The Press FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1956. High-Country Farming

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28162, 28 December 1956, Page 6

The Press FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1956. High-Country Farming

High-country fanning can make such an important contribution to soil conservation that, even apart from its value to the national economy, its future is of the greatest importance. The well-reasoned case for purposeful research into its problems, made by Mr David McLeod in a special article printed today, therefor deserves the attention of the Parliamentary committee now considering conservation, and ultimately of the Government. Mr McLeod’s article is in part a spirited reply to comments made by an American expert, Dr. Lincoln Ellison, on the dangers of erosion in New Zealand; but in fact the two points of view are in many respects complementary Mr McLeod’s argument for encouragement to high-country farmers who are improving thenruns from their own resources stands on its own merits. His account of the way in which they are doing so is encouraging. They are ploughing back some of the returns of a period of prosperity not only into seeds and fertilisers, but into fencing and other improvements essential to good management In this they are not receiving much help or guidance. These farmers are the only large body of practical experts on ouilding up the vegetative cover of the high country; and they have been unable to persuade the Government to support their efforts by establishing a research station to provide scientific services and give constructive suggestions.

Such a station would not solve all conservation problems, many of which, as Dr. Ellison said, were caased by errors made generations ago. Even the best farming practices could not check all the forces of nature that have been set in motion, so more fundamental research is needed, too. But that does not minimise the importance on the longest view, as well as the shortest, of maintaining the strength of high-country farming. The runholders can serve the cause of conservation not only by improving the pasture on their own holdings but in many other ways, as keen observers of changing conditions and by helping with protective schemes not directly related to their farming operations. The better informed they are abo«ut the causes and progress of erosion and the remedies for it, the more effective their service. Mr McLeod has suggested, as broad headings for a research programme, animal husbandry, land use, the economics of the high country, and the encouragement of labour. If this is not an exhaustive list, it does illustrate the readiness of farmers to profit from coordinated research. It is not unreasonable for them to kook to the State for this help, because in addition to the general national interest in conservation and production, the State owns this land. A tenant who is trying to preserve and improve a landlord’s property deserves encouragement.