FARMING INDUSTRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2606, 14 September 1909, Page 5

FARMING INDUSTRY.

HON. T. McKENZIE DISCUSSES QUESTIONS OF INTEREST.

[Per Press Association.! HASTINGS, Sent. 13. On Saturday the Hon. T. McKenzie met a large meeting of fanners and fruitgrowers, and talked on matters of interest concerning the industry. Regarding the small bird pest, the Minister said the importation of small owls was illegal, they being birds of prey. He would investigate fully, and if found advisable, would amend tbe law *to admit small owls. Speaking of tne establishment of seed-testing farms, the Minister said the Government wanted to establish one central station. . from, which to supply A. and P. Societies, leaving farmers to exjierinient further with seeds from this source. Epr this station he wanted to utilise the money offered by Mr Buchanan if he would let the Government have it. .He stated he had divided the. biological division, and had told Mr Kirk to devote the whole of his time to fruit, while Mr Cockayne was entrusted with the seed section. The Minister urged dairv farmers to keep down the amount of moisture in butter. Home people wished to abolish the New Zealand Government certificate and substitute arbitration. This would be most serious to the dairy industry, and it was necessary for factories to export good butter and provide the Government with a sound argument against a change being made.