Agricultural Department

The next matter was with regard to an agricultural department. The Sub-Committee's remarks were as follows:—"It is true that we now have a Minister of Agriculture, with a Secretary for Agriculture as well. This, however, is not sufficient for the requirements of the colony. We have only to look to Victoria and New South Wales, where it will be seen that the department of agriculture is a power for good. They have a staff of practical men at the head of each department of rural industry. They issue at short intervals journals containing matter of interest to all engaged in rural pursuits, which are of great value, as they contain the results of investigation made by the experts of the department, &c."

Mr Fitzroy moved—" That, in the opinion of this Conference, the establishment of a properly equipped expert Agricultural Department is urgently required in New Zealand." This, he took it, was one of the most important subjects that the Conference could have to consider. He would now cite from a pamphlet issued by Mr W. M. Maskell, who pointed out that though there was a Department of Agriculture, there was no official in a responsible position who could give advice and assist- page 10 ance to the settlers. This the Conference would agree was a true statement of the position of affairs here and contrasted with the well-equipped departments in Victoria and New South Wales. In order to give effect to the resolution he would suggest that a petition to Parliament should be prepared, to be signed by the Presidents of all the Agricultural Associations, and then by the Chairmen of the various Horticultural Associations, praying for the carrying into practical effect the idea of the resolution.

Mr Coleman Philips seconded the motion with great pleasure.

Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., said he supported the motion with pleasure. It was a misnomer to say that there had been a Department of Agriculture in the past, as they really had nothing of the kind. When they considered the vast sums spent on the gold mining industry it was wonderful that the premier industry of the colony should have been allowed to go without any great encouragement.

The motion was put and carried.

Mr Fitzroy then moved—"That with a view to carrying the above resolution into practical effect, a petition to Parliament be prepared, to be signed by the Presidents of the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, the Horticultural Societies, and the Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce; and that the petition be presented at next session of Parliament."

Mr Coleman Philips seconded the motion, which was carried.

The dairy industry question next came under discussion, and the following remarks were made by the sub-Committee :—