EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10924, 11 June 1921, Page 2

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

MINISTER, AT MOUMAHAKI. „ OUTLINE OF GOVERNMENT’S POLICY. The Hon. W. Nosworth/, Minister for Agriculture, visited the Moumahaki State Farm and received a deputation- of farmers, who.- advocated Mouihahaki being made a * central - development farm for all farms from Marton northwards, and that instructors be located at Moumahaki and be arvailable fbr instructional (purposes. A hostel for the boys connected with the agricultural. classes at the Technical College was also applied for. The Minister said he realised that in 'the past there had not been continuity of policy in regard to experimental work. He did not know who was to blame in this respect. Ho' Spoke favourably of the work on the demonstration . areas of Mania and Stratford, and said the policy adopted on these areas had been advocated for the Dominion as a whole. Hb reminded the -deputation that in the past a great deal of money had been spent on demonstration work in the North Island, while practically nothing had been done in the south. They would realise the, heavy pressure against him. He {pointed out ttffit subsidising these small demonstration farms would mean a large sum of money. Only a few years ago the! development farms were in a hopeless; state of chaos. His predecessor, the late Hon. W. T>. 8. MacDonald, and himself had’ tried their level best to place the farms on a better basis. Ruakura farm was a great benefit to the whole Dominion, hut it had cost a great deal of money. The same applied to Weraroa. Continuing, the Minister said people' seemed to'think that the Agricultural Department did not realise its duty and help enough in agricultural instruction. He considered these statements wrong and unjust. Ruakura was packed with returned soldiers, who were getting instruction. He recognised that the children, to-day, had the future in front of them, but he also recognised that the fathers had a load of responsibility in debt, and were, entitled to every encouragement. In .regard to hostels, it was no U6e making promises. He would not erect a hostel, as _he had no money with which to do it. In regard to winter schools for farmers, he was prepared to do all he could to meet the position. Hb would instruct his department to help iru this matter on similar lines to Ruakura.

Concluding, the Minister made it clear that he did not believe in small experimental plots, and believed that th,e most effective way wap to, carry out these on a large scale.!