SCIENTIFIC AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 3, 9 November 1906, Page 2

SCIENTIFIC AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

Applied to the King Country.

[by " Stockman."]

Mr Greenslade, made a a vigorous protest against the decision of the Minister of Lands to establish only one experimental dairy school in the colony, and that at Waimate. After advocating the Raukura Experimental Farm as an ideal site, Mr Greenslade sqid he did not think that one school was sufficient. He referred to the number of Schools of Mines that were in existence, and as the application of science to mining had practically revolutionised that industry, similar results respecting agrilculture could be expected when they had the combination of the practical and the scientific. In this connection, it is gratifying to see that attention has been drawn to so important a matter, as the need for general scientific and technical education in farming pursuits. The prosperity of the colony depends so much upon the success of our agricultural and pastoral industries, 'that it is of vital importance that the country should be brought into line with its competitors, in this respect. The Department of Agriculture has many duties to perform, any of which would probably justify its existence, but it is imperative that districts, such as the King Country, which is just in the transition stage, should be guided on the best and most progressive lines from the start. Apart from the waste of labour and capital in working on wrong lines, we all know how hard it is to induce people to change their policy once it has been instituted. There is little dairying in the King Country now, but one does not require to think deeply to recognise, that with proper means of transit, which is bound to be provided sooner or later, this country will be dotted with creameries and factories in all directions, which will add wonderfully to the profitable export trade of the country. That day is not yet, of course, but why not endeavour to provide for the future: let the Government set aside areas while the land is yet procurable in the various centres of the Rohe Potae; where possible, and as soon as possible, establish modified experimental stations, with good stock horses, rams, and bulls, one or two of each would do for a and let some responsible farmer in the vicinity, be appointed supervisor. We should then have the genises of a system, which would be of incalculable benefit to a young community. As matters are, it is impossible to breed stock successfully in the district. The roads are unfit to drive over in mating season, and it is impossible to get the services of good stud animals, while, for a variety of reasons, it is equally beyond the reach of the ordinary settler to buy them. These things are all possible at the present time, ahd though the King Country may have no immediate claim for a Dairy School, that will follow in natural sequence. For the present let the settlers cooperate for the practical requirements of the time, and make their representations in the in the proper quarters. The King Country settler is deserving of all the Assistance he can get, and I the way to get it is to work hand in I hand for the common good.