LAND OF PROMISE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 12, 15 January 1926, Page 8

LAND OF PROMISE.

NORTHLAND POTENTIALITIES. A STARTLING PROPHESY. TEN SHEEP TO THE ACRE. When a land agent advertises that there is two-sheep country for sale it is an indication that it is a good pastoral proposition, and thus it will come as a surprise to some people to learn that there is land in New Zealand that has carried ten sheep to the acre. Naturally, this could be easily equalled or excelled in a butcher's accommodation paddock, but the record has been achieved under actual farming conditions at the Moumahaki State Farm, near Wanganui, before the property was disposed of by the Government. For ten years Moumahaki was under the direction of Mr. T. W. Lonsdale, who had previously for five years been associated with the State farm at Ruakura. A few years ago he decided to take up farming on his own account at Maungaturoto, and during the period he has formed some interesting opinions of the Northland territory. "Will North Auckland ever carry ten sheep to the acre!" was a question put to Mr. Lonsdale by a "Star" representative yesterday. "It is quite possible, but not just yet," he replied. Mr. Lonsdale added that the wonderful ten sheep to the acre record at Moumahaki was only possible by the growth of lucerne as a fodder, and feeding the sheep in rotation. In other words the sheep were shifted from paddock to paddock day by day, and thus each paddock was given practically a week to recover. Down in the Taranaki, Wanganui and Rangitikei districts the words "lucerne and Lonsdale" are synonymous, for it ia largely as the result of Mr. Lonsdale's enthusiasm and demonstration work that this wonderful fodder plant —a member of the alfalfa family—now makes green patches on the landscape in the hottest summer months, and provides succulent feed for stock. Mr. Lonsdale said that he had been experimenting with lucerne at Maungaturoto, and was satisfied that it was just as drought-resisting there as at the other end of the island. He considered, however, that the future permanent pastures of North Auckland should be a mixture of paspalmn dilatfttum and subterranean clover, the latter being of exceptional value for the reason that it could not be grazed out". Mr. Lonsdale said there was once a widespread, but entirely erroneous impression that much of * the Northland was a hopeless country from an agricultural and pastoral viewpoint, and he claimed that the big volcanic belt in the vicinity of Kaikohe could not be surpassed for fertility in the Dominion. He was likewise just as emphatic that the gumlands could be made productive if the right treatment were applied, this, to his mind, being the ploughing in of green crops plus a liberal application of agricultural lime. During his long term as the Government expert at Moumahaki, Mr. Lonsdale made extensive experiments with chou moellier, Japanese millet and the soya bean, and he thought that the firstnamed—occasionally known as the French marrow cabbage, although a native of Jersey—would eventually rsplace rape, as it was suitable for "sowing in the late summer for winter feed. It might be mentioned that Mr. Lonsdale was largely responsible for the Agricultural Department taking up the breeding of Ryeland sheep, a breed that was looked at askance by southern farmers a few years ago, but now recognised as a strain of exceptional merit. Through Mr. Lonsdale's advocacy the Ky.eland is now beconiing popular in the Northland, and a flock hae been started by the Prime Minister, the Hon. J. G. Coates. ■They told mc that North Auckland was not sheep country," said Mr. Lonsdale, "but that was a mistaken impression. The Ryelands do particularly well, as they will forage for their food, and Eyeland wool brought top prices at the Auckland wool sales. The breed had proved suitable for crossing with the Romney strain, the result being a heavier carcase and a wool of greater density. As a matter of fact, at the first Royal Show, which was held at Palmertston North, Ryeland-cross lambs carried off most of the prizes. "I am satisfied that Northland has a wonderful future," said Mr. Lonsdale, in conclusion. "It has a', splendid climate and with the possibilities that there are for fruit-growing it should be a veritable garden and play a similar part for the re_st of New Zealand as California does! '. for the United States. But the -great requisite is close settlement, and that means a sound scheme of immigration and assistance for people who. are prepared to go on the land."