Farming in the United States

Te Ao Hou, Summer 1954, Page 41

Farming in the United States By Rex Austin These sketches of farm life in the United States come to us from Rex Austin, a young Maori from Southland who visited the United States last year as a delegate from New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. Four delegates are sent each year, chosen for their farming knowledge, their ability to speak well, and their general knowledge of New Zealand. While in America, Mr Austin stayed with various farmers for short periods, learned their methods, and made many friends. One letter, received by the New Zealand Dairy Board from Stanton, Michigan, described Mr Austin in these terms: ‘He was the most interesting speaker I ever listened to, and you should be very proud of this young man. It is my understanding that he is to speak again at a Rotary Club meeting, and at this meeting we are going to invite our wives to attend. I know it will be very interesting and instructive … I have had a hard time to get your address without notifying the young man of my intentions … Should you ever continue this plan another season — just send over as nice and as smart a young man as Mr Rex Austin …’