EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Southland Times, Issue 16688, 17 March 1911, Page 5

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

ARE THEY ANY GOOD ? <Per United P-e«a Association). AUCKLAND, March 16. Government experimental farms as a whole were criticised in somewhat severe terms at a meeting of the Auckland executive of the.Farmers’ Union to-day. Members considered that in many cases they were of no practical use to the fanners and were carried out. in a manner that could never have good results. Major Lusk admitted that he was afraid a good deal of what had been said was true, and lie mentioned a case where they couldn’t toil the difference between ryegrass seed and cocksfoot. This started members retailing experiences, and one stated that lie once visited a farm and saw a calf being led round in a silver chain. He inquired and found that the calf was being experimented witli as a maize fed animal. It was then weighed and the man declared Unit the calf had gained two cwl. in a week. A good word for the farm was put in by Mr J. Boddie, who, after five or six visits to Momahakl, believed that good work was being done. Mr J. E. Makglll moved that the Union ascertain the opinion of other provincial executives as to whether a Commission of recognised practical farmers to inquire into the management and practical benefits derived from the Government experimental farms should not be set up. The motion was seconded by Captain Colbeck and carried.