FARMING COLLEGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32306, 30 August 1943, Page 6

FARMING COLLEGE

PROPOSED FOR JUNIORS

LOCATION IN AUCKLAND NEGOTIATIONS PROCEEDING The question of a junior agricultural college in Auckland was brought before the Auckland Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Fanners’ Union at its last meeting, when a circular letter on the subject was received from the secretary of the Seddon Memorial Technical College, Mr G. J. Park. The letter suggested that the Auckland Education Board, Grammar School Board, A. and P. Association, the Farmers’ Union, the Departments of Education and Agriculture, and the Technical College Board should jointly consider the practicability of taking action in the matter. Revenue From Endowment Mr Park said that the Technical College Board had in hand about £2OOO derived from endowment revenue. This could be applied to the purpose

stated. The raising of the compulsorj’ school age to 15 years seemed to be an appropriate time for action, as this change would increase the pressure on post-primary school accommodation. It was likely that many of the boys .whose school attendance would thus be extended would desire to become farmers. The Education Department, in any case, would need to expend money on buildings, and it seemed that the proposed junior agricultural school could be established more easily at present than at any other time in the near future. Acquisition Of Land The Technical College Board, said Mr Park, had been negotiating, prior to 1938, with the Si. John’s College rtfrust Board, concerning the acquisition of land of a probable area of about 75 acres adjoining the Remuera tramway terminus. Steps might be taken to ascertain whether this land was still available, and other relevant matters might be discussed: It was asked that if the Farmers’ Union Executive was favourable to the project it should appoint two representatives to a meeting of lhe-bodies enumer-. ated, with some co-opted person with special experience, to discuss the proposal. Mr A. T. Dow. assistant-secret a r\. said that, the matter had been before the Vocational Guidance Committee, which was stilt in the inaugural stage. The president, and .Mr Dow were appointed to represent the executive at the conference of interested bodies.