THE FARMERS’ LOT

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1927, Page 4

THE FARMERS’ LOT

Mil J. E. STUACHAN’S IMPRESSIONS. AUCKLAND, Nov. 3. “If .nil New Zealand farmers wlio are <!iscontontoil with their let were to make a tour of the tannins' communities in the United States they would realise that New Zealand tannins' conditions and prospects are ot the best, said Mr J. E. Strachan, headmaster of Ilaugiura High School, who returned hy the Niagara after a tour ol the United States.

“Generally speaking,” he said. " we lead America with the qu;ility ol our lands, lower costs, the amenities ol life, climate, educational facilities, and steadier markets. America’s vast ma-

terial prosperity is mostly associated with the cities. Economists all agree that the American farmers are not getting their share ol the national income, and how the position can he improved has the interested authorities completely ha filed.

“ The majority of American farmers arc working alone very inefficient lines.” continued .Mr Strachan. “ i remendons sums of money are heme; expended hs' agricultural research lahoratories, hut research is not getting down to the farmer —it is too technical ami academic, and has not interested the politicians. When research laboratories happen to introduce some project which can he understood hy farmers, the farmers in their customary way are too conservative to become interested, Mr Strachan was very impressed with tin' educational experiments hems' carried out in many of the States. “ On: notable instance.” no said. “is the fosterin;' of hotter relations between the stall's and the students by the do volopmont of studeui bodies, which take a share in school administration. Closer co-relation with the schools and the communities is also encouraged. On the whole, New Zealand’s population is better informed, and has wider human interests, and it possesses a richer heritage of cull ore. Consequently, it is easier for educationists in New Zealand to run our education system. We have no race problems, our salaries lor teachers arc higher, am! our machinery is far superior. Most important ol all, we have a far better type of child t deal with.”