The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 1915. AGRICULTURE IN TARANAKI. RIDING FOR A FALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 1915. AGRICULTURE IN TARANAKI.

RIDING FOR A FALL.

The very interesting and instructive aildress given by Mr. Browne, Agricultural Instructor under the Wunganui Education Board, at Hawcra recently (a report of which appears in this issue), should be studied with profit by the farming community of the province. Although the speaker's remarks had more particular reference to the land of South Taranaki, they arc equally applicable in [ many respects to the northern portion, and especially ia this so in regard to the necessity for shelter from the southwesterly, south-easterly and westerly winds. This question of shelter plays a far more important part in the success of farmers and dairymen than tliey have yet, as a body, recognised. There are some agriculturists who have laid this need to heart, with the result that they have found it pay, but, as a rule, no comprehensive effort is made to supply this urgent need. Mr. Browne made some caustic criticisms on the present position of agriculture in Taranaki, pointing out liow by proper care in tlie treatment and protection of the soil steady growth throughout the year would be secured, instead of alternating periods of growth and retirement. It stands to reason that this steady growth is one that must pay best, and is, therefore, well worth securing. Another point that he stressed was the wrong use of manures and improper cultivation. On both these matters many have much to learn, and that is a very potent reason why they should avail themselves of the services of the Education Board's instructors, and liberally contribute to the funds for enabling this important educative system to be carried out, fur it depends on the direct and organised support of the farmers, as tlie department docs not pay til,' salaries of tlie instructors. Mr. Browne's remarks on this matter deserve the serious attention of all concerned. There ■may be some who arc content to follow in the old beaten track followed by their forebears, 'fhe.v fail to see the use or benefit of agricultural instruction which they regard as mere book-learning that counts as little against actual and prac* tieal experience. To those we say: 1 iines have altered, and land has risen to such undreamt-of values—and is still on the upward grade—that if tlie prices of produce sull'er from bad times it will hit- the farmers very hard. Mr. Browne considers this wonderful land of ours should easily more than double, its pre* sent carrying capacity, and ho pointed out how this eould be achieved. Xo farmer is so well ~fV that he would feel justified ill turning down a practical method for doubling his income, and the lecturer showed how this result could be obtained. We particularly commend his sound remarks on this important subject to our readers, especially as to the subdivision of farms and pastures, and a proper rotation of crops. In such a district as Taranaki, where dairving has been brought to so high a level of excellence, tlie question of an abundant supply throughout the year of good succulent, nourishing fed for tllfi sto( , k Js of paramount importance. Much is bemg done towards increasing profits by

judicious culling' of dairy herds, but the system is only in its comparative infancy, though, iu view of its prononnecd success, it should cro loiij; be the rule, and not the exception. There is great foroc in Mr. Browne's remarks auent the extraordinary disadvantage which the holders of leases suffer through lack of provision for compensation for improvements, and there can be no question hut that the introduction of the English system for full compensation for improvements would greatly stimulate lessees to adopt the best and most scientific .methods of farming, and thus add to their profits, as well as t<> the wealth of the country. The extension of agricultural education would be sound policy, ami its general acceptance would load to most satisfactory results. Were the land made to yield its full quota, and its productive power doubled, it would moan that Taranaki would stand twice as high in its importance as the richest and most prosperous district in the dominion as it does to-day. Why not, then, convert thu possibility into a reality? The land is waiting and ready for the application of the process.

If a vote of no-confidence in the Government were moved in the House of Representatives to-day, it is likely the Government would be wrecked, not by the Opposition vote alone, but also with tiie assistance of a section of the supporters of the Government, who are disgusted with the muddlcsomencss and gross incapacity shown by the Ministers in charge of military camp afi'airs. The reports that liave been current in the •papers during the past week or so have not been exaggerated or politically colored. The happenings have been far too serious for that. Twenty men—fine, vigorous specimens of manhood—have died from disease contracted at the cainp. The disease could have been prevented had the officials done their duty. The Defence Minister protected these incompetent officials, rose in Parliament time after time in their defence, told members who were criticising their handling of the situation that tliey were speaking from party rancor and without justification, and actually endeavored on Thursday night to assure the House that Trentliam was quite a suitable and sanitary camp! Less than an hour afterwards, the Government announced to a bewildered House that it had been decided to evaluate Trentliam and split up the men into various camps! The decision was equal to a vote of censure on the Defence Minister, but he is allowed to retain his posifion. The responsibility for what has happened must rest with Colonel Allen, and if the. Government wishes to regain the. confidence it has lost through its scandalous mismanagement of the troops It must reorganise tlio Cabinet and make better use of the material within its ranks. It has bungled things so badly lately that we are afraid little will come of the coalition proposals. The feeling, favorable a week or so ago to sucH a departure, lias radically changed since. Mr. Masscy is loyal to his incompetent Ministers, and that is the danger. If he were more susceptible to reason, and the pressure of public opinion, he'would ■before now liave retired both Mr. Allen and Mr. Rhodes. As Mr. Massev's staunch journalist champion, the Auckland Herald, said in a recent issue: " From Mr. Rhodes downwards, the broom of Reform should remove from authority those whose indifference or incapacity is bad enough at any time, and is a positive menace in times of emergency." The only way Mr. Massey can save his Government is to seize the nettle, o r, to quote the Herald again, 'he must expect the inevitable consequences qf public indignation."