FARMERS ON TOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22822, 5 March 1936, Page 6

FARMERS ON TOUR

NORTH OTAGO PARTY VISIT TO MIDDLEMARCH In recent years the popularity of tours by farmers to other districts has greatly, increased, and farmers have been displaying more and more a keenness to gam knowledge of the conditions prevailing in other parts of the country. Last year a visit was paid by Central Otago farmers to North Otago, and now tanners from the latter district are returning this visit. The present tour will emorace a wide area, and in all will occupy five days. No doubt very beneficial results will be derived from meeting farmers in the Central, as viewpoints on various matters will be exchanged, and the visitors will be given a general insight into the various types of country, stock, root and grain crops, and other important matters. The party, which is led by Mr A. C. Cameron (Otago provincial secretary) comprises and their wives from various parts of North Otago, numbering oyer 70 in all. The largest representation is from the Upper Waitaki district, 1 over half the number coming from that quarter. Included in those oh tour are the president of the North Otago Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union (Mr L. Kelcher), the secretary (Mr A. W. Woodward), and representatives of the various branches of the Women's Division and members of the Farmers' Union. Palmerston was fixed as the starting place on Tuesday morning for the tour, end there they were met by the president of the Middlemarch branch of the Farmers’ Union (Mr J. S. Elliott), Air A. C. Cameron (Otago provincial secretary), and farmers from the Middlemarch district. On arriving at Macrae’s a stop was made to witness the gold-mining activities which were being conducted there on a fairly large scale. The plant is operated by a private company, which acquired 600 acres in all, of which a portion has already been worked. The sluicing is carried out by hydro-electric power, and the water is obtained from a well-stored dam, a continual supply passing to and from the main head._ A pump conveys all the sluiced-out spoil to an elevated platform and the gold is collected in the sluicing boxes along the shute. The idaut is said to be the only one of its kind in New Zealand, Mr M'Kenzie, who is in charge of the operations, gave a brief outline of the working of the plant and explained how the gold was won. He stated that over a period of three years in which the company had been working at Macrae's SOOOoz of gold had been obtained. The visitors then proceeded to Middlemarch, where after lunch three of the most important properties in Middlemarch were inspected, THE CORRIEDALE The first property visited was “ Strathavon,” owned by Mr F. G. Glover, who is well-known as a breeder of first-class Corriedale sheep. Altogether Mr Glover has 5000 acres, consisting of hill and level country, and his run is capable of carrying some 3000 ewes with their lambs. The flock comprises almost 1000 stud sheep, Mr Glover had arranged for a special display of characteristic types of rams and ewes from his celebrated Corriedales, in which keen interest was shown on all aides. Mr Glover gave a short talk on his stock, after which Mr D. J. Ross, of Kartigi, who is also a keen and interested breeder of Corriedales, traced the history of the breed since its earliest beginnings, over 60 years ago. He said that at that time practically all the sheep in New Zealand were merinos, and as there was no talk of exporting frozen mutton they were all right for the one purpose—the producing of wool. The late Mr James Little had, however, predicted a trade in mutton, and it was with this object that efforts were made to introduce the Corriedale, which derived its name from the fact that the sheep were first bred on the Corriedale Station. In 1914 the New Zealand Sheep Breeders' Association had the Corriedale flock first introduced in the stud book, and in 1916 there were 10 registered flocks, while at present there were 157 Corriedale flocks registered with the association. Before departing, the visitors inspected Mr Glover’s home, set amidst ideal surroundings, and all were very favourably impressed with what they saw. The artificial lake, on which swans and paradise ducks disported themselves, presented an attractive picture. Mr Glover's property is very well supplied with water obtained from a reservoir, which, he stated, was capable of supplying the whole of Middlemarch. THE ** GATHMYLE " HOME Mr J. S. Elliott’s home, “Gathmyle,” was the next place of interest to be visited, and there an inspection was made of Red Poll cattle, of which Mr Elliott is the only breeder in the district. The cattle were in the very beat of condition, and it is noteworthy that they can be used either as milkers or for beef purposes. Mr Elliott finds the Red Poll very good as a milking cow, and his stock comprises 12 purebred cows and several two-year-olds and yearlings, as well as several mixed breeds. -Two fine types of Red Poll bulls were amongst the stock Mr Elliott explained various points of interest to the visitors characteristic of Red Poll cattle. The members of the Middlemarch branch of the. Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union had provided afternoon tea, and this was served on the front lawn, surrounded by beautiful, overhanging trees. The visitors were very hospitably entertained, and prior to leaving a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Middlemarch ladies. THE CLYDESDALE A visit to the beautiful home of Mr A. Cajruthers, the well-known breeder of Clydesdale horses, concluded the first day’s programme. Mr and Mrs Carruthers extended a very hearty welcome to the visitors, who were shown six fine upstanding Clydesdales which were in excellent fettle. This lot consisted of two and three-year-old fillies and one older filly. Two young stallions were then brought into the enclosure, and were greatly admired by the visitors. Mr Carruthers and his brother. Mr W. Carruthers, gave some valuable information as regards the Clydesdale. In November Mr Carruthers imported four young Clydesdales from England, with the obiect of improving his stock. The beautiful home and garden of Mr and Mrs Carruthers was very highly commented upon, the lawns and manycoloured flowers making a delightful setting. Mr and Mrs Carruthers received the hearty congratulations from all sides on their very attractive home. The usual vote of thanks was accorded the host and hostess. At night the visitors were the guests of the Middlemarch Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division at a social and dance, the Strath Taieri A. and P. Hall being filled to capacity for the occasion. During the evening the usual compliments wore exchanged. This function proved a fitting conclusion to (lie enjovablo day’s outing.