WELLINGTON NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1928, Page 1

WELLINGTON NEWS

BETTER. FARMING- TRAIN

(Special to ' Guardian.”)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 27. , Besides an organisation known as the Better Business League, Victoria has a Better Farming Train. The I fundamental purposes of this train . are to increase the production of the ■ State by educating farmers to employ . better methods in all brandies of agriculture, to encourage the keeping . of better stock, to improve conditions in the homes of the men on the land and generally to raise the standard of every phase of rural life. It was inaugurated by tlie Chairman of Railway Commissioners in 1924, with the co-operation of the Department of Agriculture, which arranged for tho exhibits and stock and staffed the train with experts in all aspects of farming. The Health Department also co-operated. Since that time the train lias made'23 tours of the country districts and lias visited every part of Victoria. The tours liavo embraced 225 centres on every railway line in the State, and tlie lectures and demonstrations have been attended by more than 250,000 people. The educational value of the enterprise is beyond question, as is proved not only by tho practical results it is possible to trace, so declares a Alelbourne newspaper to its influence, but by the testimony of of farmers and their wives who liavo benefitted from the knowledge obtained in tlie train. It lias been established beyond all doubt that as a missionary for the cause of better farming the train lias been most efficacious. The opinions expressed by critics at the time of its inauguration that it would not justify the expense involved in its organisation and that it would be treated by the country residents merely as a novelty or type of travelling show lias been entirely dispelled. Country communities now look forward to its visits as one of the events of the year, and requests that it should revisit districts are received almost every day. Tlie farmers of Victoria, who are in the best position to truly estimate tlie worth of tlie train, recognise it is the link between themselves and progressive agriculture, and because of the whole-hearted and sincere support which they have extended to it, the train lias now become firmly established.

It is said of tlie train that its usefulness is one of the few subjects upon which politicians of all jiarties and opinions are agreed. The Better Fanning Train recently returned from its twenty-third tour during which it travelled 1100 miles, ten centres were visited and tlie lectures and demonstrations were attended by more than 7000 people. At no place was “sightseeing” tho motive. By the keen interest displayed, the attentive manner of the large numbers which attended every lecture and demonstration, the intelligent and innumerable questions which wore asked, and the eagerness shown by the farmer’s wife, it was evident they were responding with v u seriousness which was most gratifying to the staff of the train and which fully met tho purposes of the visit. Air S. L. Amery, Secretary of State for the Dominions, when visiting Victoria in November last, was so impressed with the train that he admitted that it had captured his enthusiasm and support, not because of its novelty but for the great possibilities it suggested. It is a question whether a “Better Farming Train” would be. a success in New Zealand, still it may be worth while inquiring into tlie matter. EXPERT ADVICE.

Mr Dunlop A'oung an officer of the Port of London Corporation, and who is recognised ns a world authority on heel', is now visiting Australia to conduct an investigation' into the conditions of the beef industry in the Commonwealth. In Victoria he gave the farmers there some valuable information concerning the requirements of tlie Rniithfield Market. He informed his audience that many changes had occurred in tho requirements of Smithfield in' recent years. The altered conditions of life of tlie British consumer resulted in a demand for small joints of young well bred stock. Tlie day of the heavy bullock, the big sheep, and tlie weighty pig was gone. If breeders are anxious to win and to bold, trade at 'Smith field markets they must supply only that glass of meat which is demanded by the British consumer. Tliere is a good market, but it must be supported by the right class of meat. : ’