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Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1929, Page 4

That experiments pay in connection witli Llio land, was emphasised specially liy Llio Hon George Forbes, recently, at Palmerston North. "I am confident that the experiments hieing carried out are worth while and of value from a ,C s. d. point of view,” said the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, speaking at a field day held at the Agricultural Department’s experimental area. Ho recognised, he said, the importance of the work being carried

out by the department in getting together information lot farmers. There was no doubt that a great deal had yet to he learnt from that patient investigation that the farmer could not do. The Dominion was entering on a stage of farming when it was dependent upon science and' manures. “We must get more from the land than we have done because we have to face greater competition, and the only way to combat that is to increase the return per acre,” ho said. The matter of top-dressing lias been brought prominently before farmers of late because of the results being achieved. Where there is the opportunity of making companions in respect to adjacent farms, the value of fertilising is plainly demonstrated whether it is in the quality of the stock, the produce of the stock, or the increased quantity and quality of the ground yield. On that account more and more attention is being given the matter, and at the same time the matter of application of the fertilisers at tße best season of the year, is likewise having special consideration. In respect to this aspect, the matter was mentioned specially at a North Island gathering. In the course of the discussion reference was made to the season ror lop-dressing by Dr A. TI. Cockayne. “During the past few years there has been a distinct swing towards autumn top-dressing largely as a result of encouragement from fhe Department,” said Mr Cockayne, at a field day for farmers. “One is not going to suggest an immediate revolutionary change,” he said, “hut within a very lew years a large proportion of phosphate dressing will be done in December instead of May, as at present.” The tendency of farmers was to topdress phosphate manures in May or June, be explained. Many were adopting the practice of doing that work in March to promote a winter growth, but the best all-round results were .without a doubt, secured from a December application. The object wm to get production when production was normally low. The summer application tended to increase production during autumn and winter, while the winter application increased the grass growth at a time when there was normally a good growth. A suggestion such as the foregoing from one who lias studied the matter, is. well worth paying attention to, and doubtless the remarks here quoted will have the serious consideration of the farming community of Westland.