FARMERS UNION

Dunstan Times, Issue 3368, 4 April 1927, Page 5

FARMERS UNION

MEETING OFDUNSTAN BRANCH Mr R. Tohill presided over a good meeting at on Monday last. Mr K. B. Tennent, Instructor in Agriculture, attended and explained the position with a view to co-operative experimental work in Central Otago for the purpose of solving certain problems by the trying out of different types of fertilisers, including superphosphate, basic slag, lime, etc. and so extend and improve the life of different pastures, in preference to the old and costly method of breaking them up. The speaker said he was prepared to carryout certain experiments on different individual farms—about live in this district— which would include Galloway, Springvale, Earnscleugh and Fruitlands. The areas required would be two acres, and old pastures which, had not been previously treated would be preferred. The Department would provide the. cost, including the fencing of the plots. Several members offered to give sections, and it was suggested that perhaps other settlers might like to make a similar offer. If so the secretary (Mr L. Ryan) would be pleased if they would communicate with him without delay. The differ eat plots would then be considered and a selection made. Tohill, Ryan and Iverson wese appointed a committee to work in conjunction with the Agricultural Department. The suggestion was mrniioiad tD 1 ' the Farm School might come to tars centre again this year. Mr Tennent pointed out that other districts were anxous for the same thing and that he could not definitely promise, but he would see what could be done.

The phairmnn proposed a ve>y hearty vote of thanks to Mr Tennent for attending the meeting, and the members were fpolo satisfied that ti lot. ol good Avould result from the experiments. Mr Tennent suitably replied, stating that as soon as the selection of the different plots were made, he avouUl have the Avork put in hand Avithout delay. On the motion of Messrs Iverson and Gartley the date of the annual meeting Avas lixed for Monday, April 25th, same to be advertised in both the Dunstan Times and Alexandra Herald.

j The customary compliment to the 1 chair closed the meeting-