OFFICIAL BLUNDERING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2567, 30 July 1909, Page 5

OFFICIAL BLUNDERING.

THE STATE FARMS. The practical utility of the State experimental stations in different parts of the country has often been questioned. but it seems to be the desire of the Government to limit, as far as possible the usefulness of these institutions. Recently a very reasonable request was made to the Railway Department that excursion trains should run to the farms in order that farmers might organise excursions for their education and instruction. The official reply was as follows: —“I have the honor to inform vou that the Railway Department after fully considering the matter, is unable to give any . special concession in regard to trains conveying parties to the Department’s Experimental Farms.” It would hardly seem that this were the way to popularise the State farms. In all other branclie* oT education concessions aro made to rail> way, travellers, and it certainly seems an anomaly that while farmers journeying to the State farms are unable to secure any assistance, thoatncal companies and athletic teams receive special terms. The farmers aro certainly entitled to the Department’s reasons for its' refusal. The mere bald statement of its inability is most unsatist’atcory. — 4 ‘Manawatu Evening 1 Standard. ”