THE STATE FARM.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3782, 15 May 1908, Page 2

THE STATE FARM.

FARMERS VISIT RUAKURA. AN INTERESTING LESSON. When the members of the Matatmata branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union asked Mr Dibble, superintendent of the Ruakura Experimental Farm, if it would be convenient for them to visit the farm on the 14th May, they little thought that their simple request would lead to the gathering that assembled at Ruakura yesterday. Readily acceding to the request of the Matamata settlers, Mr Dibble conceived the idea of making the occasion one for others to inspect the work being carried on at the farm, and, with that end in view, invitations were issued to representative farmers and others who were known to be interested in the useful work being carried on. These invitations were readily availed of, and the result was an assemblage of close on 200 farmers and others connected with the various departments of agriculture dealt with at the farm. The Matamata members, with the chairman of the branch, Mr A. Bowler, and others from the Rotorua and Thames lines, reached the farm shortly after 11 a.m. by train, while visitors from the surrounding districts came in various ways —from the lordly automobile to Shanks’ pony.

On arrival at the farm the visitors were welcomed by the manager, Mr Dibble, and the other officials, of whom the following were present:— l Mr D. D. Hyde, poultry expert; Mr McGregor, expert in phormium culture; Mr J. Hopkins, apiarist; Mr A. Green, nurseryman; Mr D. Evans, shepherd; and Mr E Vickers, stud groom. Mr Duncan and Mr Kerr, of the Stock Department, and Messrs Barrett and Absolum, from the Wairangi station, were also present. After a general introduction and a look round the homestead, the gathering broke up into various parties, each anxious to gleam the latest information in their own particular department. While one lot inspected the milking machine, new cow-shed, and other branches of the dairy department industry, another placed themselves under Mr Evans, who quickly had them interested in the sheep, which are his especial care, and his description of the characteristics of his various charges was closely followed.

Yet another party sought their in formation at the hands—or should we say tongue—of Mr Hyde, and the poultry pens were their centre of attraction.

The horses were a source of great admiration to all, and the fine team of greys which were tied up in the yard came in for special commendation, many a covetous eye being cast in their direction. The draught stallion Resolution was paraded, and a sample of his stock was shown in the 18 months’ colt Dominion, the latter being a grandly furnished animal, looking more like a three year old than under tsvo. The stud bulls Badminton Beau (imp.), Master Tugela, and Red Lord, found favour with breeders-of dairy animals, and their young stock, all of which were especially quiet, showing kind and gentle treatment, were Keenly criticised, the features of the dairy strain being especially prominent.

Others, like the busy bee, improved the shining hour —for the sun, although the morning was foggy, shone out brightly at noon—by eliciting much information from Mr Hopkins. He described the details of his department with a thoroughness and clearness which impressed his hearers with the potentialities of bee-farming —remember, you must not say beekeeping now, as this is a branch of farming. Combating the objections raised at the time of the introduction of the Foul Brood Act, which necessitated the use of frame hives instead of the old box, he showed how the former could be made from kerosene cases at a minimum of cost. There was a box so manufactured on view alongside a Langstroth hive, and for utility there seemed to be little difference. In a marquee a splendid exhibit of the honey was staged in 501b, 101b, and 21b tins. This product is got up in an attractive form, and meets with a ready sale. In the marquee Mr Green displayed a collection of the various cereal and root products, and this included some fine specimens. Amongst the exhibits were wheat, oats, and barley of various descriptions, dried grasses, sugar beet, mangolds, soft turnips, pumpkins, marrows, maize, and potatoes. Of the last named some three hundred varieties were raised this season, the results as a rule being very satisfactory. Some fine samples of maize were shown, Mexican June, on account. of its shyness in cobbing, being especially adapted for ensilage. A number of New Zealand shrubs were thown in pots, and the Australian salt bush came in for a good deal of sbservation. The nursery was visited, and the excellent work being done ehere was fully recognised. Mr Dibble took charge of a fairly large party interested in the top-dres-sing experiments, and the visit to that portion of the estate where this had been carried out was an excellent object lesson as to its effectiveness, admiration being expressed on all sides at the wonderful results shown.

While these inspections were being made many questions were asked of the officials in charge, and much valuable information was gained. A questioner as to the disposal of the young bulls was informed that these were sold privately; last year’s selection having all been disposed of except two, at prices ranging from ten to twenty guineas. The stud Ayrshii'e calves were found to have been sired by Mr W. J. Hall’s Champion bull, Prince of Wales, and the youngsters were such as to make any dairyman envious. Those who breed stud stud learnt from Mr Evans the diffiulty in keeping any standard in the English Leicesters, the four stud rams—three from leading Southern breeders, and one imported from the famous Harrison (England) flock--each showing different characteristics. This last ram is the firsc imported to Waikato, and as his stock are showing great promise they should prove an acquisition to breeders. Though, as pointed out by Mr Evans, there was no fixed standard, he said the old blue face was being departed from, and the recognised English type, showing more white face and stronger and coarser wool, was being approached The Southdown rams, with two exceptions, were all imported. The exceptions were two rams bred on the farm, and the fact that they were being used on the stud ewes showed the good results of the earlier work in this department. These sheep were doing splendidly, and the environments seemed to suit them admirably. The young sheep which were seen on young grass and turnips were all looking splendid, the main fault found, being that they showed rather too much condition—there was hardly a sheep that was not fit to go straight into the show ring. In this connection Mr Evans said it was intended to make a strong exhibit in the sheep section at coming shows, and this would probably lead to Southern breeders obtaining fresh strains from this flock. There are on the farm 200 head of each of these breeds, and approximately 100 of each sex of hoggets. Mr Evans spoke very disparagingly of the rams sales as conducted in Waikato, and suggested these should be taken up by the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations as was done in the South.

Flax growers and millers formed a section of the assemblage and they were taken in hand by Mr McGregor, who had a fund of information for them. Among other things they learned was that very little was known of the phormium tenax, although the fibre was so valuable, and had been exported as long ago as 1839, when it realised £6O a ton in Sydney. Botanical names had not been given to the varieties of flax which were still known by their designations. On the farm no less

than eleven varieties were being grown and these were known as Awanga, Wharariki, Ngutunui, Huhiroa, Tutaemanu, Raumoa, Korako, Parikoritawa, Putaeori, Kopakipaki-ika, Rauehu and Katiraukawa. These were represented by three year old plants, and on maturity, which would be attained next year, there would be sufficient to give a small parcel of fibre for testing. A quantity of seed had been collected last year and sown, and the seedlings were doing remarkably well. It was hoped to be able to plant some of these out in the spring and thus save a year. His department had been established to take up the botanical side of this question with a view to plant breeding, in which an improved fibre with an elimination of the gum, which was a great drawback at present, would be produced. He had no doubt this would be successful, and as the plant was such a rapid and prolific reproducer, results would be more rapidly attained than with many other species. He pointed out that New Zealand had the most valuable fibre in the world, but the industry was not on the footing it should be. So far as the present experiments had gone, the Ngutunui and Putaeori varieties had given the best commercial results, but in the course of a few days a bulletin dealing with the experiments carried out by Mr Stuart, of the fibre department, and himself, would be issued and would be procurable at the offices of the Department. At the forthcoming winter shows an extensive exhibit of the different varieties in all the stages from the seedling to the dressed fibre would be made and should prove an excellent object lesson to those interested in the industry. As showing the interest taken in the dressing of the i fibre in America an experiment had j been made in washing tow with a machine devised for the treatment of sisal, and sansiviera, on flax grown under glass, but the resultant fibre was not good.

The morning had passed away all too rapidly, and shortly after one o’clock an excellent luncheon was served in a large marquee by Mr John Bettlay, of the Hamilton Coffee Palace. Although the visitors largely exceeded the number expected, all were provided for in Mr Bettley’s well known style. Mr J. S. Bond, Mayor of Hamilton, presided, and at his table were Messrs Greenslade and Lawry, M.’sP., Messrs C. Day, Jno. Fisher, and Allen Bell, presidents of the Waikato and Waikato Central Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and Waikato Winter Show Association respectively, Mr Dibble, manager of the farm, Mr J. Barugh, Mr Jay, Mr Young, Mr A. Lorie, and Mr McGregor. Luncheon finished, the chairman, after conveying apologies from Messrs Massey, Lang, Bollard and Kidd, M.’sP., Ritchie, head of the Agricultural Department, Jno. Gordon and W. Chi tty, congratulated Mr Dibble on his happy conception of such a gathering, and said the success which had attended it warranted the hope that the function would become an annual one. The principal work of the farms was of an educational and experimental nature. The latter was of the chief value, as no farmer could dream of carrying on experiments on thse ame scale. They demonstrated the most suitable manures for different soils, the most profitable crops to grow; and in many other ways afforded practical information not otherwise attainable. This being so, it would be folly to expect such farms to give an actual cash return that would cover the of such experiments. Their real value lay in the object lessons to farmers which enabled them to copy the successes and avoid the failures at very little cost. Though no direct cash was reaped the district benefited in a material degree from the work carried out. However, in connection with Ruakura, he did not think a bad bargain had been made, for it could be realised now for a larger sum than it had cost,including all the money spent on the experiments, and allowing nothing for the benefits derived therefrom. Another feature of the farm was the opportunity it gave for the training of young men, and already a number of those who had received their agricultural education there were now farming successfully on their own account. They were not only taught the everyday farming but were instructed in bee farming and nursery work as well. The dairy was a large feature on the farm, and it was carried on up to date lines. The breeding of stud stock was another feature, and the increasing demand [for this stock could not be met. Mr Dibble had made a special feature of the stud sheep, and they had all seen with what good results. The erection of a house for the accommodation of the cadets had been authorised and would shortly be proceeded with. A lecture hall would be provided and there lectures would be given by the various experts. In connection therewith they would soon have the technical and agricultural college at Hamilton, so that the cadets could get the theoretical as well as the practical training, and Hamilton would then become the argicultural educational centre for the Auckland province. Speaking of the farm itself, Mr Bond said it comprised 908 acres, or deducting 230 acres devoted to orchard, cropping,nursery, poultry yards, shelter belts, etc., and 100 acres not yet under cultivation there were 578 available. During the past summer the farm had carried 1700 sheep, 150 head of cattle, and 50 horses, and he thought this was most satisfactory being equivalent to about five sheep per acre. Mr Dibble had every reason to be proud of the results of his top dressing experiments, which had in a great measure enhanced the carrying capacity. Basic slag applied in the autumn at the rate of three to four cwt. to the acre had been found to be of great lasting value, and it is effects in improved herbage, which the stock graze closely and do well were self evident. During the past summer, the dressed land had shown freshness all through the drought, and when the rain came the growth of grass was very rapid. The experiments in sugar beet would, he thought, surprise many and he hoped the Government would complete them and show the result in actual sugar. In conclusion Mr Bond said he remembered the time when no one would look at the farm, but it was now a credit to the district, and the Government were doing a good work for the country. Mr Greenslade said he would curtail his remarks so as to allow of more useful information as to the work carried on being imparted. Although many farmers at first scoffed at these farms they all now recognised the value of the work being done,and the large attendance showed they desired to acquire all the information available. He gave great credit to Mr Clifton, Mr Dibble and the other officials for the excellent results which had been achieved. Mr Dibble had proved the right man in the right place, and he was always anxious and ready to demonstrate to others the value of the work which was being done. Mr F. Lawry took a good deal of the credit for Mr Dibble’s appointment, and he also paid a high tribute to Mr Clifton for his work on the experimental farms. He expressed the hope that the function would become an annual one. Mr Jno. Fisher, as a farmer, was pleased to take part in the day’s gathering. He was a frequent visitor to the farm, and every time he had learnt something new. He endorsed the eulogies expressed by the previous speakers as to the good work being done, and said he hoped it would be carried on to a still greater success. He had been especially struck with the effects of the top dressing—the untreated portion told its own tale. The horses were a credit to the farm, especailly the team of greys. No matter what the sire was like they showed excellent selection in the dam. He was very pleased with the young grade bulls, and the sheep were a fine lot, though perhaps too fat for breeding. 4 Mr J. Barugh agreed as to the excellent results obtained from top dressing and spoke on the same lines as report 3d yesterday in regard to the

inclusion of the value of the manures in the improvements. The experiments the Government themselves were making would help to bring this question prominently before the public. Mr C. Day endorsed the statements of the previous speakers as to the practical value of the farm, and said though he had been farming all his life, he never left without learning something. The tidiness and general good order was an object lesson to all good farmers. He was not a supporter of the Government, but the money they were spending on the experimental farms was well spent.

Mr Dibble said he took great pride in turning out young men as practical farmers. In addition to the other branches they were going to instruct them in judging cattle and sheep by points and also wool classing. He was always glad to supply any information as to the work being done and the experiments being carried out. Mr I>. D. Hyde pointed out that many people were not fully alive as to what these experimental stations are for. They cavilled at results, but were not acquainted with the objects of the farms. Speaking in regard to a criticism of his department being made in the Weekly Press, he said if the writer became conversant with what was being done and went to the farms and see for himself he would change his opinions. The great object of the poultry department was to breed birds of specially good quality for egg production, not for show purposes. A few years ago 100 eggs a year was considered a good return, but if a hen did not lay 100 eggs in six months she was not kept. During the last three years the egg production on the farms had been increased over 50 per cent, and the benefits of this work often showed the difference between profit and loss. Mr Allen Bell thanked Mr Dibble for the courtesy extended to the members of the Farmers’ Union to be present. He was pleased to hear that the result of the experiments were being appreciated. If the whole of the money spent on the farms had not been reproductive in any other way than the experiments, it was money well spent. With the difficulty of procuring labour before them they had to find means of recuperating their land other than ploughing, and it had been demonstrated that this could be done by top dressing. If these farms were performing their proper functions, it would be impossible to even make them self supporting. Mr J. A. Young congratulated Mr Dibble on the results of the work being done on the farm. It was the duty of the Government to develop the natural industries and of these agriculture was an easy first. The Government should be careful not to enter into competition with private enterprise, but confine itself to assistance and instruction.

After three hearty cheers had been given for Mr and Mrs Dibble the party broke up to take advantage of what time was left to them. Everywhere the greatest orderliness and tidiness prevailed and the thirty hands, including four cadets, employed must have a busy time.

The Matamata and other southern visitors among whom was a number of the senior scholars from the Matamata school, under the headmaster, Mr H. J. Moore-Jones, and who showed an intelligent interest in the various branches of the work, left by train at 3 p.m., and after the others had been photographed all were soon homeward bound, the general concensus of opinion being that the gathering must be an annual one, and thus the idea, originated shortly after the establishment of the farm by the Farmers’ Club of holding an annual picnic there but which was unfortunately allowed to fall through, seems likely to be carried out next year, and for many years thereafter.