I 



PREFACE V 



conclusions of pure economics, while at the same time using 

 theoretical knowledge for the explanation of particular phe- 

 nomena. In this way the problem has been attacked from 

 the two sides deduction and induction with, I hope, due 

 appreciation of both pure theory and historical analysis. 



The sources of information have been many and varied. 

 The "Statistics of New Zealand," as published from year to 

 year, contain statistics of production, acreage and yield, for 

 the separate provinces since 1869; of importation and expor- 

 tation since 1853; of population since 1853; and of rainfall, 

 wind, temperature, etc., at several meteorological stations since 

 the early sixties. It is not necessary to point out here the 

 defects in this information. They are adequately indicated in 

 the text. "The New Zealand Official Year Book," issued 

 annually since 1892, gives a complete summary of the statistics, 

 but does not contain adequate analysis and explanation. Useful 

 articles, however, on agriculture and related subjects, appear 

 from time to time, and these have been drawn on extensively. 

 Much information has been collected directly from farmers, 

 and though the result of the quest was not wholly encouraging, 

 it was not altogether fruitless. The other sources of information 

 I have set out in the Bibliography, where a complete list of 

 the books and publications used is given. But I must mention 

 particularly Dondlinger's "Book of Wheat," Hunt's "Cereals 

 in America," and Mcllraith's "Course of Prices in New 

 Zealand," all of which have been of the most valuable service. 

 Where the work of others has been drawn upon, it has been 

 duly acknowledged, though much of it is presented in different 

 form. But most of the work of this essay is the result of 

 first-hand information from official sources, as given in the 

 "Statistics of New Zealand," and "The Official Year Book." 

 The results of personal investigations among farmers and others 

 connected with the industry, together with practical experience 

 in rural work, have also proved very valuable, while the services 

 rendered by investigators in other countries, notably Australia 

 and the United States, are inestimable. 



A treatise on rural economics for the Dominion should prove 

 pleasant reading, quite apart from the wealth of information 

 which it would contain for the economist, the student, and the 

 general public. Such a work is scarcely yet contemplated in 

 New Zealand, but it is hoped that the present study of only 

 a small section of the whole field, may stimulate sufficient 

 interest for the enterprising student to undertake the more 



