TOUR OF FARMERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1927, Page 3

TOUR OF FARMERS.

VISIT TO LINCOLN. CHRISTCHURCH. July 1. “This is colder than the West ■Coast.” said several members of the visiting farmers from across the Alps, when they set out from Christchurch to visit Lincoln College yesterday morning by the special train which left at 9.lit o’clock. The party numbered about 1 7(>. and several who stood outside to see the southern outskirts of the city were soon driven indoors as a light fall of snow was passed through about Sorkburn. The country was while with frost, but soon after the college was reached the sun broke through and the air became warmer.

-Mr F. Pa-w.snn. Business Agent for the Railways was in the train; also Messrs Ltikey (Veterinary Division). Dalgliesh. Brydon and Johnston (Fields Division of the Department).

On arrival at the road crossing near the college, the party was met by Air li. E. Alexander, director of the college and Dr Hilgendorf, and then liegam an inspection of the stock and plant in groups. Dr Hilgendorf explained the plant breeding experiments and Mr Af. J. Scott gave lectures on pig raising. The sheep, cows and buildings were inspected, the ladies of the party showing, much interest in the poultry,.

Alter the rounds had been done, luncheon was served in a marquee and then followed a formal welcome in

the Alemorial Hall by Air Alexander Dr Hilgendorf and Air Scott gave ad dresses on plant-breeding and pig raising respectively.

Air Alexander, on behalf of the Board i f Governors, said that they had asked him to welcome (lie farmers from the West Coast. lie regretted that the weather was so cold. He regretted also that the visit was made at the ‘dead” season, hut he Imped to see them in tlie summer time. Mr Alexander went on to trace the history and objects of the college on the lines of his addresses to other grimes of farmers who had visited the college lately.

Dr Hilgendorf. who joined in ihe welcome, spoke of pastures. He stated that pastures must he the crux of successful farming on the West Coast. He had been asked as to the acclimatisation of grass, lint he thought that Its nature would not. lie aliened by change of climate, because it was a very difficult. matter to change types, lie,explained that the experiments entailed long years and much labour and he asked his audience to realise that, though they might see people from the college over on the C ast, they could not expect, to liea'r of results in a year or two. He thanked the farmers for the interest shown in the college as

evidenced by the visit, and said that it was very encouraging to the authorities and stall'.

Mr M. -T. Scott spoke on the raising and marketing of pigs. He staled that if New Zealand could turn four times as many pigs on to the market, the olfal business would p.nv for the killing.

Mr I’. Aluleare. provincial president of the West, Const Farmers’ Knion. expressed thanks on behalf of the ex-

cursionists for the opportunity of Inspecting and benefiting liv the visit. Much valuable information had been imparted to them and the visit to Lincoln College was a fitting climax to the tour, lie referred to Ihe organisation of the Parmers’ Knion. which had been able ti got the number for the trio, and he al-o thanked Mr Pawson tor the part he had played in se-le-aing the points of interest. Mr T. O'Neil, vh 0-presidenl . ah i rxprissM ihanks (n the Hoard of Govermn.s and the Railway Department for arranging the trip. Some of the visitors had never been through the Otira tunnel before. The tunnel had changed their life immensely. The ]>e pie who put it through showed great, foresight. He thought that Lincoln College was an institution which should be bellied ill every u n\. and the visit showed that the stall’ were working on the rigid lines.

Afr \\ ill ia i n Clayton, president of the Grey Valiev branch of the Farmers’ I niun. also expressed thanks. Air Paws n called for three cheers for ATr and Airs Alexander and another three for the staff', and these acre given with zest.

Air Alexander made a brief reply to the vote of thanks. Soon after t«o o'clock the train set out for Hornby, where the superphosphate works ot T\i mnthoriie. I’r sser and Co. Ltd. were inspectcd, the works manager. Air AA'. AY. Telford, first explaining the process of manufacture. lhe party was divided into three and shown through the works by Air lelford, Air F. E. Occleslia.w (chemist) and Air S. It. Gay (assistant chemist). -Alter tile inspection, afternoon tea uas served, and the o inpanv was thanked for enabling the visit, to take place.