FARMERS' CLASS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 232, 22 September 1914, Page 1

FARMERS' CLASS.

Pukekohe Technical School Thursday night's class at the l'ukckohe Technical School dealt with the use of explosives in agriculture, with the different kinds of fuses -safety and electrical -the detonators for use with them, method of using the same ard advantages and disadvantages of the different methods. Where electric fuses and detonators are in use the other parts -magneto exploder and cocnecting cable—and the method of wiring for firing were explained. General points about clearing or shattering of trees and stumps were given. The advantages of sub-soiliog were next dealt with. The beneficial results on the plant root-system, the water holding capacity and the availI able food in the soil were explained. Sub-soiiing with explosives was then shown and details given of the depth and distance apart with cost. Under favourable conditions the cost does not greatly exceed that of subsoiling ploughing, while two or three times the depth is disturbed. Rotation of ciops was then fully dealt with and reasons for adoption of a rotation explained. A discuesion followed this part ot the work. Crops of the district will be dealt with next night, aiso crop worthy of a trial in the district. In addition, if time permits, members can make a mechanical analysis for themselves either of ' soils they like to bring in or of the ones already in.