A SUCCESSFUL STATE FARM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 67, 9 March 1908, Page 2

A SUCCESSFUL STATE FARM.

THE LESSON OF VVAERENGA. POOR LAND MADE TO BLOSSOM. Auckland, Last. Night. Upwards of 250 fruitgrowers and settler's accoptcd the Government's invitation to visit the W'acrenga experimental farm on Saturday. Sir Joseph Ward was present during the early part of the morning, and the visitors included the Hon. L. Thompson, M.L.C., Messrs. J. Bofllard, A. Kidd. F. Lawfy; B. J. Greenslade, and C. 11. Poole, M.'sP., besides Messrs J. D. Ritchie (Secretary for Agriculture), E. Clifton (Director of State Farms), and other officers of the Agricultural Department. Rain set in about mid-day, ami fell steadily thereafter, but the visitors managed to make a fairly thorough inspection of the farm. A fine show of grapes was seen flourishing in the vineyard area, and an exhibit of fruit and wines created great interest. The chief additions noted since last year were two 50-aci'e farms in course of plantation, a mile and a half of shelter trees, an apiary, where Italian queen bee rearing is in progress, and an hlft-to-jdale spraying compound-making plant and outfit. On all sides signs of Valuable work were to be seen. A further area of 120 acres is to be planted during the coming season. In the course of an address, Sir Joseph Ward gave an interesting account of th c farm. It now comprised SOOO acres. The. land, formerly purchased at 12s (id and 10s lid per acre had been so well utilised that similar land now could not be bought under £3 or C 3 10s per acre. Sir Joseph Ward said that small farms would be cut up for leasing purposes, the planting lo include vineyards. He indicated tliat a canning factory might bo started In-fore very long. ft was intended to make accommodation on the State farm for young men to acquire there training and technical education. He also hoped to arrange special fares, possibly free, conveyance, for those visiting State farms for educational pur!--poses. Waerenga, lie considered, was a complete answer as to whether poor land could be made profitable. The M.'sP. present made interesting afterluncheon speeches, Mr. Bollard making ' a strong plea for the establishment of ' an agricultural college near Auckland on ' the lines of the Lincoln College in Canterbury. He also defended the Govern- ! ment from statements as to its intention ' of competing with fruitgrowers, and on ' the question of the uprooting of :i cor- l tain area of vines.