FARMERS ON TOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1924, Page 4

FARMERS ON TOUR.

VISIT TO WESTLAND. (By one of the party in tin- ” Lyl teiton Times.” ) Some time ago. when it been me known that- Hokitika, bad decided to bold an Exhibition, the Knngiora branch of the Fanm-rs' t’oioo believed it to lie an opportunity to get in touch with M ost land and the farmers there, and linking up with the Rangiorn borough and County Council, mrebants and others, a good collection of the district's products was obtained. and a. Imy was taken anil named the Rangiora Bay. w herein the produets for which there had been some iiupiiry. are shown. Later it was decided to visit the Exhibition, and also to meet the fanners there and lo obtain impressions of AVe.-llaml from a Cantrbury farmer's point of view. Whilst we were on the Coast, '.re were favoured with really good wee. Ihc-r. which enabled us to got around to view the district in sunshine and comfort. When we left Canterbury, we said good-bye to a strong nor’ wester. a series of which has luti ed tanner.., of late so much, angieiy '.••ocerning their crops and .stock, :c, -dd feed had been withered off l!:_::t Ih-gr rendition- m. doubt conn'd"!!'-d to our ability, on emerging into We.-t’aml. !•> enjoy the rain, waterlalls and wonderful greenness and freshness all along the route. The native trees were wonderful to us. The graccitil red pines and rata trees in bloom came in for special admiration, and one heard from members of the party high oilers for an aero transferred to a corner on their farms, when some mixed spot oi forest, fern and waterfall came into view. Though little of the land near the rail appealed to us for larming. however, there' wore exceptions, as

lioar Tnchbomiie we passed a large tract of dairying land. On arrival at Hokitika we were met. by prominent residents, and received a warm welcome. We visited the Exhibition, and on all sides one hoard surprise expressed at 'its size and quality. Hokitika people deserve much praise on and success in their enterprise. AYe were naturally very interested in the exhibits pertaining to farm produce, and particularly in the Rangiora bay. It was pleasing to notice such a line display of grass and clover as was shown from the farm of Mr M’l.ean in the district which proved to us that somewhere there was good pasture land.

The AVesLland Farmers' Union and I 'regress League arranged a meeting, to which we were welcomed, and greetings were exchanged and several important matters of mutual '.interest were discussed. Reference was made to the educational facilities for an agricultural training at the Rangiora High School, which would immensely benefit students from the West Coast, as they would obtain an insight into the Canterbury methods of larming. manuring, etc.

Eater we I mil tlie opportunity of seeing dairying land which in ijuality exceeded all our expectations. In the districts of Koiterangi and KoUatahi, we inspected hath good grazing land and fine cattle. The land we saw in the Hnribari district presented such vast possibilties that it would require a special article to deal with it, and as we understand that in many parts of Westland there are large areas awaiting development. I cannot refrain from here pointing out some of Westland’s natural advantages as they appealed to us. in view of the position which our produee holds on thovworld’s market, especially our butter, which to-day is by far the most valuable of any of our exports. The growing export, of bacon, eggs. etc., calls clearly for some hold and comprehensive scheme whereby the fullest advantages ran be taken of these fertile lands, endowed as they are with good water, without which dairying is impossible, and for power, which is invaluable. lime deposits, metalled roads, shelter and timber for thoitands of homes, and buildings, also coal. These, linked with scientific and expert working. would place Westland in the forefront its a dairying centre. When these possibilities /are contemplated and their value truly estimated. they appear most worthy of the attention of statesmen and others who desire to sec Xew Zealand settled with people of British stock, somewhat on the lines of Canterbury, in group settlement. There is evidence now before us that the people of Europe arc combining together, especially the dairying people of Holland and Switzerland.

with a. view to emigrating to these shores to carry on the dairying or which they have such an extensive knowledge having had to dairy without the natural advantages which we enjoy. It: the cold and snow-bound countries of Europe the winters make necessary the housing of stock with all Hie labour this entails, which happily here we know nothing 01. Realising as we do the value and future of dairying for export, and so a means of settling onr country, we believe that now is the supreme opportunity to approach this matter in the light of the knowledge we possess, it should enable us to go deeper Umu the cooperative dairy factory does at present, wherein it takes the produce from the producer. A scheme could he evolved that would on co-opera-tive iiiii-s acquire a district block of land, sub-divide it. into sections capable of carrying up to sl> cows each, build on each section a house, milking shed. etc., supervise the grade ol cow, breed ol hull, selection of grasses lor pasture, evolve a breed of cattle, if necessary, suitable for the dairy herd of Westland where feed is soft, on account of the large rainfall, tnorcb.' at times affecting the test. Here men with some capital and experience could at once start. On these Lr.es one could see on blocks such as Jlarihari a. good settled people enjoying social and educational advantages instead of iseiation. It is our considered opinion that H e settling of Westland oil tight lines and increasing our export ol more value and lasting bouelit than the gold-miuning, important. no doubt. Us ibis is.

We were also given a chance to see .something of the gold-mining as carried or near Hokitika, visiting the Ilium dredge, which is driven by liighpower electric motors, and we marvelled at the strides science had made in this industry since the days of pick, shovel and pan. This also showed Mis that dairying methods are capable yet of great advancement. Already we see the result of the increased dairy interest, in the opening of new factories to deal with the output. The laetory recently opened at Hokitika possesses many new tcatures. aliloiigsi which is the workshop attached for repairs of farmers’ .separators. and supply of spare parts. Ibis miisi meet a. long-felt want. Me hope in the future to see in cun,inaction with the factory a bacon and egg export business. We are charmed with the scenery m Lake Kanieri. Hokitika Gorge and other places visited. The district hat undoubtedly the highest value I rum a tourist point of view. and settlers from any part of .Yew Zealand or Britain would gain and not lose hv residing in Westland. Although our visit was short, we were loaded with kindness, and can assure for farmers and others visiting the Coast and Exhibition a feast o! scenery, a view o! good laud. and every attention from the Exhibition Committee. Progress League and Farmers’ Cnioti. provided a reasonable notice is given of any intended visit. (Ini- party returned v.itb lid- proviso We lire coming back again.