10 Jan., ]91<S.] Field Day, Longerenong College. 9 



_ Mr. Rodgers, M.H.E., proposed the toast of " The College." He 

 said a great change had come over the institution in recent years, and, 

 indeed, in the conduct of agricultural training and experimental work 

 in the State generally. That change, he maintained, had been brought 

 about by the men at the head of agricultural matters, and by the loyal 

 co-operation of their staffs. He referred to Dr. Cameron, Director of 

 Agriculture, and to Mr. Richardson, the Agricultural Superintendent. 

 There were none of the old-time, dress-suit methods with them. They 

 went to work with their coats oif. They got right next to the farmer, 

 and that was what was wanted. He asked those present to do all in 

 their power to support this good work. If it was good, it was worth 

 fighting for. He ventured to say that the Wimmera plains were the 

 finest wheat belt in Australia. Their prominent position had been 

 brought about by three factors — (1) the soil, (2) the men of the right 

 temperament, (3) the loyal co-operation of scientific agriculture. The 

 soil was a veritable gold mine, but it had only been partially exploited. 

 Its further development rested on what aid science could give it, and 

 that was a great deal. He noted five other returned soldiers in the room, 

 and extended them a hearty greeting. (Applause.) 



Mr. Drevennann, responding, said that it gave him great pleasure 

 to see such a large and influential gathering present. He liked people 

 to come and visit the place. He appreciated both their sympathy and 

 their honest criticism — both were helpful. He welcomed visitors at all 

 times. He came here six years ago, and had been steadily at work, 

 loyally supported by the staif. They could see the result for themselves. 

 There were many new buildings, and, he was proud to say, an air of 

 businesslike prosperity about the place. Much remained to be done, 

 but it was most satisfactory to see such a large and enthusiastic 

 gathering there that day. It gave them fresh courage to go on with the 

 work. On behalf of the staff and himself, he again thanked them. 



The Mayor of Horsham, Cr. Knight, speaking on behalf of the 

 visitors, spoke in glowing terms of what they had all seen that day, and 

 in a spirited address supported all that Mr. Eodgers had said. 



n^SPECTION OF THE FARM. 



The visitors then inspected the farm buildings and live-stock, under 

 the guidance of the Principal (Mr. Drevermann) and the Farm Manager 

 (Mr. Munro). Considerable improvements have been effected in the 

 farm buildings during the past three years. The stable is being 

 extended to accommodate twelve more horses. A new feed-house for 

 the dairy cattle has recently been erected. Two silos have been filled 

 with barley ensilage. Berkshire and Yorkshire pigs looked comfortable 

 and well-housed in the pig-sties. In the dairy the milk records, giving 

 the weight of milk of each cow and the percentage of butter fat in the 

 milk of each, roused attention. JSTot the least interesting was the fine 

 stamp of lads undergoing training to become the producers of the future. 

 Forty lads are in attendance, and this is the maximum accommodation 

 that has been provided. The visitors spent the best part of four hours 

 in making an inspection of the plots and buildings ; and, judging by the 

 many expressions of appreciation, the afternoon was most enjoyable 

 and instructive for the farmers of the district. 



