SOME BUILDING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 243, 26 July 1947, Page 4

SOME BUILDING

On Irrigation Research’ Station .r ' i PLANS BEING PREPARED FOR LABORATORY i Some progress is being made with the erectio.n of buildings on the Department of Agriculture’s irrigation research station at Winchmore, Mr N. Lamont (assistant irrigation officer) told a “Guardian” reporter yesterday. While hay and implement sheds have already been erected, a cowshed and calf-shed are in the course of construction and plans are being prepared for an administrative block including a laboratory and offices. The hay and implement sheds made from former Army buildings are serving a useful purpose. Both are located on the dairy farm section of the station. On account of the mild winter it is possible that all hay that is in store in the hay ehed will not be required. The cow-shed which may be finished in about * a fortnight, provided the weather remains reasonably favourable, is of the standard factory supply pattern. It will be equipped with milking machines and be able to accommodate four co\fs at a time. The cows of various breeds held on the property numbering about two dozen, are expected to commence calving in about a month’s time.

A calf-house is also being constructed at the same time as the cow-shed. This building will be used for the feeding and housing of the animals when they are young or when weather is had.

May Be Erected Shortly

The erection of a laboratory, offices, workshops, etc., is expected to he carried out in the not too far distant future. For this work the steel sections of former American Army buildings, obtained through the War Assets Realisation Board, are now located on the farm. Plans are being prepared for the laboratory, and while it may not be long before it is erected, Mr Lamont expects that considerable difficulty may be experienced in securing much of its interior equipment. The installation of irrigation headquarters and the further subdivision of the property by fencing is reported to be proceeding.