FARMERS AT OKATO.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8179, 11 August 1906, Page 2

FARMERS AT OKATO.

SUPPORT THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

There was a gathering of nearly a hundred farmers at the Taranaki Agricultural Society's meeting, in Hempton Hall, Okato, on Thursday night. The president (Mr Newton King), and a number of the energetic members of the committee, and of the Society attended, some of them driving all the way from Bell Block. Mr T. Uorbott presided, and introduced to tbe meeting Captain Young, District Government Veterinarian, whom he described as the "right man in the right place." The president of the Socioty remarked, in his short pithy speech, that the " cow species " seemed to be passing through a period of evolution. He predicted that iu a few years in Taranaki, the farmers would breed specially for dairying, and specially for fat stock, instead of just breeding and selling eattle anyhow. This was inevitable, Zealand butter had now attained such a high standard of excellence that only the strong hold and big supplies of Danish upon the English market, prevented it from getting to the top of the tree; our article was really superior to the Danish. Mr King said he would not keep the meeting long, 1 but would leave the meeting to ■ Captain Young, who would tell ■ them " what the cow docs, or should [ do; what you should do, and paHicu- • larly what you should not do." In ■ concluding, Vlr King gave to Mr W. ' Ambury the credit for inaugurating ■ this system of holding meetings in the ■ outlying centres, tending to make the ' Society more than ever a real Taranaki • institution, and not at all a New Ply- , mouth concern.

Mr Ambury followed, and after explaining the work and aims of the Society, referred to the recent progress made. Last show had been the best on record, and the coming one would, he thought, eclipse that one easily. The Agricultural Society was trying to holp the farmers j if it could not do that, it might as well go out of existence

Mr H. Okey considered the Taranaki farmers had erred, and were still erring, by cultivating the "land hunger." They would be wise to confine their attention to their handy-sized farms, and make the land produce moro. He referred to Mr Spencer's scheme of instruction in agriculture, and gave i,t his support.

Mr G. V. Tate addressed the gathering on tho necessity for ploughing and renewing the grass. He considered this light Taranaki soil could be cropped twice a year.

Captaiq Young, who commenced his! remarks amidst applause, stated that no doubt the time had come for more scientific farming He suggested the formation of a Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society, not to discuss politics or bad roads, but to discuss scientific papers on farming. Nearly every young follow thought he knew all about a horse, but how few could go round a cow and pick out her good points! Captain Young's remarks, delivered in his own peculiar racy and happy style, touched on the more common complaints of cattle, such as contagious mammitis, abortion, milk fever, and so on. Points of a horse, system of breeding, and a whale fund of interesting subjects were dealt with. Questions were asked, and answered. Mr Burgesg, of Warea, complimented the Society on its progressive policy. Votes of thanks were passed to the lecturer, the visiting members of the S usiety, and to the chairman, and an enthusiastic meeting terminated.