Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24, 1932. THE MASSEY COLLEGE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 226, 24 August 1932, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24, 1932. THE MASSEY COLLEGE.

In the “Standard” yesterdajy there was published the first of a series of papers delivered to the gathering of sheep breeders which was held recently at the Massey Agricultural College. This meeting was the result of a ' united effort by the Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders’ Association and the College authorities to bring stud breeders, and the hill country farmer, into personal contact with the research work being undertaken at the College to raise the standard of New Zealand wool. The conference was a splendid success. As Professor Peren pointed out in his excellent survey of wool research at the College, the hill country farmer is suffering financially more than anyone else, and one of the main objects of the meeting was to assist him by imparting the knowledge gained on various technical aspects of his work. Much, therefore, it may be assumed, was done at this valuable gathering to break down the idea prevalent among such farmers, and to which Professor Peren referred, that such conferences were not of use to them because the problems discussed and the solutions were not applicable to the conditions under which they farm. For their part, the College authorities have a firm z’ealisation of the fundamental fact that if the institution is to progress, if it is to fulfill the functions for which it was established, it must come in personal contact with the industries it is designed to benefit. Their viewpoint was admirably expressed by the Principal when he said: “We welcome meetings of this type. They keep us in touch with the farmer from whom we get valuable evidence in connection with our problems, and suggestions as regards the applicability of our results, and they give the farmer a better understanding of the aims and objects of our work and the difficulties involved.” The College, if it is not already so, must become the rallying ground for the North Island sheep farmer, and the recent conference marks an important step forward.

There have been times when, impatient of results, people have been prone to level criticism at the rate of progress, but they forget that the short cut in research is often the longer way round, a point that was stressed to the farmers. Again, the College in its research operations on the sheepfarmers’ behalf is labouring under difficulties caused by the acute financial conditions. This work, Professor Peren pointed out, is financed entirely by the College, and a reduced grant has meant the termination of valuable appointments. It is distinctly unfortunate that so

early in its career, when most valuable wool research work is in progress, the College should lose the services of several specialists. The matter, however, goes further, for the country itself suffers if they are lost to the sheep and wool industry, a possibility stated not to be remote. A strong point made by the College authorities at the meeting was that the dairy research work is aided by grants from the Dairy Produce and tire Empire Marketing Boards and from the Government, while the extent of wool research is determined by the Government grant to the College. The former is, therefore, on a much more stable basis from the financial viewpoint. The Act constituting the Meat Producers’ Board does not, the Auditor-General has ruled, give authority to the Board to make grants to the College, and it is, therefore, distinct from the Dairy Produce Board enactment. \*et the Meat Board, aware of the tremendous importance of the work now in progress at Massey College, appears desirous of making a substantial grant. To meet the position amending legislation is required, and the resolution passed at the meeting is worthy of the Government's consideration. It is a matter that could be introduced during the session, forbeing straightforward it should occupy little time. From the comprehensive statement of the wool research given by Professor Peren farmers will learn much that should benefit them in their work. They will learn with interest and pleasure, too, that Dr. Dry will be publishing, in so far as his investigations are concerned, a ‘'piece of work which will rank as a classic in research circles.” The request made to farmers for moral and financial support is endorsed by the great value of the specialists’ work at the College. From the success of the initial gathering, which was excellently attended considering the difficult times, it is evident there is a high appreciation of the College work, and realisation that it is performing a service of untold value to the Dominion. The promoters should have every reason to be pleased with the success of their effort and the conference should be the forerunner of what in time must rank as one of. the most important in its particularsphere to be held in the Dominion.