MOUMAHAKI STATE FARM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19135, 1 April 1924, Page 6

MOUMAHAKI STATE FARM.

TO BE SUBDIVIDED AND LEASED. (Feom Our Own Corbbspondknt.l WELLINGTON, March 31. The Government has decided to discontinue carrying on the Moumahaki experimental farm, near Wanganui, as a State farm. It is proposed to subdivide the property into four leasehold farms, all of which will be admirably suited for dairy mg. In coming to this decision Cabinet further decided that the revenue derived from the property should be expended in .instructional and co-operative experimental work on that portion of the west coast of the North Island lying between Wanganui and New Plymouth. This will enable a subsidy to be provided for the demonstration dairy farm to be established by local effort near Now Plymouth, and will also enable l an extension in the direction of agricu# tural instruction and agricultural research to be brought about in the above-mentioned west coast area. The Mouhahaki farm is now being surveyed, and the subdivisions will shortly bo open for settlement. This farm has done excellent work in the oast, and has been an important factor in the improvement of ngricuitural conditions on the west coast. It has, however, largely fulfilled the object for .which it was originally established, and it is felt that far greater benefit will be derived by the farming community by leasing the property and utilising the. revenue on direct agricultural instructions work than bv retaining the farm in its present capacity. The arrangement for utilising the revenue from Moumahaki in the manner set out above cannot, unfortunately, he given effect to without legislation, It is proposed to introduce this as soon as possible after Parliament meets.