THE LEVIN AGITATION

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 833, 4 September 1906, Page 2

THE LEVIN AGITATION

The Levin settlers have been frustrated in their effort to steal a march on the Minister of Agriculture in regard to the establishment of a dairy school and experimental station. Mr McNab-does not intend to bo rushed into precipitate action. No quarrel can be picked with him for determining to select; " the best site from the point of view of the whole colony," but his statement that he " could not be bound by any previous promises on the subject " is, to say the least, equivocal. The main thing to be considered is, of course, the urgent need for the establishment of an ex, perimental station. The site question ifl subsidiary to that, but it is none the less important. The late Premie* with that quick practical perception for which he was noted, expressed, upon more than one occasion, the view that Palmeraton North was the ideal situation for such an institution, but he also said that the

Government was not inclined to spend a large sum af money in pur chnaing land for a site. The Borough Council authorities rose to the occasion by offering a portion of one of the reserves for the purpose, and a ' Bill 13 at the present time awaiting the sanction of the House to enable the transfer to be made. It is notorious that one or two faddists in the Agricultural Department are! anxious to have the experimental station established at Levin; but it is equally well known that Mr Kinsella and the dairy experts regard Palmerston North us the most suitable site. Palinorstou is splendidly ceutral; it offers facilities and conveniences for students which certainly do not obtain in an out of-the-way and diminutive community like Levin; it attracts immense crowds of farming people to its Winter and Summer Bhows; and it is prepared to make a sacrifice in order to ensure a reasonable concession. We are confident that if a vote were taken amongst the dairying community to-morrow, there would be a preponderating influence in favour of Palmerston North as the site. At any rate Palmerston people should not fail to place their claims and views before the new Minister through a deputation at the earliest possible moment; and the Chamber of Commerce will be well advised in giving an urgent lead.