FARMERS IMPRESSED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 902, 20 February 1930, Page 8

FARMERS IMPRESSED

VISITORS FROM SOUTH AFRICA SPLENDID DAIRY HERDS The South African farmers who are at present visiting Auckland are enthusiastic regarding their first sight-seeing tour. Wednesday morning was spent at the Hobson Farm, Wharepapa, where Mr. A. C. Trousdale, general manager, showed the visitors his splendid herd of 400 Friesians. A call was also made at Mr. G. R. Hutchinson’s farm, where his famous Mount Vernon Jersey herd was greatly admired. The South Africans were amazed at the splendid animals and the luxurious pasture, and were deeply impressed by the fact that 100 cows, 150 sheep and five horses were run on Mr. Hutchinson’s farm of 130 acres. On their tour round Mr. Hutchinson’s farm the visitors took a keen interest in the types of ensilage, pits and stacks in which w*ere stored 170 tons of ensilage, and the 14 haystacks containing 130 tons of hay. The productivity of the farm was an illustration of what systematic top-dress-ing with lime and various manures would do. Lunch was provided at Hobson Farm by Mrs. Trousdale and on returning thanks Mr. T. McKenzie, of Natal, expressed the highest admiration at the treat afforded them of seeing such splendid animals and of enjoying such lavish hospitality. In the afternoon the visitors were motored to the baths at Parakai, where many of them sampled their first hot-spring bath. Afternoon tea was provided by the Domain Board at the baths and in returning thanks 10 Dr. F. Matheson and the Domain Board, Mr. H. B. Papenfus said that the members of the party had spent a most enjoyable day and were looking forward to seeing more of New Zealand. Mr. J. P. Kalaugher, secretary of the New Zealand Friesian Association, Mr. J. Pow, secretary of the Ncaw Zealand Farmers’ Union, Mr. J. F. Shepherd. Agricultural Department, and Mr. A. Wellsted, railways, accompanied the party. The visitors left for Whangarei and Dargaville this morning.