WEST COAST POSSIBILITIES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15976, 19 November 1919, Page 10

WEST COAST POSSIBILITIES.

SCIENTIFIC CULTIVATION NECESSARY.

GREATLY ENHANCED RETURNS POSSIBLE,

(Contributed by Mr T. W, LONSDALE.) It is well recognised that, viewed from an agricultural standpoint, the best climate is one endowed with a fairly even temperature, abundant sunshine, and a moderate rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year. Numerous districts in various parts of the Dominion lay claim to being thq possessor of all these essential commodities, and while admitting the justification of such, there is no doubt that the West Coast of the North Island holds pride of place. Wanganui being centrally situated in this fine coastal country, has already become a seaport of importance, but its trade to-day is infinitesimal compared with what it will be when the country is populated with a body of people imbued with determination to improve the present-day system of farming and cultivate the land on extensive scientific lines. In the improvement of land the farmer has an investment ready to hand of the moss attractive character. Too often be thinks he has exhausted its possibilities when he has provided it with the conventional equipment, by means of which he extracts from the soil the rather low output per acre which gives him the return he set out to expect. The matter, however, can be looked at, and ought to be considered, from a somewhat different point of view. When a man takes up land he secures the monopoly of the use of an agent of production, and his first step should be to explore the opportunities that he thus controls. The opportunities and capabilities of our coastal lands are innumerable, but the first step requisite in order to utilise them to the utmost is close settlement.

Speaking at the Wanganui Show in November, 1917, a well-known agriculturist said til at he looked forward to the day when the coastal belt would be divided into farms of from 50 to 100 acres at the most; and that with judicious cultivation on scientific lines a 50-acre farm would be capable of giving a net return of .£6OO per annum. The remarks were at the time subjected to somewhat severe criticism, but the prediction was very modest compared with returns during the last two years from farms of this area. I. venture to say that considerable greater returns will yet be obtained, and farming lands be held in still smaller holdings. Picture what this will mean to the district, to Wanganui, anil to the Dominion. Homesteads in close proximity, to each other in a district at present somewhat sparsely populated; well-fanned, intensively cultivated fields, an absence of weeds, which unfortunately are now increasing; well-bred stock on all farms, and increased all-round production. That greatly enhanced returns can be obtained by good farming and intense cultivation has beep demonstrated from time to time in other countries under less favourable climatic conditions, and many farmers along this coast can testify to increased profit due to improved methods of cultivation.

Apart from what has been accomplished on privately-owned farms, exemplification of results obtained at Moumahaki Experimental Farm fully demonstrate the capabilities of this land of promise. At that institution intense farnvng, judicious rotation of cropping, scientific application of manures, and the cultivation of improved forage and fodder plants has, during the last seven years, increased the dairying capacity fourfold, and the zenith of production has not vet been reached.

Comparisons are odious, yet as an illustration it may bo pointed out that Germany’s prolongation of the war was to a great extent duo to intense farming, combined with scientific treatment and thorough cultivation of her agricultural lands. It was largely owing to intense cultivation and subsequent increased production that Britain gained supremacy. Freed from military responsibilities, the day has dawned upon a new era of agricultural progress, in which we look to Wanganui and surrounding district, so blest by Nature, to lead the way. There are throughout the length and breadth’ of this glorious West Coast men’’sufficiently broad-minded and torseeing that the development of the country should progress rapidly. Prosperity depends upon the agricultural industries of our country, and increased production must he cur watchword. With that in view, progress is sure; the Dominion will be able to meet her liabilities; Labour unrest will diminish; and this smiling land will become populated with a body of people of which, the British Empire will be proud. Moumahaki, November 17.

this class is not realising in the Dominion more than an average of 15d or I6d. Surely there is sufficient margin to give the proposed industry a good start, and once established, I have no doubt of its continued success,” declared Mr Poison. FUTURE PROSPECTS. “When our harbour is completed and we develop hydro-electric power in this country, the manufacturies of all descriptions will be still more extensive, and we will be on a still better wicket to compete with the rest of the world,” said Mr Poison in conclusion, “I have not taken any active steps to obtain financial support for such a proposition as a woollen or blanket making manufactory, because I have been anxious to obtain full information from Home about plant and method before doing so. I have already some information, and hope to obtain some more shortly, and it may then be desirable to endeavour to get some support locally for such a project. In any case it is evident that other communities in New Zealand have become aware of the importance and profitableness of the industry, and that many new woollen mills will shortly be established. My hope is that Wanganui will be amongst the first to take some steps in the matter. I am satisfied that it would be a good thing for the town and district as well as for the country generally.”