SOMERSET C.C. AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE.
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[We have received the following o fficial memorandum, re demonstrations of la4our-saving machinery.—Eaj [1436] Sir,—The Chairman has instructed me to prepare a scheme for putting into operation the resolution transmitted to this committee by the Provincial Advisory Council, and I beg herewith to submit the following memorandum. The matter naturally divides itself into two heads: (1) organization ; (2) the nature of the demonstrations.
(1) Organization.—The resolution referred to suggests the formation of one or more local committee's, including representatives of the Provincial Council, local agricultural societies, local branches of farmers' unions and Chambers of Agriculture, and members of the County Agricultural Committee or Sub-committee.
I believe I am correct in saying that the Provincial Council desire to give wide discretionary powers to the local authorities in deciding what kind of committees to set up. It seems doubtful whether it is necessary in this county to form any special central committee or generally any special local committees. The Agricultural Instruction Committee of tho county includes representatives of the Provincial Council, local agricultural societies and some local branches of the farmers' unions, and seems well suited to exercise general supervision over the work. As regards local committees, there are already in existence in 'connection with the various local agricultural societies, committees which would be available for undertaking work of this nature, though, wheresuch committees were not available, special committees could of course be set up. In the past it has been a general principle to provide much of the instruction in the manual processes of agriculture through the various agricultural societies in the county, and it would seem advisable to make use of the same agency in this case. The setting up of special committees, either central or local, would ,entail additional delay.
As regards the cost of the demonstrations, it is anticipated that leading firms of implement makers will be prepared to provide the n4cessary machinery :free of cost., and that the Committee's obligations will be limited to the cost of advertising the demonstrations. The expenditure incurred under this head would be included in the usual claim for grant on the Board of Agriculture.
(2) Nature of the Demonstrations.---The demonstrations to be arranged would probablyJ of two kinds : CO the arranging of visits of faimerl" to inspect machinery already in use ; (2) the Making of arrangements for the sending into any locality of new mach inery.
AS regards the former, there is a motor-tractor plough in use at South Petherton, and there are numerous milking machines installed at FIambridge, South Petherton, Chesterblade, Ly.mpsham, Compton B28 Dando, Long Ashton and elsewhere. Of these the one at Chesterblade is perhaps the most interesting, as the milking is dope out of doors. I am obtaining from the makers of the various machines lists of all the places in the county where they have been installed.
As regards sending machinery into fresh districts, the installation of milking machines for demonstration purposes would seem to be impracticable, and also unnecessary, in view of the number already at work available for this purpose.
The chief difficulty as regards motor ploughs is to obtain delivery. In reply to an inquiry, Messrs. Lister, of Dursley, Gloucester, write : We have no motor ploughs to spare, and every plough we can produce up to September is already sold and partly paid for. We shall, however, be pleased to arrange fox a demonstration in the autumn if we have a plough available." On information received from the Board of Agriculture, I have communicated with the Agricultural Engineers Association and the National Traction Engine Owners and Users Association, as fo the provision of machinery, and am awaiting their replies. Failing any other solution, it might be possible, if thought desirable, to hire the motor plough at South Petherton for demonstrations in other districts.
The scheme I would suggest for consideration may be summarized as follows :— (1) That the Agricultural Instruction Committee serve as the central committee for the giving of demonstrations of labour-saving machinery in the county, and make the' necessary local arrangements for these demonstrations where it seems desirable to do so.
(2) That in order to stimulate local interest, demonstrations be also arranged in conjunction with local agricultural societies.
(3) That the bills announcing the demonstrations be supplied from the county offices, and, provided that the demonstrations are arranged with the approval of the Agricultural Instruction Committee, that the cost should be borne by that committee.
(4) That arrangements be made for demonstrations of milking machines on farms where they are already installed.
(5) That, if possible, demonstrations be arranged of Mr. 'Willy's motor plough at South Petherton, and that other demonstrations be undertaken in suitable districts if it is possible to obtain ploughs,—Yours
faithfully, J. H. BURTON,
County Secretary for Agriculture.
Agricultural Education Office, Weston-super-Mare.