Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1911-12-07
Co. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE
New Officers -Discussion-Next Meet
ing mt Harrisonville.

New NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. VH-~NcAt <uCOe-.
ing Mt Harris0nville.
The December meeting of the Co.
Board of Agriculture was held in Pa
irons Hall, Mullica Hill, last Monday,
with an attendance of twelve women
and eighteen to twenty men.
After reading the minutes of the
September meeting Secretary Skinner
read the statement of expenditures,
which totaled 1866. With a balance
of $5669 from last year, the receipts
totaled $96.69, leaving a balance of
1894. An Auditing committee con-
sisting of Messrs. Brown, Horner and
Borton later reported these amounts
an accurate statement of the financial
condition of the Board.
The first question, How far should
the farmer of to-day possess me-
chanical knowledge?" was then pro-
pounded Asa Moore, one of those
expected to be prepared to lead the
discussion, sent paper which was
read by Mrs. French. Mr.. Moore
thought the farmer should possess all
of that kind of knowledge possible
for him to acquire, because many of
the problems he had to solve were
now mechanical 1t is important to
be able to tell what machinery will be
efficient, and then know how to op-
crate it. We often think we cannot
afford to buy, but the question should
be can we afford to do without;. the
careless use of implements is often
due to lack of knowledge of the need
of care. A forge, drills, bolts, a
plumbers outfit, ETC., would prove of
great value if we were familiar with
their use. 1t stands us in hand to
encourage the boys in the use of tools,
and let them waste nails and duh
saws
Clayton Kirby said the farmer re-
quired much mechanical knowledge.
Theo. Brown said the more mechan-
ica1 knowledge the better
Mrs Kirby said mechanical know
ledge was also needed in the farm
house
w. d. Sithens said some here had
knack of machinery and could see
right through it, while others never
could manage it. We can't know too,
much in that line.
Is the automobile benefit or in
jury to the farmer? was extensively.
discussed. Geo. H. Horner said he
did not know what to say, because he
did not know, but did not think 1t any
harm if a man was able to support
it, and did not allow it to take him
away too much. 4t cost no more TO
keep an auto than a nice team, and
many have always done that. Each
require care and are an expense.
Properly used and cared for, he
thought they were a benefit.
Frank Kirby said man hadn't
ought to get one unless he was able
to pay for it without robbing others.
He hoped to be able to keep his be-
cause it was a great convenience.
Lewis Morgan said that within five
years the auto truck will be in use
on many farms-sonle are now in
successful use They are said to be
cheaper than a team, and can make
several trips to market day, while
with a team one trip is days work.
Mr.. Clawson said his car is big
advantage to him.
d. W. Sithens thought the auto had
come to stay and why should not the
farmer afford one if his commission
man can afford two. His car is all
right-useful and enjoyable.
Lewis Morgan wanted to know what
these great trucks paid the State for
the use of the roads. The answer
was a license according to horse pow
er. The opinion was expressed that
they were great damage to roads
and bridges, and we should all oppose
allowing other states to come over
without a license.
Frank Kirby thought the charge
ought not to be SO high as to keep
them out. Then he told how Woods
town dairy farmers were sending their
milk to Philadelphia by auto, ESQ cans
a day. because the railroad continued
to charge refrigerator rates in winter
weather.
George Horner said that milk truck
passed his house early in the morn
ing and it actually shook his house.
There was bump near his. house,
and when it passed over it, his bed
shook. He felt it was too heavy for
the roads and bridges.
Theo. Brown thought that the big
truck would go the same way as the
big wagon gradually go out of use.
Mr.. Horner said it cost more to ride
in your auto in Penna. than go on the
cars, because he found it cost S1.75
to go to West Chester in his auto
The topic Along what lines can we
make. our homes more beautiful, COM
Portable and inviting ?'s was opened by
Mrs. Beulah Gardiner, She said that
depended on how we look at it.
Cleanliness outside the buildings and
about the fields appealed to some.
Harmony in colors. exclusion OF bric-
a-brac and upholstered furniture
where rooms are in common use made
for beauty; well ventilated, moder-
ately heated and cleanliness made FOR
comfort and hospitality made the
.plainest home inviting Tastes and
ideas were so different it was not
easy to lay down rules for all to fol-
low
A male member, and they are not
supposed to know about such things,