LINCOLN COLLEGE AT SHOW

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26265, 9 November 1950, Page 3

LINCOLN COLLEGE AT SHOW

AGRICULTURAL HISTORY

SURVEY OF ACTIVITIES SINCE 1880

One of the finest special displavs on the grounds of the Canterbury Royal Centennial Show, and one which more than any other demonstrates the advances which have been made in Canterbury since the pilgrims arrived, and even in the 10 years before them, is that of the Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln.

Because Canterbury’s agricultural history had begun before the arrival of the First Four Ships, 1840 is taken as the starting point for the display. In nine sections the agricultural and pastoral history of the province is shown with the actual activities of the college pinpointed in some places. Two bays show the striking changes that have been made in Canterbury’s landscape in a little over 100 years. One bay has as a background a typical rugged mountain scene, with the foreground occupied by a tussocky plain, river bed shingle and swamp, and the prickly matagouri bush. ’Die second shows an enlarged photograph of Gebbie’s Valley a* a background and a seed and cropping farm in the foreground. complete with modern farm machinery. In fact, there is a scale model of the latest agricultural machine in New Zealand—the buckrake.

At the entrance to the college marquee is an enlargement of the college, its farms and the surrounding countryside. and mentioned there are highlights in the history of the college, which give an indication of just how much the college has done for the benefit of primary industry. Summarising the college’s history, it is recorded that in 1872 the Canterbury Provincial Council passed a resolution which resulted in the establishment of the School of Agriculture. In 1877, 402 acres were bought and are the area of the present central farm of the college. The farm now totals 1264 acres. In 1880, on July 19. the college was opened under Mr W. E. Ivey, the “outstanding pioneer of agricultural education in New Zealand.” Three years later Mr George Gray was appointed chemist, and in the following three years he saved farmers more than the initial cost of the college. In 1894 fat lamb trials resulted in the advocacy of the Southdown as a fat lamb sire. Two years later the Degree in Agriculture was instituted and the college reconstituted as Canterbury Agricultural College. In 1901 the use of superphosphate was advocated for all kinds of crops and pastures, and in MHO there was an improvement of wheat by selection, followed by cross breeding in 1921. In 1922 grass selection commenced, resulting in the production of C. 23 cocksfoot. Sectional Displays The history of Canterbury soils and typical Canterbury soil “profiles” are shown in the section dealing with soil. Major developments in improving pastures are demonstrated in the next section, and the following section deals with crops. It contains a graph of the increases in wheat yields since 1870, showing how wheat yields have fluctuated. The importance of using lime and superphosphate together is emphasised.

Important periods in the development of the sheep industry are described in another section. From 1850 to 1880 was the pastoral era, followed by 20 years of the refrigeration era, with a change from Merino to Halfbreds. In the 1900-20 period Canterbury lamb made a name for itself and the Corriedale was given recognition. The present impetus to fat lamb production is also demonstrated, as is the decreased capacity of marginal lands. The dairying section may contain some surprises for North Island visitors. and also others who may not know their local history as well as they should. It shows that under the group test the average production of cows m New Zealand is 2601 b of but- - In Canterbury the average is 2801 b, evidence of good feeding. It is also shown that Canterbury herds formed the basis of some of the present outstanding dairy herds in New Zealand. Charts show that 7.000,000 gallons of milk are produced each year from the 12,000 cows rrfilked for town supply, and that Canterbury’s 14 factories produce 3000 tons of butter and 2000 tons of cheese each year. Photographs show the history of farm machinery, from the early days of the province to the present huge and diverse machines, both imported and locally-made.

The part that the college has played in the control of plant diseases is shown in the microbiology sectit n. and there is a summary of the insects associated with agriculture, both useful and harmful, with which the college is concerned.

The final section, horticulture explains the college’s farm shelter and other college horticultural activities.