The Guardian AND EVENING STAR. THURSDAY, MARCH 29th, 1923

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1923, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR. THURSDAY, MARCH 29th, 1923

THE WINTER. SCHOOL. Tire farmers atul settlers generally of Westland "ill be interested to know that the Progress Leaguo is again moving in regard to holding a "'inter school. In conformity with the experience of last year it is proposed to study the convenience of the farmers in particular, and hold the fixture late in June. The T/cague is now moving in regard to the instructor, and it is hoped to secure lecturers on some of the matters most applicable to agriculture on the Coast. There will be special instruction in regard to fodder as a!=o in reference to manuring, and in particular the feeding of dairy stock. A good stock judge and demonstrator is being sought, and what should be of interest to Westland for the future with the Canterbury market within railing distance, instruction in swine husbandry. Under these general headings a large amount of instruct'm will he given of a most varied character. It is hoped to have many cf the lectures illustrated, so as to indicate practically what is being done. The syllabus to be followed will be laid out as soon as the personnel of the instructors is assured, and the effort

is being made to make the gathering one of the best opportunities vet afforded farmers in New Zealand to glean first hand the class of scientific information which should he most useful to them in the pursuit of their avocations. Supplementary to the special matter for farmers, it i-- hoped to have lectures on general educational subjects on the lines of those imparted by Professors Shelley and CYuidli/fe at the last School. The knowledge conveyed by these gentlemen is useful for all, being educational, and thereby providing instruction of a high order. <>n the lines proposed the Progress League will do the district a wry good service, and the farmers should note the occasion betimes and lix their movements to lit in with tlie period proposed for the School. In particular the settlers should see that tho members of their families have the opportunity of attending the lectures and gleaning a course of instruction which will stand them in useful stead through life. Now that Westland is coining into touch with the outside markets, competition will he keener and the best equipped farmer will have the advantage. The knowledge gained at such a com so of instruction as that proposed, is easily carried, and as science is the'chid aid to progress in development these days, tin' experience of expert knowledge, the result of research and careful analysis, cannot be ignored. The 'Winter School should become a uselul annual event for the district, affording a rclreshcr course when information can be gained lirst- hand on any point of doubt or difficulty. The district is going to take a foremost place in dairying sooner or later. That time will be hastened by the applestion of those engaged in the industry who can obtain the most out of their land by the use of modem methods of treating their holdings and their herds. The grader will have something to learn always about fodders and their uses apart altogether from their production. Seeing that dairying and pastoral pursuits generally are becoming so important a factor in the picductivity of the district, any reasonable cnti:s'> to advance the interests of the industry is to be appieeiated, and should be supported ill a practical wav. The Progress League is doing very good work lor Westland in taking this matter up so actively, and with the right kind of encouragement from tlie farmers no doubt the School will become annually recurring. An enthusiastic interest on the part of the settlers is also a special encouragement to the instructors who will naturally appreciate large and attentive audiences closely interested in Lite subjects discoursed upon. It is now for Die settlers generally to play their part with all possible enthusiasm.