MODEL DAIRY FARM.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 61, 9 October 1916, Page 3

MODEL DAIRY FARM.

SATURDAY'S CONFERENCE. A conference was hold on Saturday afternoon to consider tlic establishment of a Model Dairy Farm. Mr E. Jackson (president of the Stratford A. and P. Association) presided, and there were present: -Messrs J. W. Boon (Mayor of-Stratford), It. Dingic (Board of Agriculture), If. Hanford (Stratford Farmers 'Co-op. Dairy Factory Company), R. Masters (Taranaki Board of Education), W. Skedgwell, B. Petersen (Midhirst Dairy Factory), J. B. Richards (Chamber of Commerce), W. H. Were (Stratford County Council and Toko Settlers' Association), W. Morison and W. Orr (Ngaive Dairy Company), R. MeK. Morison (Farmers' Union, J. Shotter, T. Rauford and C. Jackson (Stratford A. and I'. Association. The Chairman, in welcoming all present on behalf of the Association, said he regarded this as the most important conference held in Stratford, the object being the establishment of a Model Dairy Farm. For some time the Association had been iu touch with the Minister of Agriculture and other officials on the mattor. The area proposed for such a farm would be about 150 acres, 100 acres for dairying and the remainder for experimental purposes; from the latter farmers could obtain results from the use of various manures, children from primary schools could attend. He suggested that such a {firm shodld bo in this district, Momahaki State Farm being too far away. They could lease a farm on the East Road for ton years at 27s 6d per acre, and this, if properly managed, should return at least 'H per cent. It was understood that the Government were prepared to subsidse such a place up to £-100 or £SOO per annum as a guarantee against loss. The control would bo by a board of experienced farmers, and undoubtedly would bo of great benefit to the . neighbourhood. Tho time was now opportune for such a farm, and a committee should be appointed from that gathering to meet Mr Deem and Mr Browne (Board of Agriculture officials) to discuss matters. ;i ', l

Mr Masters spoke of the educational side of the question-, and not from a farming point of view. The Momohaki Farm was different to local fanning, both as regards soil and climate, and what was. required was a farm in a more central position. This was mooted about four roars ago. The Hon. Mr Massey and the Hon. Mr Mae Donald had been waited 1 on, and both had expressed the opinion that this idea was one of the most practical schemes laid before them. The Board of Agriculture confirmed the various expressions of these Ministers. Mr Masters pointed out that the inclination of boys to-day was towards the town, as attractions, there were greater than on a farm. Our duty ,was to make country life, more attractive. Many subjects! taught today were not very useful in after life, ) and something was wanted on the lines of vocational training, so that the study could be continued after their boys left school. Alluding to the increased price of land in Taranaki, he urged the necessity for obtaining a correspondine increased return : it was at the Model Dairy Farm that such knowledge could be gained to enable this to lie done. Stratford has about ona hundred children taking agricultural subjects, but thoy had no place where a practical knowledge of farming was available. If fifty acres were devoted to experimental purposes, this would

be a great asset from ah educational point of view. Later on, it was Hoped Stratford would possess a High School with an agricultural basis. With re gard to our returned soldiers, many would be taking up farming, and such a farm would be an ideal place for such training, where, Mr Browm had suggested, they could be instruct e-1 in top dressing ,growing suitable fodder, and such things that had a practical bearing on education. To soldiers who' were not strong, the lighter sides of farm work—'bee-keep ing, poultry keeping, and orchard work, could be taught. The scheme had the entire sympathy of Mr Deem and if the. meeting evolved some concrete system to place before the Minister of Agriculture, it would no doubt receive proper attent'on.

Mr Richards, in supporting the scheme, said that the man who could grow two blades of grass where formerly there had been only one, war. a philanthropist, and the question that concerned the farmer was greater production. The values of products had been rising for the past 15 years, and it was when a product was rising in value that the people overlooked the need for increasing the productiveness. By virtue of the rise in the value of their exports they received more money, and there was a danger they would overlook, the real mark of progress. Reviewing the past successful year, he said we had arrived at a stage when greater knowledge was required. Not only investigation must be made, but a careful record must be kept of such investigation. The farmer had in the past conducted his own experiments, 'but his farm demanded all his trrn>, and it was at such a farm as that a farmer could obtain thcv : I'esuli. of experiments to assist him* As to the title to the- land proposed, ho was of opinion that it should be such as would never pass from them, as h'3 hoped they would not have to give up the land. Mr Dingle also supported the suggestion, and" drew attention to the importance of farmers properly selecting their cows, as this had so much to do with tin; increased butter fat. He regarded the matter as a County Council one, as much as a dairyman's. Taking the dairying land in the Stratford County as 66,000 acres, if they could demonstrate to the farmers how to get an extra Jolbs of butter-fat on that 66,000 acres it would mean £66,000. If that amount could be obtained, it would assist the County Council who were expqnding/ money on' the roads. He fell: surQ.,f could be got out of the land by .moj/e practical and scientific methods.. ....j

Mr R. McK. Mori son spoke generally in support of the Scheme. He ifelt sure the farm could be made to pay. The Mayor approved of the proposed farm, remarking that if established, a town boy would be able to acquire at such a place that knowledge which at present was not available. Mr Were was- personally in full accord with the suggestion, and lie spoke for the members of the Toko •Settlers' Association. Hfc thought tile dairy companies would "have to foot the bill" because they are going to benefit by it. Mr F. Hanford expressed himself in favor of the scheme. What was needed was a record kept of the result of the different breed? of cattle under the same conditions. A resolution was then unanimously passed affirming the principle of the establishment of a Dairy Farm in this district, and tbe following were. appointed a committee to consider details: Messrs W. 11. W«rc. J. W. Moon, 11. Masters, J. B. Richards. E. Jackson, F. Ranford, W. Skcdgwell.