H.—29

Pigs The incidence of disease in pigs remains about the same as in previous years. No serious disease has been reported. During the year regulations were brought down requiring all garbage fed to pigs to be boiled before use. This precaution is very necessary to prevent the possible introduction of contagious disease from the use of unboiled garbage. Swine Husbandry The report of Mr. H. M. Peirson, Acting Superintendent of the Pig Industry, is submitted herewith :— " During the year ending March, 1944, there has been a decrease of approximately 13 per cent, in the number of pigs slaughtered. On a tonnage basis, however, the decrease is not so serious, due to the greater percentage of baconers produced and also the increased weight range for bacon pigs.

" The present position as compared with the past five years is set out in the following table for the years ended 31st March : —

" There is little question that the falling-off in the number of pigs slaughtered is bound up with a reduction of the number of cows milked, which, in turn, is due to a decrease in the amount of labour available and the unfavourable seasons during the past two years. " In a forecast of production given last May it was estimated that the slaughtering of pigs would be 750,000 and 680,000 for the years ending March and September, 1944, respectively. The killing for the March period fell short by 23,718 pigs. " National Pig Industry Council.—lt can be said that District Pig Councils have performed valuable service to producers under very grave difficulties. From their reports it can be shown that their activities in the field have been responsible for many improvements to the accommodation and housing of pigs. The condition in which pigs arrive at the works, and the improvement in the percentage of first-quality carcasses, provide evidence of the untiring efforts of Supervisors and District Pig Councils alike." Meat Inspection and Slaughter of Stock In spite of staffing difficulties the standard of inspection of all meat and meat products has been effectively maintained throughout the year. The numbers of stock slaughtered at meat-export slaughterhouses were 2,807,321 sheep, 10,300,597 lambs, 428,616 cattle, 989,406 calves, and 592,940 swine ; and at abattoirs 923,581 sheep, 209,843 lambs, 191,615 cattle, 51,256 calves, and 84,142 swine. Importation and Exportation op Stock The following stock were imported during the year : cattle, 1 ; sheep, 159 ; horses, 2. In addition, 6 goats, 14 horses (thoroughbreds), 17 dogs, and a number of pigeons were dealt with at ports on arrival from Australia. During the year the following animals were exported to Australia : horses, 15 ; cattle, 23 ; sheep, 129 ; pigs, 2 ; dogs, 11. In addition, a considerable number of poultry have been exported to island territories. Dairy Inspection The inspection of premises, plants, and herds used in the production of the milk-supply to the consuming public has been maintained. Owing to the dry autumn there was great difficulty in ensuring an adequate supply of milk for the main centres, some smaller towns also being affected. The normal registered suppliers were unable to meet the demand in several centres and milk had to be obtained from other approved sources during the weeks of acute shortage. Poultry Mr. F. C. Bobby, Superintendent of Poultry Husbandry, comments as follows : — " The main feature during the year has been a drive for increased egg-production, which appears to have met with success in the North Island, particularly in the Auckland Province, but it has received little support in the South Island. " Thirty-six poultry-farmers in the North Island were granted Government loans for expanding their poultry plants, involving a sum of £20,790, while eighteen poultry-farmers in the South Island received £3,961 for the same purpose.

5

v Total Pigs As As As Tonnage of ar " killed. Bacon. Pork. Choppers. Moat. 1939 .. .. .. 1,039,767 413,757 626,010 46,000 1940 .. .. .. 829,759 462.992 366,767 .. 42,000 1941 .. .. 982,169 633,969 312,288 35,912 55,300 1942 . .. 998,172 473,232 500,931 24,000 52,000 1943 .. .. 834,628 430,974 370,726 26,928 47,000 1944 .. .. 726,282 422,849 281,163 22,270 40,000