THE YEAR’S PROGRESS AT MASSEY COLLEGE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6921, 29 May 1929, Page 10

THE YEAR’S PROGRESS AT MASSEY COLLEGE

Principal’s Report

RESEARCH OPER ATTON S WELL FORWARD "The past year ha 3 been a. period of very considerable development and 1 am pleased to be able, to report that the various accomplishments, when viewed as a whole, show very considerable progress," states Professor Cl. S. Pcrcn, in his annual review of the work at Massey college. "The college has now emerged from the state of hurried improvisation which characterised the earlier months of its life, and the machinery of its organisation is now running with comparative smoothness. Each succeeding month sees further pi ogress in the foundation work of the various units and a closer approach to a well balanced and efficient institution. The appointment of tho staff and the provision of further accommodation both permanent and temporary, has made possible the institution of that specialisation in the major branches of the work which alone can give the results, both in teaching and research which the country expects." Teaching.

The enrolment of students was most satisfactory and far exceeded expectations. The numbers were as follows: Degree course, 9; diploma course, 92; dairy farming short course, II; herd testing course, 99; total So. This number of students taxed the available accommodation. to its fullest extent. Fortunately further accommodation will be available for next year and in some cases the increased staff will permit tho division of the larger classes into two sections. As a result of the experience gained of the weaknesses of the class students coming forward, certain amendments will be made to tho non-degree courses which, it is hoped, will improve them for their respective purposes. Research.

The last year had seen n considerable expansion in the programme of research. In conjunction with the Department of iScientiiic and Industrial Research, the college is now undertaking work on problems connected with dairying and dairy manufactures, the breeding and feeding of pigs, wool improvement and the production of improved varieties of phormium tenax, and the causes and control of yellow leaf in the flax. Independently, research is being carried out on tho improvement of dogstaii grass by breeding and selection, the relative values of the more common varieties of mangolds based on dry matter contents, Tho soft heart rot of mangolds, the topdressing of pastures with various phospliatic manures and also with complete fertilisers containing nitrogen, the breeding of lucerne and a systematic study of the lotus species in use as pasture plants.. The Farm.

The development of the farm has progressed steadily. A new woolshed, yards and dip have been erected and their design has given every satisfaction. They have proved of considerable interest to visiting sheep farmers and have met with general approval. The area devoted to pigs has been considerably extended, the portable houses now numbering 5t3 and the runs 08. A small feed store has been erected and all necessary equipment lias been provided. A small blacksmith’s shop has been built, amt the old cattle barn has been converted into an implement shed. A small portable silo of Experimental design lias been built. It is hoped that it may meet the peculiar demands of the New Zealand dairymen in the matter of a silo. The permanent subdivision of the main flats has been completed and much of the major division of Hie terrace has been carried out. The main farm road has been extended in a straight line to the Tiritca. stream and thence up the bank to the edge of the terrace. A further do acres have been mole drained, making a total of 105 acres so treated. A total of 451. acres were top-dressed with very beneficial results. Where the manure drill could not be used the work was carried out by -the use of a hand distributor which proved very satisfactory. 05 acres of old pasture infested with rushes were cleared of stumps and broken up for propping and for eventually laying down in good grass. The total area under crops was 310 acres and the number of stock wintered was as fol lows: Dairy oat tie .12!); bullocks, 80; sheep, .1191; pigs, 25; horses 7. Crops I have been very satisfactory on the whole and the stock came through the winter in excellent condition. No serious outbreaks of disease amongst the animals have been experienced. In the course of the year a number of people have very generously made gifts tu the college as foliowssvu It gifts to the college. Summary. To summarise, the position 19 mouths after the date of beginning of operations is as follows: Sufficient temporary accommodation has been arranged to meet the needs of administration, teaching and research for the past and the present academic years. There is a well balanced staff, fully capable of giving first class instruction in the important sciences and all the applied subjects appertaining to (lie raising of crops and stock. An ex'-ep!.ionally large number of students Las beeu enrolled. 17eseareh has been organised on the important subjects of ' dairying, dairy 'manufactures, wool, flax, pastures and crops. The plans of the permanent buildings and of the

lay-nut of flic Me Hardy site have been completed and a substantial beginning with the work involved has been made. A considerable portion of the laying cut and development of the farm has bcceu carried out.. The dairy factory lias been completed. Finally, Professor Peren paid a tribute to tillo way in which the staff had contributed to the work of the past year. The demands made on them had been far heavier than in the ease of corresponding positions in an established institution. Professor Kiddel and he wen: most fortnnnle in having the banking of a hard working and enthusiastic staff and he was confident; that, between them nil they should be able, to carry out a considerable amount of development in the coming year