The possibility of milk-fever was heightened by pasture and climatic conditions, and there was, in fact, a considerable loss of dairy cows. As an offset, however, autumn growth and a favourable winter enabled stock to be carried through in good condition, and more serious losses from paralysis, debility, and other calving troubles were prevented. The lambing percentage was the highest for several years, and, as ewes were in good condition, losses were very low. One of the most gratifying achievements in New Zealand's agricultural war effort is the greatly increased production of cheese to meet Great Britain's requirements. Although the new season was practically under way before any organization could be established to supply the Mother-country with the additional 15,000 tons of cheese she had asked for, no less than 22,000 tons were made available. The change-over from butter to cheese involved considerable reorganization by many dairy-farmers, and, in view of the urgency of the matter, authority was given the Director of the Dairy Division by the Government to direct suppliers to change over from butter to cheese, if considered necessary. It speaks eloquently for the co-operation willingly given by the farmers themselves, however, that in only a very few cases was such compulsion required. Some considerable difficulty was experienced in effecting this change-over because of the shortage of new equipment necessary to handle the increased supply. In many instances, factories were compelled to work both day and night shifts in order to release milk-cans for twice-daily instead of once-daily deliveries from new suppliers. Still greater supplies of cheese are wanted by Great Britain, however, and New Zealand has been asked for 160,000 tons during the coming season. This cannot be attained without the wholehearted co-operation of the dairying industry, for it means that the Dominion is being asked to perform the phenomenal task of increasing her production of cheese by 67,000 tons over a three-year period. The organization directed toward achieving this objective is already in hand. Apart from butter and cheese, New Zealand undertook to provide an additional 10,000 tons of bacon. Our total production of pork and bacon for the two previous years was about 40,000 tons, so that we were asked to increase our production by one-quarter. By the use of supplementary feeds and planned management, this increase was obtained. Within the first six months of the year pig-keepers produced 3,750 tons of bacon, although the greatest amount of killing would normally be done during the latter period. In the output of lamb, mutton, and beef, New Zealand's objective was the highest possible standard of stock and feed management and the preservation of our potential capacity to produce increasing quantities of high-grade meat. Once more, the favourable season experienced, combined with the sustained effort put forward by the farmers, resulted in a substantial rise in production. Although the previous season's lambing was not above normal, more than ten million lamb carcasses

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wore produced—an increase of more than half a million over the previous year, and the highest total ever reached in New Zealand. In addition, there was an increase of just over 50 per cent, in the number of beef quarters, which amounted to 689,000, as compared with 415,000 for the pre-war year. Taken as a whole, New Zealand's meat-production for the first year of the war showed an appreciable rise over that of the previous year, in that the total amount of meat killed for export amounted to 347,495 tons, as compared with 297,118 tons for the 1938—39 season. Figures are not yet available for this year's wool-clip, but indications are that it will constitute a record. An increase in the production of wool cannot be attained by a short-term policy, but farmers have been able to assist in this direction by intelligent selection and culling and close attention to scientific management. Prospects for next season are equally promising, as the lambing for the 1940 season was the highest for four years, and our flocks were increased by three-quarters of a million lambs. As the bulk of the increases asked for were animal products, it was essential that adequate feed-supplies should be available to maintain our flocks and herds in good condition, and an appeal was made for the growing of additional areas of supplementary forage crops and for the saving of all surplus grass for hay and ensilage. In all parts of the country increased acreages of such crops as rape, turnips, swedes, chou moellier, mangels, &c., were sown, and, due to the abundant spring pasture growth and organized and determined effort, the amount of grass cut for hay and ensilage was well above the normal figure. The war has also been responsible for an entirely new industry —the growing of linen flax. Ihe development of this industry was placed in the hands of a Committee comprising representatives of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Department of Industries and Commerce, Treasury, and the Department of Agriculture. No fewer than 14,000 acres of linen flax were sown during the 1940-41 season, and the crops have proved most gratifying. The aim for this coming season is to grow at least 25,000 acres, and arrangements are already in hand for planting this additional area. As to our future, ever-changing conditions make it impossible to prescribe a concrete programme. Restricted shipping has meant the selective curtailment of purchases by Britain, and the reaction of this policy on New Zealand farming will, during the period of shipping shortage, call for considerable readjustment of our farming programme and variation in the processing of much of our agricultural produce. It would be unwise to prophesy our farming future , but there is no question that we are at the cross-roads so far as our productive policy is concerned, and, instead of relying on animal products in the main, we will have to widen our sphere of interest by an immediate adjustment of our farming activities for the dual purpose of meeting Britain's immediate requirements and preparing the way for post-war eventualities. The main concern in an agricultural country such as New Zealand is the stabilization of types of farming which enjoy the security of a steady demand for produce at prices remunerative to producers. New Zealand in. the past has enjoyed such stability. War brings many changes, and it would appear that a new age of pioneering is facing us, and that farming will have to be more flexible in the future if we are to enjoy our past standards of farming prosperity. A. H. Cockayne, Director-General.

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ACCOUNTS DIVISION. REPORT OF L. C. SCOTT, ACCOUNTANT. The budgeted position for the 1940-41 year provided for a net expenditure of £1,657,174. This was an increase of £624,220 on the previous year's net budgeted expenditure (£1,032,954), due mainly to provision for a subsidy on raw materials for superphosphate-manufacture. The year has been cleared with a net expenditure of £1,611,984, a saving of £45,190 on the budgeted total. This saving arose chiefly because of a reduction in the planned fertilizer programme during the last four months for the year, coupled with a buoyancy in credits. The principal credits are derived from fees based on butterfat, with the major portion of the remainder from sales of farm and station production, and, although the future outlook in the matter of credits will call for careful consideration, the 1940-41 financial year has been highly credit-productive. Since the outbreak of war expenditure has been somewhat restricted in the field of general agricultural progress, but essential advisory aids to agricultural production have demanded undiminished expenditure ; in fact, the activities of the Department, particularly in directions such as seed, cheese, and linen flax productions, have been considerably expanded. The following is a summary of the vote, with insertion of corresponding 1939-40 figures in parentheses for comparative purposes : — Expenditure p, , t Revenue Received appropriated. raid out. appropriated. iteceiveu. £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Administrative services .. 534,553 (542,358) 523,887 (509,541) 116,510 (121,345) 138,163(128,982) Payments under statutes .. 105,500 (104,000) 102,916 (95,861) 2,500 (2,500) 1,437 (2,390) Miscellaneous advances, &e. 1,155,641 (523,191) 1,148,640 (515,921) 19,510 (12,750) 23,859 (19,614) Totals .. ..1,795,694 (1,169,549) 1,775,443 (1,121,323) 138,520 (136,595) 163,459(150,986) Less credits-in-aid.. 138,520 163,459 Net totals .. .. 1,657,174 1,611,984 The position arising from receipts (£163,459) and payments (£1,775,443) is £1,611,984 net expenditure. " Administrative services " called for payments totalling £523,887 and yielded £138,163 credits (net being £385,724); " Payments under statutes " required £102,916 and yielded £1,437 credits (net being £101,479) ; and " Miscellaneous advances, grants, subsidies, &c." cost £1,148,640 and yielded £23,859 credits (net being £1,124,781). Outgoings have always been much more substantial than incomings, but the miscellaneous section outgoings increased by approximately 120 per cent, over those of the preceding year. The total vote incomings increased by approximately 8-5 per cent. There are, however, other receipts (£112,748) not covered by vote figures (Nauru and Ocean Islands, £35,344 ; Meat Act, £61,514; Dairy Industry Act, £2,645 ; Orchard and Garden Diseases Act, £11,907 ; Sundry, £1,338). Administrative Services. —Remuneration for personal services, the usual major expenditure factor, absorbed £345,665 (£338,869 for previous year) and locomotion, an essential factor in the efficient functioning of personal services, absorbed £61,092 (£63,640 for previous year). Other working-expenses required £117,133 (£107,032 for previous year) to cover operations embracing three large farms and many small areas, three extensive laboratories, a seed-testing station, a publications section, numerous grading services, and a number of research and demonstrational services, together with provision of office accommodation, telephones, stationery, and staff transfers necessary in connection with a staff, exclusive of casual labour, of 1,020 persons (1,055 for previous year). The figure (1,020) excludes 80 officers on leave of absence for overseas service. Payments under Statutes. —Compensation for diseased live-stock (£36,2.11), subsidies for destruction of rabbits (£29,705), subsidies to encourage production of " remounts" (£4,000), and grants for educational purposes (£33,000) give a total of £102,916. This section of expenditure and the major portion of " Miscellaneous " expenditure mentioned in the next paragraph are outside the realm of regulative departmental administrative influence. Miscellaneous Advances, Grants, Subsidies, &c. —One effect of war efforts on the part of primary producers to increase production is reflected in carriage of lime, fertilizers, and farm produce at £480,987, an increase of £65,553 on the previous year's total. In absorbing increased costs of the raw materials used for superphosphate-manufacture as from the outbreak of war, £570,453 has been paid this year. Those costs (£81,510) for the war period of the previous year being " Unauthorized " did not appear as " vote " expenditure. The major portion of " Miscellaneous " expenditure thus totals £1,051,440, leaving £97,200 for noxious-weeds eradication (£59,075), assistance to cow-testing organizations (£14,355), and sundry other minor items (£23,770). As, in common with other sections of public service, the Accounts Division has been faced with staff shortage and change difficulties arising from war conditions, the increased volume of 1940-41 expenditure has provided an arduous year. The increasing tendency in the volume of problems of statistical and investigational significance, referred to last year, continued throughout 1940-41, and further emphasized how necessary it is to have a wide range of more or less specialized statistical information in readily available order. In the past the Statistical and Investigational Section has been mainly concerned in the prompt rendering of statistical outlines, but during 1940-41 it also provided substantial assistance in the " field " to ascertain town milk-supply costs in several of the main cities, and at the present time is planning on lines which will call for some of its staff to render service in this " field " type of activity by way of a cost of egg-production survey. As usual in recent years, meat and fertilizer industries have commanded a measure of investigational attention. The Publications Section, which also works under the Accounts Division, has experienced a steady demand for leaflets and bulletins, while in the circulation and advertising aspects of the Journal of Agriculture, with which the Division is concerned, there has been very satisfactory continuity in circulation and an increasing tendency in advertising. In this latter connection the effects from import restrictions and war conditions are well known as depressing factors, and it is indeed pleasing to envisage the comparative buoyancy of advertising demands as a most gratifying indication of the merits of the Journal as a publicity medium. My staff and officers associated with general accountancy matters have this year again rendered very willing service.

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LIVE-STOCK DIVISION. Report of W. C. Barky, Director. It is pleasing to record that, in the absence of any seasonal extremes, the field-work of the Live-stock Division was carried out under favourable conditions during the year. The autumn growth and favourable winter enabled stock to be carried through in good condition. The result was an excellent lambing percentage throughout the country, and, the ewes being in good condition, there was a very low lambing loss from the common ewe diseases seen at this time of the year. The same favourable remarks may be made in regard to dairy cows calving in good condition. Here however, on account of the fact that the cows were in good condition and favoured with an early' spring growth, it was not unexpected that the dairy-farmer would experience an increase in the number of cases of milk-fever at calving-time. There was a distinct increase in milk-fever in dairy cows in several districts, particularly Taranaki, Manawatu, and the Waikato districts. Although this disease increased and caused a considerable loss of dairy cows, it is preferable to see cows carried through in good condition, thus preventing a still more serious loss from debility, paralysis, and other calving troubles. In experienced hands, the treatment of cows affected with milk-fever resulted in many valuable animals being saved. Good results were obtained by many owners from the use of injections of calcium gluconate. The production season, so far as fat lambs and dairy-produce are concerned, was favoured by a good grass season in most districts. The season as a whole was not marred by any serious outbreak of disease or any abnormal mortalities in stock. It may be remarked, however, that the position in regard to an outbreak of facial eczema was very carefully watched, as some slight cases were seen in several districts. In regard to the breeding of horses, the Stallions Act and the regulations under the Remounts Encouragement Act were both in operation during the year. The field staff assisted the Army Department in the inspection and procuring of horses for the various mounted units. The survey of the several districts and the inspection of the horses involved a considerable amount of extra work by the staff. Health op Live-stock. horses. The health of horses throughout the country has remained satisfactory during the year. Cases of strangles were reported from time to time in a few districts on isolated farms. In such cases there is little danger of the disease spreading ; the main danger of the dissemination of the disease is the concentration of horses at centres such as mounted camps.. During these camps the disease gradually become more serious, although every care was taken to prevent affected animals arriving. Probably one of the main factors in the susceptibility of the camp horses was the general soft condition of the horses on their arrival. Lack of work in grass-fed horses and a change of climate and feed conditions appeared to increase susceptibility to the disease. The lack of condition in the horses also rendered them more liable to colds, which in turn further reduced the vitality of the animals. Horse-breeding. —Prices for draught horses are still reported to be low, and it appears that the scarcity of labour makes it necessary to use tractors as much as possible. This position will probably remain, so long as fuel is available for the mechanical power, but, on the other hand, one would expect an increased demand for horses to enable owners to dispense with mechanized traction under the present conditions. The operation of the Stallions Act should assist in the eventual elimination of the unsound stallion. So far, the Act applies only to the compulsory examination of the younger stallions — two- and three-year-old stallions —although many of the older stallions were examined for certificates of soundness, the previous year. In regard to the breeding of light horses, subsidies were again provided under the Remounts Encouragement Act. These subsidies enable the owners of approved mares to obtain the services of selected and approved stallions at reduced fees. The stallions were stationed at convenient centres in both Islands, and a total of 40 stallions were subsidized during the year 1940-41, compared with 39 in the previous year. The number of mares approved for service was 1,381, compared with 1,339 in the previous year. This service is still being well patronized. Although some good reports have been received concerning foals produced under the subsidy scheme, some criticism has been raised in other districts. Favourable comment has been made in regard to many of the stallions used, but so far it has not been possible to exercise a close scutiny or selection of the mares. A uniform type is not likely to be produced until Committees are able to exercise a more rigid selection of the breeding-mares. The use of old mares should be discouraged, as in this class the foaling percentage is low and the death rate at foaling-tiine comparatively high. Unfortunately, the number of mares offering does not allow of a strict selection in regard to type and other aspects.

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The assistance given by the New Zealand Racing Conference, the New Zealand Trotting Conference, and other kindred bodies is much appreciated. The work of the District Remount Committees has been made more difficult during the year through the necessity for restriction of motor travelling. Special thanks are due to these Committees for their supervision in their respective districts. CATTLE. Diseases scheduled under the Stock Act. Tuberculosis. —The number of cattle condemned under the Stock Act for tuberculosis during the year amounted to 5,211, 4,743 being condemned on clinical symptoms and 468 as reactors to the tuberculin test. In each case compensation Was paid in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The tuberculin test was applied to 9,703 cattle, of which 468 reacted, giving a percentage of 4-8. The total number of cattle, exclusive of calves, examined at the various abattoirs and meat-export slaughterhouses was 650,030, an increase of 131,829 on last year's figures. Of these, 41,241, or 6-35 per cent., were found to be affected with tuberculosis in varying degree, a large percentage being only slightly affected. This indicates a reduction of 1-33 per cent, infection among cattle slaughtered in these premises. The testing of herds is carried out on a voluntary basis, and it is of interest to note that 8,756 cattle were tested at the owner's request. A clinical examination is made of dairy herds supplying milk for human consumption, together with the testing of composite milk samples. In a few centres the entire herds in the supply are subjected voluntarily to an annual tuberculin test. Actinomycosis (and Actinobacillosis). —During the year, 589 animals were condemned for this disease, and many were successfully treated by the regular dosing with potassium iodide. In the few cases where treatment has been carried out by the intravenous use of sodium iodide, the results obtained have been very good. Although the advantages are many, the intravenous injection is not easily carried out without expert knowledge and attention. Malignant Growth. —The number of animals condemned was 282, compensation being paid in accordance with the Stock Act. Anthrax. —An outbreak of anthrax in stock on two dairy-farms occurred during the early part of the year in the Bombay district. The mortality rate was high before the outbreak came under the notice of the Department. It was necessary to take suitable measures to control the loss of stock and to prevent the spread of the infection in the district concerned. Some degree of quarantine and other control measures were necessary, but when the serious nature of the disease was fully recognized by the owners concerned, helpful assistance was freely given in the adoption of repressive measures. Vaccination of all cattle on the two farms involved was carried out, and it is pleasing to be able to report that no deaths have occurred on either farm since the outbreak was brought under control. Both farms are producing well. An outbreak of the disease occurred on one of these farms over thirty years ago. Owing to the longevity of the spores of the anthrax bacillus and the fact that some excavation work was carried out on the farm before the outbreak, it is reasonable to assume that the iufection was brought to the surface through the excavation work. Blackleg.-- The numbers of calves vaccinated against this disease in the affected areas were Taranaki 12,174, and Auckland 25,559, making a total of 37,733. This shows an increase of 5,097 on last year's figures, and would suggest that the number of outbreaks has increased. Control by vaccination continues to give good results. A considerable increase in vaccination work was necessary in the Dargaville district, where there were 51 outbreaks with 121 deaths, as compared with 4 outbreaks involving 7 deaths the previous year. In this district a total of 3,175 calves were vaccinated as a precautionary measure, the previous year's figures being 953. In the Auckland District there were 293 outbreaks, as compared with 200 the previous year, the number of deaths being 589, as compared with 395 the previous year. Cattle-tick (Haemaphysalis bispinosa).—There has been no spread of the cattle-tick to clean areas. The amendment to the Cattle-tick Regulations has not had any noticeable effect on the prevalence or otherwise of the parasite. Johne's Disease. —The position in regard to the prevalence of this disease in herds in the Taranaki District has not materially altered since my report last year. As already reported, the systematic testing of herds with Johnin has been largely discontinued, animals being dealt with on a clinical examination. On this basis, the number of animals condemned in Taranaki during the year was twenty-nine, as compared with forty the previous year. Some new farms have been shown to have infected animals. The great difficulty of carrying out elimination by the use of testing with Johnin has been clearly demonstrated. In the Auckland District the number of animals condemned for the disease during the year was twelve, as compared with forty-two the previous year. The animals were condemned as a result of a clinical examination. Here, again, the disease appeared on some new farms in the district. Non-scheduled Diseases. Mastitis.—-The good winter and flush of spring feed seemed to increase the number of cases of mastitis in herds in many districts. The incidence of the disease apparently increases with the age of the animal. It is an important cause of culling in older animals. Shed hygiene and herd management still remain the vital factors in the prevention of mastitis. No doubt, owing to war conditions, it is not easy to obtain suitable labour to manage herds efficiently.

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Contagious Abortion. —This disease of breeding-stock continues to be a source of loss to the farmer. The disease is prevalent in many herds in the dairying districts and is no doubt responsible for loss of production, but also seriously interferes with the breeding efficiency of the herds. The disease is probably more frequently seen in outbreaks of abortion in young heifers, where at times the incidence may be alarmingly high. Such cases have been reported during the year, even in herds which may be described as self-contained. In such cases there is no doubt that infection is prevalent in other members of the herd and on the farm, the infection being spread by cows which appear to carry their calves to full term. The true incidence of the disease on such farms can be determined by the blood test known as the agglutination test. Field officers continue to give all assistance possible to help owners to control insidious disease in their breeding-herds. Temporary Sterility. —As reported by me last year, the incidence of the type of temporary sterility often described as delayed conception appears to be more prevalent after a heavy production season or a severe winter when feed is scarce. As last winter was mild, with plenty of reserves of winter feed, and was followed by a good spring, very little trouble from temporary sterility resulted. This was noted in some districts where considerable trouble was experienced under the opposite winter conditions of the previous year. In order to assist the farmer to determine the potency of his bull in cases of delayed conception in the herd, a bull-testing service was inaugurated by the Animal Research Division during the year, officers of this Division co-operating in the field-work. It appears that more use will be made of such a service in a less favourable breeding year. The service should prove of distinct value to many herd-owners to enable them to eliminate bulls whose potency for service is below that normally expected. In this way a useless animal may be removed early in the season, thus assisting in maintaining a more regular breeding season in the herd. Grass Staggers in Cows (Grass Tetany). —The mild winter, followed by an early spring with plentiful grass resulted in an increase in the number of cases of this disease in the Waikato dairying districts and also in the Manawatu and some other districts. The disease does not respond uniformly to any specific line of treatment. While satisfactory results have been claimed following the use of magnesium salts given subcutaneously or intravenously in. cases occurring in the South Island and in some districts in the North Island, the same uniform results are not obtained in the Waikato district. In a joint report Messrs. Mullins and Doyle, Veterinarians, Hamilton, sum up the position with regard to grass staggers as follows: — " Following a mild winter and with abundant feed available, as was feared the incidence of grass staggers and milk-fever proved much higher this spring than for some years. Contrary to the 1939 season, when poor conditions generally prevailed in this district (the incidence being very low), the months of July, August, and September of this year will be remembered by some dairy-farmers as climatically very favourable, but alarming from the herd mortality point of view duo to the severe onslaughts of grass staggers and milk-fever. " A feature of this season's troubles has been the frequent appearance of what we regard as grass staggers before calving and immediately after calving. In some cases soon after calving there was a very marked hypersensitivity, with periods of dullness, usually associated with milk-fever. " With regard to treatment and prevention, many owners had adopted the usual recommendations, such as feeding hay and ensilage, magnesium sulphate in the drinkingwater, in licks, or given hypodermically, with but little result. In our attempts at treating affected eases we have tried solutions of calcium and magnesium alone and in combination given intravenously and subcutaneously, and. also chloral hydrate intravenously, with varying results. We feel there is no line of treatment we can enthuse about. " A further notable feature this season was the tendency of so many cows to become dull and lose condition after perhaps a perfectly normal calving, taking quite a time to get back to normal. Some of these showed acetone present, others a low calcium blood level." The treatment and prevention of the type of disease prevalent in the Waikato district in dairying herds during the spring months 111 such a season is very difficult. The evidence suggests that there is no very clear line of demarcation between an animal affected with a type of grass staggers and another animal affected with a type of milk-fever. The position between the two appears confused, and the typical case of each is not as clear cut as in other districts. In such circumstances, the results of treatment are not so uniformly satisfactory. Milk-fever. —The circumstances in which this disease of dairy cows occurs are now fairly well known by herd-owners. The winter and spring conditions were almost ideal for bringing about an increase in the disease. The winter was mild and feed was always plentiful, and an early spring provided the succulent feed which is conducive to an increase in the number of cases of the disease. It has been recognized for many years that cows which, winter well and calve under good feed conditions are likely to be affected with milk-fever. Almost every dairying district in New Zealand reported an increase in the number of cases last spring. In parts of Taranaki the large number of cases occurring daily on many farms gave added attention to the disease. Although many owners are conversant with the correct methods of treatment of affected animals, many cures being effected, there are others who are not experienced, and in the absence of expert assistance some losses were inevitable.

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Many hundreds of valuable cows were saved, either through udder inflation or through the use of an injection of a suitable calcium salt. Some owners claimed to have 100 per cent, success through injecting the gluconate of calcium into affected animals. In regard to the incidence of the disease the District Superintendent, Wellington, writes : — " There was a much greater incidence of milk-fever, particularly in the Taranaki District. This was associated with and, in my opinion, due to the greater amount of early spring growth of grass in the paddocks. A further factor was probably the lesser amount of good hay available. It was observed both in Taranaki with respect to milk-fever, and perhaps more so in the Manawatu with cases of the grass-staggers type occurring a week or two after calving, that these cases were more numerous on the farms where hay feeding had been discontinued. Opportunity was taken to collect blood and urine samples, and these appeared to confirm the belief that nearly all cases were true milk-fever. Treatment by inflation of the udder alone did not seem generally successful, the best results following calcium injections." The officers of the Department assisted in every way possible by giving advice and demonstrations to herd-owners. Owing to a widespread demand for the xise of calcium salts, it was necessary to arrange for supplies to be distributed as widely as possible in accordance with the needs of the district. Parasitic Disease in Young Cattle. —In the dairying districts, where large numbers of calves are reared annually for replacement purposes, there is always a certain amount of parasitic disease. Owing to a very favourable winter and early spring, less trouble was experienced than in other years. As the disease is so closely associated with the question of feeding the young stock, it was natural to expect loss trouble. A plentiful supply of good autumn and winter feed can be depended upon to keep the disease in check and prevent serious losses. SHEEP. The past season was a favourable one for the sheep-farmer. The winter was mild, and feed was reasonably good up to lambing-time, so that there was a minimum loss of ewes from lambing troubles. The fact that ewes lambed a little later in some districts may also have assisted, as the spring feed came away early. An excellent crop of lambs was reported from most districts, with the general lambing percentage above normal. The wool-clip was up to expectations and realized good returns. The larger number of lambs slaughtered for export were well finished and averaged good weights. In some parts of the South Island, owing to warm dry summer conditions, there was a danger of feed becoming scarce, and some lighter lambs were sent forward for slaughter. The feed position improved later on. There is a general increase over last year's figures in the numbers of lambs put through the works. Many changes have been necessary under the present war conditions in the preparation of meat for export. The difficulties have been met by the co-operation of all engaged in the slaughtering, preparation, and inspection of the meat for export. Both from a quantitative and qualitative viewpoint the year's production must be considered very satisfactory. Infectious Entero-toxcemia (Pulpy Kidney). —In districts where this disease of lambs has been most troublesome in the past, the disease is now reasonably controlled by the use of vaccination. Vaccination of ewe flocks is carried out to a larger extent than formerly, and sheepowners are generally satisfied as to the measure of control effected. The District Superintendent, Dunedin, writes as follows : — " The death-rate from pulpy kidney throughout the district has not been high, although lambs did particularly well. Vaccination of pregnant ewes was once again used widely as a measure of prophylaxis against the disease. Sufficient vaccine was sold throughout the district for the vaccination of approximately 100,000 ewes." As mentioned in last year's annual report, the question of abscess formation at the site of vaccination is a serious matter in an animal which may be slaughtered for export. A number of lines of ewes were reported from freezing-works as having shown well-marked lesions at the injection site when slaughtered. Although trimming may be effective in some cases, it was necessary to reject for export a number of ewes on account of the lesions. The greatest care and cleanliness should be used over the operation of vaccination to control abscess formation as much as possible. The injection site should be carefully selected and the injection carefully given subcutaneously, to prevent deep-seated abscesses or chains of abscesses. A valuable measure in the prevention of a fatal disease in lambs should not be discarded or brought into disrepute through want of care on the part of the operator using the vaccine. Lymphadenitis. —Information on the necessary measures for the control of this disease has been disseminated among owners whose sheep have shown a high incidence of the disease at slaughter. As previously reported, the general incidence is higher in some South Island flocks. On one property where active control measures against the disease were adopted, an examination of the flock revealed many animals clinically affected. The segregation measures adopted in such cases assist in preventing further spread of the disease in the flock. Although the incidence is, comparatively speaking, very low in North Island (locks, it is still necessary to incise the carcass lymphatic glands of all mutton carcasses at the time of slaughter. Pregnancy Toxaemia ( Ante-partum Paralysis) in Ewes. —The incidence of this trouble was very low during the year, only odd cases being reported. This was undoubtedly influenced by the good feed conditions existing during the mild, open winter and the onset of an early favourable spring.

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The above conditions applied generally throughout all the sheep districts, and the result was one of the best lambing seasons on record. It is another case of outstanding evidence as to the extent to which much of our live-stock health and production depends upon favourable climatic and feed conditions. In other words, actual losses from such diseases are reduced by the influence of favourable climatic conditions and the practice of sound sheep feeding and management. Parasitic Gastroenteritis. —All districts report a very favourable season for the sheep-farmer, consequently, the mortality in hoggets has been lower than normal. Worm infestation of sheep is so closely connected with the type of season, rainfall, feed quality and quantity, and overstocking and understocking that success or failure in sheep-production is largely governed by the type of season. A dry season is most desirable for sheep, provided growth is reasonably good. The position in any season requires constant vigilance, but the heavy mortalities in the past have invariably been recorded in the wetter seasons or districts. To-day it is generally recognized that a regular worm-drenching practice and reasonable feed conditions are necessary if hoggets are to be raised with a minimum of losses. Good results are also being obtained by some South Island farmers through providing such supplementary feeding as oats and chaff to lambs at an early age, so that, should the season and feed position become unfavourable for the lambs, the supplementary feeding may be increased and normal results obtained. It has long been recognized that adequate feeding is the important key to successful hogget-rearing and to the prevention and control of the parasitic position on many sheep-farms. Contagious Ecthyma (Sore Mouth). —This disease of sheep should no longer be viewed seriously by the sheep-farmer. It has been demonstrated in many districts that the vaccination of animals is a reliable preventative, and farmers who have experienced an outbreak should not hesitate to vaccinate their flocks in a subsequent season. The vaccine is supplied from the Animal Research Station, Wallaceville, and a demonstration of the method of vaccination may be arranged for an owner. Contagious Ophthalmia (Pink-eye).— This disease has not been prevalent during the year. In the few outbreaks which have been reported to the Department the owners have been advised as to remedial measures. Hydatid Disease. —The incidence of hydatid disease in stock sent forward for slaughter has not materially improved. Certain lines of sheep sent forward were heavily infested, reflecting the carelessness of owners and shepherds in not dosing their dogs with the recognized worm medicine. Much publicity has been given to hydatids in animals and man, and it is to be regretted that so little interest has been taken. The attention of owners has been drawn to the fact that their stock has been found to be badly infested, in the hope that the dosing of dogs would be immediately carried out. On the other hand, a few owners have sent forward particularly clean lines of lambs and sheep. On inquiry, it was found that the dogs had been dosed regularly and then fed on food free from hydatid infection. Such instances provide substantial proof, if any more proof is necessary, that the remedy is simple and effective. It remains for it to be applied conscientiously by the large body of dogowners throughout the country. It has been noted that several works record a marked reduction in the so-called Cysticercus ovis infection of lamp carcasses, and also that more livers have been saved. Facial Eczema. —Reports received during the latter part of the year show tha,t, though no serious outbreak of this disease occurred in any district, it was evident that sheep were slightly affected on several properties on the East Coast. A change of grazing in most cases effected control, and it is pleasing to report that no serious mortality occurred on any farm. Liver-fluke and Black Disease. —Vaccination of sheep in the fluke district is the recognized method of preventing any losses from black disease. Liver-fluke is now prevalent in sheep sent forward from some parts of Central Otago. A few years ago only an occasional parasite was seen, but there is no doubt that fluke infestation is gradually increasing in this district. An intermediate host is known to exist in the district, and the snail has been shown to harbour fluke larvae on affected farms. The infestation in lines of ewes sent forward for slaughter has been as high as 95 per cent., whereas lambs have carried flukes to the extent of over 50 per cent. The whole question of the parasitic infestation and the measures of control likely to be effective in checking any further spread in the area has been the subject of lectures and demonstrations in the district concerned. Reference has also been made to the subject by a newspaper article and a wireless talk. The farmers concerned are therefore fully cognizant of the possible consequences of neglecting to deal with the parasite at this stage. The risk of black disease appearing in the affected sheep is the main danger, but, as no mortality has appeared so far, a certain amount of apathy is shown by the farmers concerned. Blackleg in Sheep. —Although blackleg in sheep is not frequently seen in New Zealand, a number of mortalities investigated during the year show that the disease may be found in sheep in certain circumstances. In the outbreaks where it has been considered advisable to vaccinate against the disease, the results obtained have been uniformly good. Cutaneous Myiasis (Sheep Blow-fly ).~ The season was a good one, in that less trouble was experienced from the blow-fly than in some previous years. Reports show that on several occasions the fly was rather active in the North Canterbury districts, but other districts report less trouble. Foot-rot. —There is always a good demand for the Department's bulletin on this disease. The measures of control outlined in the bulletin cover the subject fully. No doubt in the present circumstances a shortage of labour may prevent the regular application in some cases of the measures necessary to keep the disease under control. The season was favourable to better control of the disease.

2—H. 29.

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Lice and Ticks. —Dipping appears to have been carried out fairly well this year, and few lines of sheep have been found infested with lice in the saleyards. Leg lice on sheep is again reported on some lines sent forward from one district. A few cases of mortality in sheep following dipping have been again recorded, and it appears necessary for owners to exercise more care in dipping generally, paying special attention to the dipping of rams. PIGS. The number of pigs slaughtered for the season 1.940-41 at registered premises was 959,384, an increase of 159,621 over last year's figures. Inspection of carcasses at the time of slaughter covered 932,395, of which 155,387 carcasses were found to be affected in varying degree with tuberculosis, the percentage being 16*67 per cent., a decrease of 0-82 per cent, as compared with last year. The killings were made as follows : Meatexport, works, 767,908 ; abattoirs, 164,491 ; rural slaughterhouses, 26,985. Suipestifer Infection.- This infection of pigs continues to account for considerable mortality in pigs of almost any age. The conditions under which the disease is met with also vary very considerably. In some cases the housing and management of the pigs is considered to be good but deaths still take place, whereas no deaths may be seen on farms where the opposite conditions prevail. This, however, should not be viewed as a case for neglect of sound pig-husbandry principles, as the disease is much more easily checked where the conditions are good. In any case, the many other advantages obtained from the provision of good sanitation and housing are well worth while. This has been well recognized during the year by the large increase in the number of up-to-date premises being erected for pigs. Some of the unfortunate difficulties that have arisen due to the exigencies of war in regard to the export of pigs are dealt with in the report of the Superintendent of the Pig Industry. Sarcoptic Mange. —Mange in pigs has been recorded from several centres. There is no difficulty over the diagnosis or treatment of this disease, and all outbreaks were successfully treated as a result of the advice given by the field staff during the year. Swine Erysipelas. —It is evident that a considerable amount of swine erysipelas infection exists on many pig-farms in a few districts. The organism responsible for the disease is known as Erysipelothnx rhusiopathicß. A systematic examination of specimens of arthritic joints carried out at the Animal Research Station, Wallaceville, resulted in the isolation of the organism in many cases. In a few cases the organism was recovered from lymphatic glands and other specimens sent forward. Inquiry at the farms concerned did not show any mortality directly traceable to an outbreak of swine erysipelas, but lame pigs may be seen on some of the farms. Further inquiries into the incidence of infection are being carried out. At the same time, the farms are being kept under supervision by the field officers. Necrotic Ulceration of the Skin.—This disease of pigs keeps cropping up on many farms where pigs are kept on low-lying or badly-drained sections. As the treatment for the disease is so well known, it is regrettable that owners do not always apply the treatment early enough to prevent losses. As a result of the amendment to the Stock Act it is very seldom that an affected pig is seen in the saleyards. Very few affected pigs are sent forward to the works for slaughter. Stephanurus Dentatus (Kidney Worm of the Pig).—One animal was found affected with this parasite when killed at the works. The animal was an old sow, and, although the case was followed back to the farm, it was not possible to trace the source or origin of the infestation as the original owner had left the district. The possible introduction of the parasite from outside, together with its possible spread amongst pig-keepers, is being closely watched at all times. Zinc Poisoning. —Several mortalities in pigs during the year were investigated and found to be due to zinc poisoning. In almost every case new premises were being erected and new galvanized pipes were used for conveying the milk to the piggeries. As this danger from the use of new pipes has been referred to in articles in the Journal of Agriculture on many occasions, the mortalities should have been avoided. Swine Husbandry. The report of Mr. M. J. Scott, Superintendent of the Pig Industry, is submitted herewith : — " March, 1941, marks the end of a year of many adjustments to pig-production. Early in the year Great Britain agreed to accept up to 30 per cent, of the pork-baconer total as pork. Farmers did not take advantage of this, and finished the season with about 13 per cent, as pork. Next, Great Britain indicated her willingness to increase her imports of pig meats by 10,000 tons for the year ending September, 1941. Fortunately this advice was received early enough to breed the necessary pigs, and there was every indication that the extra production, reduced by the decrease due to export of long sides instead of baconer carcasses, would be forthcoming by September. Coincident with the request for extra baconers, there was the request to change over from butter to cheese and to withdraw pigs of 101 lb. to 1101b. from the baconer class and put them into the pork class. These two latter happenings would normally have tended to dampen pig-production, but they were apparently offset by increased milk-production and by extra crops grown for pigs. The increased export aimed at was equivalent to an increase of about 160,000 average baconer carcasses, and to date, partly by increasing the number of pigs slaughtered and partly by increasing the weight of baconers, approximately half

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the increased quantity has been slaughtered. For the twelve months ended 3.lst March the increase in slaughterings is just on 10,000 tons in excess of the previous year. The production up to 31st March for the last six years is set out in the table below :—

" The total slaughterings show an increase of 18-8 per cent., but because of a change in the relative numbers of porkers and baconers this figure does not show the amount of increased production accurately. On a weight basis the increased production amounts to 36 per cent. " Advice has now been received that no more baconers are to be exported, with the result that farmers are faced with the problem of getting baconer-production down to the level of home consumption and changing over to porker-production. The uncertainty as to the amount and the duration of reduced output are the worst features of the present situation. " Whatever happens, it will still be necessary to produce 250,000 baconers and about 200,000 porkers for local consumption. These amounts represent approximately half the 1989- 40 production. Because the pigs are already born there will probably be a further 500,000 porkers available for export during the next twelve months. " Pedigree-sow Recording.■— There has been a marked falling off in the number of pedigree sows recorded during the year. This service was established in 1936 at the request of breeders and others anxious to improve the quality of breeding-stock. It was moderately well supported for the first two years, and during the second year 602 sows were put under test. With experience of recording it became very evident that the litter produced by a sow was influenced more by conditions under which she was kept than by her breeding-capacity, and only those who were getting good results continued to record their sows. Just as herd-testing was a stimulus to improve conditions under which cows were kept, so sow-recording as carried out by the Waikato and Manawatu Pig Recording Clubs did a great deal to improve conditions of pig-keeping. It has probably had the same effect, though to a lesser degree, during the last four years, and lias been partly responsible for the general improvement in pig-keeping practice. " Pig Census. —The last collection of this return was made in May, 1940. Because the time of both farmers and departmental officers was more fully taken up with increased production efforts, it was decided to discontinue the collection of this information. " Carcass-Quality Scheme. —This work has been continued by the Supervisors of the District Pig Councils. During the year, 1,966 pigs have been tattooed on farms, and of these, 387 have been reported on at the works. When pigs are being rushed through the works on busy days it is difficult to find and measure up the tattooed ones, and this, along with changes of works staff, accounts for the difference between the number tattooed and the number reported oil. " National Instruction Service. —'The value of the instruction and advisory service given by the District Pig Councils appears to be appreciated more each year. In every district new layouts are being built, bringing the accommodation and conveniences for pig-keeping up to the level of that for dairy cows. It is agreeably surprising to. see how frequently the makeshift pig accommodation has been so completely replaced with that of the most up-to-date conveniences, and to find that where these are installed farmers are taking so much more interest in feeding and breeding. Expenditure on new equipment usually results in pigs being more profitable. The provision of better accommodation has been helped considerably by the publication by this Department last year of a bulletin on " Layout and Construction of Modern Piggeries," in which are set out plans and specifications of many houses that have proved satisfactory in different parts of New Zealand. For the last eighteen months the services of District Council Supervisors have been especially sought after for advice on plans and layouts. " Grading of Baconers.—This has now been in operation for three years. In spite of the fact that there has been a big increase in the number of heavy pigs (161 lb. to 180 lb.) killed last year, the grading percentages show a slight improvement in No. 1 Primes at the expense of No. 2 Primes. The percentage of Second Quality is unchanged. Approximately half a million baconers have been graded, 73-8 per cent, as Prime 1, 19-8 per cent, as Prime 2, and 6-4 per cent, as Second Quality. " General Activities of Field Officers.- Officers of the Department have continued to give a service to the industry in the specific directions of pedigree-sow recording, carcass-quality evaluation, and advice on health, feeding, and housing. There has been no falling-off in the demand for information on these subjects. " Feed-supply. —A sufficient supply of meal for pigs has been available for the past year through barley imported from Australia and through an increase in the amount of meat-meal available. For the coming season there was every prospect of a sufficiency of meal mainly through an increase in the amount of New-Zealand-grown maize and barley, supplemented by smaller amounts of imported barley and copra. There may be now a surplus of meals if any considerable reduction in pig-production takes place consequent on the restriction of exports of pig meats. Meal is only a small but very necessary item in pig-feed supply.

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Number of Total Pigs killed,* j Year. Breeding - sows Year ended i As Baconers. As Porkers, at 31st January. 31st March. 1936 .. .. .. 116,058 979,200 I 419,253 559,947 1937 .. .. .. 112,921 1,037,841 452,379 585,463 1938 .. .. .. 104,803 1,115,226 442,379 672,847 1939 .. .. .. 96,754 1,039.767 413,757 626,010 1940 .. .. .. 92,759 829,759 396,951 432,808 1941 .. .. .. .. 986,360 653,732 332,628 * Covers pigs killed in export slaughterhouses, abattoirs, rural slaughterhouses, and on farms.

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" 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 : —

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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

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Slaughterings at rural slaughterhouses during the year were as follows: Cattle, 73,931 ; calves, 1,697 ; sheep, 231,039 ; lambs, 20,998 ; swine, 26,975. 01' the animals shown in the table above as slaughtered at meat-export slaughterhouses, the following have gone into consumption within the Dominion : Cattle, 39,552 ; calves, 13,616 ; sheep, 356,172; lambs, 197,758; swine, 206,909. Live-stock Statistics. The 1940 sheep returns (as at 30th April) showed that sheep flocks within the Dominion had decreased by 834,216, to 31,062,875, the number of breeding-ewes decreasing by 232,642, to 19,727,657. The number of sheepowners has increased by 144, to 32,287. The number of cattle in the Dominion at 31st, January, 1940, decreased by 31,916, to a total of 4,533,032. The number of dairy cows (included in cattle totals) decreased by 3,642, to 1,850,071. The number of pigs in the Dominion was 714,001, an increase of 30,538 compared with 1939. Horses show a decrease of 3,222, the 194-0 total being 271,581. Compensation paid foe Stock and Meat condemned. Compensation amounting to £11,572 was paid out during the year for animals condemned in the field under the provisions of the Stock Act, and £24,639 for carcasses or parts of carcasses condemned for disease on slaughter for human consumption at abattoirs, meat-export slaughterhouses, &c., under the provisions of the Meat Act. Importation oe Stock. The following stock were imported during the year : Cattle, 39 ; sheep, 528 ; pigs, 12 ; horses, 8 (not including the movement of thoroughbreds between here and Australia). Of the above animals, the following were placed in quarantine for the respective periods required : Cattle, 39 ; pigs, 12. Exportation oe Stock. During the year under review the following animals were exported : Cattle, 15 ; sheep, 12,493 ; pigs, 29 ; horses 9. There was the usual movement of thoroughbred horses to and from Australia. Dairy Inspection. The registration of premises, and the supervision of the premises, plants, and herds, is an important part of the work of this Division in the control of the milk-supply to the cities and towns throughout the country. Generally speaking, a good standard has been maintained, but the very nature of the work itself makes constant supervision at all times necessary. New premises are continually being erected, additions and repairs are constantly receiving attention, and milking plants and equipment require renewal. Arrangements have been made during the year to supervise the milk-supply at the various military camps throughout the country. Some difficulty has been experienced at times in the adequate cooling of milk in the warmer months of the year. At such times the milk may not stand up to the reductase test. In all such cases an attempt has been made to improve the cooling arrangements on the farm in every way possible. The assistance rendered by the Health Department as to the bacterial count and keeping-quality of samples of milk is much appreciated. It is difficult at times to maintain an adequate milk-supply during the winter months, but suitable provision has been made to meet periods of temporary shortage from the normal producers. Composite milk samples have been collected and submitted to the biological test at the Animal Research Station, Wallaceville. Poultry. The report of Mr. F. C. Bobby, Superintendent of Poultry Husbandry, who took up this position on arrival in the Dominion last January, is submitted herewith : — Poultry Husbandry. " The past year has been one of some uncertainty and anxiety for poultry-farmers. Difficulties have been experienced in obtaining adequate and consistent supplies of the two basic poultry-foods, pollard and bran, while a shortage of labour has made efficient management upon the larger poultryfarms a serious problem. A small decrease in the industry has been caused by farms closing down as the result of owners leaving for military service. Furthermore, new ventures and extensions to established farms have been restricted by difficulties associated with obtaining building materials and equipment. In spite of these circumstances there is evidence of a good demand within the industry for day-old chicks, perching pullets, and stock cockerels, thereby indicating that there is no serious lack of confidence in the future outlook of poultry husbandry in New Zealand. " Requests by poultrymen for advice and practical help from the Department has brought about a further marked increase in instructional work. Although the instructional staff of the Department was increased two years ago by the addition of two more Poultry Instructors, poultry advisory work has increased to such an extent that those employed upon this work are unable to meet fully the requests for their services. During recent visits to the main poultry centres of the Dominion I have been impressed by the tributes paid by poultrymen to these Instructors for the assistance they have given. Undoubtedly the continuous effort by poultrymen to obtain high production demands a high standard in stock and efficiency in management. The Department has given valuable assistance.

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both in the selection of a suitable type of bird and with advice as to satisfactory management for high production. Some two thousand eight hundred visits were made by the five Instructors during the year. " Stock.—The numerous requests made to the Department for assistance in culling and selection of breeding-stock throughout the Dominion clearly indicates the desire of poultrymen to maintain a high standard among their birds. It is satisfactory to be able to report that a good average standard of stock is evident in all centres. The danger still exists, however, of breeders sacrificing size of bird in their desire to obtain high production. This can be seen at the three egg-laying contests, where there are too many birds which fail to satisfy, and only just satisfy the minimum-weight regulations on arrival at these contests. Loss of size is often accompanied by loss of constitution, which in turn leads to an inability to stand up to the strain of heavy production and to susceptibility to disease. " Egg Supplies and Marketing.—Supplies of eggs for the year have been about normal, with the exception that there has been a marked shortage during the late summer and early autumn. This scarcity has been caused to a large extent by pullets coming into production slowly this season; in particular, this applies to late-hatched birds. The dry conditions prevailing during the rearing and growing season have undoubtedly affected the maturity of this year's pullets. " Keen interest has been taken by poultrymen in the Marketing of Eggs Regulations 1940, and there is a real desire in the industry to see these regulations in full operation. Until this has been accomplished egg marketing will continue to be unsatisfactory and a continual source of" anxiety to the producer. " Considerable trouble was experienced from so called ' bad eggs ' during January. Preliminary investigations by the Department indicated that the dry hot summer and a lack of green food were largely responsible for these poor-quality eggs. " Health of Stock. —While the health of poultry generally throughout the Dominion has been satisfactory, there is no room for complacency in the matter of poultry diseases. Reports received indicate that the dry summer has limited the outbreaks of Coccidiosis during this year, but that parasitical worms have called for an increase in the treatment of pullets. The most disturbing feature in connection with disease is the increased number of reports of fowl paralysis (Neurolymphomatosis), a disease that has caused very considerable trouble in Great Britain and the United States of America during recent years. This is a matter which will need watching closely, as there is evidence that this disease can be spread through breeding-stock, while up to the present no means has been found of detecting carriers among breeding stock so infected. " Mention must also be made of the increase in certain districts of birds infected with marble bone (Osteopetrosis). Although not causing any serious trouble, it is obvious that affected birds arc not being removed and destroyed immediately they are observed. As the disease has now been proved to be infectious, this course of action is highly desirable. " The maintenance of constitution, immediate culling of ailing birds, and clean conditions for poultry are the main essential items in the prevention of disease, and with disease it should always be a case of prevention and not cure. " Sale of Diseased Stock. —Once again the question of offering diseased poultry for sale at public auctions and farm sales has come to the fore. It is evident that additional efforts will have to be made to stop this highly-dangerous practice. Although Poultry Instructors take every available; opportunity for inspecting markets and have in many cases the good will of those operating these markets, cull birds suffering from Coccidiosis are still being offered for sale. It is intended that more drastic action shall be taken against those offering such birds for sale during the coming year. " Wallaceville Poultry-station. —A keen demand for hatching-eggs, day-old chicks, and growing stock has been experienced during the year. So great has been this demand that it has been deemed necessary to restrict to some extent sales during the coming season. There is an obvious danger that the stock of the farm may suffer if sales are allowed to exceed a reasonable limit. On the other hand, this keen demand for stock from the poultry-station is a clear illustration of the good services it is rendering the industry. " Chick-sexing. —As in previous years, chick-sexing examinations were conducted at Wallaceville Poultry-station in August and November, 1940. Seven candidates presented themselves for examination. Of these, three secured first-class certificates and one an endorsement of his second-class certificate. The remainder failed to secure the required percentage accuracy. " Chick-sexers holding these certificates have an excellent opportunity during this coming hatching season to establish themselves in this class of work, as it has been deemed inadvisable to allow Japanese sexers to operate in New Zealand during the coming season. " In conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my sincere appreciation of the warm welcome accorded to me by all members of the Department since taking up my duties in New Zealand in January last." Wool. The report of Mr. J. P. E. Duncan, Wool Instructor, is submitted herewith " The wool-growing season for 1940-41 may be regarded from most aspects as a satisfactory one. On the whole, the season was particularly favourable, and in general the wool has been better grown and sounder than usual, with more shafty preparing types in evidence. At the time of writing no figures for the total production of wool in the Dominion are available, but it is likely that the clip will be a large one on account of heavy fleece weights, which will probably offset the slight decline in

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the sheep population of the country which has been evident in the last two years. From the financial side, also, the wool position is satisfactory, in that under the commandeer scheme farmers are receiving what virtually amounts to a guaranteed price. Now in its second season of operation, the woolappraisement scheme is working smoothly, and we are fortunate that the bulk of the wool produced in New Zealand is of crossbred type, which is still urgently required by Britain in enormous quantities for military purposes. Our only serious rival in this field of crossbred-wool production is the Argentine, and at present competition is non-existent, because Britain and America alone can speedily use all the wool of this type which is offering. " In the 1939-40 season the Minister of Marketing appealed to farmers to exercise care in the preparation of their clips, and it was stated in good faith that properly-skirted clips would sell at a premium over those not so carefully prepared. Unfortunately, due to the late start of the appraisement scheme and other unforseen circumstances, little if any differentiation in price was made when the clips were appraised, and many farmers not unnaturally came to the conclusion that careful skirting did not pay. Before the start of the 1940-41 season, however, it was definitely ascertained that a premium would be paid for properly-prepared clips, and that unskirted wools would be rejected until they had been skirted by the broker at the grower's expense. The matter was given a good deal of publicity through the press, in the farming journals, and over the air. An illustrated article was published in the Journal of Agriculture (October, 1940) dealing with the proper preparation of the clip for sale, and included detailed instructions, with photographs and diagrams, of the proper methods of skirting and rolling. " Now that the selling season is finished it is gratifying to note that the standard of preparation of the clip was definitely better than the previous season, that careful preparation was rewarded by a better price, and that slipshod work was penalized in bad cases by being rejected until the omission had been remedied by the-broker at the grower's expense. The bulk of the offenders were, as usual, to be found among the smaller clips. Small size of clip is really no excuse for faulty preparation, as good facilities now exist in all the main centres for handling these small lots of wool by the binning system. While classing cannot be adequately carried out with small clips, binning will result in a line of wool, no matter how small, realizing its full market value, because each fleece is treated as a unit and goes into the correct bin, later to be sold with many other fleeces of the same type —• forming a large even line. In certain centres —e.g., Timaru —the practice of binning is already carried out on a very large scale, some brokers submitting as much as 80 per cent, of the wool they handle to this process. There is still room for further expansion in most centres in the Dominion, however, and it is the policy of the Department to bring this avenue of disposal to the notice of farmers wherever and whenever possible. " The Sheep-farming Industry Commission which was set up in July, 1939, brought its inquiries to a premature close at the end of September as a result of the outbreak of war, which immediately altered the whole outlook for the industry. Before the Commission terminated its sittings however, a great deal of useful evidence had been collected, and later a brief summary of some of the conclusions drawn by the Commission was presented to Parliament in the form of a report in 1940. This summarized report is a valuable document in itself, and includes the comments and recommendations of the Commission, which will form a valuable basis for any future survey of this nature which may be undertaken. The detailed evidence, which runs into many hundreds of pages, and much of which is of a confidential nature, was never printed, but it, too, will be available if and when it is required " The wool-scouring industry of the Dominion has been kept reasonably busy scouring selected types of wool for the British Government, and last season some 85,000 bales of greasy wool were allocated to the various works for treatment. This season Britain has agreed to take an increased quantity, and approximately 100,000 bales will be processed, so that most of the works will be handling quantities approaching their maximum output without resprting to shift-work. Actually, the war has helped very largely to put the scouring industry back on its feet, as a number of the works were previously in a very precarious position, and with one or two exceptions none of them had been working to anything like full capacity. As the industry gives useful employment to quite a number of men, it is to be hoped that after the war it can be permanently organized on some similar basis to that at present in operation. " Britain has guaranteed to purchase the entire New Zealand wool-clip for the duration of the war and for one season thereafter, so that the immediate outlook for the wool industry is good, and helps to some extent to compensate for the difficulties in disposing of our meat. The future outlook is uncertain. All we know definitely at present is that on the one hand large quantities of the finer types of wool must be accumulating in Britain and elsewhere, while on the other the manufacture of synthetic fibres in the totalitarian countries and the lands which they dominate must have been greatly stimulated by the scarcity of wool-supplies, which have been almost entirely cut off by the blockade. What will happen after the war is pure speculation, but, whatever befalls, our woolproducers should keep certain ideals steadily in view. Firstly, they should select the type of sheep which suits their country and keep to that type. Secondly, they should make full use of the best rams obtainable, judging them by performance rather than pedigree, and culling the progeny as heavily as conditions will permit. Last but not least, they should prepare the wool-clip for market in such a way as to present even standardized lines, because it must be remembered that wool's rivals are already standardized products and are sold as such. During 1940 a series of four illustrated articles on sheep-dipping were published in the Journal of Agriculture, and these were later consolidated in the form of a bulletin entitled ' Practical Points

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in Sheep-dipping, including the Design and Construction of Sheep-dipping Baths.' The title is selfexplanatory, and the bulletin, which is free to farmers, has met with a ready demand from farmers and mercantile firms handling dips, so it can be reasonably concluded that it has filled a definite want. At the same time a further series of models of sheep-dip were designed and were built in the Departmental workshops to a scale of half an inch to the foot, complete in every detail. They have formed a very instructive display and have attracted much attention at the various A. and P. shows where they have been exhibited. At each of these shows a wool exhibit along similar lines to that used at the Centennial Exhibition has been prepared, with the addition of a series of large-scale maps showing the distribution of the various breeds of sheep in New Zealand. " During the year a comprehensive trial of all the commercial wool branding and marking substances has been carried out, and the final results will be available shortly. Tests were made of both the lasting qualities of the various substances in the fleece, and their ability to be completely removed in the scouring process. The former characteristic is, of course, the one which is mainly of interest to the farmer, but the necessity for complete and easy removal during the scouring process is of great importance to the manufacturer, since any branding material left in the wool may cause extensive and often irreparable damage. Rough-and-ready tests are useless in determining ' scourability,' and a miniature scouring plant was therefore designed with which it is possible to duplicate on a small scale the exact working-conditions of a full-sized commercial plant. This experimental unit has now been built and installed, and has already proved its worth. It will be useful in other ways besides the trial at present in progress, and will be required to interpret certain of the results from the sheep-rugging experiments which we still have under way. At the end of the present season (1941-42) it may be possible to publish the final results of these rugging trials, several of which are being continued in the Canterbury district again this year. " In addition to the above-mentioned trials, a number of lantern lectures and demonstrations to farmers' organizations have been given. Reports have been made on various wool samples submitted, and an experiment has been carried out on the question of using steel clips for closing woolpacks if sewing-twine becomes unprocurable." Rabbit Nuisance. Following a favourable season and the depletion of man-power owing to war requirements, there was an increase in the rabbit pest throughout most districts, and although this increase did not create the same problem in all districts, particularly in the North Island, any increase under war conditions where man-power is deficient is a matter for grave concern if a repetition of the conditions following the Great War is to be avoided. In an attempt to establish some greater measure of control, arrangements were made, in co-operation with the National Service Department (Employment Division), for a liberal subsidy on wages to be made available for men employed on rabbit-destruction during the late spring and summer months —September to March. It was expected that in badly-infested districts in Otago and Canterbury this scheme would assist in control at a time when little work would, in the circumstances, be carried out. One of the great weaknesses in rabbit-control work is that, outside Rabbit Boards, and even including some Boards, little or no work is done following the winter kill, which, of course, pays for itself, and quite often provides a substantial dividend, thus commercializing the rabbit pest. Although there was some criticism of the subsidy scheme, a very considerable amount of rabbitdestruction work was carried out which, but for the scheme, would not have been undertaken, and reports indicate that in many localities a great improvement resulted. A very substantial rise in the price of winter rabbit-skins is forecast, and this should result in a further reduction of the pest. It will, however, be necessary to devise some means of continuous work being carried on after the winter operations if the spring breeding increase is to be kept in check, as no relaxation of effort can be permitted. Rabbit Boards have now reached the total of seventy-four, excluding Fencing Boards. Four new Boards were constituted during the year, and two Boards amalgamated. In some others, additional areas were taken in ; and it is noted that the formation of further Boards is under way in a number of districts, particularly in Southland, where eleven new districts are expected to materialize. With few exceptions, Board control has been an unqualified success, the rabbit position being under quite good control in most areas. Subsidies paid to Boards on rates collected during the year amounted to £29,705. Noxious Weeds. The scheme of assistance to local bodies, particularly County Councils, in controlling noxious weeds, particularly ragwort, was continued during the year. Difficulty in obtaining sufficient supplies of sodium chlorate or Atlacide was experienced at times, but this was overcome, and on the whole normal quantities eventually became available. County Councils in ragwort-infested areas again took advantage of the scheme, and allocations amounting to £54,235 to cover wages and material costs were made. After deducting recoveries from farmers, the net cost was £47,416. The operations under this scheme over the past few years has enabled control over large areas of ragwort country to be effected and production to be maintained. As has been stated in past years, the continued settlement of many of the farms in these areas was seriously threatened, and it has only been by reason of the operation of this scheme that many farms have not been abandoned by their occupiers.

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The main difficulty, apart from finance and labour, facing us at the moment is the uncertainty of supplies of sodium chlorate or Atlacide for the coming season in order that the expenditure of the past years may not be lost. It is hoped that it will be possible to make arrangements for some supplies to be released. The position in respect to other noxious weeds —blackberry, gorse, sweetbrier, &c. —remains much the same. A certain amount of work is done by some, but no concentrated attack is made, and it is quite clear that no such attack is possible except under some well-organized local scheme such as could be worked through County Councils. At the present time twenty-one County Councils have taken over the administration of the Noxious Weeds Act and these counties do a certain amount of useful work in the way of control, but outside these counties it is only possible to effect some spasmodic attempts at clearing which for the time has to be accepted, but unless it is part of a long-term policy scheme it leads nowhere. Staff. All members of the staff have carried out their many duties in a conscientious and loyal manner. Much extra work has been carried out by many branches of the staff, mainly owing to war conditions. As members have left for Territorial or overseas service, the depleted staff has carried on until assistance could be provided. Seventeen officers of the meat-inspection staff are on active service overseas. A still larger number temporarily exempted from service will be released, as required, at the end of the present slaughtering season. Of the stock-inspection staff, seven officers are on active service. It is pleasing to record that a member of the staff, Lieutenant J. H. Sutherland, M.C., formerly Inspector of Stock, Thames District, has already been decorated for his services overseas. I wish to record my thanks to all officers of the Division for their work during the year.

3—H, 29.

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ANIMAL RESEARCH DIVISION. REPORT OF J. F. FILMER, ACTING-DIRECTOR. Animal research, like all other national activities, has been overshadowed during this year by the national war effort. The importance of animal research in wartime is hard to assess, but it should be realized that its complete cessation would mean the disintegration of the organization, the disbandment of the carefully integrated research teams, and the deterioration of equipment. Reorganization in the post-war period would present special difficulties. Every effort is therefore being made to maintain at least a foundation on which to rebuild after the war. In the meantime as much research will be conducted as is possible with the staff available. The primary object of this wartime research will be the obtaining of knowledge which will enable New Zealand's animal industries to meet the keener competition resulting from the reorientation of animal-production and the development of artificial substitutes by increasing efficiency wherever possible. Active collaboration has been maintained with the Live-stock Division in the diagnosis of disease, the collection of specimens,, and the conduct of field trials ; with the Fields Division in pasture trials at Ruakura, in observations 011 pastures, especially in connection with facial eczema, and in manurial trials with serpentine superphosphate and seaweed ; with the Dairy Division in milking-machine investigations; with the Dairy Research Institute in mastitis and milking-machine research ; with the Plant Research Bureau, the Soil Survey Division, and the Physical Testing Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in facial-eczema investigations ; with Canterbury Agricultural College in projects connected with sheep mortality in Canterbury, and with Massey Agricultural College in the genetics of Southdown photosensitization ; with the Cawthron Institute in the chemistry of minerals in pastures and soils. Farmers' organizations have given valuable assistance during the year. Special mention should be made in this regard of the Dairy Board, whose herd-recording association has assisted in collecting statistics and examining data in connection with milking-machines, mastitis, sterility, and stripping experiments. Individual farmers have given good service on the Facial Eczema Management Committee, the Ruakura Farm Advisory Committee, the Waikato Dairy Cattle Sterility Committee, and the Milking-machine Investigations Committee. Substantial financial assistance has again been received from the Dairy Board and the Wool Publicity Committee. Staff. Attempts have been made to import trained men to fill some of the key positions to which reference was made in the last annual report. The position of parasitologist has been successfully filled, but it has been impossible to obtain suitable research workers for other important vacancies. It is obvious that these will have to be filled by appointing promising junior workers and providing facilities for their training overseas when circumstances permit. Some of the younger research workers are already showing considerable promise, and are quite worthy of opportunities for training in some of the famous research institutions in other countries. The Wallaceville Animal Research Station has been strengthened by the appointment of a librarian and a carpenter. Twenty-two officers are serving with the overseas Forces, and ten have served during the year in the Territorial Forces in New Zealand. Other members of the staff are serving in the National Military Reserve or the Home Guard. Buildings and Equipment. During the year the new Laboratory at Wallaceville was completed and was officially opened by the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. P. Fraser. This research station is now well equipped, and the officers there are able to work under conditions which, are much more favourable than have hitherto been available. The extensions to the laboratory at Ruakura which are necessary to house the Chemistry Section must of necessity be deferred until after the war. A very efficient grass drier has been installed at Ruakura and has been of great assistance in preserving samples for chemical analysis and for animal-feeding experiments. The Department is indebted to Messrs. Joyner and Ledger, of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, for preparing the plans for the drier.

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Diagnostic Work at W all ace ville . The Wallaceville Animal Research Station continues to supply a valuable diagnostic service to officers of the Live-stock Division and thus assists greatly in the control of animal diseases in the field. The following specimens have been examined during the year : Milk-samples for mastitis .. .. •• •• . Composite milk-samples for T.B. .. ■■ ... •• 228 (5 positive). Blood-samples : Agglutination test for contagious abortion Cattle .. 2 > 2 ™ Pigs . • • • • ■ • • • • • • • U Erysipelas infection : Pigs .. • • ■ • • • ■ • ® Pullorum disease : Poultry .. • • • • • • • • Cattle specimens .. • • • • • • • • • • Sheep specimens . • • • • • • • ■ • • • Pig specimens .. • • • • • • • • • • • • Horse specimens .. • • • • • • • • • • Dog specimens .. ■ • ■ • • • • • ■ ■ • • Cat specimens .. • • • • • • • • • • • • ' Poultry specimens . ■ • • • • • • • • • • Other animals .. • • • ■ • • ■ • • • • • Bees .. .. Miscellaneous specimens . . .. • • ■ • • • • • ,J 'Research Work. Facial Eczema and Photosensitization. Experiments have continued during the year under the general direction of the Facial Eczema Management Committee, on which the farmer members, Dr. Annett and Messrs. Anderson and Hay ward, have again materially assisted by their sympathetic understanding and practical advice. Mr. Bruce Levy, of the Plant Research Bureau, has also continued to give valuable assistance on this Committee. Occurrence of the Disease.—Timing the year the disease was fairly widespread in the Wairoa area but as only sheep on the flats were affected it was efficiently controlled by removing them to hill pastures during the dangerous periods. Small isolated outbreaks occurred in the Gisborne, Hastings, Waikato, and Manawatu areas. Examination of Lamb-livers from Meat-works— This service was continued, and in all 969 specimens were examined. Grazinq Trials. —Experiments with lambs were conducted at Ruakura, Karamu, and Wairoa. The design of these experiments was such that it was possible to determine the period during which the pasture was toxic for the lambs grazing on it. Negative results were obtained at Ruakura and only mild liver derangement without skin lesions developed at Karamu. At Wairoa where a paddock was generously placed at the disposal of the Department by the executors of the estate the disease developed during March, and it was possible for the first time to collect pasture which could be definitely incriminated as having been responsible for the production of the disease m grazing animals I his is now being fractionated by the chemists, and the fractions will later be fed to lambs m an endeavour to isolate the toxic principle responsible lor producing the liver derangement. Pasture Observations.—The officers of the Fields Division have collaborated with the Grasslands Division of the Plant Research Bureau in seasonal observations of pastures m districts where the, disease is known to occur. Meteorological Observations. —These have been made at Ruakura, Karamu, Massey Agricultural College Wallaceville, and on the properties of a number of Waikato farmers. From the data obtained in this 'way Dr. Cooper, of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, was able to forecast successfully the mild outbreaks which occurred this year. Biochemistry.—A considerable amount of work has been devoted during the past two years to improving technique, especially in regard to the detection of photosensitizing agents m blood and urine As a result of this improved methods have been evolved, and it is now possible to detect photosensitizing agents with some certainty. Unfortunately, no progress has been made in the detection of the liver toxin. Patholoqv Careful work on specimens of organs taken from the experimental animals in the grazing experiments has enabled a much clearer picture to be obtained of the processes involved in producing the pathological changes observed in diseased animals. Alkaloids in Rye-grass.—During the year research by members of the Chemical Section of this Division and chemists of the Plant Chemistry Laboratory of the Department of Scientific. and Industrial Research, working at first independently and then in collaboration, resulted m the discovery of the presence of a group of substances having the properties of alkaloids m perennial rye-grass and other pasture species. Four of these have been crystallized, and animal experiments have shown that one of them is a photosensitizing agent. It seems probable that it is responsible for one of the forms of sporadic mild photosensitization which occurs m sheep throughout both Islands of New Zealand. Further work is proceeding, but so far no evidence has been adduced which would incriminate these substances as the cause of facial eczema or any other important disease of live-stock m New Zealand.

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Photosensitization in the South Island.—During the year observations indicated that at least two types of photosensitization, both different from facial eczema, occur in the South Island. Further research is being conducted with a view to determining the causes of these diseases. Photosensitization in Southdowns.—lt has long been known that some strains of Southdowns are peculiarly sensitive to sunlight. A breeding experiment has been initiated at Ruakura with a view to studying the genetics of this condition. Dr. Dry, of the Massey Agricultural College, is assisting in the conduct of this experiment. Sheep Mortality, Canterbury. The first year's work on the farm leased by the Department has now been completed. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of various methods of feeding rape to weaned lambs, both with and without supplementary feeds. Ewes were fed during the winter on hay, chaff and meat-meal, Italian rye-grass and lupins, and green oats. Hoggets were fed during the winter on fodder crops and hay. The effect of proven parasitic drenches on lambs, hoggets, and ewes was tested. It was hoped jn these experiments to determine the effect of the various feeding programmes on the mortality, which in the past has assumed serious proportions on the experimental farm. Due, probably, to the dry summer and the mild winter no serious mortality occurred. However, valuable data has been accumulated concerning the various fodders utilized. Observations were made during the year on the effect of rugging hoggets in winter and on the comparative merits of the various methods of tailing and castration of lambs. The Canterbury Agricultural College has collaborated actively, especially in advising on agricultural operations, in the measurement of pasture growth and in the determination of the digestibility of special crops and supplementary feeds. Mastitis. Milking-machine Experiments.—Experiments have been conducted to determine the effect in regard to mastitis-production of varying the vacuum, of high- and low-level pipe-lines and of suppressing air-admission. Observations have also been made on the occurrence of mastitis in a herd at the Massey Agricultural College which is being milked with a bucket type of plant. A bacterial examination of used rubber inflations has been conducted to determine if these are likely to be instrumental in spreading the disease. Segregation Experiment.—An effort is being made at Ruakura to prevent the development of mastitis by removing from one of the experimental herds all cows carrying the organisms which are usually regarded as being responsible for producing mastitis. Very careful periodical examinations of milk from single quarters are conducted in order to ensure the absolute freedom of the udders in the sound herd. It is realized that this procedure cannot be adopted in the field, but it is hoped that this experiment will enable the true value of the segregation method of controlling mastitis to be determined. Experimental Treatment.—A number of affected cows have been treated by the administration of sulphanilamide and by the injection of antiseptic dyes into the affected quarters. The results support the favourable reports received from overseas in regard to the latter method of treatment. Milking-machine Research at Wallaxieville. Vacuum Gauges.—A mercury gauge for standardizing vacuum gauges has been devised and is now available for installing in dairy factories. An effort is being made to devise a portable gauge to enable the vacuum gauges to be tested without being removed from the dairy. Vacuum Relief Valves.—A new technique has been evolved for measuring the efficiency of vacuum relief valves, and the operation of many of these has been studied. Vacuum Pumps. —Apparatus has been constructed for measuring power-consumption, air-handling capacity, and other properties of vacuum pumps. Milk-elevators. —A new type of milk-elevator has been constructed, and in tests so far conducted has proved itself capable of rapidly elevating milk without turbulence to any reasonable height. It is simple and is easily cleaned. Testing-services.—A free testing-service has been provided and is now available to all milkingmachine manufacturers who may submit accessories for testing. A report is issued to the manufacturer giving the results of the test. Experimental Milking-machine.—A milking-machine is being constructed which will combine the action of the bucket type of machine with the use of a releaser. This will be used to study the alleged advantages of bucket machines in regard to the production of mastitis. Studies have been made in collaboration with the Dairy Division and the Dairy Research Institute on the relation between " oiling off " of milk and the action of milking-machines. Stripping Experiments. The increasing tendency to abandon the practice of stripping after machine-milking has led to the initiation of experiments at Ruakura to test the effects of neglecting to strip. The Herd Recording Department of the Dairy Board is assisting in measuring the butterfat-production of the stripped and non-stripped cows and in statistically examining the difference between the two groups.

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Grass Staggers in Dairy Cows. The seasonal variation in the magnesium status of the blood is being investigated in cows on farms where grass staggers frequently occurs. Bull Sterility. The feeding experiment to test the efiect of high protein 011 bull sterility has been completed. The results indicate that the level of protein which occurs in New Zealand dairy pastures is not likely to produce sterility in bulls. Semen-testing Service. During the 1939-40 dairy season the results of examinations of bulls' semen were checked by breeding data collected by the Herd Recording Department of the Dairy Board. A careful examination of these results conducted by Mr. Ward, of the Dairy Board, indicated that the method was sufficiently accurate to be of considerable value. A semen-testing service was therefore initiated during the 1940-41 season and made available to dairy-farmers throughout New Zealand. One hundred and thirty-nine samples were collected by Veterinarians and Stock Inspectors of the Live-stock Division. Of these, only eleven proved unsuitable for examination. Twelve bulls were found to be completely or nearly sterile. Artificial Insemination. Experiments have this year been conducted at Ruakura in which artificial insemination has been used entirely in one herd of sixty-nine cows. These were divided into two sections, in one of which precautions only possible under laboratory conditions were taken, while in the other section the conditions were made to simulate those likely to occur in commercial dairies. The following results were obtained : In the first section 62 per cent, of the cows conceived to the first service and a further 14 per cent, to the second service. In the second section 41 per cent, of the cows conceived to the first service and a further 25 per cent, to the second service. These results indicate that artificial insemination can be successfully used under the peculiar conditions which occur in New Zealand. The work will be continued this year, when it is hoped that the figures obtained under ordinary field conditions can be somewhat improved. Contagious Abortion. Experimental work with live vaccine is being continued. The bacterial strains which have given the best results in both England and America have been imported and will be used in vaccine trials in the near future. Pig Nutrition. Experiments have been conducted to study the effect of feeding concentrates to sows after weaning, the effect of restricted feeding on thickness of backfat, the effect of vitamins 011 the nutrition of store pigs during the winter, the value of roots for wintering stores, bacon-production with barley and roots, the preservation of curd for pig feeding, and the Use of copra in pig feeding. Dairy-cow Nutrition. Experiments in the management of pasture to provide improved winter feeding have been continued. All experiment has been initiated to determine the effect of rotational grazing in the rearing of calves. Pasture Research. Measurements have been made in conjunction with the Fields Division of the seasonal rate of growth of pasture, and an investigation has been continued in regard to devising a suitable technique for measuring manurial effects in grazed pastures. Pasture Chemistry. A number of analyses have been made to determine the lipid constituents of pastures. A satisfactory method has been evolved for the routine estimation of chlorophyl. A considerable number of routine analyses have been made in connection with the dairy-cow nutrition, bull sterility, facial eczema, and Canterbury sheep mortality experiments. Soil Chemistry. A careful study has been made of the effect of stock urine on soil nitrogen and the significance of this in sampling for soil-nitrogen determinations. Chemistry of Fats. Numerous analyses have been made of backfat from pigs in the pig-nutrition experiments with a view to correlating quality of fat with the diet of the pigs. Vitamin A estimations have been made of the livers of some of these pigs. Vitamin estimations have been made 011 a number of New Zealand fish oils.

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Cobalt Deficiency. The top-dressing trials have been continued at Mamaku, and a third generation of lambs have now been reared on the cobalt-deficient areas on this farm. The value of cobaltized superphosphate in controlling bush sickness has been definitely established, and considerable data has been accumulated concerning the uptake of cobalt after top-dressing with various rates of application in both autumn and spring. Bone Diseases. A special investigation of bone-diseases has been initiated at Wallaceville, and a careful study has been made of the pathology of rickets in hoggets, fragile bones in suckling lambs, and of pigs and poultry suffering from both calcium or Vitamin D deficiencies. Pulpy Kidney. A further study has been made of the different types of vaccine available for use. The value of vaccinating ewes where the disease occurs in lambs under six weeks of age has been confirmed, but it has been demonstrated that where the disease occurs in lambs more than six weeks old, ewes should not be vaccinated as this renders the vaccination of the lambs themselves less effective. Arthritis in Pigs. A bacteriological survey of abattoir specimens has been made to determine the organisms responsible for condemnations for arthritis. Osteopetrosis in Fowls. This has been shown to be an infectious disease, and a study is being made to determine the means of its transmission. Zinc Poisoning in Pigs. Experiments have been initiated to determine the toxic dose and the contributing effect of other factors in zinc poisoning, and to obtain information concerning the rate of solution of zinc from galvanized piping. Toxicity of Ergot for Sheep. The experimental feeding of rye-grass ergot to sheep has indicated that the symptoms produced do not resemble those of any of the important diseases of sheep encountered in New Zealand. Serpentine Superphosphate. Magnesium has been estimated in crops and pastures grown in experiments conducted by the Fields Division with serpentine superphosphate, and magnesium sulphate and superphosphate topdressings. Potash from Seaweed. The Chief Agricultural Chemist has collaborated with the Fields Division and the Marine Department in exploring the possibilities of seaweed as a source of potash for manurial purposes. Chemical Control of Ragwort. Work on the effect of sodium chlorate has been completed and information obtained concerning the rates and methods of application. It has been shown that the best results are obtained by treatment during summer or early autumn. Unfortunately, where infestations are heavy the applications necessary to kill the plants result in considerable pasture deterioration, but good results can be obtained with lighter infestations. Conclusion. Professional, technical, and farm staffs have worked conscientiously, often under special difficulties. Workers on the same problems are sometimes situated in widely separated research stations, and under war conditions do not meet as often as they should ; nevertheless, collaboration has been maintained, and good team spirit is being developed.

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FIELDS DIVISION. REPORT OF R. B. TENNENT, DIRECTOR. The Season. During the year under review the climatic conditions varied to some extent in the different districts throughout the Dominion, but an outstanding feature was the well-distributed rain in most of the North Island, resulting in phenomenal growth during the months of spring and early summer. In the North Island generally the year was, taken as a whole, one of the best experienced from a climatic point of view, and this fact has been largely responsible for the satisfactory production. In the South Island, on the other hand, the season was remarkably dry. Following a mild winter, good growing-conditions prevailed in the early spring. More land was put under the plough than for many previous seasons, and the appeal for more crops as a special war effort was well responded to and was assisted by the favourable climatic conditions. The dry weather continued through the summer, and, while this factor enabled crops to be harvested early and rapidly, it made its effect felt seriously on stock and pastures, particularly in Canterbury and North Otago. National Council of Primary Production. The National Council of Primary Production, established shortly after the outbreak of war, has continued to give good service during the past year. It has tendered advice to the Government covering practically every aspect of farm organization, including labour, stock-feeds, fertilizers, farm supplies such as seeds, shearing requisites, wire ; also farm finance, land-development, and other topics. Generally, the Council has played a useful part in minimizing the disturbance of primary production consequent upon the war situation. The Commercial Advisory Committee attached to the National Council of Primary Production has done valuable work in connection with agricultural seeds of all kinds, advising the Department regarding export contracts. The Committee has also recommended the regulation of exports and imports, as necessary from time to time to ensure adequate supplies of the farm seeds required in New Zealand. The total number of District Councils of Primary Production under the supervision of the National Council has now reached thirty-two. After some initial difficulties the District Councils settled down to play a useful part in the organization of increased primary production. In addition to their other activities, the Councils have co-operated with the State Advances Corporation in the administration of the Farmers' Loans Emergency Regulations 1940, which were designed to assist with the financing of increased production. Moreover, with regard to farm labour the District Councils have done valuable work in minimizing the disorganization of farming following the removal of men for military service. They have also worked closely with local Man-power Committees and Armed Forces Appeal Boards in ensuring the postponement of military training in individual cases where primary production was likely to be seriously affected. A tribute is due to the many farmers, business men, and others who have given voluntary national service with the various organizations set up to increase primary production. Arable Crops. Wheat sowings were increased in many of the wheatgrowing districts, and good yields have been recorded. In Canterbury, however, the main wheatgrowing province, the acreage under this crop showed a reduction. The difficulty in preparing the land owing to excessive rainfall during May was largely responsible for the decrease. Farmers are prepared to grow wheat provided it can be sown from April until June, but the majority of growers in Canterbury will not grow spring wheat, which is a rather risky crop in that district. During the past season, however, a considerable amount of spring wheat was sown in Canterbury following a request of the Primary Production Council for an increased acreage, but most of this sowing gave a relatively poor yield. The early-sown crops, on the other hand, gave a very satisfactory return, and the quality of the grain is good. One of the features of wheatgrowing in Canterbury is the large area now sown in Cross 7 wheat. This variety is comparatively short in the straw and usually does not lodge. There was an increase of 15 per cent, to 20 cer pent, in the acreage of wheat in the Rangitikei, Manawatu, and Wairarapa areas. The sowing of the Tainui variety has increased in suitable localities, while in other parts Jumbuck is favoured. The wheat crop harvested during January-March, 1941, according to returns received from threshing-mill operators up to 22nd April, showed that 188,925 acres of wheat threshed returned a total yield of 6,137,192 bushels, the average yield per acre being 32 - 48 bushels. For the season 1939-40 the actual total area of wheat threshed was 257,532 acres, and this, with an average per-acre yield of 31-10 bushels, gave a total yield of 8,010,089 bushels. For 1940-41 the estimated area of wheat for threshing is 240,000 acres, and, as stated above, the per-acre yield from that portion of the crop already harvested is 32"48 bushels. The oat crops did fairly well this season in the South Island districts where they arc grown, and yields have compared favourably with previous years. This applies particularly to the heavier country, but in districts where the drought was severe the crops naturally suffered. On the whole, however,

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the statistical position for oats is quite satisfactory. Returns from threshing-mill operators show that up to 24th March, 22,591 acres of oats threshed produced 846,904 bushels, the average yield per acre being 37-49 bushels. The estimated area in oats for the 1940-41 season is 297,000 acres, of which probably 20 per cent, will bcS for threshing. Statistics for the area sown in barley showed an increase, but the yield is not up to expectations, nor is the quality as good as usual This is, in all probability, due to dry weather experienced in the South Island, but other factors may be concerned. The estimated area in barley for 1940-41 is 40,200 acres. Potatoes. Potato crops during the 1940 season were above the average in yield in almost all districts, the official statistics showing a yield of 7-4 tons per acre, which is the highest average on record. The principal producing districts in the North Tsland had heavy crops for their local markets, and as a result did not require to draw on Canterbury supplies until the spring months. The main-crop potatoes in Canterbury were also heavy, and this brought about difficulty in marketing at payable prices. An agreement was reached during the autumn months to permit of the export of a quota ot table potatoes to Australia—the first export to that country since 1928—and this relieved the Canterbury surplus to a certain extent. The total export, including quantities shipped as ships stores and on troopships, amounted to 7,700 tons, but this proved insufficient to maintain a payable price, and some growers were forced to accept a's low a price as £1 10s. per ton on trucks. Onions. The absence of an Australian demand and the difficulties of securing freight to Canada prevented any substantial export trade in onions, the actual quantities exported amounting to only 280 tons. The activities of the Onion Marketing Advisory Committee were therefore centred on the maintenance of reasonably stable prices within New Zealand, and the encouragement of growers to store their crops in order to supply the local market. It was noticeable that the wider use of the Pukekohe Longkeeper variety resulted in the production of extremely sound bulbs, and it was possible to store these satisfactorily for use during the late spring and early summer months. As a result, the Dominion for the first time was enabled to be self-supporting in onion supplies. Malting Barley. Yields of malting barley from the 1940 harvest proved somewhat disappointing, especially in Canterbury, and made it necessary to arrange for the importation of approximately 40,000 bushels to carry over until the 1941 harvest was available for malting. Some difficulty was experienced also in regard to the quality of much of the grain, and considerable investigation was carried out in conjunction with malting and brewing firms. The demand for malt continued to increase, and it became necessary to arrange for the purchasers of malting barley to contract considerable additional acreage for 1940-41. Feed Barley. In view of the insistent demand during the year from Great Britain for increased export of baconer carcasses, particular attention was devoted to the provision of adequate supplies of feed barley. During the calendar year 1940 a total of over 800,000 bushels of feed barley was imported from South Australia, the bulk of this quantity being purchased at a very attractive price. In order to make provision for feed-barley supplies for 1941, a production drive was organized in the southern portion of the North Island in order to increase the acreage sown to barley for feed purposes. A guaranteed minimum price of 3s. 6d. per bushel on trucks was established, and the response in certain districts was quite satisfactory, but the total acreage grown in the North Island was only approximately 4,300 acres. On suitable soils yields of up to 60 bushels per acre were secured, but on the lighter shingly soils the yield was most disappointing. Oats. Following the high price ruling in 1939, an increased acreage of oats was sown in 1940, and it is expected that the 1941 harvest will provide for all local requirements and also for a substantial export of oatmeal. The price of milling oats has been stabilized at that ruling on 28th March by means of a Price Order gazetted under the price-fixing regulations. Maize. The 1940 harvest crops provided sufficient maize to supply the market until the end of March, 1941, and it will be necessary to import approximately three months' supply to meet the demand until the 1941 maize is ready for shelling. During 1940 a drive was made to encourage the planting of additional acreage, and this has resulted in an increase from 7,200 acres to 11,400 acres. Grass and Clover Seed. During 1940, monthly returns of stocks of small seeds were secured from merchants, and careful control exercised in order to ensure that there were sufficient supplies of seed for all local requirements. Values of the principal grass and clover seeds usually exported were, in most cases, substantially higher than those ruling in pre-war years, the total value of export being £387,000. Control has also been exercised over the imports of small seeds in order to economize in overseas funds while still providing all reasonable requirements for New Zealand farmers.

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Agricultural Instruction and Extension. The advisory work of the Fields Division has been well maintained, although in some districts it has become more specialized in that attention has to be given to new ventures —e.g., linen flax, seed-production, &c. On the whole, the drive for more production has resulted in a greater call on the time of instructors for advice in the field on specific farm problems. Petrol restrictions and labour difficulties have made it difficult to arrange similar large-scale field days and lectures to those held in the past. Whenever possible, use has been made of the departmental cinema units, and good use has been made of the facilities offered by the various radio stations. Experimental Farms and Areas. This Division has continued its control of the seven experimental and demonstration farms established throughout the Dominion, and an appreciable amount of work has been undertaken. Most of these farms are subsidized concerns, the Government making an annual grant to the committee responsible for the management of each place in consideration of the useful experimental work carried out. The proposal for an experimental farm for the South Island must remain in abeyance until after the war. Flock House. The Flock House Station, Bulls, is established for the training of lads in practical farming, and there is accommodation available for approximately fifty trainees. At entry the youths must be between fourteen and a half years and eighteen years of age, and are given one year's training in farming practice, after which they are placed in employment with approved farmers. In pleasant surroundings the boys have progressed in their work and enjoyed good health. A few vacancies exist for boys who have an inclination for farming and who desire to take advantage of the facilities offered for training under good conditions. Land-utilization. Primary Production in Wartime. —The major effort of the year has been directed to the promotion of primary production under wartime conditions. The work involved has varied widely ; it has included the assembling of the available information on the resources upon which a primary-production programme could be based and the participating in advisory and organizing activities designed to implement a production programme suited to current circumstances. The attention given to such work, associated with the staff position arising from the war influence upon the supply of man-power, has necessitated a cessation of other activities that normally would be viewed as major aspects of a scheme of land-utilization work suited to the needs of the Dominion. In short, because of war exigencies land-utilization studies of distinct prospective value are being neglected. Investigations relative to the Production of Milk for Urban Use. An investigation on the production of milk for domestic consumption in Auckland was in progress at the beginning of the year, and has been completed. It provided information suggesting ways of effecting improvements in the organization of the milk-supply. A study was also made of the costs incurred on farms in the production of milk and cream for domestic use in Dunedin, and a cognate study relative to the milk-supply of Christchurch was carried out. It was designed to bring up-to-date the findings of the similar study made two years earlier. Reports on all three studies were made available to the Price Investigation Tribunal for its guidance in considering requests for Price Orders. Further, the reports have provided a basis for a critical review of the urban milk-supply position. It is disclosed that improvement of the urban milk-supply is an important matter of wide ramifications involving the introduction of provisions for the effective organizing and controlling of both the production and distribution of milk. The Development of Piiormium-flax Production on the Moutoa Estate. Moutoa Estate, near Foxton, is intended to serve as the main source of the fibre required for woolpack production on a scale sufficient to meet the full need of the Dominion. The efficient exploitation of the flaxgrowing potentialities of the estate is therefore of considerable importance. On this account, regular assistance in an advisory capacity has been given in respect of phormium-flax production on the estate. On this estate the main development operations are of two types : (1) The establishment of flax plantations to replace either weak stands of natural flax or willows, tall fescue, &c., which wholly or almost wholly have occupied parts of the estate in the past ; and (2) the strengthening of somewhat light stands of natural flax by clearing away invading vegetation between the flax plants when such clearing is necessary and by filling all gaps in the standing flax with suitable plants. Largely because of the use of modern land clearing and cultivation equipment, the progress in the work of development has been good in the first year of a programme covering several years. Employment Promotion in relation to Rabbit Control. An inter-departmental committee, including representatives of the Department of Agriculture, considered various aspects of the control of the rabbit nuisance, and paid attention specifically to the role of rabbit-control measures in relation to employment promotion. Measures designed to give substantial, long-term economic improvement of the current position have been formulated. Measures

4—H. 29.

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productive of such a result are particularly important in that they must find a place in any effective land-utilization programme suitable for extensive portions of: the South Island, and particularly those devoted to high-country sheepfarming. Field Experiments. The most outstanding features in the field investigations in progress during the period under review are as follows (a) The closing-down of a number of standard observational top-dressing trials and of several mowing trials which had been carried out over several years ; (b) The laying-down of several new series of trials, using replacements for formerly imported fertilizers or to widen the scope of some already in use ; (c) The establishment of a number of special trials on pastures in areas suspected of deficiency in certain minerals ; and (d) A marked increase in crop manurial trials in which the value of serpentine superphosphate and mercurated phosphate respectively is being investigated. The work now in progress provides information either for Fields Division officers generally or is carried out in collaboration with specialist officers of the various branches of the Plant Research Bureau, Wheat Research Institute, and Animal Research Division. The total number of trials has increased from 868 last year to 901, and a complete summary is given later m this report. Description and Progress of Experiments. 1. Grassland. (a) Mowing Trials— At the Marton Experimental Area four trials under the alternate mowing and grazing technique-, two dealing with liming and two on pasture strains, were finalized, and the results written up for publication. One trial under this technique investigating the residual effect after phosphatic top-dressing is being continued, and another in which Heskett slag is compared with other phosphates is still in progress. The pasture-strains trial in which growth in enclosures is mown and weighed, and another in which serpentine superphosphate is compared with other phosphates under the technique of mowing and clippings returned, are also being continued. During the year two trials under the enclosure system and comparing the application of serpentine superphosphate with superphosphate and superphosphate plus lime, and also these two former with a hot mix of superphosphate and Nauru phosphate, were laid down. In a third series under the same technique a strains trial is being carried out in collaboration with the Grasslands Division. At Ruakura the comprehensive experiment designed to test the validity of the sowing and grazing technique is being continued, but the three trials on major soil types, after a period in which no work was carried out because of staff conditions, were reopened, and are being continued under the mowings and clippings returned method. The trial on drastic harrowing of the paspalum sward was discontinued during the year, as also were the liming trial and the rate-of-growth experiment. A new mowing trial in which serpentine superphosphate, superphosphate, and superphosphate plus magnesium sulphate are to be compared will be laid down this autumn. At Gore s farm, Karamu, the rate-of-growth trial is being continued, and as herbage dissections are being carried out by the Grasslands Division, very useful data in which total production related to known rainfall and soil-temperature figures and also seasonal production from various species in the sward can be accurately presented. . Measurement of production, under this technique is also being continued at Levels and Wmciimore, where irrigated pastures arc being compared with non-irrigated swards. During the year new trials under this technique were laid down on the Stratford and Winton Demonstration Farms and also on an area at the Feilding High School, where serpentine superphosphate is being compared with a mixture of superphosphate plus lime. (b) Observational Top-dressing Experiments. —Although a number of trials of the standard type in which the effects of various phosphates, lime, and potash are compared have been finalized at the end of the usual three-year period, Jl4 new experiments with serpentine superphosphate have been laid down during the year. In addition, 20 trials on areas suspected of magnesium deficiency have been established, and 10 experiments in which 30-per-cent. potash salts are compared with ground dried seaweed and glauconite have been laid down. A further 5 trials of the potash series are being established this autumn, and from the fact that more than 140 experiments on grassland are related to wartime fertilizer problems, it will be obvious that investigational work is being directed towards the solving of urgent problems brought about by difficulty of importing either raw material or processed fertilizers. . (c) Demonstration of Grass and Clover Strains.—These trials continue to supply useful information to officers of the Fields Division and Grasslands Division of the Plant Research Bureau as well as to farmers and members of young farmers' clubs who inspect the areas on field-days. A number of new experiments involving recently developed strains have been laid down, and this autumn should see a further increase in number of this series. (d) Grazing Trials.—Of the two grazing trials at Winton, the one in which certified rye-grass was compared with an uncertified line was finalized, and from the data available on completion of the seven-year period it was shown that fields sown in certified seed gave an average increase of 47-5 per cent, in grazing-days per year. The other trial, in which a certified Hawke's Bay line of rye-grass was compared with a Southland line, will be finalized this year, and the results written up for publication. There has been an obvious replacement of rye-grass by brown-top in the Southland swards, as is shown

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from point-analysis figures taken each year. The grazing-day figures continue to be higher, and earlier feed is produced on the Hawke's Bay fields, but lambs appear to fatten earlier on the Southland swards. Very useful information will become available when results from this comprehensive trial are finalized in the near future. Two additional grazing trials were started on this area during the year, the first where Government stock perennial rye-grass is being compared with British indigenous rye-grass, and the second in which the relative merits of a simple versus a mixed pasture for lambfattening are being investigated. In both projects problems of considerable local and to some extent general interest are under examination. On the Marton Area the investigation into the effect of grazing management on the persistence of white-clover types was continued, and the following figures showing sheep-grazing days summarize the position to date : Loose grazing, 18,953-5 ; continuous grazing, 29,020-2 ; rotational grazing, 32,937-0. _ . v .During the year a grazing trial in which the time and number of applications of phosphates is being investigated was started on the Northern Wairoa Demonstration Area, and from these records it is expected that information of value will be secured. The early practice of applying top-dressing in the autumn is tending to be superseded by using fertilizers at a lower rate more frequently in the season, and this trial should provide useful data on this point. Additional information on the control of land-cress causing feed flavour was secured from a number of small grazing trials carried out in the Tauranga district. It is now apparent that the establishment and maintenance of a close sward preventing cress invasion is the important factor, and further work in this direction will be undertaken this year. (e) Pasture-establishment Trials. —The trials described in the report for last year were continued, and provided useful information on the value of introducing clovers and new species into swards deteriorated due to various factors. During the year an experiment was laid down on a sward heavily attacked by grass grub and porina, and from this information of a practical nature should become available. The trials in connection with soil erosion have been kept under observation. (f) iSubterranean-clover Trials. —These are being continued, and from areas established on both ploughed and surface-sown land it will soon be possible to publish a comprehensive statement covering the position generally. From information now available it would appear that the areas where this species plays ail important part are those of light and poorly-distributed rainfall and those where white clover cannot be economically maintained. (g) Trials with Miscellaneous Pasture Species. —On the Pisa Flat Area, in Central Otago, trials are being continued, and the value of new species is being investigated in collaboration with the Botany Section of the Plant Research Bureau. Useful information in regard to the production and recovery of various introduced species under controlled grazing was secured during the year. The trial in which the effect of a dense clover bottom in. controlling blind-seed disease of rye-grass at Waikouaiti is being continued, and, following a general discussion between officers interested in this important problem, it is proposed to initiate one trial on the Winton Area and three on the Marton Area this year. (h) Grassland Maps.—As an economy measure the maps showing vegetative cover of the Dominion were not attached to the annual report last year, but were held over and are being published separately. 2. Annual Crops. (a) Wheat Manurial Trials.—Seven replicated trials in which randomized plots were sown for the first time and harvested under the newly-inaugurated sampling technique were carried out during the year In these the relative value of superphosphate, reverted superphosphate, and serpentine superphosphate all applied at rates of 1 cwt. and 2 cwt. per acre respectively were compared with a no-manure treatment. Prom the data secured there appeared to be no payable difference between these treatments, and indications from this first year s results that the lesser amounts of superphosphate in the two latter treatments are satisfactory. One trial in each of the Rangitikei and Wairarapa districts in which serpentine superphosphate was compared with the farmer's choice of fertilizer was also completed. The methods of sowing and harvesting proved so successful that they will become standard practice in future. These trials will be repeated this year in another series in which superphosphate is sown at lower rates.and compared with reverted and serpentine superphosphate used at 1 cwt. per acre respectively. Two trials of this type will also be laid down in the Rangitikei and Wairarapa wheat areas. (b) Wheat Variety Trials. —Nine experiments with wheat varieties were carried out m collaboration with the Wheat Research Institute, and in these new varieties and newly-developed crosses were investigated For the coming season it has been arranged to lay down six trials in the South Island and two in the North Island continuing the work of last year, and in addition to these one trial on the Macaroni wheats will be laid down in the Timaru district, where processing may be _ undertaken. (c) Trials with Wheat under Irrigation. —In view of the rapid development of irrigation in Canterbury and its probable efiect on farm practice, one large-scale and six demonstration areas were laid down in which the yields from irrigated were compared with, those from non-imgated borders. In the large-scale trial autumn-sown Cross 7 and spring-sown Tainui were used, and the fertilizers applied were superphosphate 1 cwt. and 2 cwt. per acre, and superphosphate 1 cwt. plus sulphate of ammonia 1 cwt. top-dressed in spring. Unfortunately, the large-scale trial harvest was not completed and one demonstration area was not sampled owing to lodging of the crop. From the six small experiments harvested an average increase in yield of 8-9 bushels per acre was obtained, and it is proposed to repeat the whole investigation during the coming season.

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(d) Oat Trials. —The one oat manurial trial in which superphosphate 1 cwt. was compared with serpentine superphosphate 1 cwt. per acre suffered severely from bird and wind damage and was not harvested. Progress reports indicated that the superphosphate plots appeared denser and more even than were those on which serpentine superphosphate was applied. (e) Barley Trials.- In the two manurial trials laid down, superphosphate 1 cwt. per acre and serpentine superphosphate at the same rate and each with 1 cwt. sulphate of ammonia top-dressed later were compared. Unfavourable weather conditions affected crops in each district, but in no case was there a marked difference between the two phosphates. (/) Brassica Trials.—The considerable increase in the number of these experiments is due firstly to the widespread survey of the value of serpentine superphosphate on all crops, and secondly, to the number of areas on which the recently-processed mercurated phosphate as a control for club-root was used. In both series of trials the lesser-known fertilizer was sown in comparison with the standard mixture for the district, and from progress reports very valuable information can be expected when these trials are finalized. (g) and (h) Sugar-beet and Maize Trials. —None this season. In collaboration with the Agronomy Division, nine trials with chou moellier varieties were laid down, and in these the usual commercial lines were compared with a tall, stemmy and a medium leafy type. Under the same scheme nine rape-variety trials in which the commercial lines were compared with certified Giant and selected Broadleaf Essex types were established, and very useful information will be secured from this series. (i) Linen-flax Trials.—Although a comprehensive programme of trials was drawn up, owing to pressure of urgent field-work only five manurial, six variety, and one rate-of-seeding trial were carried out during the year. These provide useful information which, in conjunction with data secured from contract areas now being summarized, will enable the project to be more easily completed in future. A small number of variety trials will be laid down in the South Island, and some areas to ascertain the effect of rust on the crop in the North Island will be established this year. (j ) Onion Trials. —The trial on smut control at Marshlands was continued, but it is not proposed to undertake additional work with the crop this year. (k) Potato Trials. —In eleven experiments the value of serpentine superphosphate was under investigation, and in a trial laid down with early potatoes at Pukekohe there was no significant difference in yield between plots in which superphosphate 9 cwt. was compared with serpentine superphosphate used at the same rate per acre or between others where superphosphate 9 cwt. was compared with serpentine superphosphate 12 cwt. per acre, thus applying the same quantity of phosphate in each case. On main crops ten manurial trials were laid down, and useful data should become available after yields are obtained. One trial in connection with the control of the disease Corticium by means of the preparation " Aretan " was laid down during the year. (I) Trials with other Crops.—Three trials with mustard and two with yellow lupins were laid down, but results of these are not yet to hand. The latter is a possible addition to green feed and green manuring crops, and the former is for commercial use. Two lucerne variety trials were also established during the period under review. 3. Miscellaneous Projects. (a) Pampas-grass Trials. —Observations on areas already established were continued, and one new trial was laid down during the year. With the information now available, which shows the value of this species under certain conditions, many of the experiments in this series could now be finalized. (b) Control of Rag-wort.—Work on trials were continued, but under present staff conditions this project may be left in abeyance in the meantime. Valuable information regarding method of propagation and control measures has been secured, and this will enable officers to deal with the problem as occasion demands. (c) Control of other Weeds.- —In these trials, methods of coping with such weeds as Californian thistle by cutting and applying sodium-chlorate solution to the cut stems, hard fern by various treatments, yarr in root crops, and manuka are being investigated. All this work is of an exploratory nature, and any method evolved will have to be economical and practical before any general recommendations can be made. (d) Miscellaneous Trials. —In this section are grouped experiments in stock-feeding, effect on hill pastures of worm colonies, control of worms in the Hauraki Plains, control of porina in pastures, investigations into silage, clover establishment in linen flax, and pasture-seeding rates. 4. General. The number of new trials laid down by Fields Division officers demonstrates the interest of all in the importance of investigational work in times of emergency such as now exist. The probable shortage of phosphates, necessitating a close investigation into the value of serpentine superphosphate, resulted in a total of 203 field trials being laid down with this fertilizer. Again, with a considerably reduced quantity of 30-per-cent. potash available, the ten trials in which locally-produced ground seaweed was compared with the formerly-imported article should supply highly-useful information. The close co-operation and unity of effort existing between field officers and headquarters is solely responsible for the number and scope of the various investigations so essential at this time.

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Summary of Experiments laid down, discontinued, and carried on, 1st April, 1940, to 31st March, 1941.

Seed Certification. The scope of the activities of this section has been considerably extended in the past year in order to supervise the contract growing of the linen-flax acreage being produced in this country, and also to safeguard as far as possible supplies of those seeds which normally have been imported from other countries, particularly England. tn order to relieve as far as possible the fields staff of the Division in its task of organizing the growing of linen flax, certain curtailments to the normal seed-certification scheme were introduced. At the same time every precaution has been taken to preserve the high standard of seeds certified by the Department of Agriculture. Linen Flax.—From a project involving an area of 325 acres in the 1938-39 season, the growing of linen flax developed almost overnight into an enterprise occupying over 13,000 acres. The Fields Division of the Department accepted the responsibility of arranging contracts for the sowing of this area, took in hand the task of seeing that the crops were produced under the best possible conditions, and organized the harvesting of the crops by special machinery. The areas sown were conccntrated in a number of centres in the South Island from Blenheim in the north to Otautau in the south. The following figures set out the acreages in each centre which were suitable for processing into fibre and also the acreages suitable only for seed-production : —

The relatively high percentage of crops in the Rangiora-Oxford and Leeston centres suitable only for seed-produetion may be attributed almost entirely to the dry seasonal conditions which existed in these districts. Further, in considering the above figures it should be kept in mind that no thought

29

Numbers of Experiments. Type of Experiment. Asat, Diioontin 3 Lectern " . 1st April, during Year, during Year. 31st March, 1940. s 1J4-1. 1. Pastures— (a) Mowing trials . . . • • • • • 18 7 " *' lb) Observational top-dressing .. . . 392 122 157 427 (c) Strain trials . . • • • ■ ■ • 97 23 10 84 (d) Grazing trials . . .. .. • • 4 3 6 7 (e) Pasture-establishment trials .... 21 8 2 l.fi ( f) Subterranean clover .. .. . ■ 139 28 19 130 (g) Miscellaneous pasture species .... 10 1 .. 9 2. Crops— (a) Wheat-manuring .. . • • • 1 1 9 9 (b) Wheat variety .. .. •• H H 1" (c) Wheat under irrigation .. . . .. • ■ • ■ 7 (d) Oats .. .. .. ■ • • • 2 2 1 1 (e) Barley .. .. . . • • • • 3 3 (/) Brassicas ... . • • ■ • • 20 20 77 77 (g) Sugar-beet .. • • • • ■ • 2 2 (h) Maize .. .. .. • • • • 2 2 (i) Linen flax .. . . .. • ■ 40 40 12 12 (j) Onions .. .. .. .. •• ® , 5 •• 1 (k) Potatoes . • .. • • • • 2 2 12 12 (l) Other crops .. .. .. •• 5 4 6 7 3. Miscellaneous — (a) Pampas grass .. .. .. • • 46 3 1 (b) Ragwort control .. . . .. ■ ■ 26 14 .. 12 (c) Control of other weeds .. .. . • 4 (d) Miscellaneous trials ...... 17 12 9 14 Totals .. .. .. •• 868 313 346 901

Acreage suitable Acreage suitable Total Centre. for only for Acreage Fibre-production. Seed-production. grown. Blenheim .. .. .. 666 178 844 Rangiora-Oxford .. .. 992 1,428 2,420 Leeston .. .. .. 306 446 752 Methven 972 394- 1,366 Timaru .. .. .. 2,591 229 2,820 Balclutha .. .. .. 652 326 978 Tapanui .. .. .. 1,101 362 1,463 Winton .. .. .. 1,006 397 1,403 Otautau 608 391 999 Totals .. .. .. 8,894 4,151 13,045

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of the growing of more than a few hundred acres had ever arisen before June, 1940. This left only four months for the planning of the whole organization, selection of acreage, and actual sowing of most of the areas. Great as this task was, the factor had a still greater bearing on the resultant crop, in that farmers had very little time in which to carry out the cultivation essential to the growing of linen flax. Studied in the light of these conditions, there appears every reason for satisfaction in the results as shown above. The programme for the coming season is at present under consideration. With the experiences of last year as a background and the greater time available for adequate preparation this year, the plans for the future may be approached with a considerable measure of confidence. Brassica Seeds. —In the past this country has been dependent on overseas supplies for its requirements of brassica and similar seeds. With the outbreak of war, and particularly after the invasion of a great portion of western Europe, the production of these seeds locally became a vital matter. In this respect the knowledge accumulated over several years in the production of limited quantities of certified rape-seed proved of immense value, and a proposal for the production under official supervision of seeds of other crops was formulated in the light of experience gained. The scheme was dependent upon the wholehearted co-operation of the members of the New Zealand Grain, Seed, and Produce Merchants' Federation for its success, and it is gratifying that this co-operation and support was readily forthcoming, firstly from the executive of the federation and later from the annual conference itself. The scheme necessitates the production of specific seeds by selected merchants under departmental supervision and the distribution of the seed into the usual commercial channels. Under this scheme the following seeds have been grown in the past season : — Total Seed produced. Pfiiip Acreage. Cwt. Giant type 628 3,918 Broad Leaf Essex type .. .. 382 3,584 Turnips and swedes .. .. .. 600 Harvest not complete. Mangels . . . . • • • ■ 50 ~ Plans are already completed for an extension of this programme next season, and the following acreages have been or are about to be sown : — Acres. Rape .. .. •• • • ■ • • • • • 1 > 600 Turnips and swedes .. .. .. .. . • .. 1, 500 Chou mocllier .. .. .. • • • • • • 60 Thousand-headed kale .. .. •. • ■ • • 60 Mangels .. .. .. .. ■ • • • • • 50 It is estimated that these acreages will be sufficient to produce adequate seed for local requirements, and in the case of rape-seed to provide a surplus for export also. Multiplication and Distribution of Government Stock Seeds. —The value of selected strains of grass and clover seeds is becoming still more widely recognized by the farming community. As a result the multiplication and distribution of seed stocks of these strains has a very important association, firstly with commercial seed-production, and latterly with the productive capacity of the sown pastures of New Zealand. The Department is undertaking this work, using as a basis nucleus stocks produced by the Grasslands Division of the Plant Research Bureau, and in the past harvest season arranged for the harvesting of certified Government stock seeds from the following acreages : — Acres. Perennial rye-grass .. .. .. .. • • .. 55 Italian rye-grass .. .. .. ■ • • • . . 42 White clover .. .. .. .. • • • • .. 44 Red clover .. .. • • • • ■ ■ • • • • ' 6 During the past year the following quantities of these seeds from the previous harvest season were distributed: — Perennial rye-grass .. .. .. • ■ • • 877 bushels. White clover .. .. .. • • • • • • 1,580 lb. Red clover .. .. .. •• •• •• 5,0891b. With the general trend that is being shown to make reselected strains the basis of certification in respect of certain species, the work of multiplication and distribution of Government stock seeds becomes of paramount importance to pasture-farming in New Zealand as a whole. Perennial Rye-grass. —The regulations governing the certification of perennial rye-grass have been amended to limit certification in the higher grades only to areas sown with seeds of pedigree strain, and only in the " permanent pasture " class is it possible for seed of natural strain to qualify. The effects of this alteration have been threefold : To give due emphasis to the reselected strain in its superiority as a pasture plant over natural strains; to concentrate in the " permanent pasture " class the 'great bulk of certified seed, thus retaining seed of the higher classes more specifically for purposes of seed-propagation ; and to simplify considerably the scheme of certification. The first obvious result has been a reduction in the acreage offered for field inspection from 13,000 acres in the 1939-40 season to 8,000 acres for the past year. The produce of such area is now classified in a grade not lower than " mother " however, so that actually the acreage in these classes compares very favourably with the acreage in similar classes in 1939-40 —namely, 3,500 acres. As may be expected, the second result of notice has been the increase in the quantity of seed certified

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in the " permanent pasture " class by means of the ultra-violet-light test. To date, approximately 100,000 bushels of seed have been accepted under this test, an increase of 150 per cent, on the corresponding figure for the previous harvest. Cocksfoot. —An increase is occurring in the area of cocksfoot offered for certification which was sown with seed of pedigree strain. In general, however, the replacement of the natural strain cannot be rapid, due to the very permanent nature of the seed-producing particularly those of the Akaroa Peninsula. It is expected that the cocksfoot harvest will again be light, the result of seasonal conditions existing. Brown-top.—Following upon an exceptionally high production of 270 tons in the previous season, the crop of certified brown-top fell to 125 tons in 1940. Here, again, the smaller production was a seasonal matter, and cannot be taken as any criterion of a trend towards a reduced harvesting or brown-top seed. Italian Rye-grass.—The area of Italian rye-grass to be saved for seed-production continues to increase, as the following figures show : — 1938-39 .. .. •• •■ • • • • •■ 800 1939-40 .. .. •• •• •• i' 3so 1940-41 .. .. •• •• •• •• 3.800 These areas are all of a strain imported into New Zealand several years ago and distributed through the certification scheme to farmers. A reselected strain is now almost ready for release into commerce, and it is expected that it will rapidly replace the strain at present under certification, which, nevertheless, has served an extremely useful purpose in improving the quality of Italian rye-grass seed in this country. Montgomery Red Clover.—Lower seed yields in the 1940 season contributed to a decrease in the production of certified Montgomery red-clover seed in the past year, despite a considerable increase in the acreage harvested. The present season is not sufficiently far advanced to enable any conclusions to be drawn regarding this season's seed crop, but the acreage entered for certification shows an increase of over 50 per cent, on the entries for 1939-40. Seed Wheat. —Considerable restrictions have been made in the scope of the seed-wheat certification scheme for the 1940-41 season, as it was considered that this scheme was one which could be most easily curtailed, thus relieving instructors for work associated with linen-flax production. Incidentally, in general those officers engaged in wheat certification were those also to be engaged largely in connection with linen flax. The basis of the restrictions was to limit eligibility of entry to those crops of close affinity to material reselected by the Agronomy Division of the Plant Research Bureau. Though the curtailment may be considered as of a temporary nature, it is quite sound m theory, while"in practice it has reduced the acreage to be inspected for certification to one-fifth of that inspected in the previous season, whereas the total quantity of seed to be finally sealed and tagged is expected to be at least half of that similarly treated in the 1939-40 season. In view of the fact that comment has been made in the past in regard to the excessive quantities of certified seed wheat available, this restriction is not likely materially to affect the general standard of New Zealand s wheat crops. The important feature of the season's operations has been the supply of some 10,000 bushels of the new variety " Fife-Tuscan," a wheat bred to replace the present Solid Straw Tuscan because of its superior yielding-capacity. Seed Potatoes. —A further reduction is recorded in the acreage entered for certification purposes. The total in 1940-41 was 2,750 acres, against a corresponding figure of 2,900 acres in the previous season. Without closer investigation one can only suppose that the entire absence of stability in the potato-market over the past three years has had its effect in the acreage being planted and offered for certification purposes. The scheme continues to serve an extremely useful purpose, however. One has only to compare the resultant crops from certified and uncertified seed respectively to realize the great value of planting seed potatoes carrying some guarantee in regard to cropping propensities. Onion-seed. —Onion-seed is being certified for the first time this season, 15 acres to 20 acres being under supervision for this purpose. Attention to the quality of onion-seed being sown commercially in this country is already showing a return in that, because of the general improvement in keepingquality of last year's onion crop, it was found possible to supply the New Zealand market throughout the year with locally-grown onions, thus eliminating the necessity of imports, an action common in previous yeai;s. Other Seeds.—ln addition to the foregoing, the following seeds have also come under the scheme of seed certification in the 1940-41 season : — (1) White Clover : Certification of this seed has proceeded along the same lines as in the past and with similar results : (2) Phalaris tuberosa : Small quantities of this pasture seed have again been certified, though problems in regard to seed yields and germination continue to restrict any possibility of extension : (3) Broad Bed Clover: This seed has again come under certification, but an expansion of the quantity certified largely depends on the release of a strain superior in quality to present commercial lines.

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Seed-testing. For the calendar year 1940, 24,982 seed samples were recorded, and required the making of 40,827 separate analyses and tests, as follows : — Furity analyses .. .. .. .. .. 15,845 Germination tests .. .. .. .. .. .. 20,392 Ultra-violet-light examinations .. .. .. .. 2,798 Picric-acid tests .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,792 The total figures for samples and tests represent a decrease on the previous year's totals of 1,168 and 965 respectively. This slight fall is due to an almost complete failure of the rye-grass crop in Canterbury. To the expressed satisfaction of members of the seed trade prompt services were maintained throughout the year, but not without some difficulty during the first six months. As was expected, the substantial increase in testing fees as from December, 1939, did not result in an appreciable reduction in the number of samples submitted. Purity. Of the 15,845 analyses, 2,051 were made in respect of samples of farmers' dressed rye-grass. This is a new service providing approximately pure seed content and germination percentages on a machine-dressed basis, and is becoming widely adopted for the early trade in new season's rye-grass. A further 1,714 analyses were used to determine conformity to the required standard of analytical purity for seed harvested from areas registered under certification. A total of 113 samples, or 6 per cent., was rejected. Germination. All of 20,392 tests were required in the course of routine testing. With an unfavourable harvesting year, many of the tests presented difficulty, and for perennial rye-grass in particular many low-testing samples returned widely varying results, although within the limits of the recognized tolerance. Ultra-violet-light Tests. Of the 2,798 examinations of perennial rye-grass seedlings, 1,117 were made on samples of certified seed for the information of the Department, 946 on officially-drawn samples from lines entered for certification in the commercial class, 631 on trade samples as a preliminary to entry for certification, and 104 on farmers' samples and as check tests, &c. Picric-acid Tests. Of the 1,792 tests on white clover, 1,420 were made for the purposes of certification in the " mother " seed and " permanent pasture " classes, 285 on trade samples preliminary to entry for certification, and 87 on farmers' samples, check tests, &c. Canadian Seeds Act. With the introduction of charges for the additional analysis required under the Act, requests for special certificate endorsement have become considerably reduced. Before the fixing of charges, it was evident that the analyses were being obtained " for information only " for wholesale trading in New Zealand. Australian Federal Quarantine Act. With an increasing number of exported lines becoming rejected at Australian ports, practically all seed intended for shipment to Australia is now reported on as to the probability of conformity or otherwise to quarantine requirements. Seed Certification on Laboratory Test. Perennial Rye-grass. —The 946 officially-drawn samples representing machine-dressed lines entered for certification in the then commercial class represented 156,359 bushels of machine-dressed seed, and of this, 639 lines, comprising 194,692 bushels, conformed to the required standards and were accepted in the commercial class. Three hundred and seven lines, comprising 51,668 bushels, were rejected. In quantity, 67 per cent, of the seed entered was passed, compared with 78 per cent, for the previous year. White Clover. —The 1,044 lines entered represented 803,267 lb. of seed, and of this, 709 lines, comprising 548,965 lb. were accepted—ls6,792 lb. as certified mother seed and 392,173 lb. as certified permanent pasture. Three hundred and thirty-five lines, comprising 254,302 lb., were rejected In quantity, the percentage of seed passed, 68 per cent., was approximately the same as for the previous year. Moisture Content. —Approximately 100 samples of grass-seed, representing export lines, were tested for moisture content and reported upon. Rye-grass - seed Crops : Disease Examination. For the season 1940-41, 265 sheaves of seed-heads, representing standing crops, were examined for the presence of disease and reported upon as to the potential germinating-capacity of the crop. As little disease was present in most districts this year, fewer samples than usual were submitted. Only five samples showed a rate of infection greater than 20 per cent., and the majority of samples contained no more than a trace of infection. As was expected, in view of the health state of the crops, the quality of the new season's rye-grass seed, from the standpoint of germination, is very high.

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During the year particulars were gathered regarding seed from crops examined for disease in 1939. The results showed a satisfactory measure of correlation between the percentage of sound seeds ascertained by examination and the percentage germination of the seed when harvested. In almost every instance where a crop was found on examination to be very heavily infected, the grower refrained from harvesting the seed. There is still need for a wider appreciation of the importance of proper sampling m connection with, the examination of rye-grass - seed crops for disease. A fungus, apparently identical with the blind-seed fungus of rye-grass, has been observed on seeds of fescue species, including meadow fescue and Chewing's fescue. Experiments were carried out to ascertain whether those organisms were really identical. Because of the excessively hot weather at the time, the experiments were inconclusive. Germination of White-clover Seed. More trouble than usual was experienced this year through delayed germination of white-clover seed under ordinary conditions of temperature. This difficulty can be overcome only by the use of suitable refrigerated germination space. Germination of Seeds not formerly harvested in New Zealand. Several kinds of seed formerly imported are now being harvested locally, and the testing of these seeds has presented the following unfamiliar problems : — (1) Linen Flax : The evaluation of seeds suffering mechanical injury required special study : (2) Kale and Swede : Delayed germination in newly-harvested seed has been overcome by the employment of higher temperatures and the use of a 0-5 per cent, solution of calcium nitrate in the substratum : (3) Meadow Foxtail : Newly-harvested seed showing marked delay in germination responded well to the use of a 0-5 per cent, solution of calcium nitrate in the substratum. Seed Trade, 1940. Export. —For the year ended December, 1940, the Dominion exported 2,287 tons of grass and clover seed, valued at £369,020. Although the quantity shows a slight reduction on the 1939 total, the value is increased by £84,500. More than half the total quantity was purchased by Great Britain, the main items being red and white clovers, cocksfoot, Chewing's fescue and brown-top. The export year was chiefly notable for the fact that the quantity of rye-grass shipped was one of the lowest on record. With the exception of cocksfoot, extreme scarcity brought high prices, with the result that, apart from the export of Chewing's fescue to the United States of America and uncertified rye-grass to Australia, little interest was shown in other lines. Import. —A total of 640 tons of grass and clover seed was imported, the main items being subterranean clover, 269 tons ; paspalum, 105 tons ; and timothy, 185 tons. The year's importation of 232 tons of Brassica seed represents a considerable reduction on the totals for previous years. Seed-purchasing for Government Departments. For the year ended March, 1941, seeds to the value of £92,377 were purchased, mainly by tender on the open market. Although the totals for the year show a reduction on the previous year's record, the scarcity of supplies and unorthodox market movements made the year a more difficult one. On the advice of this office, -some Departments have more extensively adopted the practice of bulking their requirements, with the result that, given sufficient time to enable tenders to be called when markets are to buyers' advantage, considerable savings in expenditure have been effected. The following, tabulations show the extent of the purchases arranged, compared with those for the year 1939-40 : —

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1939-40. 1940-41. Number of requisitions .. .. •• 740 622 Number of lines considered .. • • 9,850 7,259 Number of lines accepted .. .. •• 3,578 2,883 Total quantity — Grass and clover (tons) .. .. •• 1,024 800 Cereals, &c. (bushels) .. 2,620 5,763 Root seeds (lb.) •• ■■ 9,868 14,264 Seed potatoes (tons) .. .. • • 115 68 Total value — £ £ Grass, clover and roots .. . • 108,021 89,915 Cereals, &c. .. • ■ ■ • 1 > 296 1,990 Seed potatoes .. •• 1,414 472 • —-— 110,731 92,377

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Supervision of Fertilizer-supplies. Superphosphate. 1. General Position. —Interference with loading-facilities at Nauru Island, coupled with the sinking of phosphate-supply ships, has made it almost impossible for New Zealand to obtain anything like the amount of 373,000 tons used in the 1940-41 season. Consideration has therefore had to be given to the question of restrictions on deliveries of superphosphate. 2. Serpentine Superphosphate. —Very slow progress has been made in the marketing of this material on a commercial scale. Contracts have now been let for a supply of serpentine rock, but so far the superphosphate-works have not been far enough advanced in the construction of plant to handle the rock after delivery. Potash. 1. Importation of Potassic Fertilizers. —The capitulation of Franco during May of 1940 cut off the chief remaining source of potassic fertilizers. Since this time, relatively small quantities of muriate of potash have been obtained from the United States of America. Recently attention has been directed to Palestine as a potential source of supply and negotiations arc under way for the importation of 2,000 tons of muriate of potash. 2. Seaweed. —As an alternative source of potash it was suggested that the kelp (Macrocystis) beds on the New Zealand coast might be used. Investigations have been steadily progressing, and detailed surveys have been made of the most important areas with the exception of Cape Campbell and Tory Channel. Interim data to hand suggests that the total amount available is relatively small and, because of the location of the beds and the nature of the plant required for harvesting and drying, is likely to be high in cost. Investigations are still proceeding. General. 1. Registrations.—Registrations of primary vendors total eighty-three, while secondary vendors number over seven hundred. Certificates of registration of both primary and secondary vendors have all been issued. 2. Investigations. —The collection of further material which may be useful in the construction of a new Fertilizer Act is being continued, and investigations are being made into the constituents of fertilizer mixtures with a view to simplifying and rationalizing these as far as possible. Young Farmers' Clubs. As was to be expected because of war conditions, the Y.F.C. movement in New Zealand has faced increasing difficulties during the past year. It is estimated that,, to date, about 1,500 members are either with the Army overseas or with the Air Force or Navy ; many others, at varying intervals, have been drawn into Territorial camps. This fact, together with such handicaps as petrol restrictions has struck the movement a severe blow. Many of the clubs, either through depletion of membership or because of long distances to be travelled, have found it very hard to carry on ; the problem of transport for outside lecturers has in many cases created another difficulty. Although fourteen clubs have been disbanded and a further twenty-nine have found it necessary to go into recess for the period of the war, the majority of the clubs are still active, even with limited membership and modified programmes. At Ist April, 194-0, there were 207 clubs functioning —74 in the South Island and 133 in the North Island —with a total membership of approximately 6,000 (active members) and an honorary membership of close on 1,000. Six new clubs were formed during the year. At the present time there are nominally 1.99 clubs in existence; of these, 170 arc actively functioning, with, a membership of approximately 4,500. The Second Divisional Cavalry Regiment (Overseas) Young Farmers' Club, formed in Egypt by club members in the early part of last year, has grown in membership, the latest figures obtainable showing a roll-call of more than 100, representing members of clubs widely scattered over both Islands! Reports have been received from time to time of their activities, which have included visits to many places of agricultural interest. Copies of the Journal of Agriculture have been sent to them, and letters received show how fully this is appreciated. In an endeavour to provide the younger members of the organization —those under military age—with some definite project of an interesting nature, a scheme has been launched, through the district committees, embodying co-operation with the Fields Division in experimental work. Smallscale trial plots, embracing experiments with various crops as linen flax, wheat, &c., grass-strain, trials, and also manurial trials on pastures, are to be laid down by club members. This project will not only be of interest and value to the club themselves, but will doubtless provide the Department with some useful information, particularly if the scheme is carried out on a fairly wide scale. So far, the prospects of its success appear fairly bright. The value of the Y.F.C. movement is recognized throughout the Dominion, and, particularly among those closely associated with it, the desire apparently still exists that the organization should be encouraged to carry on. It is recognized that the clubs and tha movement generally can not only play its part at this critical period, but can assist materially in reconstruction and rehabilitation after the war.

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Exhibits at Shows. Departmental exhibits were staged at a number of both summer and winter shows, where the displays created much favourable comment. In the South Island particular interest was taken in the comprehensive linen-flax exhibit. There is no doubt that the show exhibit is a splendid method of bringing the activities of the Department more prominently under the notice of the farming community. Apart from the instruction actually delivered at the shows, this exhibit enables officers to make contact with farmers who have specific problems to solve. The Phormium Industry. For the year 1940-41 the amount of fibre produced was 20,067 bales, a decrease of 1,428 bales on the quantity produced in the previous year. A total ol 1,794 bales of tow were produced, a decrease of 761 bales. None of this output was available for export, the whole production being used, locally for woolpacks, cordage, &c. The total tonnage from the fiaxmills is estimated to be worth £103,741. Practical instruction was given to some mill-managers during the year with a view to improving the fibre, and several flaxgrowing areas capable of improvement were investigated. Departmental Photography. The photographic section of the Fields Division is giving a good service to this and other Divisions of the Department, and also to research institutions when called on. Excellent photographs and lantern-slides have been produced. Some photographs arc utilized for display at shows, others lor illustrations in the Journal of Agriculture and other departmental publications. Chemical Laboratory. The Department's Chemical Section attached to the Fields Division has efficiently handled laboratory matters relating to investigations into fertilizer and limestones, soil fertility, mineral content of pastures, &c. —altogether a wide field of work and involving many chemical analyses. A laboratory of this nature at headquarters is, of course, essential for departmental activity and progress. Staff. I acknowledge with appreciation the services rendered by the staff and their loyal support throughout a difficult year. Thanks are also due for assistance given by commercial and professional contacts who are co-operating with this Division in the implementation of war measures.

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DAIRY DIVISION. REPORT OF W. M. SINGLETON, DIRECTOR. The Season. The season now drawing to a close has been a remarkably good one from the point of view of production. The climate has been very favourable throughout the whole of New Zealand with the exception of Canterbury and the northern part of Otago, where a prolonged dry spell in the early summer retarded pasture growth. Not only has the weather in practically all districts been favourable, but mild temperatures in June and July of last year had a beneficial effect on growth, and cows came to profit for the new season in good condition. Somewhat dry weather in December, 1940, and January, 1941, slowed up production a little, but pastures revived with the good rains which fell towards the end of January and early February. Diversion prom Butter to Cheese Production. From the point of view of the New Zealand dairy industry during the year under review, interest has centred on the production of cheese. Due to a combination of circumstances brought about by the war, among which were an adjustment in the allocation of foodstuffs in Great Britain and difficulties connected with overseas shipping, the Imperial Government, in June, 1940, requested the Government of this Dominion to give preference to the production of cheese. This meant that, wherever practicable, dairy-farmers who were supplying cream to butter-factories should change over to the supply of milk to cheese-factories. As the request for extra cheese was not received until about the middle of June, the new season was practically commenced before any proper organization in this direction could be established. A serious shortage of material for the manufacture of milk-cans, coolers, and cheese-factory equipment further delayed the effort. Approximately 1,750 creamsuppliers were changed over to supplying milk to cheese-factories, representing about 84,000 cows. The success which has attended this effort is indicated by the fact that for the eight months of the present dairying season ended 31st March, 1941, 20,695 tons of cheese additional to that graded for export for the corresponding period of the 1939-40 dairying season has been dealt with. The good season has assisted considerably the endeavours to obtain this additional quantity of cheese, and it is pleasing that, despite the large quantity of supply diverted to cheese, the production of butter has also increased. As already stated, cheese graded for export increased by 20,695 tons over the previous season for the eight months ended 31st March. This increase represented over 27 per cent. For the same period butter graded for export increased by 7,787 tons, or about 6f per cent. The figures for the complete dairying year ending 31st July, 1941, should show further improvement, more particularly in cheese. The great majority of dairy-farmers concerned made the change over willingly and voluntarily in a true spirit of co-operation, and comparatively few orders for the transfer of supply were necessary. Some cream-suppliers to butter-factories, however, required a considerable amount of persuasion before deciding to make the change and to supply milk for cheesemaking. It is interesting to note that many of these suppliers, since interviewed, have expressed complete satisfaction with the change. In order to ensure that the additional cheese required would be obtained, power was taken by an amendment to the Primary Industries Emergency Regulations 1939, made under the Emergency Regulations Act, 1939, authorizing the Minister of Agriculture or the Primary Industries Controller, for the purposes of the regulations, to give such directions as were considered expedient for the production and manufacture of such kinds or classes of dairy-produce as may be specified in the directions. Suppliers to cheese-factories were accordingly directed by the Minister, by the Dairy Supply Control Order 1940, to continue to supply whole milk for the manufacture of cheese to the same factories as those to which the supply was delivered during the 1939-40 dairying season. Suppliers to butter-factories were permitted to transfer their supplies to cheese-factories for the manufacture of cheese.' Where it was considered expedient, the Director and Assistant Director of the Dairy Division, acting under a delegation from the Minister, were authorized to direct suppliers to a butter-factory to produce whole-milk on their dairies and to deliver that milk to the cheesefactory nominated by the Director or the Assistant Director. With regard to the 1,750 suppliers changing over to cheese, orders were required in only 136 cases, and of these 32 were issued by request. Some 46 appeals against the order to change over were received, of which 8 were granted. It is expected that a greater cheese-production effort will be called for during the coming season, and the industry is at present being organized with this object in view. Quantities graded for Export. Converting to terms of butterfat the quantity of butter and cheese graded for export during the year ended 31st March, 1941, an increase of 24,411 tons, or 17-94 per cent., is shown when compared with the total butterfat represented in butter and cheese graded during the preceding financial year. Creamery butter received for grading during the year under review amounted to 138,745 tons and cheese to 114,355 tons, as compared with 123,349 tons butter and 86,486 tons cheese for 1939-40, an increase of 15,396 tons butter, or 12-48 per cent., and an increase of 27,869 tons cheese, or 32-22 per cent. As previously stated, the principal factor influencing an increased total output was a favourable season climatically, while the marked increase in cheese was largely accounted for by the steps taken to bring about the manufacture of a larger quantity of this product. Some credit should also be given to those dairy-farmers who retained or increased their dairy herds as a contribution to war requirements of Great Britain.

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Export Values. Customs values, which are based on realization values, indicate that dairy-produce exported from this country during the past financial year was valued at £27,759,789, an increase of £4,852,089 over the 1939-40 figure of £22,907,700. All dairy-produce is included under this heading—butter, cheese, casein, dried milk, sugar-of-milk, and condensed milk and cream. Taking the two principal commodities separately, butter exported during 1939-40 was valued at £16,344,639, while for 1940-41 the value was £17,824,120, an increase of £1,479,481. For cheese the corresponding figures were £6,094,444 and £9,421,004 respectively, an increase of £3,326,560, or an increase of £4,806,041 for butter and cheese combined. Creamery Butter. The high standard of quality which was fairly general at the beginning of the financial year commenced to decline with the falling-off in production and subsequent less frequent deliveries of cream. The immediate effect on butter quality according to the frequency of cream collection has proved to be most marked. With the advent of spring growth, feed flavours, more particularly that of land-cress, became very persistent in some districts, among them being Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, Opotiki, and parts of Taranaki. The ill effect of land-cress on the flavour of butter presents a more serious problem each year, and a practicable solution seems as far away as ever. At Opotiki successful efforts were made in segregating cress-tainted cream and churning such cream separately. At Tauranga the Dairy Ilesea.rch Institute resumed experimental work commenced during the previous season in an endeavour to remove cress taint from cream by means of vacrcation, but unfortunately did not meet with much success. Throughout the year, four hundred samples submitted by the Institute were examined and reported on by the Dairy-produce Grader at Auckland, while a number of samples were also submitted to the Grader at Wellington. The " feedy " period in the principal butterproducing districts waned very largely by December, and thereafter the general quality became more pleasing. In a broad summing up, butter quality has been irregular, with a slight downward tendency in comparison with previous years. The average grade of butter graded for export during the year ended 31st March, 1941, was 93-253 points, compared with 93-361 points for 1939-40. Of the 138,745 tons of butter received for grading, 111,686 tons, or 80-50 per cent., was classed as finest, 26,287 tons, or 18-94 per cent.., as first grade, and 772 tons, or 0-55 per cent., under first. At the request of the British Government, no unsalted butter is now being exported to Britain.' pH Testing op Butter. The pH testing of butter, which is a test for determining the addition of excessive neutralizer to cream, has been continued, though to a slightly lesser extent, at the various grading-stores. At Auckland, where the bulk of this work is carried out, 2,420 tests were made. The figures for the other grading-stores were : New Plymouth, 546 ; Patea, 54 ; Wellington, 1,209 ; Lyttelton and Timaru, 85 ; Bluff, 147. The total was 4,461, in comparison with 4,669 for the previous year. The position as revealed by the pH tests carried out appears satisfactory. Fewer bacteriological and chemical examinations were made, the total number of samples examined at grading-stores during the year being 3,545, as compared with 4,104 for the previous years. As with the pH test, most of this work is done at Auckland, where 1,805 tests were carried out. Numbers for the other ports were : New Plymouth, 546 ; Patea, 48 ; Wanganui, 119 ; Wellington, 809 ; Lyttelton and Timaru, 134 ; Dunedin, 38 ; and Bluff, 46. Samples were also examined at the Wallaceville Dairy Laboratory. Testing Butter for Moisture and Salt. Limits for the moisture and salt content of export butter are prescribed by Act and regulation, and the testing of all churnings of butter forwarded for grading to ensure compliance with the regulations has long since become routine practice at the grading-stores. These check tests indicate great care and efficiency on the part of creamery-managers, modern appliances simplifying their work considerably. Moisture tests carried out at grading ports during the year covered 148,318 churnings, of which only 0-246 per cent, were found to exceed the legal limit of 16 per cent, allowed by the Dairy Industry Act and were returned to the companies for reworking. The average moisture content of the churnings below 16 per cent, was 15-658 per cent. Salt tests carried out during the year totalled 146,359 samples, and of these only 0-04 per cent, failed to comply with the regulations. Whey Butter. As would be expected from the increased quantity of cheese manufactured, there was an increase in exports of whey butter. The 1940-41 figure was 2,766 tons, as compared with 1,782 tons for the preceding year, an increase of 948 tons. Average quality showed a slight falling off, 96-05 per cent, being classified as first grade, as against 97-31 per cent, for the 1939-40 financial year. Cheese. Statistics relating to the quantity and quality of cheese sent forward for grading, figures for the previous year being given in parentheses, are as follows : Total quantity received, 114,355 tons (86,486), of which 23,367 tons (14,755), or 20-43 per cent. (17-06), was graded as finest; 85,505 tons (68,608), or 74-77 per cent. (79-32), as first; and 5,483 tons (3,123), or 4-79 per cent. (3-61), below first. The average of all cheese graded was 92-048 points,, as compared with 92-065 points for the year ended 31st March, 1940.

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Cheese quality in all districts, with the exception of the Waikato, has been well maintained. Owing to the large amount of supply, transferred from buttermaking to cheesemaking, it was expected that there might be some falling off in cheese quality during the present season. It is gratifying to report, however, that with the exception of the one district referred to this has not been the case, and cheese quality generally has been maintained well up to the standard of previous seasons. It was also considered likely that, owing to the severe nature of the curd test as compared with tests applied in grading at butter-factories, complaints would be received from suppliers transferring to cheese on the score of milk grading. Actually, however, most complaints regarding milk grading were in the opposite direction —butter companies complaining that milk grading at cheese-factories was less severe than when supplies from the same source were previously delivered to butter-factories. Cheese quality in the Waikato district has, during the present season, been disappoitning, abnormally large quantities of second-grade cheese coming forward for grading. An investigation into the cheese-quality position in this district indicated that in making the change over from butter to cheese many of the factories had been overloaded, steam, pasteurizing, and cooling plants being inadequate. Difficulties had also been experienced with staff, a number of factories being short staffed. Late arrival of milk at some factories and overloaded curing-room conditions were also factors adversely affecting cheese quality. At some factories the quality of the milk-supply was poor, large quantities of second-grade milk being delivered. In the areas concerned, senior officers of the Division made special visits to farms in company with the Farm-dairy Instructors in an endeavour to correct the position at the source. Regarding labour conditions in dairy factories, arrangements were made with the Dairy-factory Employees' Union early in the season whereby the fifty-two-hour week period could be continued during the whole season. Additional wages were to be paid for the periods fixed under the award in which the hours were less than fifty-two a week. Some misunderstanding arose over this matter at the Featherston factory, resulting in eighteen members of the staff ceasing work on the 27th October, 1940. An agreement was, however, arrived at, and the men returned to work on the following day. With this exception, the arrangement for the extension of hours has operated quite satisfactorily. No great difficulty has been experienced during the present season with starter failures. In a number of districts dairy companies have, at the suggestion and under the guidance of the Dairy Research Institute, recently erectcd detached starter-rooms. Although isolated cases of starter failures have occurred in these rooms, all factory-managers interviewed were of the opinion that since starters have been made in isolated rooms the risk of failure has been greatly minimized. Some of these rooms, which are fitted with a system of air filtration and improved starter-making equipment, have cost as much as £400 to erect, but if a reasonable guarantee of immunity from starter failures can be given, dairy companies would be well recompensed for the expenditure incurred. The importance of efficient curing-rooms continues to be recognized. A cork-insulated curingroom has been erected at the Woodville factory, and the curing-room at Oroua Downs has been renovated and insulated with cork. In both these factories and in the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Co.'s new factory at Hikutaia, plants for the control of temperature and humidity have been installed. Including those already installed at Tokomaru and Taikorea, there are now five o( these plants in operation and all are giving most satisfactory results. Owing to the continued spell of warm weather in January and February, curing-room conditions, where no system of temperature control was available, were bad. . . Three cheese-factories —namely, Seaward Downs, and the Victoria Road and Fencourt branches of the Cambridge Dairy Co.—were destroyed by fire during the past year. This season has also seen another small factory in the far South —namely, Lorneville —cease the manufacture of cheese, thus making ten cheese-factories in Southland which have ceased operation during the past few years, the others being Waikawa Vallev, Waikaka, Balfour, Switzers, Browns, Merrivale, Woodend, Saxelby's, and Northope. The larger manufacturing unit has proved more economical, and the need for small factories in close proximity to the dairy-farms where the milk is produced has passed with the advent of good roads and rapid transport. . During the year no waxed cheese and no coloured cheese has been exported, as it was considered by the British Government that these deletions would facilitate distribution. Butter-boxes and Cheese-ckates. The abnormal increase in the output of butter despite the big change over to cheese naturally created some difficulties in maintaining adequate supplies of thoroughly seasoned timber for the manufacture of butter-boxes, and there were occasions when difficulty with mould was experienced. The bulk of the timber used for butter-boxes is now obtained from the west coast of the South Island, and transport to the North Island, where the butter is made, presented some difficulties. In addition, dislocation due to fire and other causes in some mills resulted in the remaining box-factories having to cope with the extra quantity. Though no creamery was actually left without boxes, there .were times when stocks were very low, and owing to the necessity for kiln drying, the quality of many of the boxes was not up to the usual standard. Under these conditions suggestions for the substitution of other varieties of timber for the manufacture of butter-boxes were made, and one small trial shipment of poplar and another of a composition board made from sawdust and casein were sent forward, but neither proved very satisfactory. It was found to be necessary to sanction the use of sap rnnu to make up the shortage ot white pine, and authority for one million of these boxes was given. In the light of the results from previous experimental shipments of butter in sap rimu boxes, it is not anticipated that any seiious difficulty will arise because of this action. The cheese-crate position was also difficult, and here again the use of rimu and also ot matai was authorized, provided the thickness of the batten was increased to in., the minimum undei the regulations being | in. The increasing demand for timber for military buildings and the casing ot

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military supplies for overseas shipment made it impossible to carry out this requirement, and in order to make use of certain 6 in. by 1 in. timbers which were available, the use of § in. battens made from rimu and matai had to be allowed. There has been some difficulty in obtaining supplies of corrugated fasteners for both cheese-crate ends and butter-box timbers, but the use of three wires on cheese-crates has been continued. An interesting development has been the construction, by the National Dairy Association, of a cheese-packing machine which carries out, in one operation, the work of assembling and nailing the orate round the cheese, as well as the strapping of the ends and centres. Owing to the impossibility of obtaining suitable strapping-material, the use of this machine has been discontinued in the meantime. Rimu scale boards have come into use this year for the first time. Casein. No casein was submitted for grading during the year. The grading of casein, however, is not compulsory, and though a certain amount of casein is being manufactured, the quantity is not known. Customs returns give the quantities exported during the past three years as 910 tons, 2,270 tons, and 1,626 tons, the Customs valuation being £44,585, £86,581, and £71,651. Regrading of Butter and Cheese after Storage. Regrading at various grading-stores covered 215 churnings of butter and 223 vats of cheesc. The practice established some years ago of re-examining selected representative samples of butter and cheese after a period of storage provides valuable information regarding the development of defects due to lengthy storage. Each year also proves that in the great majority of cases the original grading standards are sound. Check-testing of Milk and Cream Samples. Visits to dairy factories by officers of the Division for the purpose of checking the testing of milk and cream numbered 1,180, as compared with 1,074 during 1939-40. Farm-dairy Instruction. This work has continued satisfactorily, and each year brings increasing evidence of the importance of the service in assisting to ensure the production on the farms of high-quality milk and cream. The work of the Farm-dairy Instructor covers not only the inspection of machines, sheds, and surroundings for cleanliness, but also includes advice and assistance in connection with the alteration, renovation, and extension of existing milking-sheds as well as the selection of sites and the planning and construction of new sheds. During the past year 1,619 new milking-sheds have been built and 1,629 sheds substantially reconstructed. Most of the new sheds have been built from, plans issued by the Division or from a modification of those plans. The result is not only a better type of milkitig-shed, but a desirable tendency toward a standard type. There is also a trend toward a more durable shed, and in the South an increasing number of new sheds are being built of concrete. Increasing attention is also being given to those details which have a bearing on cleanliness, the newer shed being much easier to keep clean than some of the older design. Supervising officers of the Division make frequent inspections with Farm-dairy Instructors with the object of ensuring that a satisfactory and uniform standard is maintained throughout the Dominion. There is evidence that a stricter standard of cleanliness is desirable on many dairy-farms. Inspection of Milking-machines and Separators. According to notifications received by officers of the Division, 3,046 milking-machine installations were made during the past financial year, as compared with 4,394 during the previous twelve months. Fewer devices for the improvement of milking-machines were submitted than in the previous year, although these still come forward in fairly large numbers. To ensure that such devices receive careful consideration and, where justified, a thorough trial, the Division has set up a special committee comprised of three officers with special knowledge of milking-machines. This committee considers all patents submitted. The procuring of farm separators, all of which are imported, has become progressively more difficult since the outbreak of war. To assist the position, steps have been taken to see that no new separator is installed where the existing machine is fit or can be made fit for further service. It is now necessary for dairy-farmers to obtain permission from a responsible officer of the Division before replacing an existing separator. Dairy-factory Managers' Registration Board. Applications for registration still come forward in fairly large numbers, while each year finds a number of certificate-holders dropping out of the industry. During the past year the Board dealt with 73 applications for registration, 54 certificates being granted. There are now 740 certificated managers on the register. The Dairy-factory Managers' Regulations have recently been amended and consolidated, and at the time of writing the new regulations have been gazetted. Inspection of New Zealand Dairy-produce in Britain. This work has continued under the supervision of Mr. F. H. Taylor, and has been made more difficult by the disorganization caused by the war. Owing to a reduction in the amount of routine inspection which it is possible to carry out, it was found that the services of a third officer could be dispensed with in the meantime, and it was accordingly arranged for Mr. H. A. Foy to return to New .Zealand in September, 1940, after four years in Britain, It was also considered advisable, on account

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of shipping-conditions, to transfer Mr. G. V. Were from London to Liverpool, where he took up his headquarters in January of this year. As opportunity offered, our officers have continued to assist the British Ministry of Food, which has expressed appreciation of their services. Despite the difficult conditions, our officers in Britain have succeeded in carrying out a considerable number of routine examinations of New Zealand butter and cheese, and their reports have proved valuable to the Division and to dairy companies. Dairy Laboratory, Wallaceville. The most important investigational work carried out at the Wallaceville Dairy Laboratory during the year has been in connection with the problem of " oiling-off." Suppliers to cheese-factories often deliver milk 011 the surface of which appreciable amounts of unemulsified fat can be seen floating. Such fat is said to be " oiled-off." It interferes with the reliability of the taking and testing of composite samples, and in other respects is believed to have an adverse effect on the quality of dairy-produce. Much has yet to be learned about the physico-chemical phenomena responsible for producing this defect, but as a result of extensive observation some useful information has been obtained to suggest remedial measures. The completion of the new building for animal research made available to the Dairy Laboratory improved facilities for carrying out bacteriological testing, with the result that slightly more samples were tested than in the previous year. Most of the samples tested were butters sent in from the grading-stores. A number of these have an unduly high bacteriological content, which indicates that in certain creameries sufficient care is not regularly given to the cleaning of the equipment. A large number of cheese-factory starters have been tested for bacterial contamination. While the results are better in some respects than in past seasons, scope for improvement remains, especially on account of the increased use of starter cultures sensitive to phage contamination. Some requests were received from Farm-dairy Instructors for assistance in connection with persistent troubles in milk or cream supplies. The work carried out suggests the need for a higher standard of milk and cream grading in order to raise the standard of dairy-farm sanitation. For this purpose, the resazurin test has been shown in New Zealand and in other countries to have advantages for enabling the worst samples of milk to be quickly detected. The testing of samples of butter for copper content has been continued, and some progress made in modifying trie method used so as to enable it to be applied successfully to the determination of copper in cream. The subject of improved cleansers for use in dairy-factories and for milking-machines has also continued to receive attention. In spite of interruption caused by the calling-up of one of the members of the staff for military service, the number of bacteriological samples dealt with was a little greater than for the previous year. During the year the Laboratory staff lost the services, due to his transfer to another branch of the Department, of Mr. E. D. Andrews. He had been with the Division some four and a half years, a large part of his time being occupied with the perfecting of improved methods for estimating the iron and copper content of butter, in which work Mr. Andrews displayed considerable technical skill. The vacancy caused by his transfer was filled by Mr. G. 0. Death, previously on the staff of the Division at the Auckland grading-stores. Court Proceedings. During the season, Court proceedings have been taken in four cases, in all of which judgment was given in favour of the Department. Two of these cases concerned dairy companies—namely, Oteramika and Waimate —both of whom were adjudged guilty of the falsification of returns. In the former case the factory-manager was subsequently deregistered by the Dairy-factory Managers' Registration Board. The other two cases concerned dairy-farmers who had failed to give effect to orders relating to the improvement of their milking-sheds. Certificate-of-record Testing and Government Official Herd-testing. First-class certificates of record issued during the calendar year 1940 numbered 499, as compared with 447 in 1939, 431 cows being in the yearly-test division and the remaining 68 in the 305-day division. The average production represented by first-class certificates in the yearly division was 534-91 lb. fat, an increase of 35-89 lb. over the 1939 figure of 499-02 lb. fat. An increase in average production was also shown in the 305-day division, the average production for the 68 first-class certificates issued in this division being 440-23 lb. fat, as compared with 436-42 lb. butterfat for 57 certificates issued during 1939. Second-class certificates issued during 1940 numbered 80, as compared with 79 for the previous calendar year. The Government official herd-test has received increased support. Figures for the period under review indicate a total of 2,797 cows tested under this system, as compared with 2,111 for the preceding period. The number of testing breeders was 230, as compared with 178 for the previous year. In addition to the testing of registered purebred dairy cows for butterfat yield under the systems summarized above, the Division carried out the testing of three ordinary dairy-factory supply herds, totalling 196 cows. Thanks. It is again desired to extend thanks to the staff for assistance rendered during a busy year, and to those firms and organizations whose functions bring them in contact with the Division. Thanks are especially due to the Division's Cheese Instructors for their efforts throughout the Dominion in connection with the drive for increased cheese-production. These officers showed considerable tact and judgment in handling the many difficult situations which arose in carrying out this work. A special note of appreciation is also due to Mr. F. H. Taylor, of London, and his assistant Inspectors of New Zealand dairy-produce. These officers have rendered outstanding service not only to the New Zealand but to the British Government under most trying and often hazardous conditions.

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HORTICULTURAL DIVISION. REPORT OF W. K. DALLAS, DIRECTOR. The international situation and changes in economic life as a result of the war have had a farreaching effect on horticulture and in the activities of the Horticulture Division. A change in the relative importance of the various duties of the Division's officers has been apparent, placing emphasis on some activities which, in peace-time, have appeared of a comparatively minor character, and relegating to the background others whose peace-time importance seemed greater. The instructional aspect of officers' duties has at certain seasons had to give way, by force of circumstances, to the inspectional side of their work, and, with the practical cessation of export of the major lines of horticultural produce, have arisen problems of the disposal of surpluses which, although primarily the burden of the Internal Marketing Division, have involved this Division in intimate collaboration. The time which might otherwise have been devoted to instruction has also been drawn upon to procure statistical information necessitated by import restrictions and other demands on the industry. The endeavour to provide for the consumption internally of our exportable surplus of apples and pears has accentuated the cool storage of fruit, and has brought problems in both the engineering and biological aspects of cool storage. Standardization of apple and pear marketing was advanced a step by the codifying, in the New-Zealand-grown Fruit Regulations 1940, of many years' experience in this direction. The demands of the fighting Services on the skilled labour of the fruit industry have increased the amount of time spent by officers in conducting packing and grading classes for the instruction of persons willing to take the places of those who have gone overseas. New workers have been rapidly absorbed into the industry. Climatic Conditions. Climatic conditions throughout the Dominion during the year have been variable but, on the whole, favourable for horticultural production. Wet conditions in the early spring of 1940 had the effect in some districts of retarding the application of the early sprays, which was later reflected in a greater prevalence of black-spot than is usual. The summer generally was hot and dry, and what amounted to drought conditions prevailed in Canterbury and Otago. Heavy rains in the autumn had the effect of adding size to pip-fruits, but may possibly also have had a detrimental effect on the keeping quality : this has yet to be ascertained. Frosts in the late spring damaged potato, tomato, and early stone-fruit crops in the Wanganui and New Plymouth districts, and also stone-fruit crops throughout the Waikato and in Central Otago. The extended frost period greatly reduced stone-fruit and pear crops in Canterbury. Hail damage appears to have been confined to the districts around Oratia, Henderson, and Te Kauwhata in the North Island, and to Nelson and North Canterbury in the South Island. The Fruitgrowing Industry. The 1941 Fruit Season.—The production of apples for the present season will be slightly below that of the previous season, while pears will show a slight increase. The estimated quantities of this season's crop received to 31st March, 1941, are : Apples, 765,600 bushels ; pears, 219,400 bushels. The stone-fruit crop for the Dominion was less than for the previous year. The apricot crop in the Roxburgh district was reduced approximately 75 per cent, by frost, and other stone-fruits suffered to some extent also. Plums were in short supply in Central Otago and Auckland districts. The stone-fruit crop in Hawke's Bay was generally fair to good. Canterbury experienced a light year with stone-fruits. Nelson district had only a moderate crop of stone-fruits, and severe losses occurred from brown-rot in late canning varieties. The quality of fruit in other respects appears to be comparable with other seasons. The assembling and marketing of the apple and pear crop is proceeding fairly satisfactorily ; but, owing to the fact that no fruit is being exported, a surplus of these fruits, with low prices during the main harvesting season, is anticipated. Fruit-production and Estimates of Crops. —In consequence of the Government taking over the crop of apples and pears, it became more essential that crop estimates should be obtained as accurately as possible, as on this information the Internal Marketing Division based its plans for market distribution throughout the season. The accurate estimating of fruit-crop production is somewhat difficult early in the season, as possible weather conditions —notably frost damage, hailstorms, gale losses, and depreciation of fruit from attacks of insect pests and fungous diseases —have all to be taken into consideration. The crop for the 1940 season promised to be an exceedingly heavy one, and early estimates were on the high side to an extent of approximately 10 per cent. The production for the 1940 season ultimately ascertained from reports furnished by field officers was as follows: Apples, 2,506,535 bushels ; pears, 242,352 bushels ; quinces, 15,691 bushels ; stone-fruits', 519,240 bushels.

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The major proportion of the apple and pear crop was purchased by the Government; the total quantity of each crop taken over being : Apples, 2,251,644 bushels ; pears, 167,426|- bushels. Export. —During the 1940 season 582,886 cases of apples were loaded for export at various ports in the Dominion, the quality and condition being exceptionally good. Reports on the fruit on arrival in London were very satisfactory. Careful attention was paid to the loading and stacking of the fruit on the ships. Citrus Fruit. —Climatic conditions in all citrus districts have been favourable, and where growers have followed good orchard practice their trees have shown a marked improvement. The crop of New-Zealand-grown lemons for the calendar year 1940 was 90,500 loose bushels, made up as follows: Tauranga, 48,600; Auckland, 27,000; Kerikeri, 11,200; and Gisborne, 3,700. It is estimated that a normal crop is 100,000 loose bushels or 75,000 packed bushels, so 1940 was 10 per cent, below normal, although it was 10 per cent, higher than 1939. The crop of New Zealand grapefruit was estimated at 30,000 bushels and sweet oranges at 5,000 packed bushels. General Condition of Orchards. —In the main fruitgrowing areas the orchards are kept in a satisfactory condition, and up to the present there have been few indications of any serious deterioration being brought about by changed economic conditions. The purchase of new equipment has to some extent been slowed down, although a number of up-to-date spraying plants and other modern orchard equipment are still being installed. Some modification in manurial programmes is anticipated, owing to shortages of certain types of manures. A reduction of orchard areas has occurred in most districts, and it is likely that some further reductions will be made. The reduction is more noticeable amongst the less-efficient and smaller orchards and those orchards where the growers are only partially dependent upon orcharding to supplement their incomes. The elimination of poor and unsuccessful varieties is progressing steadily, and replacements and reworkings are mostly to popular varieties and varieties of stone-fruits suitable for canning. The Granny Smith apple has been largely used for replacements ; pears have been converted in the main to the William's Bon Chretien variety ; and Golden Queen appears to be the most popular variety for replacement and new plantings of peaches. Marketing of Fruit within the Dominion. —With the practical cessation of the export of fruit, the problem has devolved upon the Internal Marketing Division of marketing within the Dominion the exportable surplus of the apple and pear crops. This has involved the Horticulture Division in close collaboration, and has necessitated a rigid adherence to the provisions of the New-Zealand-grown Fruit Regulations 1940 in respect of grading and packing so as to eliminate from a saturated market the fruit of a low standard. The inspection of fruit at district assembly points has prevented a considerable quantity of improperly-graded and under-grade fruit being offered for sale. Slackly and otherwise badly-packed fruit has been returned for repacking to conform with the regulations. Officers of this Division have acted in an advisory capacity in regard to determining when the fruit should be marketed, and the relative keeping-qualities of various lines. Stone-fruit and quinces are still sold on the open market, and prices for a subnormal crop were in most cases good. The market for Central Otago stone-fruits has a tendency to extend, and quite a large quantity reached the North Island markets, while the proportion placed on to the Canterbury markets was greater than usual. Fruit Standardization. —To give effect to the standardization of fruit, the New-Zealand-grown Fruit Regulations 1938 were gazetted to cover compulsory grading standards for apples, pears, and lemons. In order to provide funds for adequate inspection of fruit at markets throughout the Dominion, an inspection levy on packages of fruit became necessary, and provision was made whereby inspection-fee stamps were required to be affixed to packages of fruit sold or offered for sale. A number of additional Inspectors were appointed under the Orchard and Garden Diseases Act, 1928, to ensure that apples, pears, and lemons were graded and packed according to specified standards, packed in specified cases, and to which inspection-fee stamps had been attached before sale. The irtroduction of these regulations resulted iti a considerable improvement in the presentation of fruit for sale on the markets, and gave, in the main, general satisfaction to fruitgrowers and consumers alike. During the seasons 1938, 1939, and 1940, as a result of the practical application of the regulations, a number of anomalies were brought under notice from time to time, and it was decided to amend the regulations in certain respects. This decision was influenced by the introduction of the Apple and Pear Marketing Regulations, under which all apples and pears were purchased and the inspection of fruit carried out at district assembly points. The amended regulations were gazetted as the New-Zealand-grown Fruit Regulations 1940, and included specified standard grades for citrus fruits and stone-fruits. The latter standards do not come into operation until the season 1942. Cool Storage of Fruit. —In order to extend as far as possible the marketing period for apples and pears, avenues by which cool storage of fruit could be increased have been explored. The position was complicated by the demands upon cool storage by the meat and dairy industries. Cool-storage space which is actually available for fruit amounts to accommodation for approximately 850,000 bushels. Additional space which is proposed or actually in the course of construction provides for an additional 120,000 bushels approximately, making a total available space of 970,000 bushels. With an estimated production of 2,278,980 bushels of apples and 363,627 bushels of pears for the 1941 season, this leaves almost 1,750,000 bushels of apples and pears to be disposed of without the aid of cool storage. An investigation has been instituted for the purpose of obtaining data relative to the wilt tendencies of certain varieties of apples while being held for long periods of storage. It includes cool-chamber construction and the cooling of stacks of fruit by convectional air movement with or without the use of internal forced air circulation. Other factors affecting wilt tendencies, such as the state of maturity when harvested and placed in cool storage, are also being investigated.

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Bud Selection Activities. —Two meetings of the Citrus Bud Selection Committee were held during the year, and the future policy was decided upon. It was agreed that Orchard Instructors of this Division in the districts concerncd should bring the work to the notice of growers and nurserymen, that they should then collect from outstanding trees samples of lemons, New Zealand grapefruit, sweet oranges, and mandarins, and forward them for examination by a central committee in Auckland. This committee will adjudicate upon the relative merits of the samples and tree performances, and notify Instructors regarding material which appears to warrant further observation and reports for the ensuing four years. Bud-wood from selected lemon and grapefruit trees in the Henderson district has already been cat to raise trees of these strains for the Plant Diseases Division experimental orchard at Henderson. Examinations in Packing, Grading, and Pruning. —Fewer candidates presented themselves during the year for examination in packing, pruning, and grading. Packing classes were held fairly extensively ; but, as even slightly-experienced packers could find employment without difficulty, owing to calls upon the personnel of the industry for the military Forces, there was less inducement to sit for examinations. Fruit Processing (Drying and Canning).- In the main fruitgrowing centres of the South Island a considerable quantity of fruits are canned. In the Nelson district canning-factories annually handle large quantities of pip and stone fruits and vegetables, as well as considerable quantities of fruit of all classes for jam-manufacture, including the bulk of the raspberry-production for the district. Berry fruits, particularly raspberries, to the extent of available supplies, are processed either by manufacture into jam or by pulping for transfer to other parts of the Dominion. Approximately 20,000 bushels of apples are dehydrated. In the Central Otago district factories at Alexandra and Roxburgh continued with the drying of stone-fruits ; but, owing to the limited crop available and the high prices ruling in the fresh-fruit markets, adequate supplies from producers to keep the factories running to capacity were not available. The quantities of fruits and vegetables canned in Hawke's Bay district show a very considerable increase during the year. Cannery buildings have been extended, and canning of fruit and vegetables is now established as a permanent feature in the economy of horticultural production in that district. Orchard Registration and Tax. A total of 4,695 orchards are registered in the Dominion, comprising 2,341 taxable and 2,354 non-taxable orchards. Distribution of the tax levied for the taxation year ended 31st January, 1941, was effected as follows : To the New Zealand Fruitgrowers' Federation, Ltd., £850 ; and to the Department of. Scientific and Industrial Research for research and experimentation in connection with the fruitgrowing industry, £504. The Gisborne commercial fruitgrowing district was the only one in which fireblight-tax was collected. Nurseries. General Condition and Prevalence from Disease. —The general condition of nurseries throughout the Dominion is good, and nurserymen are alive to the necessity for the production of vigorous stocks and of taking adequate steps for the control of disease. Where any lack of attention to disease control has been in evidence, advice and interim inspections have had the effect of reducing the incidence of disease in the nurseries concerned. A survey of the prevalence of serious weeds, such as oxalis, nut-weed, and convolvulus, in nurseries was undertaken during the year, with the result that the majority of nurseries were found to be in a satisfactory condition. This aspect of nursery cultivation is being kept under observation, with a view to preventing the spread of such weeds in the distribution of nursery-produce. Quality of Trees.—The quality of trees and plants in the majority of nurseries is very satisfactory. Nurserymen are jealous of their reputations, and take steps to maintain a good standard. There is a trend by nurserymen to-day towards specialization in one or another branch of plant-raising, and the practice of specializing in this way, and of buying in other requirements from nurserymen who are specialists in their own particular lines, should tend towards the maintenance of a generally higher standard of plant-raising than that which often exists in nurseries where a little of everything is raised. The effect of import selection on overseas nursery products has been to create a greater demand for plants from New Zealand nurseries, and an endeavour of nurserymen to compete successfully for former overseas orders should also have a tendency towards higher standards. Nursery Registration. —A total of 611 nurseries throughout the Dominion were registered during the year and certificates of registration issued. Registration fees amounted to £611. The trend of registrations over the past five years is as follows 1936-37 .. .. .. .. .. 588 registrations. 1937-38 .. .. .. .. .. 557 registrations. 1938-39 .. .. .. .. .. 534 registrations. 1939-40 .. .. .. .. .. 582 registrations. 1940-41 .. .. .. .. .. 611 registrations. This indicates an increase of 29 registrations during the current year and an increase of 77 during the past two years.

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The Market-gardening Industry. Market gardening continues to play an important part in the Dominion's economy, and the activities of commercial gardeners are coining more and more within the scope of the Division's operations. The recorded acreage in market gardens is 7,806 acres. Control measures to combat diseases of market-garden crops continue to add substantially to the cost of production, tomatoes being particularly affected. The adoption of better cultural practices by growers as necessary to maintain the supply of high-grade tomatoes, and the activities of the Division, in collaboration with the Plant Diseases Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, are being directed to this end. During the year there has been a substantial increase in the processing of peas, beans, and tomatoes, and the effects of import selection have necessitated more attention being given to this phase of the commercial gardening industry, which is capable of expansion in other directions. The annual conference of the Dominion Council of Commercial Gardeners was held during the year, and was representative of the organized section of the industry throughout the Dominion. Registration of commercial market gardens was the most important subject discussed, and on this complete unanimity existed. A Registration Bill has been drafted. A great deal of organization in the industry remains to be done, and it is expected that this matter will be dealt with at the next conference of the Dominion Council of Commercial Market-gardeners to be held in the near future. Owing to the continuation of the war it was necessary to obtain an estimate of the quantities of manures required by commercial gardeners, and steps are being taken for its conservation. An investigation was also undertaken and reports submitted as to the suitability of certain defined areas of land for market-gardening. Standardization of horticultural products has been given attention by the preparation of a draft standard for tomatoes and other vegetable crops. New Zealand Commercial Gardeners' Advisory Committee. —The New Zealand Commercial Gardeners' Advisory Committee has met on three occasions during the year to consider problems concerning the market-gardening industry in the Dominion. In addition to matters which come up for annual discussion, particular attention was given to the subjects of prices of tomatoes for disposal to factories, standard grades for vegetables, supplies of manures for market-gardeners and possible alternatives, and to types of vegetables most suited for canning purposes. Registration of commercial market-gardeners, which is a major problem, was also fully considered, and recommendations were made for its adoption. Horticultural Crop Protection Service. The usual range of horticultural pests and diseases was encountered during the year, but on the whole effective control was achieved where standard spraying programmes were adopted. An outbreak of citrus canker in the Kerikeri and Tauranga citrus areas necessitated the introduction of special Citrus Canker Regulations, which provided powers for total eradication of the disease and for compensation of those growers whose groves were destroyed in pursuance of this object. It is, as yet, too early to determine to what extent the control measures have been effective. Black-spot was more in evidence in some localities, owing to the curtailment of early sprays due to wet weather. Magnesium deficiency in apple-trees is recorded in the Nelson and Marlborough districts, and indications of boron deficiency are in evidence in the Central Otago area. Virus diseases appear to be on the increase, and are coming to the forefront as causes of serious loss among horticultural crops. They constitute one of the major problems confronting tomato and strawberry growers, and are also responsible for a reduction in production of cucumbers, marrows, lettuce, and peas. A virus of rhubarb reported for the first time in New Zealand has come under notice in Canterbury, and losses have ranged up to 20 per cent, of the crop in some instances. Fireblight generally has caused less concern than usual, but appeared to be somewhat on the increase in Central Otago during the past season. This Division has collaborated with the Plant Diseases Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in forwarding specimens of disease both for diagnosis on our own behalf or on behalf of growers and for the purpose of furthering investigations which the Plant Diseases Division was pursuing. The following diseases, recorded for the first time in New Zealand, have been notified by the Plant Diseases Division : — Bacterial Spot in Plums : Found in Hawke's Bay. It is reported to be a serious disease of plums, peaches, and apricots in the United States of America. Black Currant Big Bud Mite (Phytoptus ribis) : Found at Greytown. It is stated to be one of the most destructive pests of currants and gooseberries in England, but readily controlled by the application of lime-sulphur. Ring-spot of Carnations (Heterosporium echinulatum) : A destructive disease if left unchecked. Early removal of affected foliage plus Bordeaux sprays appears to give effective control. Virus of Beet: Found in Manawatu on sugar-beet and mangels. Preliminary tests would indicate its identity with Beta Virus No. 2. Virus of Rhubarb : Found in Canterbury. Identity not yet established. Orchard and Nursery Disease Inspection. An endeavour has been made to cover, in inspection for disease, all commercial orchards and all orchards (whether commercial or domestic) in defined commercial areas and in the vicinity of nurseries. Little difficulty has been experienced in clearing up disease, and owners put under notice have, in the main, co-operated well with the Department. Owing to changed conditions and enlistments from the staff, the time of officers has at peak periods required to be directed into channels of more indirect disease inspection in the inspection and grading of fruit at assembly points.

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Prosecutions. Two prosecutions were conducted during the year for failing to eradicate disease and one for selling diseased fruit. Fines ranging from £1 to £3 and costs were imposed. Other prosecutions were : Failure to affix inspection-fee stamps, 4 ; selling diseased fruit, 1 ; failing to register an orchard, 1 ; unfair packing, 21 ; keeping bees in an unregistered apiary, 1 ; obstructing an Inspector under the Apiaries Act, 1. Biological Control of Disease. There have been no new developments in the biological control of horticultural diseases. The control of woolly aphis by Aphelinus mali exhibits certain seasonal characteristics in that the parasite is not much in evidence early in the season, during which time the aphis makes some headway, later to be brought under control. The pupa parasite of the white butterfly appears to be doing good work, although it has not yet accomplished such a control over its host as has Aphelinus mali. The depredations of birds have caused some damage to orchards and vineyards, notably in peaches in the Nelson district, where crop losses were as high as 90 per cent., and to grapes in the Auckland district. Little trouble has been experienced from hares. Fruit and Vegetable Instruction Service. Much time has been devoted by officers to giving instruction and advice in the various fields of horticulture. So many horticultural problems occur to-day that the wide dissemination of correct advice on soil, manurial, cultural, and disease questions is essential. Although the major part of instruction work has in the past been associated with the pip- and stone-fruit industries, increasing calls are now being made upon officers' time for instruction on the culture of small fruits, tomatoes, and vegetables, glasshouse management, and horticulture generally. Many requests for advice are received through the post; these are answered by specialist officers, and where personal advice is necessary are referred to district officers. Experimental Work. The amount of experimental work done has been considerably reduced, owing to the calls upon staff for other purposes. Experiments in the control of diseases are largely undertaken by the Plant Diseases Division in co-operation with district officers of this Division. An experiment in the gas storage of apples is being conducted by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Experimental work at present being conducted by the Division in collaboration with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is— (1) Long cool storage of Granny Smith apples : (2) Orchard storage of apples : (3) Experiments with stone-fruits on various root-stocks : (4) Growing of hazelnuts (Corylus maxima) under New Zealand conditions : (5) Trials with various seedling apples to determine their capabilities under orchard conditions : (6) Growing of kumaras. An investigation into the wastage developing in New Zealand lemons after packing was conducted by the Citriculturist. In this trial Gisborne and Kerikeri lemons showed less wastage than did those of Tauranga and Auckland. Inspection of Shops and Auction-rooms. The inspection of shops and auction-rooms has been relieved to a great extent through the purchase of the apple and pear crop by the Internal Marketing Division. Inspection of these fruits is now carried out at apple- and pear-assembly depots in the respective districts, the market and shop inspection being mainly confined to stone-fruits and vegetables. The inspections made indicate that there is much room for improvement in the grading of stone-fruits and vegetables. Brown-rot affecting stone-fruits caused considerable wastage in some consignments. Publicity. Publicity in connection with the Division's activities has been effected by means of horticultural exhibits at shows, addresses and demonstrations given by officers of the Division, and articles published in the Journal of Agriculture and the Orchardist of New Zealand. Show exhibits have been arranged at various winter and summer shows throughout the Dominion, and have attracted satisfactory audiences. Notable amongst these shows was the National Flower Show held at Oamaru. Addresses and demonstrations have the effect of giving direct instruction to audiences vitally interested in the work of production and marketing of crops. These have been assisted by the conducting of packing and grading classes, which have the dual effect of disseminating knowledge of the best methods and of making provision for skilled workers to the industry. The Division has conducted the Horticultural Section of the Journal, which has included notes on cultural and disease-control operations in orchard and garden, citrus-culture, wine and cider making, cool storage of fruit, and the apiary industry.

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Conferences. Officers of the Division have attended conference.,? of the various fruitgrowers', commercial gardeners', and beekeepers' organizations and horticultural societies, as well as departmental conferences with officers of the Internal Marketing Division. In areas in which outbreaks of citrus canker have occurred, officers are members of the Citrus Canker Advisory Committees set up under the regulations, and so have been in intimate contact with growers whose groves were affected. The Division has been represented at meetings of the Tobacco Board, Nelson Fruit Advisory Committee, Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Fruit Research Committee, &o. Viticulture, Wine and Cider Making. The wine industry in the Dominion has received considerable impetus from the restriction of' imports of wine, and, with the right direction, should go far towards supplying the bulk of the Dominion's wine requirements in a few years. This impetus is being sustained and directed by the Division's Vine and Wine Instructor, who has assisted vignerons in cultural and disease-control matters, in the designing of up-to-date plants, and in the analysis of wine, must, marc, spirit, cider, and juices. The latter service is much appreciated by growers, who have not previously been able accurately to test their wines. Statistics :— Wine — Number of wine licenses .. .. . . .. 124 Acreage of wine grapes bearing . . . . . . . . 307 i Acreage planted but not yet bearing .. .. .. 69§ Production of wine .. .. . . .. .. 184,320 gallons. Production of wine per acre .. . . . - . . 566 gallons. Production of grapes per acre .. . . .. .. 3-77 tons. Cider —- Number of cidermakers .. .. .. .. 46 Production .. .. .. .. .. .. 67,490 gallons. Production and Condition of Grapes.—lndoor : In the 1940 season all growers with heated houses were able to carry late crops, one grower being successful in having grapes on the local market in August. The crop, in general, was better than for the 1939 season. As the demand for hothouse grapes increases, more indoor grapes are being produced. A number of new houses was erected for this purpose during the year. Outdoor : The crop of Pierce (Albany Surprise) grapes was very good in all districts, and prices were satisfactory to growers. Those vineyards which are well looked after each produced crops of an average of 6 tons per acre, while the average for poor vineyards was only some 3 tons. A number of older vineyards of this variety are being replanted. Outdoor table grapes of other sorts were poor, owing to a spell of cool weather during the setting season. Wine Grapes : The wine-grape crop was good in Hawke's Bay and Henderson districts, but only a medium crop was harvested in the Waikato. Condition of Vineyards and Wineries.--Vineyards have, on an average, been better looked after than previously, and more interest is being shown by growers in methods of cultivation and improvement to their existing vineyards. New methods of cultivation and planting have been introduced to growers planting new areas, resulting in better strikes of cuttings at a reduced cost of labour. , Disease Control. —A little trouble was experienced from powdery mildew, but this was quickly checked by the use of dusting sulphur. Physiological disorders were prevalent in some glasshouses, mostly where insufficient care had been exercised by those in control. Mealy bug is responsible for considerable damage in vine glasshouses, but it is hoped to establish a more satisfactory control of this pest by initiating improved fumigation methods. Downy mildew, powdery mildew, black-spot, and minor fungous diseases made their appearance, but were effectively controlled. Thrips were not a serious pest, and outbreaks of leaf-roller and vine caterpillars were quickly checked. Erinose, which was evident last year, has been effectively controlled. Birds cause considerable damage in outdoor vineyards, and effective control appears difficult. Distillation Units. —Four new licenses for the distillation of spirit were granted during the year, and another three applications are now under consideration by the Customs Department. Te Kauwhata Horticultural Station. The Horticultural Station conducted by the Division at Te'Kauwhata continues to make steady progress. During the year the construction of new buildings and vats to bring the vinery to an up-to-date standard has been proceeded with, and much obsolete plant has been replaced. Weather conditions gave early promise of a record crop of grapes, and a revised programme of spraying kept in check fungous diseases, which were more prevalent than usual. About vintage-time, however, consistent heavy rains somewhat reduced the crop. Birds have, as usual, been the chief cause of losses in the grape crop, and control is difficult. The crop for the season was 38 tons, and 18,000 gallons of wine were produced.

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The Station's wine continues to grow in popularity, and sales of wine this year are the highest yet recorded, having exceeded the previous highest total by 3,000 gallons. Comparative figures of wine sold during the past six years arenas follow : — Total Sales. Year. Gallons. 1935-36 .. .. .. .. .. .. 12,625 1936-37 .. .. .. .. .. .. 15.125 1937-38 .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,428 1938-39 .. ~ .. .. .. .. 12,512 1939-40 .. .. .. .. ..14,155 1940-41 .. .. .. .. .. .. 18,308 Tobacco-culture . The area under tobacco in the Nelson Province, which constitutes practically the sole area where tobacco is grown commercially, during the 1940-41 season was 2,963 acres, and the anticipated yield is over three million pounds (3,000,000 lb.). The season has been favourable throughout, although harvesting was interrupted in the middle of March through heavy rains. The quality of the leaf is reported to bo good. No serious injury has been reported through high winds, hail, &c. The quantity of tobacco produced annually is increasing sharply, this year's crop being estimated to yield almost 500,0001b. more than last year : the crop harvested four years ago was little more than 1,500,0001b. The increase in acreage over last year is approximately 377 acres. Hop-culture. The season for hop-culture which is centred in the Nelson Province, was favourable, and the crop obtained was an average to good one. Sufficient labour was available to complete the harvest in a period of four to five weeks. The acreage in hops in the past season is estimated to be 600 acres, and the total quantity produced exceeded 3,000 bales. The hop-pickers came from farther afield than usual. The Beekeeping Industry. The beekeeping industry is making steady progress, and the past season has been a profitable one for beekeepers. Up to early December indications were for record crops of honey, but the dry weather which followed in some districts reduced the final returns well below early expectations. The districts adversely affected by lack of rainfall and strong drying winds were Auckland, Manawatu, North Canterbury, and North Otago. In the main, however, weather conditions were favourable for the development of clover and. for nectar secretion, resulting in a good total output of marketable honey. The effective administration of the Apiaries Act by officers of this Division, and a stabilized market for honey in New Zealand brought about largely by the Honey Section of the Internal Marketing Division, has encouraged many beekeepers to extend their apiaries and colony strength during the year. Registration of Apiaries.—Regulations for the registration of apiaries from one hive upwards came into force in July, 1917, and by March, 1920, 6,392 persons had registered as beekeepers. Since then the total of apiary registrations has progressed steadily, and during the past season fresh registrations were numerous. The general trend in beekeeping is illustrated by the following table : — Number of Number of Season. Registered Beekeepers. Hives Owned. 1919-20 .. .. .. .. 6,392 69,877 1929-30 .. .. .. ..6,925 104,239 1940-41 .. .. .. .. 7,768* 127,113 *Registered apiaries. The present distribution of hives in the various apiary inspection districts throughout the Dominion is as follows : — Apiaries. Colonies. Auckland .. .. .. .. 1,450 14,850 Hamilton .. .. .. 1,009 29,696 Palmerston North .. .. .. 1,771 23,642 Hastings .. .. .. .. 944 12,268 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 419 5,160 Christchurch .. .. .. 1,098 22,093 Dunedin .. .. .. .. 1,077 19,404 Honey Grading. —The work of classifying the grading of all honey sent to the central packing depot provided by the Government for the voluntary use of beekeepers has proceeded smoothly. During the year 1,262 grade certificates were issued, covering a total of 19,116 cases (1201b. each) of bulk honey and 890| cases of honey packed, in small containers for shipment overseas. Some 5731 cases (each 120 lb.) failed to reach the required standard, and had to be rejected for export purposes, chiefly on account of low specific gravity. The following shows the quantity and value of honey exported from the Dominion during the last five years ended on 31st March : — Cwt. Value. 1937 .. .. .. .. .. 7,774 24,658 1938 .. .. .. .. .. 3,804 12,658 1939 .. .. .. .. 14,298 42,605 1940 .. .. .. .. .. 5,321 17,205 1941 .. .. .. .. ~ 10,590 39,291

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Owing to the fact that a large, number of beekeepers continue to market their honey privately, complete figures showing the production of honey in New Zealand are not available. Prices of Honey. —There has been a ready sale of honey in containers of all sizes. Prices for bulk honey packed in 60 lb. tins ranged from 6d. to Bd. per pound, according to location and grade. Prices for other sized containers were : 5 lb. tins, ss. 3d. ; 1 lb. cartons, lid. to Is. 2d ; and sections of comb honey, lid. to Is. 6d. per section. The price of beeswax was Is. 6d. per pound. Instruction Work. —The demands made upon the Division for information and advice both in regard to apiary management and honey-packing have been considerable. Instruction in all matters pertaining to the industry has been freely given to all persons who have shown a desire to adopt modern apiary practices. Well-attended meetings of the National Beekeepers' Association have been addressed by Apiary Instructors during the year, and some 107 practical demonstrations and lectures given. All owners of honey rejected at grade stores have received special instruction from this Division's officers as to how to overcome preventable defects and errors in extracting and packing operations. Inspection of Apiaries. —Further essential service has been given to the industry by the systematic inspection of apiaries and control over the movements of bees and apiary appliances from one place to another to safeguard against the possible spread of brood diseases. In order to assist Apiary Instructors with their work in this direction, a number of established beekeepers were employed during the spring and summer months as part-time Inspectors. These men rendered excellent service, and inspected 2,558 apiaries containing 29,061 colonies of bees. The assistance thus given has enabled a close inspection to be made in commercial areas in the large districts allotted to Instructors. Permanent officers dealt with 680 permits for the removal of bees and apiary appliances where the apiaries were clean and free from disease ; they also inspected 1,841 apiaries containing 28,409 colonies. This work has maintained a high standard of cleanliness in apiaries generally throughout the Dominion. Investigations and Experiments. —Investigations have been undertaken to assist beekeepers to overcome noticeable defects in certain honeys submitted for grading. Particular attention is being given to the hygroscopic nature of these honeys. Samples collected from three separate districts have been submitted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for testing. Departmental officers initiated experimental shipments of combless package bees from early northern districts to Otago and Southland to determine, if possible, the economic value of this procedure as against the maintenance of colonies over a long unproductive winter period, and also the value of building up backward colonies in time for the main honey flow. The first shipment was despatched in October, 1940, and reports to hand indicate that the bees arrived in excellent condition and were successfully established. The experiment is being watched with keen interest. General Horticulture. Horticultural Week, which is an annual fixture, was held at Oamaru concurrently with the National Flower Show. Other functions of horticultural interest were the Kitchen Garden Competition organized by the Egmont Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and the continuation of the Railwaystation Garden Competition organized by the Gardening Circle of the Otago Women's Club. The Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture held its examinations during November, 1940. Sixteen students sat for the Junior examination, four for the Intermediate, and eight for the Diploma examination. Of the twenty-eight candidates, thirteen were successful. The Loder Cup (donated by Mr. Gerald W. Loder, later Lord Wakehurst), awarded for the most meritorious work in connection with the preservation of New Zealand flora, was this year won by Major P. H. Johnson, of Raincliff, South Canterbury. Major Johnson generously donated to the people of the Dominion 24-0 acres of land containing magnificent native bush. Office and Clerical Work. The increase in inspectional duties and the demand for statistical data has increased the extent to which officers are called upon to perform office and clerical work. While general clerical work continues to be done by the office staff, it was found that clerical work in connection with inspection at assembly depots was required to be carried out on the spot by the Inspectors concerned. Appreciations. Appreciation is expressed for the co-operation of members of the various organizations of fruitgrowers, beekeepers, commercial gardeners and of horticultural societies in the work of the Division, and to growers individually for their willing assistance to field officers in their many inquiries.

Approximate Cost\of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing ((120 copies), £08.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1941.

Price Is.]

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