PRODUCE MORE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 February 1940, Page 6

PRODUCE MORE

IMPORTANCE OF INDIVIDUAL

EFFORT PRIMARY COUNCIL’S LEAD. DISTRICT RESEARCH FARM URGED. At the last meeting of the Masterton District Council of Primary Production. the chairman. Mr N. Lamont, pointed out that the main business of the meeting was the consideration of the reports submitted by members who had made themselves responsible for different branches of the farming industry. The most important function of the council was an advisory one and. only if the individual farmer would make an effort towards more production, would the council’s advice be effective. It was felt that even over the past few weeks there had developed amongst the majority of farmers a real determination to do their utmost. There were still those who were busy finding reasons why they could not increase production and when one encountered the attitude of “what’s the use of trying because of this, that or the other reason.” one could not but question the sincerity of the expressed desire to help. "It would be absurd to suggest that there are no factors beyond the individual farmers' control which might limit production," said Mr Lamont, "some of these are climatic and such, with others, may be insurmountable. On the other hand, if the individual farmer makes a real effort to increase production in spite of obstacles, then something must be achieved. Our work as a council will be effective to a degree that will be strictly proportional to the number of individual farmers who adopt the positive as distinct from the negative attitude."

The council, he said, could help such men, both by taking steps to surmount genuine obstacles in the way of increased production and by disseminating information and advice. It was well said that “mankind needs more often to be reminded than to be informed.” The reports presented at this meeting were intended to provide a basis for reminding farmers of the practical steps to be taken in responding to the appeal for increased production.

Reports were then read as follows: "Hill country,” by Messrs H. Morrison and R. F. R. Beetham; “fat lamb production" by Mr W. James;, “agriculture and cropping" by Mr Gordon Lee; "dairying and pigs" by Mr W. J. Thomas. Although the above were personally responsible, in the majority of cases prominent farmers in the different lines had been co-opted and the opinions expressed represented their common views.

In the course of discussion particular stress was laid by Mr Morrison on the desirability of establishing a research farm to accurately investigate the problems of the East Coast hill country farmer. .As he pointed out. methods of improving this type of country were already known but some were almost prohibitive on the score of cost. Consequently, before such work could be undertaken by private individuals, it was essential that experiments should be conducted which would determine which were the most effective and economical methods. The importance of lime and manure was also stressed in more than one of the reports and it was felt that every encouragement should be given for farmers to utilise the maximum of phosphate and of lime. In view of the importance of lime to the Wairarapa it .was considered that a subsidy on road cartage or some other form of assistance would be advisable.

The provision of adequate married accommodation on farms was again mentioned and it was felt' that maximum use should be made of the scheme being administered by the county councils, whereby assistance was available for farmers who wished to build suitable cottages. Attention was also drawn to the fairly considerable areas of land in the district which were at present partially or wholly non-productive but which could be converted into valuable farming land. If owners of such areas were prepared to improve them arrangements could probably be made to secure the use of Public Works plant for the purpose.