FARMERS’ SCHOOL AT LEVIN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2571, 24 April 1923, Page 1

FARMERS’ SCHOOL AT LEVIN.

On Monday evening, April 30tli,

there will eoinmence at the Weraroa renfral Development Farm, Levin,

;i five days’

school for farmers

Among the speakers al the opening ceremony are the Minister for Agrienlture, Mr Field, Member for Otaki, Mr ijinklaler, Member for Manawatn, Mr Dirks, of the ll.ydro-Eleetrie Power Hoard and Mr Clifton, of the X.Z. Farmer.

The course will comprise lectures on various agricultural and pastoral subjects, as well as poultry, sheep breeding, insect pests, rural economics, etc. Field days, will be held on pastures, root crops, etc. Practical demonstrations will be given on live stock, concrete work, etc.

Even 1 before the outbreak of the recent European conflict prices of produce on the Home markets rose steadily. This fact was the cause of a rise in New* Zealand land values. The period of inflation during and succeeding the war caused land values to soar more Ilian ever. Now the prices of produce show a tendency either to fall or to stabilise al prices much below those of the peak period in 1918. The farmer, however, who has bought al a high figure cannot afford to sell out at a lower one. For these reasons farming on the “old lines” bv the “new farmer” is doomed to failure:

Taking the above facts into consideration, it will lie readily admitted that it is to the advantage of the farmers of this district to avail themselves of the splendid opportunity afforded them by the Government of making themselves conversant with the latest facts . about modern scientific farming. The export officers of the Department keep themselves versed in the latest agricultural developments in whatsoever part of the world these may be. These men have not only localised experience, but a wider knowledge gained from travel and experiments in various localities. The aim of the Department of Agriculture is to place this knowledge at the disposal of I he farming community. The farmer who fails from lack of knowledge, has in many cases, only himself to blame.

Fanners who intend visiting the school should apply to the manager, Central Development Farm, Weraroa, promptly, as accommodation is limited. The only charge made is an accommodation fee of £1 15/-, which should he sent in with the application. Applications close definitely on Thursday, 26th inst., but all accommodation may be booked before this date.