FARMERS IN THE MAKING.

Shannon News, 11 January 1927, Page 3

FARMERS IN THE MAKING.

THE WERAROA INSTITUTION. A FACTOR IN PROGRESS. (From the Levin Chronicle). "To plough and sow, and reap and mow, and be a farmer’s boy,” was an ambition that received a, great impetus ' from a song that was popular in grandfather’s young days; and no doubt the life has its compensations. Few die from the effects of it,' while many attain a state of contentment which, on the evidence of a very wise man, is quite independent of the possession of mere wealth. Some 90 boys are being schoo 1 -. ed in the primary Walk of life at the Woraroa Training Farm, and . as they pass from there into the employ of individual fanners, at stages determined by their own .merits, they will carry with them many useful, ideas gained under efficient direction and fostereu by well-organiied team work. That their future opportunities are great was impressed on a Chronicle reporter who made a tour of the farm in company with (lie manager, Mr J. Donohue. A large number of the lads were haymaking at the time, and were making a good job of it, judging by the regularity with which the bales came out from the presser. Others were working in the garden, and still others assisting in the Varied classes of work that, are in progress day by day on a community farm. Their quarters are comfortable to a degree that makes them homelike.. They do not live in barracks, . nor sleep on straw pallets; neither do they eat off tin plates on bare boards. No; they live enjoying the amenities of civilian and civilised life. And doubtless these conditions have a refining iuflucnce. Tlieir four dormitories are large and well-kept, and are provided with proper iron bedsteads and comfortable bedding; tlieir bathroom is served’with hot ! and cold water; and tlieir dining-room has the appearance of a restaurant. No wonder that the latest arrival does not want to leave.

The farm comprises 200 acres, and a large part is cultivated, the crops of potatoes, mangolds and' oats all appearing to be in a flourishing state. The overseer (Mr M. Spencer) stated that the whole farm was dressed every year with 3'cwt. of superphosphate and about half a ton of lime to the acre.

The dairy herd is still in process of being raised in standard, and all the animals are in good condition. The bull calves are killed off, and the best of: the heifer calves reared. ' A nice lot of two-year-olds will be milking next season, and the three-year-olds are now giving heavy yields. Most of the milkers are Friesians, the older mixed stock being gradually eliminated, as purebred bulls have been purchased from the Central Development Farm as yearlings. •The milk is separated on the farm, and the cream collected by the factory lorries. ‘ ‘ The farm staff arc. justly proud of their, horses, which are under the care, of Mr J. Ryrie.. The condition and a(ylo of the two draughts working the hav-sweep could not fail to arouse the admiration of a visitor. The farm has its own orchard -and garden, which are thrhing as the result of patient industry and thoughtful attention. At present a large propagating shed is being erected by the farm carpenters. In a sense the institution is a village in itself, supplying many of its own wants. The kitchen gives an evidence of this, for all the bread is baked on the premises. Rational division of labour and the rule of system arc apparent, everywhere, and it is. perhaps because of this that the establishment seems such a quiet factor in the life of the country that the outsider almost forgets its existence.