FARMERS’ WINTER SCHOOL.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1922, Page 2

FARMERS’ WINTER SCHOOL.

. PUBLIC MEETING. A public meeting was held in the. Town Hall yesterday afternoon in rdj spect to organising for the farmeis winter school to be held in Hokitika, i May 15-20, inclusive, j Mr W. Jeffries (President of the Westland Progress League) was voted to the chair and opened the meeting, the object of which had liis cordial

support. Mr Belshaw shortly explained the programme for the session on the lines already published, stating leading professors from Canterbury would attend the school and deliver lectures; Canterbury College would vote a sum of about £SO to the expenses of the school, and if any money were raised here the assistance would be helpful. The school would be fully engaged each day, with set lectures, covering a course of use to the fanners in particular, and students in general. A certain portion* of thg time would be devoted to visits to the district, while there would be social evenings. He favored a midday daily communal meal so as to ensure the social atmosphere of the school, and thought it could he made a great success. At the summer school at Little River the communal meals were voted a great success. Homely and simple fare would suffice for these meals and the cost need not be large. Mr Belshaw’s suggestion as to a communal meal was considered, and after discussion the idea was adopted, tlie Chairman, Messrs Morris, Bruce, Evans, Dnlgleish and Nightingale being a sub-committee to consider ways and means and report to a later meeting.

It was reported that in addition to the lecturers fr,om CanteffiJury College, representatives from the Agricultural Department would attend. There would be two classes in the forenoon, and one in the afternoon, as well as social lectures at night. Some of the afternons would be devoted to visits to the country farming districts.

Mr Belshaw reported that Professor Shelley of Canterbury College would he in charge of the session, and would prepare the syllabus which would lie available shortly. The Professor was very enthusiastic about the school, and he would have softie of the best farming lecturers in Canterbury associated with him. A veterinary lecturer would attend also, and on the farms! vfsited practical instruction would be given on the ground. The evening lectures would probably be illustrated in some instances.

It was ‘resolved’ to charge Coast students one guinea for the series of lectures and cards of admission will be on sale immediately. The money received will be utilised to.defray the cost of the winter school. It was re. solved to apply for the use of the Town Hall and St. Andrews Hall fo> lecture purposes and the Supreme Hall for the communal meal.

It. was reported a. winter show would be held at Kokatabi during the session, and it was resolved to set apart the >afternoon selected for the visit to the Kokatahi district. An afternoon would be devoted also, to the Arahura district.

In connection with a public reception to the visitors at the opening of the winter Softool, Messrs Perry (Mayor), Ward) (County Chairman), Meldrum (Stipendiary Magistrate), Galbraith (Commissioner of Crown Lands), Morel (President A. and P. Association), with Mr Jeffries (president of the Progress League) as Chairman were selected to he the Speakers on behalf of the district.

The classes will he open to ladies and gentlemen aild as the term holidays will then he in force, several members of tlie school teaching profession have expressed their intention of attending the course of lectures. Mr Belshaw indicated that the visitors did not wish ahy special attention ill the way of entertainment. The idea of the school was to Organise its owtt entertainmerit at night ahd this would b|e dpne in a social way as( the session proceeded tlie communal meal being an aid in that direction by bringing alj the students closely together day by day and breaking down all social barriers.

The meeting although not largely attended was enthusiastic an the effort to organise the event successfully and no doubt the best results will come to pass. The guinea tickets to admit to the lectures will be on sale this week.