Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 8 June 1931, Page 4

At the meeting of the West Const Head Testing Association at Greymouth, it was manifested that the practice so lately undertaken, had fully demonstrated the value of the action by those connected with the organisation, This is not a surprise. Herd testing has long been proved a safe form of insurance to the dairy farmer, giving him the information as to the value severally of his herd. The mistake has been that the action has been delayed for so Tong and also that all the dairy farmers interested in securing the best results, are not in the scheme heart and soul. We have seen however, that the farmers are slow to move in any change, he the prospects what they may, but it is gratifying that in the long last a considerable section has realised the value ol herd testing, and are taking it up practically. There are other aspects of the matter which might he brought to the surface, but for the moment the advance itself is worthy of congratulation and good wishes. It is pleasing also to find that there are some well proven herds in the district. The Coast has great possibilities in pastoral pursuits. That fact has been demonstrated over and over again, practically in regard to all kinds of stock, but the most is not being made of the national resources of the land in respect to utility. More of it should be in economic use. Too much is allowed to remain fallow; too muon is over nun with noxious growth; and too much of it is locked up when it should be used in the interests of general progress. There is no occasion to have a dismal outlook as to the future of Westland in particular when its unusued land continues practically unproductive for the want of use. It is depressing to pass through the settlement districts and find so much of the land, often cleared and fenced at considerable cost, not being cleared . up and in regular use. More intensive working of the land would yield n larger income to the owner, and the land woud be all profit instead of being a burden. With the well established facts regarding pastoral pursuits, the time is ripe for more production from the local holdings. Now that herds are being improved, more room should be provided also for their increase. More

activity in land settlement would certainly he helpful at this junctures Prices are falling, ami flic man on the land should take advantage of the changes taking place. Assistance is possible in regard to more l.iboi r being employed on tie farms, and the re proach made at the late County meeting about settlers allowing their holidays to he over run with noxious growth, might well be removed, ny that way and the addition of the best stock to the. dairy herds, the country will reap greater returns from pastor al pursuits and so add to the general prosperity.