FARM SCHOOLS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1923, Page 1

FARM SCHOOLS.

(C. S. Dalgliesh “Fields Instructor.”) Tho approaching Farm School to be field from tho 25th to 29Lh. Juno at Hokitika, under the auspices of the Westland Branch of tlie Canterbury

Progress League, merits the full support of all interested in farming on the Const. The provisional syllabus lias been issued. Lectures on agriculture and live stock, illustrated by lantern slides, will ho delivered by officers ol the Department, of Agriculture. In addition popular lectures - will lie given by .Mr Tucker of Canterbury College and .Mr llolford of Christchurch. ALII. E. B. Watson “Official Demonstrator of the Jersey Breeders’ Association” will In tore on the dairy cow, and later will give a demunstrnl ion oil r. live animal, and will conduct, a judging compelition on dairy stock. As keen interest has been shown by exhibitors at the local A. and P. Association Shows to gain knowledge on judging dairy stock, this opportunity should not he missed. Tho farm schools recently held in the South Island at Ashburton and Dimedin have been successful beyond expeotations, and there is no reason why the We lland farm school should not he likewise. These schools are only in their initial stage of development and if well supported and results satisfactory’ they warrant expansion. There is no doubt this expansion will develop rapidly and those districts showing the most live iuterest will he the first to secure benefits. Tho present time is of great importance to the Coast, which is on the eve of obtaining hotter and speedier facilities to a. ready market for produce. The through train connection with Canterbury is now within monsnronhle distance. This is an incentive in more production, which means more and closer attention to farming.

Farming cannot he carried out in all dstricts alike. Soil anil climatic conditions, and also the distance to market, ■ill play tlieir respective parts in governing the procedure. Districts have tlieir advantages and disadvantages. Tlie Coast has advantages which other districts do not enjoy, and also it has its disadvantages. A great factor in assisting to overcome difficulties in a farming district, is the meeting of farmers and men of seentifie knowledge under such conditions as the Farm School provides. Dismission is ‘tl>en invited and full opportunity is given to discuss tho problems. The benefits ol a lecture, however intelligently delivered is eoii.-iderablv lessened without subsequent discussion. AI tho Ashburton Farm School held during Alay, these dismissions were inteiesting and brought on! good information. In vice, of of the early opening of Arthur’s I’a-s Tunnel, and. the advaiil.'i'je- to he gained thereby, farmers A,mild not miss tin* ..; | ori unity of atleading the Kerin School and mailing ivi•!v i . cn; >U- wb’i mil -id ■ competition,