THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Southland Times, Issue 19513, 12 May 1922, Page 3

THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

To the Editor. Sir.—l have read in the Times of today a letter signed by “Interested Farmer ” in connection with the work of the Board of Agriculture, and he asks for a report from the Western District representative. I presume he means myself, so I must crave a portion of your space to set him right, as I suppose, seeing I represent all Southland on that Board my responsibilities include the Western- District. In the first place, Southland is not represented on the Board by a representative of the Southland A. and P. Association, but by a member nominated by the affiliated societies of Southland (numbering about seven I think) and recommended to his Excellency the Governor, for appointment. “Interested Farmer” asks me to give an account of my stewardship, and in reply I state I have no account to give him. The work of the Board is purely advisory and in most cases confidential and I think he will find a report of that work, so far as it is authorised, incorporated in the report of the Minister for Agriculture and that of his Department. But I do not think I will be abusing any confidence, in giving “Interested Farmer” an outline of some of the work we have done during my term of office. With regard to the State Farms, many Southland farmers know that I did my utmost in that direction years before I accepted a seat on the Board, and, along with some of Southland’s best men, thought we had accomplished our aim, when parochialism crept in and Southland people, because they did not speak with one voice lost their chance and now, since the taxpayer’s voice is raised to save in the north rather than spend in the south, and I think to some purpose. With regard to taxation on A. and P. Societies, the matter has never been submitted to the Board of Agriculture but it is well known where I am. The Council of Agricultural Societies meets in a few weeks, at which meeting the Board will attend. If “Interested Farmer” wishes anything more done in that matter, let him send through his society a remit to that Council and I venture to think that to a man the members of the Board will support his. The members of the Board are not marking time. Space would not allow me to go into their work, but let me mention a few of the subjects the Board h.as been at the back of: Nauru phosphate; freezing and shipping charges; the marketing of our produce, which culminated in the meat pool; the same re dairy produce, which may do the same; every act and amendment relating to seeds, weeds, manures and vermin also diseases in both the animal and vegetable kingdom; and many other things you have not space for. One other matter Mr Editor. Your correspondent is quite correct (although he seems to presume with a sneer) “That I am not one of our Government officials receiving a high salary, hanging on to office and marking time.” I get no income but spend my time and some money also trying to do my bit.—l am, etc., DAVID MARSHALL.