LEVIN STATE FARM.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 473, 3 April 1909, Page 3

LEVIN STATE FARM.

VISIT BY MR. D. BUICK, M.P. ■' . . _ . ' — 1 ! come up in THE HPUSE. Mr. D. Buick, M.P., visited, the State farm at Lovin, and has communicated his impressions to a "Standard" reporter. Mr. Buick said'that he was met by the manager, Mr. Drysdale, and was by him conducted all over the property, at the same time being given full information of 'the work being carried on. 'An interesting .feature, especially at. this period of the year, was a visit to the orchard. The past season has been a very good one for fruit generally, apples especially doing well, whilst the pears were also good. The orchard, Mr. Buick was surprised to see, was not entirely free from blight,, aphis being very noticeable, despite spraying operations'carried on earlier in the season. The presence of fruit on the' trees precludes any' spraying, being done at the present time, ■;

■ Mr, Buick naturally, paid great attention to the'.dairying department, but, on. the whole, he . was not greatly taken with', the stock. Shorthorns predominated, and among them were several very well-bred animals, but there were also several perfect mongrels —at least to. look at. v ' Another matter for surprise, and one that should not, in Mr. Buick's: opinion, obtain in an allegedly up-to-date -experimental farm, was the fact that the two milking machines,. the L.K.G. and the 'Hartnett, were hung up out of work whilst milking was being done by hand. The arrangement, Mr. Buick learnt, was that a family- was doing it ■on terms. There was no suggestion that the machines were not satisfactory, and the whole matter appeared to; be entirely one of arrangement. Details with .'regard ,to . whioh , were found to be the best breed of cows were not available. . Mr Buick is of opinion that the 800 acres which .constitute the farm would be put to a_ better .use and-he more-profitable to the district if cut. up into suitable dairy farms, and settled upon. Even; in. 100-acre blocks, he is quite,, sure-that the, results from the settlement of ..eight families would be infinitely .better than the present'arrangement. It is his intention to refer to -the-matter. in the' House when it meets. . ..; _ Mr. Buick also looked over the boys' training school, which is under the management of Major Burlinson. The visitor was especially eulogistic in his reference to;all he-saw at.the school. He considers • that the school is. a moist useful institution, and thoroughly well conducted, and he is of opinion that the school is-amply fulfilling its piiroose, thanks greatly' to 'the very .capable instruction "and management. There are 163 boys on ,the roll. :