Visit of Agricultural Expert.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1922, Page 1

Visit of Agricultural Expert.

AN INFORMATIVE ADDRESS.

LECTURE BY MAJOR STAFFORD.

Major Stafford M.R.C.V.S., the expert of the Department of Agriculture visited the Araliura Valley lant evening and delivered an interesting address to the farmers. There was a capital attendance upwards of fifty residents lieing present. Mr D. Jellie vice-president of the Westland A. and P. Association presided and in introducing Major Stafford mentioned that the visit of the officer had been secured by the activities of the Wastlnnd IA. and P. Association and he urged the settlers of the district to give evenassistance to that body which was a live one that was doing its best in the interests of and advancement of the district. Tn welcoming Major Stafford he voiced the pleasant recollections many of those present had of

his visit to the district at tihe time of the Winter School and how they had appreciated the lectures and informotion given on t-hat occasion. Major Stafford at once delved into his subject—" The care and treatment of Stock.” He first traversed the history of cattle-breeding in Britain from the early days to the present time, and after dealing with tho breeds as in New Zealand to-day, finally finished

up with references to the diseases that dairy cattle arc subject to in tho dairying districts. After referring at some length to the early breeds of cattle in Britain, and the herds now in New Zealand, Major Stafford referred to matters of interest in their rotation, including individuality of herds, breeds and their breeding, season of calving, time of sen-ice. period of lactation, length of dry period, ago of herds, feed or food supply, and abnormal circumstances. In the course of his very interesting address that was very- clearly given, tho lecturer mentioned that a cow when in the flush of its milking gave one-two hundredth part of its season’s yield; that the average yield of butter fat for New Zealand was 1801bs for the season, that winter reivers arc the best suppliers of milk, that a cow gives its best yield when 8 years old. Up to that time its yield gradually improved and after that the yield declined. That to give 1 libs of butter fat, a cow giving a test of 3.2") required to yield •J6ilbs of milk, while a cow giving a

test of r>% only required to give 30lbs o.f milk for the same result; that the percentage yield of butter fat, l>v a cow cannot be controlled by the qua - ity of feed, that was simply s -natter of heredity. Continuing the lest ir?r dealt with diseases of cattle, and at length explained the proper methbds of dealing with the several diseases and ailments giving in concise terms the proper procedure to he taken to give relief and to effect a cure as the case may be. Over two hours passed rapidly by before the lecturer concluded his address and invited his audience to ask any questions that they desired. There was a. ready supply of questions on various ailments affecting herds, and the replies were given promptly and clearly in a most concise manner, i Then the Chairman (Mr .Tellie) expressed their hearty appreciation of the capable and instructive address given, and the hope that they would have the opportunity of hearing ftiri ther addresses from Major Stafford at an early date. I Major Stafford assured them that he had fully enjoyed giving the address and that it was the duty of the i Agricultural Department to give as much information and instruction as i was possible to those who required it. Tlie gathering them concluded shortly 'before 11 o’clock, general satisfaction being expressed at the very valuable information supplied. Maojr Stafford is visiting tho Koi-ternngi-Kokntahi district to-day. Tomorrow lie goes north, travelling as far as Murchison and returning from Reefton to Hokitika on Thursday next, when it is proposed to pay a visit to Hari Hari.