A GENEROUS OFFER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 6

A GENEROUS OFFER.

The Hon. T. Mackenzie, Minister for Agriculture, had the somewhat disagreeable duty_ a few days ago of practically declining ~the generous offer made by Mr W. C. Buohanan, M.P., of £6000 toward the establishing an experimental farm in the Wairarapa district. The donor was naturally anxious that the money should be spent in the district in which he resides and represents in Parliament, but as there are already several experimental farms and stations in the North Island, while absolutely nothing has been done in the South Island by the Government in this direction, the Minister could scarcely be expected to agree to devoting still more of the funde placed at his disposal by Parliament to duplicating the work alreadydone in the north. While acknowledging the splendid generosity of Mr Buchanan in making the offer he did, Mr Mackenzie hinted that perhaps Mr Buchanan might see his way to divert his gift, <a even one-half of it, for specialising purposes. He went on to point out what was Being done at Weraroa amd Euakura in the way of getting together good dairy herds with the object of assisting the dairying industry by providing a supply of bulls from milking strains. He next referred to what might be done in the way of experimenting with and testing grasses and cereals, and then branched off with a suggestion about sending competent teachers abroad to study in up-to-date institutions for two or three years, and then come back and instruct others. Next the Minister touched upon the neoessity 4 for providing accommodation at the State farms, where young men could go with the certainty of being instructed in farming. In conclusion Mr Mackenzie intimated that he would lay Mr Buchanan's generous offer before his colleagues, but as he had previously stated that- the officers of his department did not approve of the proposal it is feafe to assume that he will not strongly urge the acceptance of the offer in the form it has been made. Throughout the interview the Minister bewailed the shortness of money, and implied that but tor this reason much more would be done by his department. When Mr Mackenzie assumed office as Minister of Agriculture, his many friends predicted that something practical might be expected from the hon. gentleman, and we chared in t-h* belief. In the interview referred to he showed that he realised what is required of his department, but he displayed a desire to create a bogey of the shortness of cash, which is distinctly disappointing. We believe that if the Minister, following in' the steps of his namesake when he had charge, prepares a practical policy for his department, and submits it in detail to Parliament, the required funds will be readily voted once it is made evident that- it is practical and for ihe benefit of the most important of all oi.r industries. In this connection it may be pointed out that the i-eorganisation of , the department undertaken some time ago appears to have been only partly carried into effect. With the' advent of spring it is desirable that this work should be completed as scon a=; possible. Lambing will soon be general, dairy cows will bo coming into profit, and work at the dairy factories will in i week or two be in full swing. Any trouble appearing among our flocks and herds would demand the closest attention of the officers of the department, and it is desirable that they should be installed into their positions and made fpniiliar vith th^ir work as soon a? po^-