FARMING COURSE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20822, 5 June 1939, Page 8

FARMING COURSE

WINTER SHOW PROJECT YOUNG FARMERS IN WAIKATO RURAL INSTRUCTION CONTINUED Opportunity was given the secondary school boys’ rural class to visit the display of posters and booklets, issued by health . and educational authorities throughout the world, which is on display at the Waikato Winter Show. The boys were conducted through the section by Messrs Connell, Gibson and Ledigerwood. A pruning demonstration was given during the week-end, when the orthodox method of pruning apple trees was explained by Mr J. W. Whelan, Government orchard instructor. On Sunday the boys attended church services. Friday was spent in visiting Mr F. J. Farrell's farm at llorotiu, where some first-class weediess pasture land was inspected. Mr W. J. Connell, agricultural instructor, outlined what con-' stituled ideal pasture and the method adopted by Mr Farrell to convert a very inferior sward to a first-class state. Such points as surface cultivation, seed sowing, and manurial treatment were explained by Mr Connell. On the same day a stop was made at the jlorotiu Freezing Works, where the party was met by the manager, Mr R. Spiers, and the supervising inspector, Mr Toulson, who conducted the boys through the works and gave practical advice on the correct method of skinning sheep in order to avoid spoiling the pelt. Mr Toulgn spoke on diseases in pigs. Football Fixture In the afternoon a Rugby football match was played with the Hamilton Technical College first fifteen, which was victorious by 17 points to 10. The hope is expressed that if the course becomes an annual fixture similar competitions will be included in the programme. A lecture* on orchard pests and diseases was given in the evening by Mr J. W. Whelan, Government orchard instructor. He provided valuable advice on what sprays to use and stated the effect of different insect pests. Mr E. C. Wood, dairy produce grader, Aucklan’d, gave an address and demonstration on the methods followed in grading butter and cheese for export. Owing to the importance of the dairy industry in the Auckland Province the session proved most profitable. It was mentioned by Mr Wood that during the year ended July 31, 1938. 140,945 tons of creamery butter, 1890 tons of whey butter and 84,414 tons of cheese were graded at the 11 grading points in New Zealand. Caroase Demonstration The supervising grader of the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company, Mr C. H. Kneebone, gave a carcase demonstration of bacon, pork and lamb. In a talk on the quality and grading of carcases he was assisted by Mr Hill. The actual methods and measurements used in grading were demonstrated and specimens illustrating the causes for rejecting and grading down carcases were shown. Keen interest was evinced by the pupils and considerable discussion was aroused. Thursday afternoon was spent at Ihe animal research station, Ruakura. The farm manager, Mr T. E. Rodda, conducted the boys on a tour of the farm and explained the history of Ruakura. He also outlined the work in progress in connection with facial eczema, sterility in cattle, and pig feeding trials. * The milking-shed, stock yards, native plantation and oilier points of interest were inspected. Mr M. J. Campbell demonstrated farm implements.