Levin State Farm. One of the many praise-worthy efforts which have been made by the Liberal Government of the last six years to put the unemployed in the way of earning a living, is the State Farm at Levin, on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway, about sixty miles from Wellington. This settlement was established in 1894, during the Hon. W. P. Reeves's occupancy of the office of Minister of Labour. The aim was not only to provide temporary shelter and labour for the unemployed until they were able to obtain work, but also to teach those of them who were unused to rural occupations how to use spade and axe and pick and shovel, and to do the ordinary work of a farm—in short, to fit them to earn a living for themselves and their families in the country. The laud selected for the purpose of this scheme is about a mile-and-a-half from the Levin Railway Station, towards the sea, and formed part of the notorious Horowhenua block. The area between the railway and the farm is occupied by a flourishing village settlement. The State Farm consists of a rectangular block, 800 acres in extent. A narrow strip of about thirty acres fronting the beach road, is stony soil, the rest is bush land, which, when the block was purchased by the Government, was heavily timbered. The work of cultivating the clear land and clearing the bush land began little more than two years ago. It was done under the co-operative system—men forming themselves into small parties, and being allotted sections of the bush to fell at prices which varied according to the nature of the work. About 550 acres have been felled and burned off. The land is excellently grassed, providing pasturage for large herds of cattle, and ten acres at the lower end of the block have been cleared and planted as an orchard. A main road has been formed longitudinally through the middle of the block, and midway a crossroad has been laid off, and will be formed as opportunity offers. The block thus consists of forty acres laid in crop, ten acres orchard, 550 acres felled bush in course of burning, and 200 acres standing bush. The bush is being cleared a chain wide back from the road, and the remainder will give labour as required, from time to time. The suitable timber is contracted for by the owner of the adjacent saw-mill, who pays royalty, thus helping the revenue. Shelter belts of ash, larch, beech, and walnut trees have been planted, and are coming along splendidly, and will some day be a source of profit to the farm. The buildings on the farm are mostly situated near the front of the block, being erected on the stony land before mentioned so as to be out of danger of bush fires. The first dwellings built were small and very plainly constructed, and were situated along the verge of the bush, near enough to be sheltered, and far enough to be out of danger from fire. They were mostly two-roomed cottages, and each had a plot of ground for a garden. Some of these gardens are very nicely kept and well stocked with vegetables, fruit bushes, and flowers, all of which grow luxuriantly. Poultry and ducks are also kept by the residents, not forgetting the ever-useful “Dennis.” The more recently erected buildings include a substantial structure, comprising a stable with four double stalls, harness-room and granary. This is built in an enclosed yard, in which are also sheds for implements and vehicles, the location being near the entrance to the farm. The manager's house is a plain verandah cottage of four rooms, with requisite outbuildings, including a small detached office. The house is so situated as to command a view of the whole of this part of the farm. A small garden is attached, in which the meteorological registering instruments are placed. Some extraordinary calculations have been published as to the cost of these instruments to the farm, and the time required to record the observations. Actually, the whole outfit is one of those established in various parts of the country by the Meteorological Department, for the purpose of obtaining reliable data, and the cost to the farm was the value of a few feet of 3 x 2 timber as stays and a few nails, and the time occupied is about two minutes at nine o'clock each morning. Several chains to the rear of the manager's house are the cow-yards, milking shed, and dairy. The yards will be shingled as opportunity offers, only the part near the entrance to and exit from the shed being so treated. The shed has stalls for twenty cows, which are bailed up and released by an ingenious contrivance acting from behind the animal. The floor is cemented, sloping towards a drain, so that it can be flushed out with water daily. The drainage flows into a tank a sufficient distance away, and, peat not being available, saw-dust is used as an absorbent, and the manure thus formed is removed and used on the farm. The dairy, or milk-house, is excellently designed. The ground on which it stands is cemented. The building stands on piles about 60 inches high, the floor is formed of levelled battens, with the narrow edge downward, and the sides are louvered. Thus a free current of air through the dairy is secured, and with the hose every speck can be washed through the floor, and from the cemented area into a drain. The milk is carried up an easy incline into the dairy, and the bottom of the dray in which it is taken to the creamery is on a level with the floor of the house. The appliances for washing the pails, cans, etc., are close by, the whole milking accommodation being particularly well arranged. The yards for the grazing cattle are a little distance away. They are well adapted for dealing with bush cattle, and include a crush of new design, by which a beast can be bailed up by the bail being acted upon by a cord pulled from behind the beast, and the sides of the crush can then be opened to permit of any part of the animal being closely examined. This crush and the dairy buildings were designed by Mr. Forbes Burn, the working overseer of the farm, and they form a model for settlers who are engaged in dairy farming or stock grazing. The dairy buildings were built of the timber which was used for the temporary dwellings erected when a large number of men were employed on the farm. A calf-house is close to the cowsheds, and pig-yards and sties, with slaughter-house, are situated in a convenient yet isolated position. Four cottages have been lately built fronting the main road through the farm. They are of a better description than those built at the start of the farm, having four rooms each, and being well finished. Each cottage has a quarter of an acre of ground allotted, so that the residents can grow all their own vegetables, keep poultry, etc. The school occupies a central position amongst the buildings. It consists of one room 30 x 24 x 16 feet, and is lined throughout, well ventilated, has windows on both sides, and, taking it altogether, is one of the nicest little schoolrooms in the district. The average attendance is about page 1110 forty-five, and the children are the picture of health and cleanliness. Mr. Cole, the master, is beloved by his scholars. A portion of ground is being set aside for the purpose of teaching the boys practical agriculture. A small building is also to be used for the purpose of training the boys in various handicrafts, which, no doubt, will be useful to them in after life. The live stock on the farm comprises about 100 head of milch cows, a similar number of cattle fattening for market, and a constantly varying number of pigs. The dairy stock are of mixed breeds, mostly shorthorn with a dash of Ayrshire, Jersey, or Holstein blood, also a few pure bred Ayrshires from the herd of Mr. John Cowan, Palmerston South. A pure Hostein bull has lately been bought. Most of the cattle are fair milkers, some of them very good, and the Babcock tester is being used with a view to culling out those whole yield is unsatisfactory. The heifer calves of the best milkers are reared, and it is anticipated that twenty to twenty-five good milkers will thus be added to the herd annually. The grazing cattle are bought in as stores, and, having abundance of grass all the year round, fatten very quickly and command good prices. About 100 fat bullocks can be turned off yearly. The pigs include some pure bred Yorkshires and Berkshires, and a miscellaneous lot bought in as stores or bred on the farm. Most of the pigs are killed as porkers for Wellington buyers, and command the highest market price. The pig-rearing branch will be considerably extended as clearing progresses. It is also intended to go in for poultry rearing on a large scale for the market, a start having been made with some pure Minorcas and Langshans. The thirty acres on the frontage are being cropped mainly with oats and roots for consumption on the farm. As the bush land is cleared and goes into crop the stock-carrying capacity of the farm will be greatly increased by the cultivation of fodder crops, and hay and ensilage will be preserved for winter use. The soil should grow heavy crops of all fodder plants. Fruit-growing will probably form an important part of the operations of the farm. The trees already planted are making excellent progress, and their first fruits should be seen in the market this season. Apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, grape-vines, currants, and strawberries, of several varieties, have been planted. The orchard work is mostly done by the old or weakly men, who have cottages at the orchard, where also is a storeroom. Vegetables are at present grown between the rows of trees. Last season the potato crop averaged thirteen tons per acre. Onions also did well. Experiments are also being made in growing sugar beet, broom corn, etc. The objects for which the State Farm was established have already been briefly stated at the beginning of this article, but it wants a personal visit to thoroughly understand the work that has been done, is being done, and is in contemplation; and also to see the class of men employed. Here we see the old colonist of from sixty to eighty years of age, who has given the best of his life to pioneer work. He is too proud to ask for charitable aid, saying, “Although I am still old, still I can do a little, and if I do not get a large wage, still it is enough for my few wants.” There are several such men on the farm, and many are the stories they can tell of the early days in New Zealand. If the State Farm had no existence, these men would have to be kept by charitable aid and thus be a dead loss to the country. If it were only for providing employment for this class alone, the State Farm would amply justify its existence. Then there are other men who have been brought up to indoor work, who, finding it difficult to find employment at their own business or profession, are reduced to taking work of any kind that they can get. They find, however, that from their previous training they are page 1111 unfitted for this class of work; these are sent to the farm, paid according to their ability, and in a few months time, if physically capable, they are able to go out into the open market and command the current wage. Many of the men who are now doing well in other parts, when first they went to the farm were totally ignorant of using a pick, shovel, or axe. Some of these have been successful in land ballots, and have now got sections of land and bid fair to become successful settlers. These men, too, would most likely have been hanging round the streets of our cities if the State Farm had no existence, doing no good to themselves and a loss to the country. The milking on the farm is done by contract, so much per gallon being paid to the women who undertake the work. The contract system has been found to be the best, as it is a matter of self-interest to the milkers to see that every cow yields the whole of her milk. Each-worker on going to work at the farm has to sign that he is willing to abide by the rules and regulations, a printed copy of which is furnished to him. Drunkenness and insubordination are punished by instant dismissal The manager has the right at all reasonable times to enter any of the cottages on the farm to see that sanitary laws are being obeyed. The residents elect from among themselves, with the manager as chairman, committee to manage the affairs of the school, and carry out socials, lectures, etc., which are held in the schoolhouse. The spiritual welfare of the residents is attended to by regular services in the schoolroom by clergymen of the Anglican, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and Catholic Churches; also the Salvation Army. The control of the farm is vested in the Department of Labour, of which Mr. Tregear is the secretary. Mr. Mackay, his next in command, his practically had the supervision of the farm since its commencement, he having taken the first party of men on the ground. Mr. Walker is the resident manager, and under his capable administration the farm has progressed wonderfully since he took charge. He thoroughly understands his business, having been farming in the Wanganui and other districts nearly all his life. One of the secrets of his management is his tact in dealing with the people placed under his charge.

Mr. Thomas Walker, Manager of the Levin State Farm, was born at New Plymouth in 1852. When a few months old he was taken on horseback to Wanganui, where his school days were spent. He gained his farming experience and knowledge on his father's farm at Aramoho, some few miles from Wanganui. During the trouble with the Maoris on the West Coast of the North Island, Mr. Walker served in the Militia, being then only sixteen years of age. After being in the grocery business for twelve months in Wanganui and for some years in New Plymouth, he was obliged, owing to failing health, to give it up. Mr. Walker then spent a few years farming on the Brunswick line, Wanganui, and in 1896 received the position of manager to the State Farm at Levin.

Mr. Thos. Walker.

Levin Public School occupies a convenient site in a central position likely to be suitable to the course of settlement in this rapidly developing district. The building is of wood, and contains two fairly large rooms, which, however, are inadequate, necessitating additional accommodation, which the committee have already arranged to supply. Since 1892 the number of pupils attending the school have increased from fifty to 167. The headmaster is assisted by an assistant and two pupil teachers.

Mr. James McIntyre, Headmaster of the Levin Public School who was born in 1866, came to Wellington with his parents when only two years of age. Educated at Mt. Cook Boys School in the Empire City, he afterwards became a pupil teacher, remaining for five years. After passing his examination at the Wellington Training College, Mr. McIntyre was appointed first assistant teacher at Petone Public School, which position he occupied for two years. In 1890 he was transferred to Newtown Public School, where he stayed till promoted to the charge of Levin School two years later. Mr. McIntyre was married in 1895 to Miss Sophia Fox, of Wellington, and has one son.

Mr. Jas. McIntyre.

Court Pride of Levin, A.O.F., meets at the Town Hall every alternate Wednesday. The annual meeting is held on the 1st of January. Mr. H. Mills is the secretary.

Levin and Manakau Express (William Reidy and John McKillop, proprietors). This paper was established on the 4th of April, 1896. It has two pages, and is published twice a week. Politically the paper is opposed to the Seddon Government.

Gardener, Basil Robertson, Baker and General Storekeeper, Manawatu Co-operative Store, Levin. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. The Manawatu Co-operative Store was established by its enterprising proprietor in 1891, and since its inception it has rapidly extended and developed. The large one-story building used is constructed of wood and iron, and provides ample accommodation for the demands of the business. A first-rate bakehouse has been erected on the premises, and a skilled baker has this department under his care. The bread provided has already become favourably known throughout the district, and is consequently in good demand. The Manawatu Co-operative Store is well stocked with the great variety of articles usually found at a general store, and Mr. Gardener does all that is possible to meet the wants of the district. The owner of this popular store was born in Oldham, Lancashire, where he gained experience with his parents, who were in the ironmongery line Coming to New Zealand in 1879 per ship “Halcione,” Mr. Gardener was for some seven years in business in the Empire City as a grocer. He devotes his close attention to the management of the Manawatu Co-operative Store, and it is not surprising that success has crowned his efforts.

Fosella, Marco, Draper, Tailor, and General Storekeeper, Levin. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1893. The premises occupied, which are of wood and iron, and one story in height, are large, and centrally and conveniently situated. Mr. Fosella keeps a good general stock, and is assisted by skilled hands in the various departments of his trade. Mr. Fosella came out to Wellington in 1875, per ship “Guttenberg,” the passage occupying 100 days, and the vessel narrowly escaping wreck on a reef of sunken rocks off Stewart Island. After trying several trades, he established in 1884 a shirt and clothing factory, where he keeps many hands actively employed in turning out work for the wholesale houses. Mr. Fosella has contributed to several exhibitions, and was awarded a silver medal at the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition of 1885, a bronze medal at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition of 1886, and a silver medal, as collaborateu[unclear: r] at the Paris Exhibition of 1891. He bought from the Manawatu Railway Company in 1886 a section of land of eighty acres at Kereru, where he established a dairy farm. Mr. Fosella devotes ten acres to the culture of grapes, and has succeeded in growing them in a satisfactory manner in the open air. He has had a somewhat eventful life. Born in Florence, Italy, he commenced his career in Paris, speedily rising to the position of traveller, which he occupied for nine years. In 1870, on the declaration of the Franco-Prussian War, Mr. Fosella enrolled in the International Ambulance, rendering his services during the battle of Sedan, and on the establishment of the Republic he served in the volunteers, holding the office of sergeant. He ranks as a successful colonist.

Clark, W. M., Draper, Te Aro House, Levin, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Established 1894.

Issacs, D., Tailor, Levin, Established 1893

James, John., Tailor, Oxford Street, Levin.

Keen, Frank, Hairdresser, Tobacconist, and Billiard-room Proprietor, Levin. This business was founded in 1894. The billiard-room, a spacious and comfortable apartment, contains a fine table of Thurston's make. The hair-dressing saloon is well appointed, and the shop is stocked with a good assortment of cigars, pipes, cigarettes and fancy goods. Mr. Keen, the freeholder, is a native of King's Cross, London, and came to New Zealand with his parents many years ago per ship “Carnatic.” He was apprenticed to Mr. W. H. Chittam, of Palmerston North. Mr. Keen is musical, and wherever he has been has lent his ready aid to help forward any musical event. In Napier he was a member of the band for three years, in Feilding one year, and while in Foxton he was leader.

Levin Hotel (Robert Buckeridge, proprietor), Levin. This fine hotel was established by Mr. Peter Bartholomew in 1890, Mr. F. L. Garland purchasing it in 1893, and the present proprietor taking it over some time later. The Levin Hotel is a two storied building of wood and iron, having in all thirty-five rooms. It is the sole hostelry in the township and is in every respect a comfortable and convenient place at which to stay. Large parlours and sitting-rooms and a specially commodious dining-hall, together with the bar, are all on the ground floor. The upper portion is devoted to sleeping accommodation, and here are a goodly number of apartments exceedingly well furnished. Immediately adjoining the hotel is situated the Town Hall, which is well fitted up with stage and scenery, and is in every respect suitable for the needs of the district.

Temperance Hotel (Mrs. Buddle, proprietress), Oxford Street, Levin, Established 1893.

Wereroa Hotel (J. G. Campbell, proprietor), Levin.

Wilkinson, Samuel Henderson, Plumber, Tinsmith, and Brazier, Levin Plumbing Works, County Road, Levin. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Wilkinson hails from Scotland, having first seen the light in the great city of Glasgow. He came to the Colony per ship “Conflict,” which arrived in Wellington in 1874. His knowledge of the trade was originally gained as an apprentice with Mr. J. T. Glover, of Boulcott Street, Wellington. On the completion of his term, Mr. Wilkinson was for some time employed by Mr. J. Piper, of Christchurch, and subsequently gained considerable experience in the service of various firms within the Colony. In 1885 he went to Australia, where for four years he was enabled to add largely to his general knowledge of the trade. During this time he occupied the responsible position of foreman of Messrs. Rashleigh and Co.'s works. Returning to the Colony, Mr. Wilkinson worked for a short period on the Mahakipawa goldfields, and subsequently removed to Otaki, where he engaged in bushfelling by contract. In 1889 he established the present business in Otaki, and conducted it for upwards of four years. The one-story wood and iron building now occupied was erected and completed by Mr. Wilkinson early in 1894, when the business was removed from Otaki to that rapidly extending township of Levin. The premises, which afford about 600 square feet of floorage space, are fitted up with all necessary machinery for the plumbing and tinsmiths' business. Mr. Wilkinson has met with considerable success, and employs a number of hands in connection with his trade.

Andrews, Oscar, Farrier and General Blacksmith, Levin Shoeing Forge, Levin. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1892.

Anstice, Henry, Blacksmith and Carriage Builder, Oxford Street, Levin.

Ryder, Walter, Butcher, Levin. This business— established in 1894—was formerly carried on under the style of Ryder Bros. When Mr. John Ryder retired, the business was continued by the present proprietor in his own name. Mr. Ryder is well known throughout the district, and has established a reputation for selling only the primest goods. The meat is chiefly bought from the farmers in Levin, and is delivered by horse and cart. Small goods are made under the proprietor's personal supervision. Born in Nelson, Mr. Ryder was educated at Riwaka, where he learnt the butchery business in his father's shop. He subsequently commenced business for himself in Otaki, but after two years removed to Levin.

Bartholomew, Peter, Timber Merchant, Wereroa Steam Sawmills, Wereroa, Levin. Telegraphic address, “Bartholomew, Levin.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Levin. Agents, Stewart and Co., Wellington. These large mills were erected under the direction of the proprietor in 1887. The main building is a fine two-story structure of wood and iron, containing ample accommodation for conducting the large trade done by the owner. Two large boilers, made by Mr. Seagar, of Wellington, are used to generate the steam, two engines each of thirty-horse-power nominal having been made by Messrs. Haigh and Co., of London The plant is of the most complete and modern type: there is a large travelling circular saw bench, besides machinery of divers kinds. Mr. Bartholomew has imported a very useful band-saw, specially adapted for heavy work. About forty-five hands are employed at the Wereroa Steam Sawmills, and a large quantity of timber is shipped to all parts of the Colony. Mr. Bartholomew came from the “Land o' Cakes,” having been born in Stirlingshire. He embarked per good ship “Wansfall,” for Queensland in 1862. Five years later, attracted by the news from the West Coast goldfields, he crossed the Tasman Sea, intending to go to Hokitika, but the weather proving unpropitious, he landed at Nelson. Coming on to Wellington, Mr. Dartholomew entered into the timber trade, and has been associated with the industry since that time. He has been in business in Palmerston North. Fedding, Halcombe and Ashurst, finally locating in Wereroa as above.

Mr. P. Bartholomew.

Prouse Bros. (James Prouse, Richard Prouse, John Prouse, and John Wright), Timber Merchants, Wereroa Saw Mills, Levin. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Wellington yards and office, Dixon Street. Telephone 907. The late Mr. Richard Prouse, father of three of the partners, arrived in Port Nicholson in the month of page 1114 February, 1840, per ship “Duke of Roxburgh.” He turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, but gradually drifted into the timber trade, the sawmilling business having developed to its present magnitude. The Wereroa Saw Mills comprise a large iron building which affords many thousand square feet of floorage space. The plant is driven by a twenty-five-horse-power engine, manufactured by Messrs. S. Luke and Co., Limited, of Wellington. The machinery comprises a breaking down frame, two saw benches, two planers, and other appliances. Large quantities of red pine, totora, and matai timber are sawn and dressed in these mills, floorings and mouldings being specialties. The trade extends throughout the Colony. The firm, which was established in 1870, has long been well and favourably known in New Zealand, and customers in all parts may depend upon prompt and satisfactory fulfilment of their orders.

Andrews, Henry Thomas, Sawmiller, Queen Street, Levin.

Ambler, Sebright, Coachbuilder, etc., Oxford Street, Levin.

Bentley, E. F., Bootmaker, Wereroa, Levin.

Bentley, F., Bootmaker, Levin.

James, Thos., Bootmaker, Levin Boot Mart, Levin. Established 1892

Middlemiss, Jas. Wood, Saddler and Harness Maker, Main Street, Levin, Private residence, Oxford Street.

Smart, Mrs., Bookseller, Levin.

Hamilton, John, Storekeeper, Wereroa, Levin.

Barnard, Charles Leonard, Watchmaker, Levin.

Garland, Frank L., Settler, Levin. Mr. Garland was born in Christechurch, his parents having arrived in the early days of the Canterbury settlement. He was for ten years in the employ of Messrs. Sargood, Son and Ewen; but, leaving that firm, went to South Africa, where he was on the Stock Exchange and acted as secretary for gold mining companies in Johannesberg in its early days. After some four years he came back to New Zealand, visiting Madagascar and Mauritius on the return journey. Mr. Garland takes great interest in the pastimes of the people, being a member of the Sporting Club and also of the Levin Cricket Club. In 1893 Mr. Garland took over the Levin Hotel, and conducted it with great success for two or three years, at the end of which time he sold out to Mr. Robert Buckeridge and settled down in the district.