MR. M'NAB IN THE SOUTH

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 176, 20 April 1908, Page 7

MR. M'NAB IN THE SOUTH

STATE FARMS AND TREE-PLANTING. ■ ' (BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL COr.EESrONDENT.) Clirlstohurch, April 18.;,; ' --Tire .Minister, for. Lands,, who arrived in Christchurch last evening from 'Central . Oiago, says the countty.in the Blacks. Alexandra, 'Vajid Clydo districts is hi »■ ■ more : parched, condition than he has ever seen it before.,., , ■ ■ - ... . 'The 1 conditions at the Tapanui Nursery Were almost perfect That, State institution . j,s able ,to turn out a million and a half, of . trees. a year. Planting: operations are also being carried out at Conical Hills, ivhere 1000 acres have beeiudealt with, arid 3000 acres &ro being prepared. ' ■ . - /The poultry farm at Milton, Tie says, is the best State poultry farm in the Dominion; and does the best, experimental work. It has about' 800 laying birds for the local market. The demand fdr eggs ! is 'so great that the • manager believes ;that 10,000 birds could easily be kept in- stock for laying without flooding tho market. At Mr. ,M'Nab's suggestion, some experiments will bo'carried.out in connection "with native ducks. Thoy are reared on the fapin, and steps will be'taken to seo to what extent the-birds, aro capable of being crossed with domesticated birds with a view to producing birds for the .table. The farm, on tho whole, had. been a remarkable success. . . i., Mr.M'Nab .will leave for Wellington this evening. He intends to visit Australia soon if lie can get away from'his Ministerial duties for a. short time.