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Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1926, Page 2

In regard to the. subject referred to in the foregoing it is not inopportune to refer again to the wider use of the land in Westland. More should be known about the treatment of land in occupation with a view to increasing its productivity. Cropping with our variable seasons cannot be .successfully engaged in year after year, but in the growing of grass and winter fodder there is room for much improvement. It is probable that with the introduction of the motor tractoi more ploughing will be done, tor o' late years ploughing has become almost a lost art, so little of it lias been done. If,much of the land which has for long lain fallow, were turned over now, there would be an increased growth returned, but without further attention with fertilisers, the return will not be maintained. It is a fact that Clio more that is pul into land along right lines, the more will l.e got nut of it. The class of education most acceptable here would he instruction as to ti'oatmeiiit of soils and

knowledge imparted along those lines woiild do a great deal to assure the permanent 1 , prosperity of Westland. With regard to waste lands, something might lie clone also to bring them into profitable use. There are

many areas where settlers are struggling hnj elcssly because they lack the scientific knowledge as to the right treatment, of the land. And in regard to swamp lands, there is a very extenyive area 'in Westland which could and should be* utilised. While

prices are low it is essential to increase product ion as a means to secure* an adequate inflow of money for exportable preducts. The land is the primary factor ie that, end. and reef of course, comes the stock. Instruction in regard to these matters would bo of value to those on the land, and is the class of knowledge of the most practical kind. The government could help greatly bv extending the- scheme of sending instructors through the w*ltied districts, and alfonl ample tine for a useful series of lectures or instructional classes applicable to local conditions. This lias not been done as it might in the past, but there is the need for it, and the task might "’ell he taken n,** as essential to lie!" build im the fortunes of llic primary industries on tin* soundest basis possible. A progressive* movement along the lines indicated would certainly be welcomed in this district.