MANGATOKI.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 15 July 1924, Page 7

MANGATOKI.

FARMERS’ UNION SOCIAL, AN INTERESTING GATHERING. There was an attendance of over seventy at the Mangatoki Hall on Friday evening, on the occasion of the annual prize-giving social held by the Mangatoki branch of the Farmers’ Union. The function took the form of a. smoke concert and social, during the course of which a great deal of interesting discourse of importance to farmers took place. A number of items in song and story, added to the enjoyment of the evening. The social achieved a. most encouraging success, which reflects great credit upon the capable branch secretary (Mr H. Thrush), and those who worked with him in the organisation. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs 0. Hawkcn. M.R., A. Tait, R. H. Free (president Matapu branch), J. Cocker (president Rawhitiroa branch), and R. F. Page. Following the loyal toast, Mr A\". E. Carter, president of the branch, proposed ‘‘The Visitors.” On behalf of the branch lie extended a sincere welcome to the many visitors, and expressed appreciation of the courtesy which had promoted -their attendance at the gathering. He explained that tne smoke concert and social was the first of its kind held by the branch on the occasion of the annual presentation of prizes, this having previously been done at- the annual ball. This year, however, the smoke concert had been inaugurated, as it was considered it would offer better facilities for a fuller discussion of union affairs and matters

relating to farming interests, and he was pleased to note that the venture had been well received. He referred to the interest created in the work of the union by such gatherings. Mr R. G. Treweek (secretary Matapu branch), iiii responding, complimented the Mangatoki branch on the success achieved by them. .He agreed with Mr Carter that such gatherings served an admirable purpose in bringing farmers together and affording the opportunity for the exchange of opinions concerning their occupation, and the directions in which the union could best assist them. It was to- the farmers’ own interests to assist the union movement, and he would like to see it supported strongly and consistently. They were being constantly confronted with problems and difficulties affecting the farming community as a whole, and if they could maintain the union as a numerically strong and fully representative organisation, they would be provided with a medium for giving expression in the right quarters to- their requirements, and of dealing effectively with matters relating to their welfare. In proposing “The Department of Agriculture,” Mr J. P. Marx said that the future progress and wealth of the country rested primarily with, the men on the land. Of recent years the methods employed in the pursuit of farming, had shown a gireat advancement, and the occupation was being greatly developed as the result of scientific research. It was becoming more and more of a science, and in this country farmers were indebted to the Department of Agriculture for the important information and the knowledge made available as the result of the Department's work. The speaker made complimentary reference to the activities in the Taranaki province and elsewhere of Mr J. W. Deem, and described him as “The farmers’ friend.” The work being carried out by the demonstration farms and schools conducted by the (department .was highly beneficial. He had himself been privileged to attend some of the latter, and had learnt, a

great deal. He urged all farmers to take full advantage of the valuable opportunities afforded by the Department in gleaning knowledge which could be used with advantage by them.

Mr J. AY, Deem said the- aim of the Department- was to do all that it possibly could in the direction of helping the- farmer. As instancing one of the many reasons which rendered research imperative if the best results were to be obtained in agriculture, heV,referred to the rapid passing of the rich fertility possessed by the soil of the country in its virgin state. To replace that manures were used extensively, but naturally were effective only when they were of t-hec-ight composition. By systematic analysis or manures placed on the. market, the Department was able to ascertain their suitablity and to protect purchaser from imposition. Dealing with foodstuffs for stock, Mr Deem said farmers had now to supplement natural foods with fodder crops. By judicious top-dressing, however, they could obtain excellent results from sown pastures. Treating this subject at length, he strongly advised that once a good pasture was down it- should be maintained by fertilising and the plough kept out. He explained that every type of grass threw out roots annually, and if .the fertiliser were used at that time the pasture wouid flourish. Mr Deem also referred to tne work of the Farm Schools, through which the Department endeavoured to place the results of its investigations at the disposal of the farmers. He congratulated the Mangatoki branch of the union on the organisation of the evening’s function, expressing himself as particularly pleased to note the presence of so many of the younger generation, and m conclusion spoke with approval ol the increasing interestevinced in the affairs of the union by women farmers and farmers’ wives and daughters. Mr C. E. AicGuinness. who proposed “The Dairy Industry,” made an interesting comparison of the farming methods used in the early days pricy to the institution of machines and factories, with those adopted by the up-to-date farmer of the present day. He referred to the occasion many years ago when the late the Hon. Lt.'j/ Seddon had urged primary producers to aim at placing the export at £1,000,000 annually. Those exports had to-day 'reached somewhere m the vicinity of £18,000.000. and the figures were still mounting. He ascribed the big advance as being mainly due to the “ginger” infused into their work by those engaged in the industry, and with the greatly improved facilities which were available to the rising generation, they should, if they put that same “ginger” into the work, he able to send the export figures up to the £30,000.000. In responding. Mr G. H. Buekeridge dealt in an interesting manner with many points relating to the history and development of the industry. He had been closely -connected ' with the dairying industry for many years, and, (referring to co-operative dairying, thought be could claim to have delivered the first public address on the subject in the Eltham district. The idea was then new to Taranaki, though not to other parts of the world. At that time he had looked forward to seeing a federation of co-operative dairy concerns in Taranaki, and during tile last week or so the. movement had begun to

take shape. The. interior hotter pro'duced under tlie old conditions had been one oi' the- reasons why the possibility of on-operat-inn was considered. The proposition had naturally mot with much adverse comment, hut its promoters had. h.v dint of consistent hard work succeeded in their aims.

They must, however, take care to organise on sound lines for the benefit of the whole. Dealing' with the industry from the standpoint of the individual farmers, he stated that the first essential was the ability to assess the value of their commodity. Those who. were ignorant of that value must necessarily suffer at the hands of those in possession of the knowledge. The supplier to the factory should be able to gauge correctly the amount of cheese or butter which should be produced for tjfvery lOOlbs of milk: supplied. Education could be effected through dairy schools, the instit'fition of which had been urged upon the Government, but he urged the factories to combine and act for themselves. He hoped that one of the benefits which would -result front the federation previously referred to would be the establishment of schools and laboratories which would afford the necessary instruction of the elimination of wastage. If, through the schools, a saving of only 1 per cent- were effected, the schols could be maintained 'and a big saving to the industry shown. One per cent,, he added, on the exports from Patea, in the vicinity of £2,000,000 annually, would be £20,000, and it was assumed that a. school would cost only £SOOO. showing the great saving to the industry. The speaker also dealt with the advisabxjrity of considering the consumers’ requirements, in order that New Zealand cheese should maintain a high place on the British markets, and stressed the necessity for absolute cleanliness in milk supplied to the factories.

Mr C. F,. McGuinness proposed “The Donors,” the proposer making fitting reference to the appreciation felt and the help and impetus given to the branch competitions through the courtesy of those who had donated prizes.. Mr Webster, who responded, thought that functions such as the. one organised bv the Mangatoki branch should prove of great value in maintaining interest in the Farmers’ Union movement, and that no one could iiul to be impressed with the valuable truths expounded. He agreed with Mr Buckeridge that farmers were not yet sufficiently self-reliant, and that they would more greatly benefit if J hey put their sliouldeß to the wheel and helped' themselves. He related the rction of pig breeders of the Argentine in dealing with swine fever. He referred to the fine growths produced in'the South Taranaki district, and urged that full advantage be taken of every opportunity to acquire knowledge which would enable the better exploitation of the natural resources afforded.

“The Farmers’ Union” was proposed by Mr A. Sulzberger, who said he hoped the full significance of the movement and the benefits they could gain by giving it their whole-hearted support, would be realised by farmers throughout the country. Mr Buekeridge said they must obviously induce the younger generation to take an interest in the movement if its future progress was to be assured. The boys and girls clubs were doing much in that direction. The agricultural competitions organised by the clubs had been of great educational value. He instanced the case of an Okaiawa girl competitor who had cultivated a pilot of mangolds averaging 152 tons to the acre. He referred to the work of the numerous branch competitions as a splendid means of stimulating interest in the union and encouraging a higher ' standard in farm work generally, and in conclusion appealed to his hearers to use every endeavour to secure continued and increasing support to the union. The health of “The Ladies” was proposed by Mr H. Thrush, Air C. .Nicholas responding. Tire proposer stated that the Mangatoki branch, in common with other branches of the union, owed a great deal to the intelligent interesttaken in its affairs by the ladies of the district, and the valued assistance given in the organisation and carrying out of social functions.

“The Press” was proposed by Mr Carter and responded to by the Hawera Star representative. Mr Carter paid a tribute to the services rendered by the press in disseminating information helpful to those engaged in farming pursuits, and in giving publicity to the affairs of the union. On the conclusion of the toast list, the prizes won in the branch root competition were presented by All* J. ; A\ r . Deem, who said he had to compliment the ATangatoki branch on the improvement shown. From their previous position well down in branch competitions list, tliov had this year advanced to one of prominence. -Cultivation was better than it bad ever been, but there was yet room for improvement. He hoped thev would show as big an improvement next year as they had this season in both quality and numbers. The prizes presented were as follow : C. Brock, silver cup awarded annually to competitor securing highest aggregate of points. C. Brock. Ist turnips (Hodder and Tolley’s special), seeds or manure valued £2 2s; 2nd turnips. £1 ; 2nd carrots. £l.

J. P. Marx. Ist mangolds (Farmers’ Co-op. special), 1 ton manure. J. ATcGuinness, Ist carrots (Webster Bros.’ special), value £2 2s; 3rd mangolds (Air. Jacob Marx’s' special), one year’s subscription to Farmers’ AVeekly. T. H. Fever. Ist swedes (C. A. Wilkinson and Co.’s special). W. E. Carter. 2nd mangolds, £l. A. T. Sulzberger, 2nd swedes, £l. C. T. Nicholas, 3rd carrots. 10s.' C. W. Carlson. 3rd turnips, 10s. A. J. Rrestidge. 3rd- swedes, l()s.

Supper was provided by a ladies’ committee, consisting of the following: Atesdames C. E. AlcGuinness, \\ r . E. Carter, A. J. Rrestidge. T. Gifford, and A. Gant.

During supper Mi- Carter, as president of the branch, expressed appreciation of Mr Doom’s courtesy in attending and presenting the prizes, and further thanked him for the helpful information he at all times placed at the disposal of farmers. Mr Carter also

thanked the ladies for the assistance given at the function, and Messrs J. D. McQuin, F. Silver, G. H. Bn eke ridge, P. M. Pratt, and L. Pease for items contributed. He was pleased to announce that nine new members had been enrolled during the evening, and hoped that others would be forthcoming. He also intimated that at a field day being organised for the purpose on the 22nd inst. Mr R. B. Wood (Government veterinarian) would afford a practical demonstration of veterinary work and the anatomy of a beast. An animaj was being donated for the occasioii bv Mr T. Perry.