FARMERS’ DAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1927, Page 4

FARMERS’ DAY.

(l'l'om a Ifui'ihai'i Correspondent) The' Farmers Day, organised by the local braueli of the Fanners’ Union drew a large and representative gathering of vonng and old. Air Biggs, of the Forestry Department wont over tlic salient points of afforestation. lie painted out that in Westland tlie natural standing hush made it unnecessary to replant in many places. Moreover the usual transport and the lack of certain knowledge as t > the trees most suitable for the climate and soil increased the difficulty. The speaker then went on to mention regional belts for the district and for the farm, stressing the great increase in productiveness of cattle when given adequate shelter for climate conditions, in addition to the future value of the timber. The virtues of the different trees for planting in shelter belts was then given. Also details as to planting of seeds and young trees. Most of the trees mentioned have been tried in this district as ornamental or shelter hedges on a, small scale, but it cannot be said that any have been an outstanding success. The object of most farmers is to get rid of all trees from the paddocks, as they are a great encouragement for our deadly foe, the blackberry. The ideal tree must grow quickly, enough to smother all undergrowth and he strong enough to stand the wind, and healthy enough to stand moisture.

Mr Dalgliesh of the Fields Department. went over the work done at his various experimental farms in topdressing. Ho gave details of dates and amounts, and kinds of manures used, and the results olr-ei red by him. These were interesting t> the farmers, as the land was of every kind found on the Const. It was ini possible to lay down nnv bener.nl rule as a result of these observations, but it was necessary for each farmer to try his own land and find out what was most, suitable. One point, was stressed, that top-dressing should he done early in the life of Lhe land, and it was no use expecting much fro. - .! land which had deteriorated. With regard to supplementary crops the speaker was satisfied that it was too expensive at present to attempt this n the toast. With the good summer growth li re it was possible t i grow enough green fields by the aid of top-dressing. The large areas held by me:-1 fanners gave a surplus of summer

feed which could be turned to good aic unt in hay and ensilage. A discussion then took place among those present along the lines of the

speaker, with especial reference to the blackberry, which is making such strides in the district.

Oil the motion of Air Scarle, M.C.C., seconded by Air Chinn, AI.C.Ch, a vole of thanks to the two speakers was put by the Chairman (Air Ale Kay) and carried with acclamation. During the afternoon, tea was dispensed by the ladies present, to whom the thanks of the Union arc due.