STATE FARMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1920, Page 5

STATE FARMS.

~ THE FUTURE OF MOUMAHAKE A QUESTION" IN THE HOUSE. (By Wire.—Parliamentary fUportet): , Wellington, Last JBgbii'' When the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Nosworthy) moved in the House of Representatives to present the annual report of the Department of Agriculture many members had questions to mk and suggestions to make.

Requests for the establishment of experimental farms were, presented on behalf of various districts, particularly in the South Island. Members asked for improved regulations concerning the quality of seeds and manures for Sti'fe experiments in the development of pftsr lands, and for the encouragement of Sis farmer in other directions. Mr. Masters (Stratford) said'tjut Taranaki people were concerned about a report the .Government iWtafda to abandon the MoumahakTßUteSWrm.l The manager of this form had ntwtljT resigned, and no definite itetiwemil of' the Government's intentions had yet been ninde. The Taranaki farmer* sad found the Moumahaki farm to be of very great value to them, and it ought not to be sold. Mr. Masters referred to the valuable work done on the experimental p)ote in Taranaki in asking the farmers, and the training of boys. One of the most valuable contributions to the debate was Mr, Hawkas'a speech. He expressed ojiite definitely his opinion that the experimntal farm scheme is most expensive, aad not a very efficient method for the Government to follow. He told of work being <sHtt~ in Taranaki by farmers , themeelfea. Two associations had been formed bj groups of farmers, one at StratSted and one at Manaia, and these assoaations had acquired, and they no* dirttt* ed, model dairy farms. By this mettf, he claimed, they were able to do en* cative work of high value amonjnpafarmers and the farmers' sons. Ha |tad something to say, also, of the inputance of tjje work that might be doll* with experimental plots. The Minister deferred his.reply until the Estimates were considered;