UP-TO-DATE FARM VISITED

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1932, Page 6

UP-TO-DATE FARM VISITED

ELTHAM FARMERS IMPRESSED.

(MR. W. B. FUSSELL'S OAKLANDS.

The most up-to-date farm that he had ever visited, was the way in which Mr. J. Cocker, president of the Eltham branch of the Farmers’ Union, summed up his impression after having paid a visit of inspection yesterday to Mr. W. B. Fussell’s property, Oaklands, Waiongana. He was particularly struck with the improvements that had been effected not only in regard to tree planting but also in all other matters that pertain to the efficient, economical and pleasant conduct of a farm. Not only was the effect beautiful, but the trees provided shelter from every wind. Even that day, though during the afternoon a gale was blowing outside, the paddocks were well sheltered. The trees, Mr. Cocker remarked, served a two-fold purpose, being very valuable at present for shelter and later on as a timber. forest. The very complete electric equipment from power generated on the property, and not subject to an availability rate, also made a great appeal, as did the well-housed and well-cared-for farm machinery and appliances, which ranged from a tractor to a concrete mixer, the meticulously clean cowshed, always spick and span with its concrete floor, spotlessly white superstructure, glistening machinery and numerous ingenious “gadgets” making for convenient handling and comfort and ensuring the highest quality of raw material.

There were concrete yards with metalled approaches and facilities for quick and thorough cleaning. No droppings were allowed to accumulate, but by means of a tank on wheels they were spread over the pastures. All agreed with Mr. Cocker that they had learned a great deal.

The party comprised over 70 members of the Eltham and Mangatoki branches of the union, together with a number of ladies, a feature being the interest shown by many young farmers. After an al fresco luncheon in the picturesque vicinity of the homestead, the party broke up into three groups, and under the guidance of Mr. W. B. Fussell and his sons made a comprehensive tour. First, the cow sheds, machinery, workshop, electricity department, water wheel, etc., were inspected. Then they visited a number of the 23 paddocks into which the property of 252 acres is subdivided. They were greatly interested in the growth of the trees, of which there are over 150,000 on the property, all of which have been planted in the last 18 years. In 1917 Mr. Fussell first planted 5000 trees and up until a couple of yeans ago has consistently planted, the greatest number in any one year being 15,000. About 120,000 are pinus insignis. There is a splendid plantation of gums, macarthurii, obligua (stringy bark) and black' wattle, which were grown from seed, as well as macrocarpa. The appearance of the pastures was commented upon, the splendid sole of grass showing the result of good care and utilisation. It was explained that immediately the stock, of which there are 97 dairy cows on the property, are transferred from one paddock to another the paddock receives a good harrowing. One pasture is over 30 years old. The three concrete silos, conveniently situated, two ensilage stacks and four haystacks make abundant provision for the winter. The 200£t. tunnel that diverts the water from the Waiongona River into the race to provide the power to generate electricity showed how Mr. Fussell has adapted natural advantages to his use, while the well-kept gateways with their freedom from mud, the simple yet efficient contrivances .for preventing the gates from shutting when not desired, the concrete roadways and waterraces for drinking, all give evidence of the ingenuity of design and skill in execution.

In thanking Mr. Fussell for the opportunity of visiting the property Mr. Cocker said they had learned much by the visit, which had shown them what could be done in the way of improvements.

In reply, Mr. Fussell, who has . resided on the property for 46 years, said he could not have effected such improvements but for the whole-hearted cooperation of his family. WEDDING AT TARIKI. WICKSTEED—LETTS. St. Philip’s Church, Tariki, was the scene of the wedding on March 28 of ■Kathleen Rachel, twin daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Letts, and Arthur, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Wieksteed, Pembroke Road, Stratford. The church, which I had been prettily decorated by Mrs. M. Cullam and friends, was crowded. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. S. W. Golding, vicar of Inglewood, and Miss H. Synnott, Otaki, cousin of the bride, played the organ. The bride, who entered the church escorted by her father during the singing of the “The voice that breathed o’er Eden,” wore an anklelength frock of ivory taffetas and silver lace, and silver shoes. Her veil was worn over a cap of silver lace from the back of the head, held in place at each side with orange blossoms. She carried a sheaf of tiger lilies, roses, sweet peas, maiden hair and asparagus fern. She was attended by her twin sister, Miss Eileen Letts, who wore lemon floral chiffon georgette, ankle-length, finished with a large bow at the back and lemon shoes and stockings with hat to tone. She also wore a gold signet ring, the gift of the bridegroom, and carried a bouquet of iceland poppies, sweet peas, maiden hair and asparagus fern. Miss Alma Letts, sister, and Miss Gwitha Haggie, Wanganui, cotisin of the bride, wore Victorian frocks of green floral silk voile, with head bands of green tulle and beads, green shoes and stockings and carried posies of sweet peas, asters and maiden hair fern. They wore gold armlets, the gift of the bridegroom. The best man was Mr. P. Wicksteed, brother of the bridegroom. Messrs. H. Letts and Bill Bond, Auckland, cousins of the bride, were ushers. Mrs. Evans, Tariki, arranged the flowers for the bride and her maids.

After the ceremony over fifty guests were entertained at the residence of the bride’s parent, Surrey Road, Taraki, where the toasts were honoured. The bride’s mother wore ,a powder blue silk niarocain frock with felt hat of the same shade. Mrs Wicksteed, mother of the bridegroom, wore floral voile with coatee and hat to match.

Mr. and Mrs. Wicksteed left on an extended motor tour, the bride travelling in a navy blue crepe <Le chene frock trimmed with white, navy felt hat with white feather and shoes and stockings to tone.