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Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17284, 27 September 1916, Page 8

" The farmer of New Zealand thinks he knows how to farm, but ho doesn't. He is merely a poacher on tho. preserves of the elements." Thus did Mr E. Clifton, New Zealand Commissioner at tho Panama Exposition, express himself to a representative of tlie "Waikato when discussing comparative jnetkods of agriculture' in this country and America. Mr Clifton added that while the Now Zealand farmer was ever grumbling at tho climate it was, nevertheless, .New Zealand's greatest asset, and the chief of all its possessions. On this fact the New Zealand farmer had great cause to congratulate himself. '"Our, farmers," he said, "are but employing the climate, and in collusion with the real estate agent are prosecuting a very successful campaign. The ona fact that will ensure the prosperity of the farmer, however, despite these machinations, is that New Zealand lies under beneficent skies. The New Zealand farmer does not know how to farm, he is merely a poacher on tho fertility of the skies."- ,