CANTERBURY FARMERS

Southland Times, Issue 20448, 28 March 1928, Page 6

CANTERBURY FARMERS

Western District Tour

Comprehensive Circuit Made

Long Procession of Cars

The first of two motor sightseeing tours arranged for the Canterbury farmer excursionists durig their stayin Southland was undertaken yesterday when a comprehensive circuit was made of the IF estern district. The weather, which had been cold with a southwesterly wind on the arrival of the visitors, was inclined to be showery yesterday morning. This, however, did not daunt travellers, most of whom assembled at the Crescent considerably before the appointed time and indicated their eagerness to be off to see what the province had to show them. This notwithstanding the fact they had arrived in Southland but seven hours earlier.

From half-past eight until the last of the visitors had left on the trip, the Crescent presented a busy appearance; all available parking space in the vicinity was completely occupied, while the large Canterbury contingent bustled around securing accommodation in the care which had been generously placed at their disposal by tosn and country residents. Tickets for the trips of yesterday and to-day were disposed of to the visitors, a charge of five shillings a day being made to covfcr. expenses incidental with the provision of meals, etc. The committee representing the Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union and local A. and P. Associations was especially active in advising the travellers concerning the trips, and despite the unexpectedly large number of excursionists, all were quickly accommodated in cars and the large party moved off punctually at half-past nine along Dee street and the North Road. At Wallacetown. the party which had been accommodated at Gore and who had been conveyed in by residents in the north, joined the main body at which time approximately 1000 people were travelling in 200 cars and several char-a-bancs. Mr W. Alexander acted as marshal of the procession and brought into operation an efficient system to control the traffic and maintain the original order. A breakdown car with mechanics and tools followed the procession. Leaving Invercargill the procession, which extended over two miles in length and took almost a quarter of an hour to pass a given point, proceeded along the North Road and turned at the Wallacetown Junction on to the Riverton Road, passing the Underwood condensed milk factory, to which the excursionists have been invitced to pay a visit on Thursday. After crossing the Makarewa and Oreti rivers, the procession took the turning to Waianiwa, and travelled to Wright’s Bush where at the property of Mr George McDonald, morning tea had been prepared by members of the Women’s Division of the Union and lady residents of the district, this rendezvous being reached by the leaders shortly before half-past ten. STOP AT WRIGHT’S BUSH. Cars were parked along the drive in a double row, and the remainder in a convenient paddock. On arrival, the guests were met by Mrs McDonald, who at once made all feel at home with a cheery greeting, and a hearty handclasp. Refreshments were set out in a huge semi-circular, trestle table beneath the fruit trees and a large number of assistants quickly attended to the requirements of the visitors. Opportunity was taken at this stop by Mr E. K. Sim (president of the Southland Provincial Executive of the Union), to welcome the excursionists. He spoke of the value of an interchange of visits between farmers of different parts of the Dominion, remarking that when the Southland farmers had visited Canterbury last year they had obtained much useful information, and he hoped that a similar result in the case of the northern farmers would be the outcome of the present visit. He said that they had come to a wonderfully prosperous and fertile district better than which there was none in the Dominion. Although the province was much maligned in many parts of the country, he said, he hoped that the visitors would be able to prove that manj of the accounts were unwarranted. In ex tending a hearty welcome to the visitors he hoped they would enjoy their brief staj in the province. In reply, Mr H. C. B. Withell (president of the Mid-Canterbury Provincial Executive of the Union), said he was sure that al of the party were grateful to the Southlanc farmers for the splendid effort made tc ensure the success of the excursion and ii making arrangements to accommodate sucl a large number. He thanked the ladies for their thoughtful provision of refresh ments and the people of Southland generail] for the ‘ great reception” extended. The large party of visitors then sanj heartily: “For They Are Jolly Good Fel lows” and gave three cheers as an express ion of appreciation. The trip was resumed about half-pas eleven and the procession passed througl Otahuti and Monte Cristo districts, an< again joined the Riverton Road and travel led through Waimatuku and Thornbury Riverton town was not actually entered the right-hand turn to Otautau being takei on the outskirts of the residential area After Fairfax had been passed Otaiitai was reached by the first car just after 12.30 the remainder of the party straggling in fo half an hour or so. Here, lunch was serve* in the Coronation Hall, a project to pro vide the mid-day meal at the Wallace A and P. Showgrounds having been abandonee on account of the unsettled nature of th weather. During the second stage of th journey light showers were encountered a intervals, but this did not greatly affect th enjoyment of the excursionists.

After spending an hour at Otautau, the journey was resumed, with Winton as the objective. The procession crossed the Aparima River and passed through Drummond and Heddon Bush and proceeded down the Hundred Line to Centre Bush, passing Limehills and returning along the main road reaching Winton at 3.30 o’clock. Here afternoon tea had been prepared by the local ladies in the Radio Hall. RECEPTION AT WINTON. The visitors were met by the Mayor (Mr J. A. Broom), and Mr. J. R. Hamilton, M.P., who extended a welcome. “I consider this a red letter day for Winton and the districts surrounding it,” said the Mayor. “Never before have we had such a gathering of representatives of the Canterbury province here. I hope that you will have a very enjoyable time while you are in Southland.” A voice: “We are having that now.” Dr. P. Gow also extended a welcome on behalf of the Winton A. and P. Association. Mrs J. King voiced the pleasure of thd Women’s Division of the Union at the. visit of the Canterbury farmers, and spoke of the value of such exchanges of visits. Mr J. R. Hamilton said he was pleased to extend a welcome to the Canterbury farmers on behalf of the people of Southland. The people of Southland, he said, considered that they lived in the most progressive part of the Dominion, and that they had something to show the farmers of other districts. Visitors to the province were usually greatly impressed with the large stretch of grazing and agricultural country in Southland which, as far as the local people were concerned, was the place

“where we work.” He said he hoped the visitors would spend an enjoyable time in Southland and return to their homes much invigorated. On behalf of the ladies of the party, Mrs G. Wright, of Malvern, expressed appreciation of the “wonderful hospitality” extended. Mr P. Talbot (vice-president of the South Canterbury Executive of the Union) also acknowledged the kind reception which had been given to the Canterbury visitors. He said he agreed that Southland had something to show the northern farmers, and hoped that in the near future it would be possible to invite the Southlanders to visit South Canterbury. The large number in the present trip had set the hosts a severe task, but they had risen to the occasion admirably. EXPERIMENTAL FARM INSPECTED. The party then proceeded to the Winton Experimental Farm where they were met by Mr R. McGillivray (Instructor in Agriculture), and his assistant (Mr J. E. Davies). The visitors were shown over the various pastures upon which top-dressing experiments had been carried out and much interest was evidenced. In the course of a brief address, Mr McGillivray extended a welcome to rhe Canterbury farmers on behalf of the committee controlling the farm. He regretted that the inclement weather and brevity of the visit which prevented a close study of agricultural conditions in Southland. Dealing with the pastures inspected during the afternoon, Mr McGillivray said that two pastures had been sown down two years ago for the principal purpose of ascertaining whether meadow fescue could profitably take the place of perennial ryegrass in a permanent pasture. A foundation mixture containing per acre: 41bs Timothy, 31b Dogstail, 41bs meadow Foxtail, 81bs cocksfoot, 11b each Poatrivialis, White Clover, Red Clover, Alsike and Lotus Major had been prepared and meadow fescue had been added in the three proportions of 81bs, 161bs and 241bs for one block, while for the other perennial ryegrass had been added in place of fescue. Both of these pastures had given excellent results, but' meadow fescue appeared to stand the more grazing. An investigation of the results of topdressing with basic slag or Nauru Rock Phosphates was explained by Mr McGillivray. He said that the experiment had been carried out for four years. Basic slag had given excellent results from the commencement, while the phosphate had shown no improvement during the first two years, but in the fourth had done better than slag. Control plots in connection with this experiment were to be treated with superphosphate which would in the future be considered controls. The seeding of this block had been at the rate of 401bs perennial rye, 61bs Italian rye, 21bs white clover, and 31b red clover. On another block, a comprehensive seed mixture at the rate of 481bs to the acre in 1920 and basic slag had been applied several times. As a result the carrying capacity had been extremely high and last year had been equivalent to nine sheep per acre per annum.

Another experiment was with the object of ascertaining the most economical rate of sowing for perennial rye, sowings having been made at the rate of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 501bs to the acre. In the case of the highest rate it had been found to be too high and the death rate had been very great, and now there were ho more plants than in plots where sowings had been made

at the rate of 20 and 301bs to the acre. On the other hand where only lOlbs had been sown the plants had been too large in the spring which was not to advantage. Tests had been made with Kentish wild white clover which was very similar to New Zealand wild clover. When sown at the rate of 31bs to the acre with 151bs rye and 61bs cocksfoot the growth had been most promising. Plots demonstrating the value of lime dressing were inspected. Mr McGillivray, stated that the block had been limed in 1920, and was sown down in 1925 with a grass mixture and dressed with superphos. phate. There were 35 acres of land under pasture carrying 200 ewes and 10 cows. Appreciation of the information given by Mr McGillivray was expressed and almost immediately after the party left for Invercargill which was reached shortly after six o clock. The Gore party proceeded direct from Winton and the visitors were entertained at an impromptu social gathering. The country passed through during the trip of approximately 130 miles was in good condition although the pastures bore evidence of the long spell of dry weather. In the Fern Hill district, however, the pastures were fresher and some fine turnip crops were to be seen. Interest wets shown in the pastures of Mr. W. Hopcroft’s farm at Gummies Bush where the pastures had evidently been top-dressed and mowed recently. At Otautau, Mr. R. Kennedy’s farm was a source of interest to the passersby, some fine fat lambs being visible. Mr. R. J. Anderson’s farm at Kauana was also observed with interest. Speaking to a Times reporter at the conclusion of the trip, a number of the visitors expressed themselves as being greatly impressed with the country passed through. Regret was expressed that it had been impossible to inspect a number of the farms passed. SOME IMPRESSIONS. VISITORS INTERVIEWED. PRAISE FOR SOUTHLAND. Although the Canterbury farmers have spent but one day in Southland they have seen the greater part of the Western District, and, as a Times reporter discovered last evening, they have already formed a most favourable impression of the agricultural and pastoral resources of the province and of the efficiency with which the land is being farmed. Nearly a score of farmers were approached by the reporter during the course of the evening and each was asked to state the feature of the day’s tour with which he had been most impressed. Naturally enough a different aspect had struck each visitor, but it was most noticeable that practically all the impressions were highly favourable to Southland.

INVERCARGILL’S PROGRESS. “It is nearly twenty years since I have been in Invercargill,” said the first man the reporter approached, “and it has grown immensely. I remember, of course, the wide streets I should see, but they were in a very much rougher state when I was here last. There are some splendid buildings both on your main street and in Tay Street. I would not say that Invercargill is a beautiful town when I have Christchurch in mind, but I can say it looks a very clean town. I bear that a Beautifying Society has been formed and that should effect a big improvement in the town’s appearance.” VAST LEVEL STRETCHES. Another farmer said that he had come expecting to see undulating, if not hilly country. The huge level stretches surprised him. Invercargill should grow into a very large city with such a wonderful back country and with such excellent road and rail services. Referring to the hospitality that had been extended to him and his wife, this farmer bestowed much praise not only on the Farmers’ Union Executive, but on the Western District people generally. It was wonderful to see the way morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea was served to almost a thousand people. Everyone was well looked after and the food was excellent. “It must have involved a tremendous amount of work on tha farmers’ wives,” was his concluding remdfk. THRIVING TOWNSHIPS. The large number of thriving townships that they had passed through was commented upon by several. Both coming down in the train on Mpnday and during the motor tour yesterday the visitors had been surprised to see such lare centres as Mataura, Edendale, Riverton, Otautau and Winton. The large buildings in these townships and the clean appearance of the streets were referred to with an admiration that rang with sincerity. EXCELLENT ROADS. “I am amazed at the excellent roads you have down here,” was another visitor’s comment. “We rather pride ourselves on having good roads in South Canterbury, but I must yield the palm to Southland. Despite the rather unfavourable conditions under which we saw them your roads are easily the best we have travelled on for many a day. Moreover there is such an abundance of them. I can imagine no province being as well served either by road or by rail. The Southland Motor Association seems to be composed of live wires, judging from the splendid way in which the roads are colour routed, sign posted, and danger marked. I should think, however, you need plenty of direction posts, otherwise you would be confused with the network of roads, all of which, judging from their excellent surface, are fit to be main highways, though that term is not always complimentary.”

PRETTY HOMESTEADS. A North Canterbury farmer was impressed with the many pretty homesteads he had seen on his trip. While he thought more attention might be paid to beautifying the surroundings of some of the -homes through tree planting, he declared it was many years since he had passed through country containing more attractive steadings. “On a sunny day I should imagine your Western District would take a lot of beating for picturesque glimpses,” he said. “I am used to long stretches of tussock-covered hills relieved only by some fine plantations. In to-day’s tour I saw beautiful seascapes, stately bush and glorious green pastures. It has been a revelation to me.” ELECTRICITY EVERYWHERE. The great development of the Southland Electric Power Board’s scheme came in for comment from another visitor. “I have heard a good bit about the heavy rates the farmers here have to pay for their electricity,” the northerner told the reporter, “but it seems to me that the way the power is distributed everywhere here must be a boon to the province. Why with sawmills, flaxmills, freezing works, dairy factories connected up and with nearly every house we passed having wires leading to it and to the cow shed the industries must be carried on most efficiently and economically. The initiation of the scheme may have been a fairly heavy burden to ratepayers, but I venture to prophesy that they will reap the benefit threefold.” Several of the visitors expressed astonishment that Winton possesed such a large and up-to-date theatre. They found it hard to believe that a town of its population should be enterprising enough to erect a building that would do credit to a place five times as large. They thought Winton a pretty town and were surprised at the bustle in its main street. “Perhaps the hotels make a difference,” remarked one of the group with a twinkle in his eye. CHEERFUL SOUTHLANDERS. “I don't know whether it is because we brought with us the rain you needed so badly, but I think we should have to go a long way before we could find such a cheerful lot of farmers as those whom we have met to-day. Are they always as happy?” were the remarks of a visitor who looked himself to be always on good terms with the world.

He went on to state that in quality Southland land appeared to be as good as anywhere in New Zealand, and since it was much more reasonably priced he could not see how the farmers did not prosper in this part of the world. “Judging from the motor cars I see, the radio sets and the fine buildings I am sure they are prospering,” he concluded. A mid-Canterbury man while expressing praise for most of what he had seen during the day deprecated the way Canadian thistles were allowed to grow unchecked. “In a Scottish settlement such as Southland I thought pride in your nationality as well as your thriftiness would allow no other thistle to grow than the harmless Scotch variety. I have seen a great many acres to-day rendered almost worthless by being infested with Canadian thistle. It is a wonder to me that your farmers do not take more pains to eradicate it.” TRIBUTE TO ORGANIZATION.

A Government official who has been connected with several farmers’ excursions spoke strongly in praise of the excellence of the organization by the local executive. “This is a record trip both from the point of view of numbers and from the point of view of distance,” he declared. “Considering the indefiniteness of the number making the trip I think the officials did wonders. It easily beats any organization I have seen in other centres. I should like to pay a special tribute to Miss Ingram’s work. She seemed to have everything at her finger tips and worked nearly all Monday night and to-day also.” Regret was expressed by not a few that the Agricultural Department’s demonstration car, which was a feature of the various farmers’ trains last year, was not included on Monday. The car would have been most instructive to farmers and would have served to relieve the tedium of travelling. TO-DAY’S ITINERARY. To-day’s itinerary for the Eastern District tour is as follows:—Assemble Crescent 8.15 a.m. Morning tea at 11 a.m. kindly provided by Mr A. S. Holms, Waimahaka. Luncheon Wyndham at 12.30 p.m. Afternoon tea, Gore, at 4.30 p.m., kindly provided by the Women’s Division New Zealand Farmers’ Union (Gore branch) and Gore Sub-Executive New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Arrive Invercargill 7 p.m. Dinner: Ladies, Federal Tea Rooms, Dee street, at 7.30 p.m. Gentlemen, Drill Hall, Show Grounds, at 7.30 p.m. STEWART ISLAND TRIP. In view of the large number of excursionists, it has been decided to run two trips to Stewart Island—one to-morrow and the other on Friday. The excursionists will be divided into two parties,