292 WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND 



teaching of civic rights and duties, history and eco- 

 nomics, and everything making for a due appreciation 

 of the citizen's place in the Dominion, and the 

 Dominion's place in the world. 



Not so many difficulties arise in finding methods for 

 improving Nature's bounty, for our little country enjoys 

 a climate, with a few exceptions, second to none in the 

 world. Her soil is rich and fertile, and well watered 

 by numerous streams and rivers. A more rational 

 procedure with reference to manures would be of con- 

 siderable benefit; while progress in irrigation in places 

 would react very favourably, as, for example, in Central 

 Otago, where a rich soil is found with a rainfall of 

 little more than 10 inches. 



In marketing there are many possible improvements 

 to be desired. The most profitable advance would be 

 the establishment of a grading system, but there are so 

 many obstacles in the way that it is doubtful whether 

 at present it would be successful. But I would suggest 

 the establishment of some central institution to which 

 farmers might submit their samples for grading. After 

 being notified of the grade or sub-grade of their wheat, 

 they could place it on the market, either directly them- 

 selves, or indirectly through the institution. Millers 

 would no doubt regard the numerous varieties in New 

 Zealand as an obstacle to the adoption of such a scheme ; 

 they say that New Zealand soils yield wheats of widely 

 varying qualities. But our area is relatively small, and 

 when grading is possible for such wide tracts as the 

 Canadian wheat field, this objection is at first sight 

 hardly worth consideration. Upon close scrutiny of the 

 problem it is evident that the difficulties are not insuper- 

 able, while the advantages would outweigh the expenses 

 in administration. Such an organisation should supply 

 farmers and others with complete information in regard 

 to marketing, and might even arrange for marketing 



