AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 37, 13 May 1941, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

REVIEW OF MONTH'S WORK

The Board of Governors of the Canterbury Agricultural College met at Lincoln this morning. There were present Mr W. O. Rennie (chairman), Dr. F. W. Hilgendorf, Messrs H. S. S. Kyle, M.P., G. P. Wright, C. T. Aschman, C. Morgan Williams, M.P., L. B. Scott, I. L. M. Coop, W. C. Colee, J. R/ D. Johns, T. H. McCombs, M.P., and N. M. Orbell.

I The director, Professor E. R [Hudson, in his report stated:

Weather: The rainfall for April amounted to 245 points and further rain has fallen more recently. Mild weather has prevailed and in general the conditions have been overcast and dull rather than frosty and bright. There have been some frosts but none of sufficient severity to stop growth.

Pastures and Crops: Pastures have made phenomenal growth and feed is abundant. Conditions approximate those of spring. Newlysown pastures have established well and several such areas have already been grazed. All autumn-sown crops, except two paddocks intended for wheat, have been sown. Recent rains rendered these two paddocks too wet .to drill but a few days of dry weather should enable the work to "be completed.

Stock: The abundance of feed is reflected in the well-being of stock and all are now in thriving condition.

Seasonal Work: All seasonal work except the trimming of hedges is well in hand. Gorse-cutting. will be put in train as soon as possible and it is anticipated that the use of a machine will reduce the amount of labour required.

Ashley Dene: The season has been favourable for subterranean clover and although the first autumn rains were somewhat late, good strikes are in evidence and feed is plentiful. Lucerne and mixed pastures have also yielded well. Many of the Ashley Dene ewes are being used in a systematic trial to test the effectiveness of the progeny test as applied to rams of the Corriedale breed.

Women's Short Course: The general short course for women students was completed on 25th April. Good work was performed by the students and most of them are now qualified to undertake many of the lighter duties associated with farming. On the 3rd of this month a special short course for the training of women as herd-testers was commenced.. Over thirty young women are taking this course, which will conclude .on the 24th instant. Officers of the N.Z. Herd Testing Association are co-operating with the College staff in the instructional work.

Minister's Visit: On the sth. instant the Hon. Minister of Agriculture 'paid this College an informal visit. The chairman and Messrs Kyle and Williams were present on the occasion. Buildings: The slaughter house and butcher's shop .are now almost completed and good progress is being made with the new piggeries. A contract has now been let for the replacement of the house destroyed by fire and the contractor will be commencing work during the present week. The old laboratory vacated by the Wheat Research Institute has been renovated and is now being used by the Animal Husbandry Department. Some of the old farm buildings are being demolished and the galvanised iron is being put to use in the new piggery. Staff and Students: The first term was concluded on 2nd instant and the College regular courses are in recess. Lectures will be resumed again on the 20th. Five members of the . lecturing staff are entering camp for military training for the remainder of the vacation.