H.—29,

8

Compensation paid for Stock condemned. —During the year compensation to the extent of £12,726 became payable for 4,282 animals condemned under the Stock Act, and in addition the sum of £9,009 was paid for carcases or parts of carcases condemned on inspection at time of slaughter under the provisions of the Slaughtering and. Inspection Act, making a total amount for which the Consolidated Fund became liable during the year under the Acts named of £21,735, of which sum £21,323 was actually paid out. Against the expenditure of £12,726 under the Stock Act must be set credits amounting in all to £1,005 15s. 7d. Importation of Stud Stock from Abroad. —During the year some importations of valuable stud stock took place, particularly in dairying-cattle. The following are particulars : Cattle, 22 (5 Shorthorn, 14 Jersey, 3 Ayrshire) ; sheep, 10 (7 Hampshire', 3 English Leicester) ; swine 13 (8 Berkshire, -2 Tamworth, 3 Yorkshire) ; horses, 16 ; goats, 11 (10 Anglo-Nubian, 1 Toggenburg). The freight rates on imported stock are still very high, and it is sincerely to be hoped that the shipping companies will soon see their way to reduce them.* Destruction of the Kea. —The subsidy of ss. per beak offered by the Government in 1920 to encourage the destruction of the kea was continued throughout the year 1921-22, and resulted in 6,31.5 beaks being brought forward as evidence for claiming the subsidy. This wholesale slaughter should result in a considerable reduction in the loss of sheep attributed to this bird, particularly in certain parts of Canterbury and Otago. Inspection of Dairies supplying Milk to Towns. —The inspection and registration of all dairies and herels supplying milk for town consumption has been continued during the year, and with few exceptions the premises have been maintained, so far as possible, in a satisfactory condition. In some cases it has been difficult for the occupiers to maintain the premises in a wholly satisfactory condition owing to the buildings having been originally erected on unsuitable sites, and also to faulty construction, &c, but reasonably clean conditions are insisted upon, and on the whole licensees are always willing to comply with requirements. Importation of Animal-manures. —The importation of animal-manures from Australia showed a well-marked decrease on the previous year's total, and, as has happened previously, a considerable quantity of manure prepared according to our regulations and intended for export to New Zealand found a market elsewhere. This is unfortunate, as, in addition to the Dominion losing a valuable manure, the Department is put to the expense of supervising its preparation under New Zealand requirements ; but owing to it not being shipped to the Dominion no inspection fees arc payable. The decrease in the shipments was apparently caused by a falling-off in the demand from New Zealand, due largely to financial stringency. The quantity of bonedust imported from India, where we also have inspection, amounted! to 2,135 tons only. Sheep-dipping. —Lice and ticks on sheep and lambs exposed for sale are still frequently met with, largely, no doubt, as a result of insufficient care in dipping. Wallacevitte Laboratory. —Much of the work at this laboratory consists of the examination of pathological and other specimens, and the bacteriological examination of water-supplies, milk, and other products. A large number of samples of milk were from cases of suspected contagious mastitis. Observations on abortion disease were continued, and a number of doses of vaccine (living cultures) distributed. Contagious mastitis has received further attention from the point of view of curative treatment. Articles on both of thc latter diseases and the investigational work.were prepared by the officer in charge of the laboratory (Mr. H. A. Reid, F.R.C.V.S.) and published in the Department's Journal. A large quantity of blackleg vaccine was prepared and sent out. Experimental treatment for gastric worms in sheep was conducted with very satisfactory results. Wool Instructional Work. —Thc Wool Instructor was kept very busy during the year giving advice, lectures, and demonstrations to farmers on wool growing and handling. . It is satisfactory to note that a greater number of wool-proelucers are paying attention to the proper preparation of their clips for market. There is, however, still room for a great deal of 'improvement in this respect, and a further advance in this direction is anticipated. Instruction in Sivine Husbandry. —A steady demand for the services of the Instructor in Swine Husbandry was experienced, anel there is evidence that this work is having good results. The latest enumeration of pigs showed another substantial increase, and altogether this line of farming is getting on to a better footing than for some time past, in spite of the erratic values ruling during the year. Poultry. —A great development has been experienced in the poultry industry, and the confidence of producers has been greatly strengthened. Although large poultry plants are increasing, the bulk of the production still comes from the small settlers. In view of the possible development of an export trade in eggs in the near future the question of framing export regulations therefor will need to be considered. The Chief Poultry Instructor and his assistants have found it difficult to cope with the large amount of work and the calls for their services. The poultry-station which the Department has so long conducted at Milton, Otago, was closed elown at the enel of the year. This farm had done excellent work in the; dissemination of proved utility stock at reasonable prices throughout the Dominion, but it bad got entirely out of date in its general lay-out,, buildings, &c, and its closure was decided upon owing to the economy rendered necessary by the financial position. Thc poultry plant in connection with the Avonhead Demonstration Farm, which was established by the Repatriation Department for training soldiers, has now been taken over by the Department of Agriculture. This farm is laid out on up-to-date lines, while the stock, consisting of White; Leghorns, is of high utility anel l>ree>d quality. This, together with the modem methods of management adopted, makers the farm an important centre for demonstration purposes, and it is hoped to make it pay its way.

* Information is just to hand that the shipping companies will carry stud stock to the Dominion from Great Britain free of charge. This is most highly appreciated,