The fifth report of the Department of Agriculture, laid on the table of the House by the Minister of Lands, is in every respect as comprehensive and interesting as those of previous years. The Secretary for Agricul ture states that the harvest of 1896-7 may be considered only a medium one. Id tho North Island the crops were good, except iv Hawke's Bay, where, owing to the flood, a large proportion was entirely lost. The dry weather experienced from December tip to harvest in the Middle Island, with the exception of the southern portion of Otago, seriously interfered with the yield ; never theless it is satisfactory to note that prices have been well maintained, and, though the yields in many cases were small the enhanced values to some extent made up for the shortages. The oa' crop in Otago was fairly good, and, although the grain is somewhat discolored, there is considerable demand for all offering. Commenting on the decreased area in linseed, Mr Ritchie says this should not be, as it is most necessary such crops should be grown for the purpose of supple menting skim milk feed to calves. Referring to cultivation of beetroot for crushing pur poses, hu says: "I am extremely doubtful at present whether this industry can be suc cessfully inaugurated, owing principally to the cost of labor." He advocates the passing of n Noxious Weeds Bill, and points out that the longer the passage of the Bill ia delayed the greater will be the cost of eradication. Respecting the small bird pest, he says it is useless attempting to cope with the evil unless there is simultaneous action taken by the local bodies ; but he is afraid the pest will not appreciably diminish whilst the power remains with local bodies. The result of the year's work in connection with the wattle plantation at Wairangi is very encouraging. Referring to the butter in dustry, the report states that the output has increased, and that there is every prospect of a much larger increase in both butter and cheese for next season. Tho shipments of meat, during the year were : Mutton, 1,428,430 carcases, valued at £772,588 ; lamb, 781,539 carcases, valued at £309,724; beef, 22,892cwt, valued at £24,199. 