1324
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 61

The following figures show how the wheat-crop of 1897-98 was disposed of:—
Wheat on hand at 15th February, 1898 .. .. .. .. 5,620,521 bushels.
Wheat imported from 15th February to 15th November .. 17,969 bushels.
Flour " 417 tons = 19,599 "
————
37,568 "
Less wheat exported for same period .. 9,729 bushels.
Less flour " 397 tons = 18,659 "
————
28,388 " 9,180 "

Total available for period 15th February to 15th November, 1898 .. .. 5,629,701

This was dealt with as follows:—
Seed required for 400,389 acres for threshing, chaffing, ensilage,
and feeding down, at 2 bushels per acre .. .. 800,778 bushels.
Consumption on an average population of 772,000 for period 15th
February to 15th November, at 6 bushels per head per annum 3,474,000 "
Old wheat on hand at 15th November .. .. .. 1,622,037 "
————
5,896,815 "
————
Apparent deficiency .. .. .. .. .. .. 267,114 "

In the final return of last year (see New Zealand Gazette of 26th July, 1898) a surplus of 291,119 bushels was shown,
but this must be reduced by 100,778 bushels used for seed in excess of that estimated, leaving only 190,341 bushels of a
surplus. This shortage may be attributed to either of the following causes:—
(1.) Owing to the drought, a large area, estimated at 30,000 acres, was deducted from the acreage under wheat
for threshing. It is just possible that this was over-estimated. Or—
(2.) The consumption may have been less than 6 bushels per head on the population—(a) owing to the high
price of bread, or (b) a decreased quantity fed to pigs and poultry.

The estimate of 6 bushels per head for consumption for all purposes may be too liberal an allowance, but it is somewhat
difficult to arrive at the exact figures.

Oats: For threshing there were 417,320 acres, or an increase of 62,501 acres over last year. The yield is also
very much higher, and, as a considerable proportion of this crop is grown in the south of the Middle Island, the quality
should be above the average.

Barley: For threshing there were 45,671 acres, or an increase of 15,751 acres. The yield is likewise much higher, but,
unfortunately, much of the grain was discoloured owing to the wet.

Maize: There were 18,539 acres, or an increase of 3,702 acres over last year. In Whakatane and Tauranga
Counties the caterpillars caused considerable damage, estimated at 8 bushels per acre. Very little threshing has yet
been done, therefore only an estimate of the yield is given.

Peas, Beans, and Tares: The acreage under these varies very little; the yield, however, is higher.

Linseed: It will be observed that there is a very large reduction in the area returned—only 469 acres, as against 1,017
acres the previous year. With the demand there is for the seed it is difficult to account for the apathy shown by farmers
with regard to this crop.

Rye-grass: The area under this heading for seed is as follows:—
Land ploughed .. .. 63,412 acres.
Land not ploughed .. .. 2,883 "
———— 66,295 acres, at 25·01 bushels per acre .. 1,657,482 bushels.
Seed on hand at 15th November, 1898 .. .. .. .. 60,375 "
————
Available for disposal, 1898-99 .. .. .. .. 1,717,857 "

Where the crop was saved in good order there should be some very prime samples of seed. Several phenomenal yields
are reported from the South—from 50 to 70 bushels per acre.

Cocksfoot: The area under this crop is as follows:—
Land ploughed .. .. 5,390 acres.
Land not ploughed .. .. 40,885 "
———— 46,275 acres, at 150 lb. per acre .. 6,943,039 pounds.
Seed on hand at 15th November, 1898 .. .. .. .. 1,012,491 "
————
Available for disposal, 1898-99 .. .. .. .. 7,955,530 "

Potatoes: The area under this crop is increased by 2,202 acres; and the yield is given at 7·73 tons per acre, as against
4·95 tons last year. The tubers are reported to be of good quality.

J. D. RITCHIE,
Secretary.