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Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1924, Page 2

Tiik Government, stated the Minister of Agriculture this week, has decided to discontinue the Moumahnki experimental farm as a State farm. It is proposed to sub-divide the property into four leasehold farms, all of which will ho admirably suited for dairying. In coming to this decision Cabinet further decided that revenue derived from the property should be expended in instructional co-operative experimental work on that portion of the west coast of the North Island lying between Wanganui and New Plymouth. This will enable a su Itsidy to he provided for a demonstration dairy farm to he established by local effort near New Plymouth and also enable ;i>n extension in the directions of agricultural instruction ami agricultural research, to be brought about in the above mentioned area. The Moumahnki farm is now being surveyed and the sub-divisions will shortly he open for settlement. 'lbis farm has done excellent work in the past and has boon an important factor in the improvement. of agricultural conditions on the const, It“ has, however, largely fulfilled the object for which it was originally established, ami it is felt that far greater benefit will he derived by the farming community by leasing tile property ami utilising the revenue on direct agricultural instruction work than by retaining the farm in its present capacity. The arrangement for utilising the revenue from Moumahnki leases in the manner set out above cannot he given effect without legislation, and it is proposed to introduce this as soon as possible after RsiHhunciit meets.