RUAKURA FARM

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15033, 2 September 1922, Page 4

RUAKURA FARM

In the House of Representatives, on Thursday, in reply to a question by Mr J. A. Young, . the Hon. W. Nosworthv, the Minister of Agriculture, stated that it had been decided to retain the buildings erected by the Repatriation Department at the Ruakura Farm of Instruction, and that they would be utilised in connection with training and development work. He further intimated that the nature and ..character of such work was now under consideration, and an announcement on the subject may be expected in the near future. The statement will be received with pleasure in many ■quarters, indicating as it does that the Minister recognises that the Ruakura Farm of Instruction is a valuable asset in the matter of agricultural education, and one which it is desirable to exploit to the utmost. Those who can look back a few years can realise the immense benefit which Ruakura lias been to the Northern Province. It has demonstrated beyond argument the potentialities of the Waikato soil, for what has been proved possible at Ruakura is possible in other parts of the province, and the comprehensive experiments that have been undertaken there form a great fund of information for the individual farmer who can be directed how- to attain desired results by following a trail which has been already blazed. But Ruakura is not only a valuable asset to the Auckland Province, it is a Dominion institution, and it has exercised a great influence in widening the scope of farming. It has proved the possibilities of the smaller branches, and showed how what were once “no account” side lines could be taken up systematically' and worked intelligently, become no mean contributor to the husbandman’s revenue. The results which have been obtained at Ruakura prove conclusively the need for such an institution in the interests of primary production, and it is most desirable- that the utmost possible use should be made of it as a factor in agricultural education. That the Cabinet is fully seized with this- fact is proved by the Minister’s reply ®to Mr Young’s question, and further developments will be awaited with interest.