In a significant development for the prospects of prosperity in Ireland, Mr T. W. Russell, Vice-President of the Department, made a notable appearance at the meeting of the County Limerick Agricultural and Technical Instruction Committee today. Addressing a range of pivotal topics, Mr Russell shared insights and advice on matters crucial to the local community.

The meeting, presided over by Lord Emly, commenced with discussions on various local issues before delving into the core subjects that prompted Mr Russell’s attendance. The committee sought Mr Russell’s counsel on several fronts, including proposed alterations to certain clauses in the preliminary draft of a Butter Bill aimed at benefitting the Irish dairying industry.

Lord Emly extended a warm welcome to Mr Russell and highlighted the committee’s keen interest in seeking guidance on specific points. Among these were the committee’s resolutions regarding the Cowsheds, Dairies, and Milk shops’ order, a subsidy proposal to encourage winter dairying in County Limerick, and the formulation of capitation grants for boys excelling in prescribed standards related to ploughing, milking, milk testing, and general knowledge pertinent to modern tillage and dairy farming practices.

Mr Russell, well-received by those in attendance, addressed the concerns raised. He indicated that certain objections to the draft of the Butter Bill had been resolved through discussions with the Butter Trade Association in Cork. They had agreed to support the Bill with minor verbal amendments. However, Mr Russell underscored the Department’s stance that issues concerning the Cowsheds, Dairies, and Milk shops’ order fell under the purview of the Local Government Board. While supportive of clean and sanitary dairies, the Department deemed it the responsibility of the Local Government Board to address related clauses.

Touching on the decline in the Irish butter trade, Mr Russell expressed concern over the industry’s recent trends. Despite the rise of creameries, the sector has experienced a steady decline in the past four years, with a notable decrease of 425,000 lbs. Mr Russell emphasized the need for concerted efforts to reverse this decline, urging support for the proposed Butter Bill.

The discussion then shifted to the critical topic of agricultural education. Mr Russell acknowledged the importance of such education, asserting that it had been neglected in schools for far too long. He advocated for a shift in focus towards practical education, suggesting that the fields themselves could be the best university for aspiring farmers. He also endorsed the resolution put forth by the committee regarding capitation grants but stressed the necessity of having qualified teachers before implementing such initiatives.

As the dialogue progressed, Mr Russell turned his attention to the issue of winter dairying in County Limerick. He revealed that the Department had been open to proposals from the local community for three years but lamented the absence of a workable scheme. Acknowledging the complexities of the issue, Mr Russell called for a collabourative effort between Parliament and the Department to address the challenges associated with winter dairying.

In a bid to underscore the progress made in Ireland, Mr Russell highlighted the success of various schemes, including the burgeoning poultry industry, the flourishing small industries, and the horse breeding initiative, which supplied 80% of the British Army’s horses. He expressed confidence that Ireland had turned the corner, citing a marked decrease in emigration and a palpable surge in national pride and prosperity.

Mr Russell concluded his address by cautioning against internal divisions and urged unity among the people. He remarked on the positive shift in sentiment among the populace and optimistically declared that Ireland was on the straight road to continued progress.

In response to Mr Russell’s insights and counsel, the committee, led by Mr Bennett, unanimously passed a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude for Mr Russell’s valuable contributions to the deliberations. With this, the meeting drew to a close, leaving Limerick poised at the intersection of agricultural advancement and educational reform, guided by the vision of a prosperous Ireland on the horizon.

Dublin Daily Express – Thursday 31 August 1911