Creation of a National Asset.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 58, Issue 4, 20 April 1939, Page 308

Creation of a National Asset.

Encouraging Response from Maori Farmers Under Native Land Development Schemes.

C. WALKER,

Instructor in Agriculture, Hamilton.

gl||||||||||lllllllllllllllllllllllllllJIII!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIlllllllllUIIIIUl!!lillllllllllUllllllllllllllllllllllllllilllllUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJ|(g ' | A wonderful response is I | being received from Native. j I farmers who have come j | under the Native-land-de- I | velopment schemes in the | j North Island. It is con- j I sidered that, provided they j | receive some supervision and I | guidance along sound lines, j | the creation of a national | | asset in the conversion of | j the land from non-produc- j | tive, weed-infested blocks to J | farms of high producing- | capacity will result. j §.' ' =

FOR some years a vigorous programme of Native-land development has been followed in various parts of .the North Island, and more particularly in the Auckland Province. These development schemes were brought into being largely by the energetic efforts of Sir Apirana Ngata, who saw that the happiness and progress of his people could be attained only by the inauguration of a vigorous land-settlement scheme which would enable them to reap a full reward from their farms, and it. must be very gratifying to all concerned to note the wonderful response that is being received from the Native farmers who are now occupying the land. Sir Apirana Ngata’s efforts caused a great deal of interest throughout the country, and, chiefly as a result of his enthusiasm, our . late Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, presented a handsome silver cup for competition. This is known as the Ahuwhenua Trophy, and is awarded

annually to the best Native farmer working under the Native development schemes. ' -.

Transformation. In the past Native lands have been regarded as harbours of most noxious weeds. Many of these areas, after a short period of cropping, were permitted to return to volunteer growth, which frequently consisted of nothing more than blackberry, gorse, and ragwort. Seed was dispersed from these patches to neighbouring grassed areas, to their serious detriment. In fact, it could be claimed with a good deal of justification that these areas were the greatest menace confronting adjacent farms. Since the beginning of development on Native lands this problem of noxious weeds has received close attention. Badly infested areas have been cut, grubbed, and sprayed prior to ploughing and resowing to pasture. Subdivision has been carried out until. adequate control with stock could be practised. Thus, to-day we find highly productive farms.

which compare favourably with the better European farms, supplanting the weedinfested areas of a few years ago., Even if no better purpose were served than . the elimination of weed-infested areas, much of the expenditure on this work could be justified. Figure 2 indicates the degree of ragwort infestation that has occurred on many Native areas. In Fig. 3 some idea of the transformation from heavily gorse-infested country to good pasture can be obtained. Within four years the change has been effected, and little or no indication of its previous condition is apparent. Figure 4 shows one of the two leading farms in the 1938 competition. Previously this block was covered in scrub and was fairly heavily infested in parts with ragwort ; to-day it is one of the show farms of the East Coast district. Development of Native Farming. The control or elimination of weeds, however, is by no means the only direction in which benefits have accrued from the development of Native lands. From the earliest times the Maoris have tilled the soil and grown crops for food-supplies, but with the advent of European occupation

they tended to drift into casual jobs rather than develop areas on their own account. - Now, under the provisions of these development schemes, they are being given opportunities of returning to their lands and becoming producers on an equal basis with other farmers. Although they receive considerable assistance at the outset, many display a commendable spirit of independence. This is well illustrated in Fig. 5, where a Native farmer has built his own cottage from split kauri slabs, rather than incur a considerable liability for a dwelling. In addition to the improvement of conditions along the above lines, the Native farmers are encouraged to practise cleanliness and tidiness in all their activities.. The response , has been excellent; homes are frequently models of neatness within, and are' set off by tidy lawns, flower and vegetable gardens, concrete paths, and well-kept hedges. Milkingsheds are kept in exceptionally good condition. In fact, the standard of cleanliness here, leaves nothing to be desired. Provision of Shelter. This aspect of farm improvement; is receiving attention on many of the blocks ;

in fact, tree-planting has been practised from the start of development. . As a result, the farmers who took over such land had ample shelter for . stock and pastures, a factor which plays quite an important part in production. ’" In addition to the planting of trees, considerable foresight has been exercised in the preservation of native trees for shade. These consist of single trees, such as puriri and karaka, or small clumps of native bush. Figures 3, 4, and 5 illustrate this point quite well, and it is further emphasized in Fig. 1, which gives a general view of the Horohoro Development Scheme. • ■ ' - Care and Breeding of Stock. Many of the herds are showing signs of careful management, and there is ample evidence from the docility of the animals that they are treated with every consideration. Apart from this aspect, the quality of the stock is showing steady improvement. Pedigree bulls are being used, herd-testing is being practised, and only the better-quality heifers are carried forward for herd replacements. ■ A marked advance is also being effected in the quality of pigs. This has been

brought about by the use of pedigree boars and, in some instances, pedigree sows also. In Fig. 6 a section of a good type of grade herd is shown grazing on a young vigorous pasture; while in Fig. 7 are shown some of the young stock raised on the same farm. Perhaps the Chief weakness ; to date in Native farming lies in the inadequate provision for winter. Generally speaking, most Native farmers enter the winter period somewhat short of crops, hay, and ensilage. Stock cannot be expected to come into production in good condition unless they are wintered well, and the aim of these farmers should be to increase materially their reserves of hay, silage, and roots. ■ Although the above remarks apply generally, there are some men who fully appreciate the value of adequate winter feeding. On some farms definite areas are reserved each year for hay and ensilage, other fields are devoted to cropping in rotation, and in a few instances stands of lucerne have been established.

In Fig. 7 quite a good crop of maize can be seen in the background.

The Future.

There is ample evidence that the future of these farmers is assured, provided they receive some supervision and guidance along sound lines. At the present time

they are receiving good service in these, respects from- the various supervisors. Much of their success, however, will depend upon the continuation of such practices as suitable top-dressing, herdtesting, and herd-improvement by use of good-quality sires. In addition, they will require encouragement to carry out further farm improvements. -.

Provided these factors are given attention, the present indications point to a marked improvement in the lot of these farmers and the creation of a national asset in the conversion of these areas from non-productive, weed-infested blocks to farms of high production capacity... ; ‘ ■O’ ■> ■>