THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18542, 1 May 1922, Page 6

THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

THE MOA SEED FARM. AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. The Board of Agriculture hold a meeting on 25th instant and considered several important matters bearing on the agricultural and pastoral industries, the president, Sir Jas. Wilson, occupying the chair. The board had a lengthy interview with the Director-General of Agriculture, and the Director of the Dairy Division of the Department, in regard to the improvement of methods of handling dairy produce, with a view of reducing the cost of production and preventing unfair competition between the various co-operative factories. It was pointed out that there was a great deal of overlapping owing _to the fact that several co-operative_ factories were competing, for cream supplies in various districts and that this further constituted a risk of the quality of the manufactured output being impaired. It was finally agreed that the Director of the Dairy Division discuss this matter with the delegates who were meeting at an early date at Palmerston North with a view of trying to bring about more satisfactory arrangements. The board was further of opinion that the work of farm dairy instructors wholly or partly paid for by dairy [companies but carrying out their duties with the authority of Government officers was of great value in keeping the quality of our dairy produce at a high standard and that the cost involved by this is amply recouped by the better returns accruing. A lengthy discussion took place regarding tho general work of the departept this being materially aided by the detailed information furnished by the dopartjnontal officers which enabled the members of tho board to obtain a close insight into the many and varied activities of tho department and the lines an which economies in expenditure necessitated by the existing financial stringency had been and were still being brought about. In this connection the board was of opinion that educational and instructional work was of particular value at/ the present time and that no curtailment of this should take place. During the discussion on rural education it. was agreed that inquiries should be made with regard to the various legacies that nave been bequeathed for tho purpose of encouraging agricultural education. It was further decided that the time had arrived when the preliminary steps should be taken towards the establishment of one or more farm schools and that sketch plans should prepared for tho buildings necessary for a school for 60 pupils and submitted, toptlier with an estimate of the cost, to the board at a future meeting. The board also considered it desirable to foster as much as possible the forma:i on ?[ - y - s - Agricultural Olube and thought tliat the initiatory stops in the matter should be taken by the farmers in the districts themselves. The Director-General of \-riomturo promised that, his officers won Id* con - tmue to give every assistance and encouragement to the movement*

The board also considered the policy to be adopted with regard to the experimental farms and tho methods of working them, also the question of retaining some that appear to have served the purpose for which they were originally established. The Dirootor-general of Agriculture gave particulars of the arrangements that wore already m hand in this connection. As regards the Moa Seed Farm, the hoard was informed that a committee had offered to take this oyer on very fair and reasonable terms, and run it as a seed farm for a term of five years with a view of demonstrating what could be done in the way of up-to-date seed growing. The following motion was agreed to:—“That the board hears with satisfaction that the public-spirited offer of the committee to take over the Moa Seed Farm for five years is likely to be accepted by the Government. Tho board is convinced that it is of the utmost importance to the future of' farming in New Zealand that farmers sow the highest grade of pure seeds, and this seed farm in a district which is eminently suited for the growth of seed is likely to foster their use.”

Attention was also given to the question of freight rates for stud stock to South American ports. The department had sometime since approached tho overseas shipping lines with a. view of obtaining reductions in the freight rates on purebred stock, and this had resulted in the companies agreeing to carry sheep to Montevideo at six guineas net per head, with a minimum freight of £200; and cattle at £3O per head for the first five, £25 for the second, and all oyer 10 at £2O each. It was thought that developments in the export of purebred stock would be very much facilitated if the shipping companies could see their way to still further reduce these charges, and to strike out the condition with regard to the minimum freight of £2OO. which might prevent small shippers sending away stock. The department was requested to communicate with the shipping companies, urging them to do something in this direction. Amongst other matters dealt with were tho importation of the grey-winged partridge, the Rovnl Champion Agricultural Show, the planting of heather oh the Tongariro National Park, and the establishment of tin island quarantine station for imported plants. A LETTER OF THANKS. 104 Princes street, May 1, 1922. Twenty-five years ago to-day Mr Hendy, Hair Specialist, commenced business at the above address and ho desires to lender sincere thanks to his numerous clients, “both Ladies and Gentlemen,” throughout the dominion who have loyally supported him throughout. It is a great source of satisfaction to see many of his original clients still regular patrons although many have passed away in that period, but to all present clients he wishes to state that all branches of tho hairdressing will be carried on as usual by a staff of thoroughly competent hairdressers under his supervision and the comfort of every customer will always receive hi* personal attention. Again thanking one and all, Yours faithfully, Arthur M. Hendy. —Advt,