45

H.—29

Percentages of Hemp graded at the various Grading-ports.

Percentages of Tow graded at the various Grading-ports.

GRAIN-GRADING SERVICE. This service was maintained on the same voluntary lines as previously. During the greater part of the year the Chief Grain Grader, Mr. A. W. Smith, was mainly engaged in connection with the sampling and distribution of cargoes of Australian wheat forming part of the Government purchase, his services being lent to the New Zealand Wheat-controller for this purpose, fn regard to the Government purchase of the local wheat crop, provision was made in the regulations for disputes as to quality, &c, to be determined by a Government grader appointed for the purpose by the Board of Trade, and some work was carried out in this connection. Assistance was given by the Chief Grain Grader to trade organizations in formulating grades and standards for grain, chaff, potatoes, and onions. During the year an amalgamation of the North and South Island associations was effected under the name of the New Zealand Grain, Seed, and Produce Merchants' Federation. In terms of sale formulated by this body a section was embodied making the Government grader's certificate of quality final. This has resulted in a greater demand than formerly for these certificates. An effort was made by the federation to secure the. adoption of a uniform system of standards, but so far this has not been fully adopted by the local associations, PUBLICATIONS. Activities in connection with publications have been well maintained during the year. The circulation of the Journal has continued to expand and further penetrate every locality in the Dominion. Much testimony is received as to its appreciation by the agricultural community and readers generally, while increasing notice is given to it by scientific periodicals abroad. During the year the name of the publication was slightly amended by adopting the prefix " New Zoaland," thus making its full title The New Zealand Journal of Agriculture. The object was to distinctly connect the, name with this Dominion, and to bring the publication into line in this respect with similar State, journals at home and abroad. It may be mentioned, in passing, that the Journal does not seek to enter into competition with the, private agricultural press ; as an official publication and organ it necessarily has its own sphere and method. Although the acuteness of the paper position has been somewhat eased as regards supply, the price of paper has continued to rise, and printing activities have had to be largely governed by considerations of economy —this applying specially to the less essential publications. However, a considerable number of new bulletins or revised editions of existing ones have been issued during the year, and this form of literature has continued in steady demand. Among miscellaneous publications issued was a reprint of the summary of the American official report on the meat-packing industry in the United States, large numbers of which have been distributed for the information of our producers and traders. An expression of thanks and appreciation is due to the Journal contributors for their valued co-operation. The Editor also desires to acknowledge the good service of the Government Printing Office in connection with the Department's publications generally.

Grading-port. Auckland Foxton Wellington Napier Picton Lyttelton Dunedin and Bluff § Fine. Good-fair. tn 10-50 8-23 .. .. 0-33 8-20 46-13 .. .. 44-00 50-50 .. .. 42-70 50-70 4-70 High-fair. 44-00 66-00 60-30 40-90 5-50 6-60 31-28 Fair. 35-60 22-00 28-40 13-00 1 Common. 9-20 2-50 2-40 0-20 Rejected. 0-35 0-78 0-30 Condemned. 0-19 0-45 0-01 56-20 7-50 0-37 0-17

Grading-port. First Grade. Second Grade. j I Third Grade. Condemned. Auckland Foxton Wellington Picton Lyttelton Dunedin and Bluff I 2-40 29-50 47-70 82-00 45-90 42-55 60-20 46-70 15-50 54-10 59-30 47-60 9-90 5-00 2-50 7-55 0-27 0-60 36-30 4-40