The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the west Coast Times TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 1926. PASTORAL PROSPECTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the west Coast Times TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 1926. PASTORAL PROSPECTS.

There is a contributed article/ in this issue in which the writer refers to the success of the late winter show at Kokatalii. and while appreciating the general excellence of the exhibits, drives pointed attention to a serious defect in farming in the district generally. The matter was mentioned by one of the speakers at the opening of the show when reference was made to the backwardness of some of the farm lands, which are falling behind in productivity. The deterioration referred to, however, seems to be rather general, for on the recent visit of the Min-

ister of Lands he referred to the same .subject, and spoke of what was happening in a like way ill farms even in tlie North Island. Indeed he drew a. gloomy picture in respect to some of the instances lie gave, and we do not believe that on the Coast matters are drifting to the same degree. Rut there is ail obvious backwardness noticeable through the failure of grasses and the steady decline of pasture paddocks. It is not due altogether to a lack of cultivation, for there are instances where cultivation lias failed to check the decline. There was a theory at one time that overworked land would recover ii allowed to be fallow for a period, hut while that process of rest is more or less successful in some instances, there are many more where the land fails to recover, but a.ctualv continues to go back. In preference therefore to cultivation, there is the disposition now to top dress more frequently, and that process seems to afford the best e tlence of results, but there is something in knowing the right kind of fertiliser, and for that purpose there is needed some knowledge of agricultural chemistry. If would appear with so much rainfall here, and Ihe natural acidity of the soil due to the original crop of timber or verdure growth which occupied the land, liming paddocks lias given very useful results. There are

many instances where apparently poor soil in itself treated with lime in generous quantity, has responded luxuriantly. and as a necessary foundation and a beginning in fertilising, the use of lime cannot he much amiss. But it is not sufficient in itself to maintain pastures indefinitely. Other fertilisers are required, and the farmer may guage the position by patient experiment, that is a slow process and may he even costly. More expert knowledge should ho imparted to those on the land l>y the Agricultural experts with the scientific training affecting soils. It docs not suffice to know that one kind or mixture of fertilisers will do well in one locality and expect it to do well in all localities. "Each place has its own peculiar qualities to he treated, and on that account- it is clearly a ease of advice from the expert if the test results are to he achieved in the shortest period. It is highly necessary for the welfare of the Dominion to have this class of information an widely broadcasted as possible. The prosperity of New Zealand is added to greatly, by flourishing pastoral conditions. Tt is therefore something more than a matter of distinct concern, for the produce won is of national value in returning wealth to the country. The farmer who finds his land going hack should set about ascertaining the cause of the deterioration, and then endeavour to apply the proper attention to retrieve the position. Hs own immediate benefit will he very great and Will reflect itself very quickly through the whole Domniou. Much of the general prosperity of the Dominion is hound up in the pastoral prospects of New Zealand.