AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1923, Page 1

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

WELLINGTON, July IS 1 The president of the Council of Agriculture, .Mr J. D. Hall discussing agricultural education, said: "This j, mailer has received the attention of i the executive during tho past year and the opinion is general that soriie- , thing- should he done to introduce a system which will give New Zealand , tanners and their sons better opportunities for developing themselves and their arms. I am glad of the opportunity of expressing, on behalf of the i ; fanners ibis council represents, their very keen appreciation and gratitude to Sir Walter Buchanan for his generous and thoughllul benefaction for the purpose of establishing a chair of agriculture for Victoria College. The fact that our urban population exceeds ilicit of our country districts is .a matter for serious consideration. Life’s prospects for our hoys are so much in favour of the towns both as to high schools and technical colleges ' and also as to the amounts tliai can he earned under award wages in towns and bv farm work in the country that there is lilt I.• wonder the drift it. iho towns is increasing year by year. As long ns mo.-lianies and artisans working under award wages can earn more than a farmer working a 300-aero farm of medium quality land there is little hope of effecting any improvement in this important matter. The whole subject requires careful inquiry and study by some committee of investigation, which should report not only as to existing conditions bore but also as to the methods adopted in other countries regarding rural life and it's development. Until we have a happy, enlightened and prosperous country people we shall have no enduring prosperity in New Zealand. On the motion of .Mr D. M. Af’Lean Afasterton'i it. was resolved: “Now that the country i» in a better financial po'-ifen the Government be urged to adopt a more progressive policy In regard to training future farmers.” In moving this Air APLean said that a visitor had stated that one could see a racecourse every fifty miles, but not a single agricultural college in the North Island. eb—rr»i w TB’n^iia’kjniwoHßagna