Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society
The last meeting of the 1926-27 season of the above Society took place at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel, on Tuesday evening.
The chair was taken by Mr A. Macarthur, who introduced the principal speaker (Mr J.W. Reid, of Oaklands).
The subject down for discussion was "The business side of Farming," and, as the speaker said, it was one for wide consideration.
In farming it was often necessary to lose on one branch in order to gain on another. Sheep farming, he said, often failed as a business proposition, but its value in manuring the land could not be reckoned in £ s d.
In many cases economies could be effected in labour, it had been proved that the average proportion of labour to the expenditure of a farm was 28 per cent, and while to try and effect economy in labour would mean disaster in many cases, it had been found that quite a number of farms were under-staffed.
Economy in horse labour could often be effected. There was also the question of economy in manures by purchasing the right kind. It had been found that 12,000 acres in Hertfordshire were deficient in lime. Economy in feeding stuffs should also be practised.
The speaker then dealt with the question of increased receipts, and dealt with such matters as dairy farming, poultry and store cattle.
Mr Macarthur, Mr Scarborough Taylor and Mr S. Pigg took part in the discussion which followed, and at the close Mr Macarthur, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr Reid, said he wished, on behalf of the Society, to thanks Mr Hunter-Smith for the help he had given them. He regretted that some of the meetings had been poorly attended, and he hoped that if the Society carried on next year they would have an increased membership.
Mr S. Pigg seconded the vote of thanks, and Mr J. Laird, in supporting the vote, said he thought there were many who did not realise what Oaklands was doing for them.
The vote was carried with acclamation.
Mr J.W. Reid and Mr J. Hunter-Smith replied, and said that if it was decided to carry on next year they would be pleased to help.