Agriculture in New Zealand

Abstract

IN opening the annual Dominion Conference of the New Zealand Farmer's Union at Wellington, Lord Bledisloe, the Governor-General, reviewed some of the current problems of the agricultural industry. After expressing the view that in no other country has the farmer brighter prospects, he urged the need for ‘planning’ control if economic success is to be realised. The lack of uniformity that still exists in both the dairy and cattle industries of New Zealand is preventing the extension of markets, and the elimination of second-rate produce must be effected as soon as possible. This cannot be brought about by Government intervention or control, but lies in the hands of the farmers themselves. Comparison with successful agricultural countries, such as Denmark, shows that this type of self-organisation is the most satisfactory. Speaking with reference to the cattle industry, Lord Bledisloe deplored the continuation of the embargo imposed on the importation of British livestock. The measures adopted in Great Britain for the suppression of epidemics such as foot-and-mouth disease are so drastic, he said, that the risk of introducing this complaint into New Zealand is nil. On the other hand, the loss to their cattle industry (especially in view of the present hopeful prospect of a remunerative trade in chilled beef and bacon pigs) is a very serious matter. In general, the outlook for the future is a hopeful one, but harmonious co-operation between town and country, factory and farm must be achieved if a lasting prosperity is to be assured.