THE DAIRYING INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1649, 7 October 1903, Page 21

THE DAIRYING INDUSTRY.

NECESSITY FOR AN EXPERIAIBNTAL STATION. At the recent Dairy Conference at Palmerston North a resolution was passed urging upon the Government the necessity of establishing an experimental dairy station in the colony. This proposal received the unanimous support of several hundred farmers who attended the conference. It was felt that whilst the Government had done much to encourage the dairying industry, more should be done in the way of scientific research, to enable farmers to grow the best kind of fodder for their cattle, in order to produce a first-class article.

On Thursday a deputation was introduced to the Premier by Air Jennings, M.H.R. The deputation included! Messrs J. G. Wilson (colonial president of the Fanners’ Union), J. G. Harkness (secretary of the National Dairy Association), and H. J. Richards (a member of the colonial executive of th© Fanners’ Union), who asked the Premier' to give effect to the resolution passed at the Palmerston Dairy Conference, and establish an experimental dairy station. Air Wilson referred to the fact that this matter had already been placed before the Minister of Lands, who, whnst expressing great sympathy with the movement, suggested that the Premier should be approached in regard to the subject. Air Wilson admitted that the Agricultural Department had been of great assistance to the dairying industry, but it was absolutely necessary to keep pace with the times, and, therefore, an experimental station, where scientific research in regard to the industry could be parried out, should he established. The recent instances of “fishiness” in butter, cabled from Home, and also other defects noticed in New Zealand butter from time to time, further pointed to the necessity of thorough investigation. The deputation did not wish to raise the question of site, and, therefore, it had been decided not to be accompanied by members of Parliament, many of whom would have supported the object the deputation had in view. The question of expenditure would not be a very serious matter, inasmuch as there were now capable officers in the department quite competent to take charge of such a station. Mr Harkness, speaking as an expert, readily credited the Agricultural Department with the good work it had done in the interests of the farmers, and which had proved of great value t*o the dairying industry. The system of Government grading had proved of much advantage, for tihe benefits of systematic grading were now recognised throughout the world. The importance of the industry warranted the colony taking every care, in order to secure the best possible results. The Rimutaka’s- shipment of butter from New Zealand showed the necessity that existed aor an experimental station. This colony had to contend against very serious competitors in Russia and the Argentine, both of which countries were straining every nerve to take a leading place in the world’s produce markets. He recognised that it was largely a question of ways and means, but taking into consideration the great value of the industry, and its benefits to the colony, he believed that any expenditure made in this direction would be fully waranted. The Premier asked if the deputation had any idea of the probable cost of establishing such a station. Mr Harkness said that he had not come prepared with the necessary data, but he could get the information if the Premier desired it. Air Wilson pointed out the desirability of having a small dairy factory in connection with such an experimental station, and also a laboratory. The whole cost should, not exceed £2500 or £3OOO. The Premier recognised that it was essential to do something in the direction indicated by the deputation, especially in view of the defects in our butter lately brought to light, which showed the necessity for thorough scientific research. He sympathised with the object the deputation had in view, and would disquss the matter with the Alinister of Lands, and ascertain the probable cost of equipment and administration. He would lay the matter before Cabinet, and inform the deputation in due oourse of the result. He also mentioned that the newly appointed Danish butter expert would arrive in the colony shortly, and he would confer with. him, and probably obtain information that would guide him as to any action it might be desirable to take in this matter.