PROGRESSIVE WAIKATO

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15855, 28 November 1923, Page 6

PROGRESSIVE WAIKATO

HAMILTON'S RISH BACK COUNTRY

MORE FACTS ABOUT PRODUCTION.

(By Our Special Commissioner )

No. 8

When a person travels systematically through the various districts which comprise "Progressive Waikato," it is not to be wondered at where the 33,000 tons of butter and 9000 tons of cheese come from for export. And it is confidently anticipated that during the next few years these figures will be increased by at least 100 per cent. Intense cultivation must be indulged in, and topdressing must lie assiduously gone on with in order to attain the desired result. Take Motumaoho for instance. There the farmer top-dresses his land and believes in it and knows how to do it. In some cases basic slag is used one year and superphosphate the next. Consequently during the last eight years the majority of farms in the district have doubled their capacity as far as milk returns are concerned, and the effect has also been that they have doubled in value. Things are so good as far as Motumaoho is concerned that even the cattle appear to be contented. When the writer asked several of the settlers if they had any legitimate complaints concerning Government departments, for instance, the answers were in the negative. On the whole, they are contented witli their railway service, and get their goods away quickly. How different is this state of affairs to that which exists at Walton and Ngarua No, the only complaint, if it could be called one, was that therc wos not enough time to do all that could and should be done. The remedy for this surely is "closer settlement" and greater productivity. On the Road to Anywhere.

As stated on Saturday last, the main road Hamilton, Morrinsville, Te Aroha to Thames passes through Motumaoho. It's the road to anywhere as far as the settlers in the district are concerned. And up till the latter part of last week it was in such a state that it might have caused occupants of vehicles to be thrown anywhere. But there is good news for everybody—motorists in particular. On Thursday last the work of putting "that awful main road" in order was commenced. Those in charge of the job anticipate completing it this summer. It has been a long time coming, and the settlers had almost given up hope. Even the writer was genuinely surprised at the difference in the surface between last Wednesday and the following day. As a matter of fact, had he not noticed the factory in passing he would have •been inclined to have thought, in the words of a well-known drama, that he'd "taken the wrong turning." After making enquiries and questioning those people in a position to judge, however, there is an uneasy feeling that the improvements will not last. Evidently it has been a case of "cut your cloth according to your pocket." or as another man put it, "They're doing what should be a fifteen bob touch for seven and six." It is contended that the whole road should be ploughed up and properly re-formed. The holes and cavities should be taken right out and not filled up with earth. U' this is not done and the metal is placed on top, it will only sink into the soft ground and the holes will be just as much in evidence in a very little while. During these operations the road will be all right provided the weather keeps fine, if it doesn't, well

Motumaoho's Sheep Country, Although the writer did not hear it, directly, he. was informed that some of the settlers were of the opinion that the block of 1000 acres of sheep and grazing land situated in Motumaoho district was to some extent holding development hack. With the object of finding out the true state of affairs lie visited the place, wont over it, and made certain enquiries. IL transpires that the present owner did contemplate cutting up Norfolk Downs into dairy farms. The idea had been advanced so far that the services of a surveyor had been engaged for the purpose of determining which would be the heller way in which the enterprise could he fulfilled. S"ome liille difficulty was experienced, however, witli reading problems and fronlages, and during these uteris !.: e -lump came. It was uie I\>;t decided to postpone the work meantime, and Mr Tompkins, the owner, proceeded to bring in more and more of the hill country at the back. Each successive year this has been done, and cultivation has been going ahead. It has been a most difficult undertaking, and has involved very heavy labour and much carting of manures, etc. Top-dressing has boon carried out in such a manner that .the.. rosuiU have

STORIES OF ENTERPRISING DEVELOPMENT.

Further excursions throughout the great Motumaoho country convince one that Hamilton's rich tack country is unsurpassed. The writer has traveller! extensively throughout -New Zealand, and the only districts with •which a comparison can be made arc in Taranaki. The latter arc much older settlements, however, and even now the Molumaoho country is said to have assumed the lead. What will happen in the next'few yours.' The answer is a problematical one, hut if the present rate of progress is a -criterion to go by, then there need be no uncertainty as to the ultimate result. There is plenty of splendid land in Motumaoho still to be brought in, and the work is going on apace. Wriii closer settlement the district's chances will he enhanced beyond measure. It has been proved that this particular part Of Hamilton's hinterland is capable of great production, and still more proof is forthcoming. -Men are determined to progress here. That state of affairs is quite evident even to the most casual observer. Practically all the settlers have definite objects in view, and they look forward to 'the near future with the utmost confidence, "it's a grand spirit, and one which goes a long way towards helping other people on the land. It is safe to assert that, with back country such as it has. Hamilton will not be long in becoming the largest inland town in the Dominion. This, it is contended, will be made manifest if some scheme can be evolved by which the large stretch of swamp land in the Motumaoho and Eureka districts can be brought in successfully. The writer was all through the great Rongaitaiki swamp, on Ihe East Coast, four years ago. When he asked its size, the Government Engineer said -about 94,000 acres. In answer to another question, that official said, 'it would produce enough to feed New Zealand." The work of reclaiming and developing that particular swamp has gone on, and lias borne fruit already. Why can't something similar be done in regard to the Motumaoho swamp? It's a big problem, and a sphere of action is awaiting in a country great in extent and inexhaustible in its resources. It is a work calculated to encourage the boldest enterprise, and io ensure the highest rewards. More will be told concerning contemplated comprehensive work of development. Inter. But to return to the Motumaoho district as it is to-day. In addition to stories of its producing qualities told in these columns on Saturday last, there are others which make just, as interesting reading. There appears to lie an opinion -that the man who owns 1000 acres of sheep land in the district under review is holding the country back. Be that as it may the fact remains that intense cultivation is going on, and some facts concerning this particular property will be given below. To sum up the good folk who comprise the Motumaoho settlement, one might be permitted to say that their attention is fixed on the proper objects of pursuit: Perseverance that never wanes; application that is untiring—these are the men and women whose children are attending and making such headway at the school near the factory.

been mare than satisfactory. Each year 100 tons of manure and 76 tons of lime have been put on the property. The grass comes away in plenty, and the stock —sheep, lambs, and fat cattle—look well. Some paddocks have abundance of feed, and the front portion of th property could easily be turned into dairying land to-day. The back section of the estate is still being cultivated. Acre upon acre of new ground is being broken in and brought to a state of productivity. While this work is proceeding, how can it be said that the Norfolk Downs estate is keeping Motumaoho back? Development is going on all the lime, and sooner or "later the land will not doubt be thrown open for "closer settlement.'' And the men who take up the dairy farms which must come will be in a far better position to start with than their neighbours, who in many cases had to go on to the land while it was in the rough. From Flax to Grass Land.

Here is a concrete instance of what one man had to contend with when he went on to an adjoining property. Between 14 and 15 years ago his farm was a Jlax swamp with a flaxmill operating in one corner of the place. The shed is standing to-day. Even six years ago the property was covered with raupo and big rushes, and the paddocks were water-logged. Drains were dug and put through, and now the place, is splendid grazing land, carrying approximately a beast to the acre" Night and morning 50 cows arc milked, and returns are good. One paddock of four acres drew particular attention. Seven crops of hay have been taken off already this season, and the eighth is almost ready for'cutting after having been closed up for five weeks. There is feed in abundance. When asked if the property was in the market the owner replied, "No fear. I went down to Pukekohe to look at a farm there, but I could not get home quick enough." Ayrshires Look a Picture. On another farm adjoining the Norfolk Downs estate an Ayrshire herd looked a picture. There was plenty of good, wholesome feed to be seen The average yield last year for the herd of 20 cows was 3971 b of butterfat. This year, unfortunately, the owner is not testing. He is very proud of an Ayrshire cow which, last year, was champion at the Te Aroha show. It was learned that this particular class of herd does very well indeed on Motumaoho country. They cause little or no trouble and keep in a healthy state. Altogether the owner is we'll pleased with his lot. Further out, but still adjoining the Norfolk Downs property, are another two dairy farms, both of which are doing well. They are in the hilly country, and the owners have had a hard job to cultivate their back land. Still, they persevered with hopes for the future, and nature has not disappointed them. One man said his heart nearly failed him when he tackled the job of bringing in his back country. It was covered with thick scrub,'and means of access had to be made under most trying conditions. On top of the hills was a green patch of grass. That patch was his encouragement. He thought to himself. "If the man over the hill cau I bring in this country, so can I." His labours have been rewarded, for he ! has green paddocks of his own now ' with quantities of good cowgrass upon them. So much for enterprise and hard work. It pays in the long run.

Motumaoho Has Its School. Motumaoh" has its school, of which it is justly proud. The average farmer does not say much about his children, but when they are mentioned—especially their scholastic attainments —he generally shows by the look in his eye that he is, to say the least, pleased. So it is with the folk living in the district under review. Through the courtesy of Mr Kelly, the headmaster, the writer was enabled In spend an hour in the school one morning last week, and a most, profitable hour il p oved to be too. The i es; in l.i'eir educational in iitulioti wliio' the Da ton system of t.a.n ;nsr is taught. in this respect parlicular hooks are needed, and during the last two years the sum of £lO has been raised fcr this purpose by the settlers, and together with the Government subsidy the amount has reached £3-' —a very creditable sum. j Soventy on the Roll. , The Molumnoho school is a bright, ' airy buildup consisting of two ciass-

rooms. There are 70 pupils on the roll, and there are only two teachers to handle that number of scholars. When the roll reaches 81 however, another assistant will be forthcoming. Judging by the progress and development of the district the new assistant should not be long In putting in an appearance. There are some bonny little children not of school age in Motumaoho.

Much has been written and said about the Dalton system of training school children, and, without going fully into the pros and cons of the question, from what the writer saw at this school he is of the opinion that the system is an excellent one —that is, for the smaller sized school. It would be impracticable in a school with large classes and large attendances. The Motumaoho scholars are making great headway under the system, as many results show. The bright boy or girl is not kept back on account of "the class." He or she is given a fine opportunity of showing originality, initiative and responsibility. No child is allowed to get too far ahead in any one subject. The Dalton system is really an individual plan of instruction. Certain times of the day are allotted to it. The student can choose his or her own subject and go outside, or anywhere in the school or grounds for that matter, and study. By means of a graph, or record board, the teacher can tell how far a pupil is ahead in arithmetic, for instance. If other subjects arc behind, arithmetic is scratched off and orders given to brush up the other subjects. Out in the open the children have improvised desks made from benzine cases. In the fresh air the kiddies looked healthy and, what is more, although they were most industrious, they appeared to be happy and contented. They were quite interested in their work, and also in their neighbour's progress. If a. lad was stuck he would appeal to his fellows, who in turn would answer him in a pleasant, courteous manner. None of the superior knowledge touch was to be seen here. It was a genuino attempt to help the other fellow.

One of the most interesting lessons was that in which the master nominated a chairman, who came from his place at the desk and occupied a chair in front of the class. In sharp, crisp tones he asked the combined classes if anyone would like to come out and address the meeting on the pre-his-toric ages of man, for instance. Out came a lad and addressed the class, or meeting, for Ave or ten minutes, and then the chairman asked for questions. The lecturer was bombarded with them, but everything was done in order and strictly according to the rules of debate. Many a chairman and committeeman, and county councillor too, could have taken a lesson in regard to how a meeting should be conducted. It was indeed a pleasure and an instruction to see and hear those boys and girls addressing the meeting and then answering questions. There was no nonsense about it. It was a serious business and was taken seriously. Some showed a humorous side and some the serious side of their natures, but all were thoughtful and deliberative. They were a fine set of kiddies. Later the writer saw many of them in their own homes, and their school conduct was reflected therein —or was it vice versa?

(To be continued on December 1.)