EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 June 1921, Page 6

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

MINISTER AT MOUMAHAKf. OUTLINE OF GOVERNMENT’S POLICY. The Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister for Agriculture, visited the Moumahuki State Farm and received a deputation of farmers, who advocated Moumahaki being made a central development farm for all farms from Marton northwards, and that instructors be located at Moumahaki and be available for instructional purposes. A hostel for the boys connected with the agricultural classes at the Technical College was also applied for. The Minister said he realised that in the past there had not been continuity of policy in regard to experimental work. He did not know who was to blame in this respect, fie spoke favorably of the work on the demonstration areas of Manaia and Stratford, and said the policy adopted on these areas had been advocted for the Dominion as a whole. He reminded the deputation that in the past a great deal cf money had been s'pent on demonstration work in the North Island, while practically nothing had been done in the south. They would realise the heavy pressure against him. He pointed out that subsidising these small demonstration farms Would mean a large sum of money. Only a few years ago the development farms were in a hopeless stale of chaos. His predecessor, the late Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald, and himself had tried their level best to place the farms on a better basis. Ruakiira farm was a great benefit to the whole Dominion, but it had cost a great deal of money. The same applied to Wetaroa. Continuing, the Minister said people seemed to think that the Agricultural Department did not realise its duty and help enough in agricultural instruction. Hp considered these statements wrong and unjust. Ruakura was packed with returned soldiers, who were getting instruction. He recognised that the children to-day had the future in front of them, but he also recognised that the fathers had a load of responsibility in debt, and were entitled to every encouragement. In regard to hostels, it was no use making promises. He would not erect a hostel, as he had no money with which to do it.

In regard to winter schools for farmers, he was prepared to do all he could to meet the position. He would instruct his department to help in this matter on similar lines to Ruakura.

Concluding, the Minister made it clear that he did not believe in small experimental plots, and believed that the most effective way was to carry out these on a large scale