MOUMAHAKI FARM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 173, 14 August 1909, Page 2

MOUMAHAKI FARM.

Mr. G. V. Pcarce, M.P., has been for some time pressing the claims' of the Moumahaki State Farm upon the Ministt r for Agriculture, the Hon. T. Mclienzie (says the Patea Press), and on Sunday morning, at the invitation of Mr. Pcarce, the Minister went over the farm, and in addition had a good look at the surrounding country. In regard to the farm, the Minister's expressed opiuiuJ was 'that if it was to be retained the expenditure must be largely reduced. The Government, he s'aid, could not afford to lose £2OOO a year on an experimental- station. Although nothing definite has been promised, both the .Minister and Mr. Clifton (head of the Agricultural Department) regard with favor Mr. il'earce's suggestion that the farm should be converted into an institution devoted to affording practical training to young men desirous of learning the art of farming. Young fellows, Mr. JlcKenzie says, need to be taught to work. Mr. Pcarce suggests' that twenty or thirty young men might be taught at the farm. Their work would be mainly practica], but it might prove feasible to employ technical school instructors in giving them theoretical instruction. Permanently on the farm there'should be a small staff of practical men, one to each department. A thorough knowledge of root crops, grasses, manures, and the effects of different manures on permanent pastures, should be imparted. The Minister made no definite promise, but lie looked with evident favor upon the suggestions offered by Mr, Pcarce, and has promised to give them favorable consideration.