GALATEA PRAISED

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20272, 14 August 1937, Page 9

GALATEA PRAISED

FUTURE OF STATION. QUALITY OF STOCK. I AMPLE FEED AVAILABLE. The ideal cattle that were being raised for the chilled beef trade at Galatea and the ample stock feed that was available at the station were subjects for favourable comment by Air A. Miller, Waikato manager for Messrs. W. and R. Fletcher, Ltd., who together with the firm's buyer, Mr W. Corrigan recently visited the station where they purchased 200 chilling cattle. These cattle, which had been fattened on turnips, were ideal cattle for the trade, said Mr Miller, and there was no doubt that the station was aiming to produce what was required, namely, well-bred, young light-weight cattle. The type of oattle being produced spoke volumes for the work of the chairman of the management committee, Mr M. J. Galvin, and of the station manager, Mr M. H. Jolly. Great credit was due to them for their work in converting country that a few years ago looked valueless, into land representing a high state of cultivation. On one break of turnips, said Mr Miller, there were 900 yearling Polled Angus heifers and this position was as good as anyone would wish to find In any part of the Dominion. The management of tho station was purchasing the best sires for breeding purposes and was setting a standard for chilling cattle which must tend to bring the Dominion’s meat into high repute in the Mother Country. The pastures at Galatea were outstanding, said Mr Miller, and were as forward as most on the best land In the Waikato. carrying Capacity. At the present rate of development it would bo only a matter of a few years before the station was carrying an immense amount of stock and would be showing good returns for the initial outlay. In regard to cutting up the station into small holdings. Air Miller considered that it would be better to farm the station as It was being farmed at present for a few years in order to consolidate the country. The present settlers on the small area that had been settled all seemed prosperous and from what one could gather were doing well on their dairy farms. Tho sheep fiocks were being well maintained and an Inspection of the wethers and hoggets this week showed that they had come through the winter exceedingly well. There was no doubt that the sheep would produce good wool of tho class that was required by tho wool trade. As Galatea country was excellent for the growing of good hay during tho summer and since it was ideal turnip-grow-ing country, there was always ample feed available for the stock, concluded Air Atlller ___