H.—29

10

as a side-line unworthy of serious attention. That poultry should be kept on practically every farm as an adjunct to other operations is clearly desirable, but what is needed is that farmers should recognize that a flock of well-bred birds may be made to pay handsomely if some suitable person—a woman or a partially disabled man will often prove satisfactory —is encouraged to study proper methods of management as advocated in the Department's monthly Journal; to give the birds a reasonable amount of consistent attention; to join an egg circle; to attend the association's annual conferences; and to otherwise identify herself or himself with the uplifting of the industry. If this were done generally, and if the unfair competition of preserved yolks and desiccated whites from cheap-labour countries were stopped, proper use made of the advantages of cold storage, aijd sensible methods of preparing cockerels and discarded layers for the market adopted, prohibitive prices for eggs and poultry on the local markets would disappear, and regular supplies of both these commodities at fair rates would be assured to the whole population. Thus a valuable step towards reducing the cost of living would be achieved, while at the same time a very large number of farmers would find their incomes appreciably augmented. Hemp Industry. The hemp industry has experienced an exceedingly profitable year, prices having reached a level hitherto undreamt of. The Government grading of hemp, tow, and stripper-slips has continued to give general satisfaction. During the year a special officer has devoted a large amount of time to an investigation of the insect pests and diseases affecting the phormium areas, and some valuable information has been obtained and published. The investigation will be continued during the coming season. Veterinary Assistance. A matter that will call for further attention after the war is the lack of veterinary assistance in the more sparsely populated districts. The solution that will probably be adopted is the subsidizing by the Government of private veterinarians willing to settle in such districts. This scheme has already been put into operation in one locality, and has given general satisfaction by enabling the farmers to obtain veterinary services at reasonable cost and without undue delay. Publications. Another work that 1 should like to see carried out is the preparation of a practical official handbook for farmers. A great deal of the necessary information is already embodied in past issues of the Journal of Agriculture, but its compilation and completion cannot well be undertaken under present conditions. The matter will, however, be kept in view. The Journal has continued to be of immense assistance to the industry, and many appreciative testimonials, both generally and in specific instances, have been received. Headcjuarters Building.—Staff. Before concluding I should like to point out the extreme inconvenience under which the Department carries out its work owing to the lack of a suitable headquarters building. The staff is at present scattered over half a dozen buildings, an arrangement that has only to be mentioned to ensure its condemnation. I trust that when matters again become normal this serious lack in the agricultural equipment of the Dominion will be remedied. The staff in general is entitled to the highest praise for its work during the year. Its multifarious and onerous duties have been carried out under extremely adverse conditions in a manner that merits the warmest commendation. F. S. Pope, Secretary.

DEPARTMENTAL ROLL OF HONOUR. Killed. Emerson, P. T. (Lieutenant). Hunter, .1. (Private). Flower, W. E. F. (Lieutenant). Primmer, J. H. (Captain). Died of Wounds. Kirkland, J. (Private). Waugli. G. N. (Captain). Robinson, A. J. (Corporal). Wounded. Cullen, T. L. (Sergeant). Low, J. (Private). Edgar, P. M. (Major). Lyford, F. A. (Private). Gill, A. M. (Private). McLew, W. H. (Sergeant-major) (twice). Hannah, W. 11. (Private). Mitchell, G. G. M. (Sergeant) (three times) Holm, J. W. (Private). Spragg, C. R. (Major). Howard, E. C. (Captain). Store)', A. W. (Private). Military Medal. Mitchell, G. G. M. (Sergeant).