North Maoris' Farm Prizes

Northern Advocate, 5 June 1947, Page 2

North Maoris' Farm Prizes

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The Ahuwhenua Trust Board this year awarded first place in the annual competition among Maori farmers for the Ahuwhenua Trophy to Mr Wiremu Matene Naera, of Waiotemarama. Hokimga, second place to Mr John Savage, of Opoutere. and third place to Mrs Milii Stevens, of Rangiahua. Favourable commendation was accorded to Mr Tiaki Tamati. of Pirongia. and Mr Eruera Hoera. of Takahue. The judge for this year’s contest was Mr E. H. Arnold, of the Department of Agriculture, Whangarei. The Ahuwhenua Trophy was presented by Viscount Bledisloe during his term of office as Governor General for competition among Maori farmers who are assisted by the Government under the native land development scheme. This year's winner, Mr Naera. was placed third in last year’s contest. COMPETITION CLOSE ‘The Contest was a very close one and the results are a big achievement by native farmers,” said Mr Arnold this morning. ‘‘Great credit is reflected on the owners and the Native Department’s farm unit scheme, under which the winners were working. “In each case the ability, energy and initiative of the owners were clearly demonstrated.” As with all other farms today, farming operations had been carried on under certain disabilities, Mr Arnold added. Despite thes difficulties the competitors had dene a good job of work :n creating economic farm-producing units. The winner. Mr Wiremu Matene Naera. of Waitemarama. has been working under the supervision of the Native Department instructor, Mr J. Hall, of Opononi. The second place-getter. Mr. John Savage, has his farm at Opoutere. in the Upper Thames area. The lady competitor who gained third place. Mrs Mihi Stevens, of Rangiahua, had been working under supervision of Mr T. Rogers, of Kaeo.