Tourists from Tasmania

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 16, 1 November 1929, Page 7

Tourists from Tasmania

An Interesting Address from 2YA

AN interesting address was given during the evening. ° programme from 2YA on October 24, by Mr. Schubridge, a member of the party of Tasmanian farmers at present touring the Dominion. After he had been introduced to listeners by ‘the announcer at 2YA, My. Sehubridge commenced his talk by thanking the many South Island farmers, who, by their great kind. ness, had made the tour so far a very enjoyable onc. Climatic conditions in. New Zealand,’ he remarked, were very similar to those experienced in Tasmania. The Dominion, he continued, is very fortunate in possessing such large expanses of flat country, which are pre-eminently suitable for dairy farming. In Tasmania dairying is restricted to sinall areas among ‘the hills and mountains that compose the topography of .the country. The members of the party were very favourably impressed with the high standard of sheep breeding evidenced all through the South Island. Romney Marsh sheep appear to be favoured in the southern portion of the island, while Merinos and Leicesters are predominant in the north. At many of the various places visited purebred Clydesdale horses were paraded as at a show for the benefit of the visitors. Dairy farming, Mr. Schubridge continued, is of course the main industry

in the Dominion. Many milking herds seen during the tour were admired by the party for the high breeding shown. Numerous dairy factories were inspected, the most imposing of which could handle 13,000 gallons. of milk per day. Many orchards were visited, and the tourists were surprised to notice the totally different methods of fruit-grow-ing favoured by New Zealand orchardists. The pastoral land, the speaker remarked, is pr obably New Zealand's most precious asset. It was the finest he had ever seen, and he judged that it would carry more sheep to the acre than probably any other country in the world. Keen interest was taken by the par ty in the-New Zealand Farmers’ Union, a very strong organisation, having some’ 26,000 members and 548 branches scattered all over New Zealand, The speaker regretted that lack of support prevented their own: Agricultural ‘Bureau from inaugurating a ‘Similar movement. After assuring New Zealand farmers of a hearty welcome should they ever visit Tasmania, Mr. Schubridge conveyed greetings to any people who happened to be listening. The remuining week of the tour will be occupied by visiting places of interest in the North Island, and on November 1 the party leaves New Zealand by the Ulimaroa for Tasmania,