The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 1922. HELPING DEVELOPMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 August 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 1922. HELPING DEVELOPMENT.

The practical address recently given at New Plymouth by the Director of Agriculture ’’Dr. Reakes) comes as a timely contribution towards stimulating the farmers of the Dominion, and especially the rising generation, to the adoption of greater and more scientific methods of production. The occasion of this address was the presentation of prizes to the winners in the boys’ and girls’ elub competitions, and Dr. Reakes utilised the opportunity to supply the missing link between these clubs and the farmers on the land, as well as to emphasise the necessity for combining the acquisition of scientific knowledge with sound practical instruction, adapted to every-day conditions connected with farming and dairying. By these means two objects can be accomplished—country life can be made more attractive, and greater production secured. Although a commencement has been made towards attaining the desired results, much remains to be done, and it is therefore reassuring to learn from Dr. Reakes that the Government, and the Agricultural Department in particular, are desirous of assisting in this important work. The future of the country and its rate of progress depend on the rising generation, therefore, in the absence of farm schools through the financial stress there must be competent agricultural instruction given by the experts of the Department, combined with practical efforts. Rightly, Dr. Reakes stressed the importance of herd testing and the elimination from dairying farms of all unprofitable cows. Emphasis was laid on consistent feeding of cows and the growth of the right kind of feed, together with the safeguarding of the health of the herd, the institution of field competitions, and the adoption of improved farming methods. In other words, farming, to be successful, must be conducted with as much care and forethought as any other large- business. It is on teaching the children the principles of farming and dairying, supervising their practical efforts, correcting faults and stimulating success, that the hopes of the future are based. The experts of the Department are always available to assist in this work, so that all the parents have to do is to encourage their children to benefit by the instruction and advice given, and to set -them an example by farming on approved scientific lines, and then the reward will arrive in due course, a reward that is tangible and well worth having. Dr. Reakes has done good service in pointing out the way to greater prosperity and increased production, and it is to be hoped that the results will be commensurate with the desire of the Department’s staff to be of real service to the farming community.

occupied a distinct niche of his own creation, and illustrated forcibly the world-wide power of the Press when used as he used it, to advance the welfare of the great Empire to which he belonged heart and soul. Possibly there may be differeneees of opinion as to the motives which prompted, some of his actions, but there can be no doubt that, as a typical Englishman, he had a deep and abiding love for his country, and could not patiently bear the frettings and fumings of those who were shortsighted in their outlook and deficient in resource when facing emergencies. No man, however gifted and constituted, is perfect, yet most men are absolved from their imperfections if they exhibit wide vision, resource, vigor and unbounded confidence in their ability to be of service to their country. Whatever may be the verdict of history on the important part played by Lord Northoliffe during the most crucial period of his country’s severe trial, there can be no question that he gave the best service in his power, . and gave it in a way that stamped him as a patriot of outstanding intensity and virility. Like all the great men who find a prominent place in history, Lord Northcliffe was equipped with the qualities of a successful leader, the ability to gather from known -facts what was likely to ensue, and to take a broad outlook that enabled sound judgment to be formed and expressed. Such men are few, and more rarely have they the power of the Pre&s as a lever for inciting action in the desired direction. Truly he | possessed an Empire genius as well as a | remarkable personality, and few men are iso justly entitled to be honored in re- ! membrance by the English-speaking race ias Lord Northcliffe. The passing of so great and powerful a patriot is all the more to be deplored for the reason that he was at the zenith of his great and useful career, but he stands out as aii example that may well -inspire not only the Press of all countries, but the patriots to greater efforts on behalf of the people.