FIELD COMPETITIONS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXV, Issue 12912, 14 July 1936, Page 2

FIELD COMPETITIONS

PROPOSED ATTRACTION FOP A. AND P. SHOW.

COMMITTEE TO CONFER WITH GOVERNMENT INSTRUCTOR.

As the result of a- proposal mails’ by Mr.' E. M. Bates, instructor ot agriculture in Gisborne, field cbmpcti-J tions for mangolds, ensilage and 'inane' may be a featui-o of the next A. and P. Show. The proposal, which cropped up at tho previous meeting of the general committee of the A. and P. Association on Saturday, and a coin-, mittee was set up to confer with Mr Pates and report to the next meeting. Tho letter from Mr Bates asked ii tho Association would consider the: matter of running field competitions for roots, ensilage, and pastures, as additional section to the show ; stating that in the last district m' which lie was stationed such competitions were keenly contested. “Tho Department,” continued Mr 'Bates, “has always found that field competitions result in a general improvement in the class of crops under competition. For example, mangold yields have been improved after two or three seasons overall by about 100 per cent, in some districts. The present work being done in field competitions could be made much more valuable if run by the A. and P. Association. I feel sure from past experience that members will take: a keen interest. It was desirable that such a, competition should he open. Mr. Bates concluded by stating that bo would like to see a farmers field ensilage competition held in conjunction with the annual show, and later on, if thought desirable, pasture competitions might be carried out. Tho president, Mr. ,T. C. Graham, said he thought that such a competition came clearly within the "scope of nr. A. and P. Association. The Poyal Agricultural Society in Sydney made it one of the features of their show, and had stated that it had proved of gieat assistance to farmers. It was claimed that the produce of districts had, as the result of such competitions increased from 45 to 6CO per cent. He thought it would be a good thing to have a mangold competition. In a recent mangold competition organised by a business firm in. Gisborne the sons had beaten their fathers, thus showing that the older farmers had much to learn. He suggested it might he a good idea to start with mangold and ensilage competitions. Mr. R. Graham moved that a small committee be sot up to confer with Mr. Bates and report at the next meeting. , Mr. J. Atkins seconded the proposal which was carried. Mr. G. V. Smith suggested that maize should be included. Messrs. J. C. Graham, J. Fivers, A. 0. Langford, H. Baker and G. V. Smith were appointed the committee.