670 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Nov., 1917. 



Such eompreliensive experiments in progress at the Farm were needed 

 to enable the agriculture of the State to be progressive. He had 

 thoroughly enjoyed the two hours' tramp round the experimental fields. 



Mr. G. Swinburne, Inter-State Commissioner, in moving a vote of 

 thanks to the officers of the Department, said he was astonished to learn 

 that the net cost of the Research Farm to the State was only about 

 £2,000 per annum. Even if it cost ten times that amount, the cost 

 would be small in comparison with the benefits gained. In Australia 

 there were great possibilities in the application of scientific knowledge 

 to agricultural pursuits. He urged the farmers not to cavil at any 

 expenditure by the Government on research experimental work, but 

 rather to demand an increase in the amount voted, for the results of 

 such work would be of inestimable value to the State. 



A Group of Visitors. 

 Reading from left to right — Dr. Cameron, Hon. \V. Hutchinson (Minister of Lamls), 



, Mr. H. J. M. Campbell, M.L.A., Mr. S. Hutchinson, His 



Excellency the Governor (Sir Arthur Stanley), Mr. S. Sampson, M.H. R. 



Mr. Rodgers, M.H.R., introduced the audience to a new branch of 

 activity on the farm — that of the training of returned soldiers in gene- 

 ral farm and irrigation work. He drew the attention of the visitors to 

 a fine new building erected for housing these men, and made a stirring 

 appeal for a donation towards the provision of a piano for the evening 

 recreation of the soldiers. In a manner that was nothing short of 

 masterly, he succeeded in raising £30 in a few minutes. (With this sum, 

 together with that previously subscribed by the officers of the Depart- 

 ment, a fine piano has since been bought.) 



'Shortly afterwards the drags assembled and carried the visitors back 

 to the station. Judging by the large attendance, the enthusiasm dis- 

 played, and the letters of appreciation since received, it is evident that 

 Farmers' Field Day at Werribee has become one of the most useful and 

 informative institutions of Show Week. 



