AHUWHENUA TROPHY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26778, 22 May 1948, Page 6

AHUWHENUA TROPHY

FARMING AMONG MAORIS THIS YEAR’S AWARDS P.A. WELLINGTON, May 21. Thirteen Maori farmers entered this year’s competition for the Ahuwhepua trophy presented by Lord Bledisloe to encourage better farming practice among the Maori people. The winner was Tikirau Callaghan, of Raukokore, Bay of Plenty. Second place was awarded to Patuwahine Albert, of Omaio, Bay of Plenty, and third to Bunny M. Otene, of Hastings. In announcing the results, the Department of Maori Affairs says the judge, Mr G. A. Blake, instructor in agriculture at Matamata, inspected the three placed farms in company with either the Maori affairs supervisor or a welfare officer. In making the awards, Mr Blake says that the winner, Callaghan, is an exceptionally good dairy farmer. His management stands out as an example to many pakeha farmers and his pasture control, his piggeries, and his production per acre are outstanding. Although his original difficulties were not as great as those of other competitors he has made a model farm from a blackberry and weed-infested area. The outstanding feature of Albert's farm is its conversion from bush to good pasture. Although his pasture management is not as good as that of the winner it is of a high order. Otene’s farm is notable for its homestead and garden, with its beautifully furnished home kept spotlessly clean, says Mr Blake. Otene is a good farmer engaged mainly on agricultural work.