Impressions of the Australian Farmers

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7065, 26 January 1933, Page 9

Impressions of the Australian Farmers

While somewhat of a hurried nature, tho visit to Palmerston North by the party of Victdriqn. farmers proved a complete success, the visitors being impressed with Palmerston North and district.

Tho following are somo of the comments mttdo by members of the party yesterday:—

The wonderful warmth of the welcome extended to us is indicative of the great interest our Dominions have for each other, for wo are all bound up in the other’s welfare especially in the times through which we arc passing. New Zealand has a long road to travel iff readjusting herself to the economic conditions, but doubtless you will a little later on find that tho spirit of the pioneers still lives to-day. Already, steps are being taken whereby New Zealand fannOrs shall pay a return visit to Australia, where there Will doubtless be much that they will learn even as the Australians arc doing here. A little re-adjustment in reducing costs, nnd improvements in prices will Soon put your people on tho way. In Australia wo have begun to soo a little of that and you should get through sooner than you assume. Thero has been sufficient talk of depression to be of detrimental psychological effect on tho people —it’s time a cheerful note was struck.

Although not yet in a position to compare the Manawatu district with others visited it is obvious that this district, under reasonable administration, must expand. You need more population. Tho drained swamp lands in the nearby district impress by reason of their quality. All New Zealanders have a prosperous appearance, this being noticeable throughout tho tour. You seem to be all good workers and nothing is left to chance, a member commented, remarking upon tho good repair of farm property by •which the gates were lcopt painted and the fences in order. In Australia the milking Shorthorn is the popular typo of cow for dairy purposes, whoreas in New Zealand, Jerseys appear to be in the proportion of about foUr-fifths. They make only onofifth of the dairy cows in Australia. We are seeking knowledge to apply to the poorer classes of our lands whero the rainfall is limited. While tho Hume reservoir, which was recently completed, will do much towards relieving the position by making irrigation of the lower lands possible, we are seeking to determine the best types of grasses to meet our needs.

The Palmerston North business houses are carrying a large amount of stock and it is surprising to find so many businesses. I like the pride of your place, the cleanliness of your wide streets, and the good roads and great soils and rainfall.

It is novel to be using rvax matches. They arc banned by law in Victoria on account of danger from grass fires. Half the country would be alight before you were shot for dropping one.

What New Zealand wants is more shipping facilities to open up trade with the East. You have good produce and you need xegular shipping services. There is room for us all. Australia at the present time is prosecuting further inquiries in this direction. Massey College is a great asset to the Dominion as a whole and the value of the work cannot be reckoned in monetary terms. The officers in charge of the various departments impressed us with their enthusiasm and selfsacrifice in their study and devotion to a life work. We wero particularly interested in the wool experiments.

Your Dairy Institute is far ahead of anything wo have. The Plant Kcsoarch Station made a strong appeal to members of the party for there arc great avenues opening for trade in certified grass seeds with our developing pasture lauds and northern irrigation areas. We expect a very large increase in the export of seed during the coming season.