Farming v. Astronomy

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 276, 22 November 1935, Page 3

Farming v. Astronomy

ALL RETURN TO LAND Striking a personal noto in the course of his speech at Makino last uight, Hon. J, G. Cobbe remarked that practically all present, including himself, were brought up to follow thfe pursuits of the farmer. “Although I have been iu business, as most of you know,” continued Mr Cobbe, "before coming to New Zealand I had a practical interest in fanning. One individual, who cau hardly be termed a'supporter of mine, stated that I knew no more of farming than ho did of astronomy. There is, no doubt, a lot about farming matters regarding which I do not know as much as I should.

“For generations most of my people iu tho Old Land were farmers, and I worked on the land as a young man. It is said, and said correctly, that a man born and reared on a farm who leaves it later to take up some other calling, will cither return to tho land or have some personal and practical interest in some farm propery. That accounts, no doubt, for my going back to farming. X have, whether it is a matter for congratulation or not, some 4000 acres of sheep country. “There was a time in. New Zealand when I used to pride myself as being a Jersey breeder; but that is another story. However, if a man enters public life ho has to put up with all sorts of silly statements,” concluded the Minister.