THE HOSPITAL FARM.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1920, Page 7

THE HOSPITAL FARM.

TO BE CONTINUED AT PRESENT.

LARGER PROPERTY WANTED.

Matters in connection with the farm property were prominently before the Taranaki Hospital Board yesterday, there being lengthy reports from the farm committee and manager anent various matters calling for decision. The farm committee reported that a visit was made to the farm, and upon resuming it was resolved: (1) That a statement of receipts and expenditure on the farm account be laid on the table each Board meeting; (2) that th« endorsement of the chairman or secretary of the farm committee must be obtained before requirements for the farm are purchased; (3) that after very searching enquiry the farm committee are unanimously of the opinion that it would be a retrograde step to give up farming operations, and are perfectly satisfied with the present management; (4) that iifter carefully reviewing the working Recount of the farm, the committee are of opinion that the financial position is quite satisfactory, and after a few adjustments in the different items would not disclose an alarming debit balance; (5) that the house and finance committee be recommended to take steps to get possession of the farm cottage as soon as possible, as it is urgently required for the use of the farm employee^.

The chairman of the farm committee (Mr. J. Andrews) reported having visited the farm on July 10th, and found that the two assistants had left, rte manager endeavoring to carry on 'as well as he could with some temporary assistance with the milking. Everything else the manager had to do himself, which was placing a great strain on him. Tt was time the Board took steps to obtain possession of the cottage, as the difficulty of getting assistants was due largely to the trouble ,of finding house accommodation. The manager had suggested putting in a two-cow plant to get over the difficulty of providing mlHcers. It was reported that assistants had since been secured.

The farm manager (Mr. TT. 0. IToble) reported that from May 20th to June 22nd he had occasion to purchase 107 gallons of milk owing to a shortage of the supply. In the course of his remarks, he contended thai? the present system of running 25 cows on 52 acres was not workable, and was of opinion that 40 cows on 150 to 200 acres were required to get sufficient returns. Considerable discussion arose out of the above matters, opinions being divided as to whether the property should be sold. The chairman's proposal was that the Board should ma?:e enquiries for a suitable farm of a larger stz<j witliln easy distance of town, and sell the present property, which was evidently now too small and unsuitable. Subsequently a resolution from the chairman on these lines, and also empowering the committee to find what price the present property would brilig, was seconded by Sir. Gilmour, and carried. The personnel of the committee will be: The chairman and Messrs:. A. H. Hal- , combe, G. Young, F. J. Hill, and J. Andrews.