YOUNG FARMERS.

Wairarapa Age, 30 May 1936, Page 5

YOUNG FARMERS.

INTERESTING FIELD DAY AT WALLACEVILLE. LARGE ATTENDANCE OF CLUB MEMBERS. AN INSTRUCTIVE EXPERIENCE. A very successful Combined Field Day of the Wairarapa Young Farmers' Clubs was held yesterday at the Wallace ville Veterinary Laboratory, Upper Hutt. A party of about 150 Young Farmers and friends visited the Laboratory and spent a very interesting and instructive day. Clubs were represented as follow: Ballance, 7; Mangatainoka, 4; Masterton, 18; Carterton, 30; Greytown, 10; Featherston, 17; Martinborough, 11; Upper Hutt, 4. Members from the Tinui and Eketahuna Clubs were unfortunately unable to be present. In addition to the Young Farmers, a number of Wairarapa High School boys, in charge of Mr. S. A. La Roche, attended, and also about 20 older farmers.

The visitors arrived at the Laboratory at 11 a.m., and were received by Dr. Hopkirk, the Director of the Laboratory. They were shown through the various departments of the Laboratory, where the staff had gone to a great deal of trouble in the exhibiting of specimens and methods illustrating the multitudinous activities of the institution. The visitors were greatly impressed, and were enabled to obtain some insight into the intricate problems facing the livestock industry. They w’ere also greatly interested in the farm itself, many remarking on the picturesque situation. One department that particularly interested the visitors wag that dealing with animal nutrition, which entailed the use of white rats, rabbits and guinea pigs. The poultry farm, which is run on up-to-date lines, also proved a great source of attraction.

After lunch, Mr. 8. Freeman, hon. secretary to the Wairarapa Provincial Council, said a few words to club members concerning the forthcoming Young Farmers’ Week at Masterton. Mr. J. H. Brcmner, vice-president of the council, apologised with deep regret for the absence of Mr. G. H. Perry, the Wairarapa president, owing to serious illness. He referred to the active interest taken in the work of the clubs by Mr. Perry, and expressed the hope that he would speedily recover. Mr. Brem■ner congratulated members generally on the enthusiasm shown at this and other gatherings and referred to the great value of the Young Farmers’ Club movement and the widespread interest that it was creating. A telegram was read by the secretary from Mr. Ben. Roberts, M.P., expressing regret at being unable to attend the gathering, and wishing the members a very successful Field Day. Lectures were given as follow:—

Dr. G. M. Moir spoke on the subject of “Clean Milk." He stressed the importance of clean milk in dairy production, it being incumbent on New Zealand farmers to export only the highest quality. He graphically outlined essential points in connection with the milking of cows, and the care of milk, milking machines and dairy utensils.

Mr. L. W. N. Fitch, a recent arrival from Australia, who is a research officer at the Laboratory, gave a most interesting and instructive address on the internal parasites of sheep. He described the various worms infesting sheep in New Zealand, giving the life history of these parasites and the particular methods of dealing with them. Colonel H. A. Reid gave an excellent exposition of the danger • to man of contracting diseases from animals. He was not in favour of the pasteurisation of milk, considering that heating destroyed its health-giving properties to a certain extent, but further stressed the necessity of a clean, healthy inilk supply for human consumption. The subject of hydatids was touched upon, the Colonel humorously referring to some foolish practices commonly indulged in, by owners of canine pets. He concluded with a brief outline of the foot and mouth disease question, stating that there was definitely no danger of this disease being introduced into New Zealand per medium of imported animals.

Dr. C. S. M. Hopkirk, the Director of the Wallaceville Veterinary Laboratory, spoke concerning the problems investigated at the institution, and briefly sketched the results of recent work carried out at the Laboratory, including infertility of stock, nutritional problems, mammitis control, and various virus diseases. He stated that it was incumbent on all c armers to keep a very careful lookout for any evidence of Johnes Disease in cattle, as this disease was now, to a small extent, present in New Zealand, and unless closely watched would spread insidiously, and give rise to great losses. Dr. Hopkirk expressed bis appreciation of the interest shown by the Young Farmers in the work of the Laboratory, and extended to them a hearty invitation to visit the institution on future occasions.

A number of questions were put by Young Farmers to the various lecturers and were satisfactorily answered. Mr. W. F. McLaren, a member of the executive of the Wairarapa Council, spoke on behalf of the Young Farmers present, and thanked Dr. Hopkirk and the staff of the Laboratory for the very interesting and instructive demonstrations and lectors. The Young Farmers showed their appreciation by giving three cheers for Dr. Hopkirk and staff.