Farming History

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 175, 27 July 1935, Page 12

Farming History

Sir John Sinclair, 1754 —1535, another piionecr agriculturist. Founded British Wool Society. Instituted “sheep-shear-ings,” where farmers could meet and discuss farming developments, llau a passion for figures, inventing me word “statistics.” Established Board of Agriculture; was first president, 1793.

Board of Agriculture’s educational policy began 1803, when sir Huinpihry Davy, inventor of miner’s safety lamp, was engaged to lecture on agricultural chemistry. He received £750 for six lectures. By spiecial picrmission of Bonaparte, was allowed to travel in France during Napioleonic wars.

Rural Rides with Cobbclt. —I have often had to observe on the cruel effects of the suppression of the markets and fairs, and on the consequent power of extortion by tho country shopkeepers . . . These shopkcepiers have the whole of the labouring men of England constantly in their debt; have, on an average, a mortgage on tneir wages to the amount of Jive or six weeks; and make them pay any price that they choose to extort. —Midland Tour, May, IS3O.

<i> $> €> <«> 1 Thomas Bates, great breeder of Shorthorns, hailed from Northumberland. Won four prizes with four beasts at lirst Royal Show. At dispersal of his herd, May 9, 1850, OS animals realised £4,558. j <3> <S> <i> <S> \ "Willirm Hillett, the. master builder (1850-1915), first hud his idea of Daylight saving in 1905, and began almost fanatic campaign to get. it adopted.! Met with opposition everywhere and* abused. Bill lo bring it about thrown out, 1907. its champion persisted. Estimated saving lo London alone £2,000,000 pier annum. Died a few months before Parliament adopted plan, but knew lie had won.