as would make it unnecessary to resort to estimates. In fact, it
must be recognised that the difficulties in the way of obtaining
precise or exact information in regard to the production of dairy
produce, meat, fruit, etc., are exceptionally great, and though
the broad general results obtained may be accepted with some
confidence a margin of error must necessarily exist in an enquiry
where so large a proportion of the units of production are small
and isolated, and where only a proportion of the producers keep
any records of their output.
A statement of the methods by which information has been
obtained is given in the body of the Report in connection with
the respective commodities.
In addition to all these particulars as to area of crops, number
of live stock and production both of crops and live stock products,
it is necessary, in order to obtain a general view of agriculture
as an industry and its relation to other industries, to take account
also of the value of the output, the capital and labour employed,
the prices obtained for the products, and the number and
character of the holdings into which the land of the country is
divided. These various subjects are dealt with in the Report
either by bringing together and summarising existing information
or by means of new information obtained in connection with
this enquiry.