CANTERBURY FARMERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 199, 8 June 1929, Page 7

CANTERBURY FARMERS

VISIT TO MASSEY COLLEGE. CSnecial to the "Guardian."* PALMERSTON NORTH, June 7. The luck of the Canterbury touring farmers deserted them to-day so far as the weather was concerned. Rain commenced to fall overnight and most of to-day's programme was conducted in disagreeable conditions. The party arrived last night from Auckland at 8.30 and were met on the platform by the local pipe band. This morning a civic reception was tendered, response being made to the Mayor's welcoming speech by Messrs C Macintosh (Rangiora) and G. F. Wright (Annat). Thereafter a visit was made «to Massey Agricultural College. The rain made conditions very muddy and disagreeable underfoot. Professor Peren extended a welcome and with members of his staff showed the visitors over most of the 800-odd acres comprising the farm. Top-dressing experiments, a good-sized herd of excellently conditioned cows, a model dairy factory which appeared complete in every detail, and" a modern woolshed were inspected in turn. At the conclusion of the tour Professor Peren described the character of the work being undertaken and also explained the system of finance. Various associations gave substantial srrants for research affecting their different intei-ests, the Government subsidising their donations. Before returning to town Mr H. Oliver (Hororata) returned thanks to the staff for showing the visitors over the farm. The weather cleared for the earlier part of a motor run through the district, the cars for which were provided by the Automobile Association. The noted Kairanga County, through Mt. Stewart to Fcilding and baok to Palmcrston North by various routes comprised the itinerary. The stocking by both cows and sheep was obviously heavy, some of the districts _ passed through containing what is claimed to be among the best crazing land in the Dominion. To-night the visitors are being entertained at a concert and leave for Wellington in the moraine. The ferry boat for Lyttelton will be joined oii Monday night. The trip has been a thoroughly enjoyable and educational one, the visitors enjoying the very happy combination of scenic and farm attractions. Much of its success is due to the very thorough arrangements made by the Railway Department through its business representatives, Messrs F. Pawson (Christchurch), A. W. Welstead (Auckland), and A. McNeil (Wellington), the firstnamed accompanying the party throughout and the other two in their provincial districts. During the journey in the train yesterday a collection was taken uip to recognise the services of the officers and to present the Waikato and Manawatu A. and P. Associations with cups for competition at their annual shows as a mark of appreciation of what the members had done to entertain the party.