GOVERNMENT EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3171, 17 March 1911, Page 4

GOVERNMENT EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

SEVERELY CRITICISED AT AUCKLAND. “ A CALF ON A SILVER CHAIN.” LPer Press association.! AUCKLAND. March 16. r ilie Government experimental farms, ns a whole, were criticised in somewhat severe terms at a meeting of the Auckland Excutive of the Farmers’ Union to-day. Members considered that in many cases they were or no practical use to the farmers, and were carried oat in a manner that could never have good results. Major Lusk admitted that he was afraid a good deal of what had been said was true, and lie mentioned a case where • they couldn’t tell the difference -between rye-grass and cocksfoot. This started members telling their experiences and one of them stated that lie once visited a farm, and saw a calf being led round on a silver chain He inquired, end found that the calf was being experimented on, and was a. maize-fed animal. It was then weighed. and the man declared that the calf had gained 2cwt in a week. A good word for the farms was put in bv Mr. J. Boddie, who said that after five or six visits to Moumahaka, lie believer! that good work was being done. Mr. J. E. MacGili moved that the Union ascertain the opinion of other Provincial Executives, as to whether a commission of recognised practical farmers, to inquire into the management and practical benefits derived from the Government experimental farms should not be set up. The motion was seconded by Captain Colbeck and carried.