CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1928, Page 4

CANTERBURY EDUCATION BOARD.

REPORT OF AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTOR. Mr W. H. Johnston reported—--1 beg to submit my report on the agriclutural works of the West Coast schools ‘for the month of July. Separate reports on the schools visited are enclosed herewith. These reports show that in the majority of cases the work is progressing satisfactorily. Notebook work on the lessons given has been neglected in quite a few cases. There is little or no excuse for such neglect, as outside work is practically at a standstill during tbc winter. On the other hand self-expression by the pupils after an experiment or investigation is a valuable aid to his composition work. If properly done it may take the place of a writing lesson, and also be a valuable aid to the drawing lesson. Alter tbc crops on the plots bad been taken off and disposed of, the vacant ground was sown in oats and vetches for green manuring later. This is being done now so that by the time the schools resume after the vacation, it will bo well rotted and the ground will lie ready ‘for the spring sowing. Schools which have had surplus forest trees, have been able to dispose o: them without much trouble and the funds gained by the sales arc being used for nature study purposes. It will be necessary to procure certain supplies of seeds for next term’s work. Taking advantage oi the dry autumn several schools were able to ripen seeds, and these will be used by the schools that have saved them, and any surplus will be passed on. In connexion with the purchase of seeds, I shall be glad to know if the Board in tends to continue its policy of former years, and allow the supplies to be obtained locally.

I wish to acknowledge the Board’s sympathetic interest in the work of our agricultural root growing competitions on the Const. Tbc Board’s decision to forward the report to the Agricultural Department and to send photographs to the press, will bo greatly appreciated by the promoters of the work, and also by the competitors themselves.