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Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1922, Page 2

Thf. public interest in the annual meeting of the Westland A. and P. Association on Saturday was not as satisfactory as it might have been. When good work is being done by unofficial bodies in a voluntary manner, it is often the way to lot the willing ones carry on. Tn the case of tho Association, its members arc scattered, and there is a difficulty no doubt in attending conveniently a meeting from a distance. It is at least satisfactory to know that greater interest than usual was manifested in tho meeting, and that tho record showed a year of useful service. The remarks by the several speakers showed also an alertness as to the needs of the district from a pastoral point of view, and some of the m Fitters so pointedly mentioned by some of the fanners should be tjjken up actively by thf* As_

sociation. The value of the. winter school was rightly appraised. Arising but of that interesting event the thought occurs that the vetorinniy lectures given at that time found great favor with the settlers, and the matter might well he followed up by the Asso. ciation in endeavouring to secure more frequent visits from the veterinarystaff and other allied branches of the Agricultural Department. The visits in the past have been too few and far between. It is reasonable to expect that more frequent instructional visits might tie paid to the Coast generally, and if the Association took the matter up and pressed the question as it should something tangible might result. Another matter which should be pressed for by the Association is a visit from the Minister of Africulture. It is highly important that the head of the Department should visit Westland and inspect the various dairying and. stock producing centres up and down the district. If such a visit were secured, the matter of instructional visits from the experts should be more easily secured.