The Matamata Record THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 99, 26 September 1918, Page 2

The Matamata Record

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1918 AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

The Only Paper published in the Matamata County Published every Thursday Office Tower Road ' P.O. Box ;J8 'Piloxe 82

WHEN the canvass was made nearly twelve months ago for pupils to warrant the commencement of a high school at Matamata, the general knowledge was such that only a few were really keen to see the project put through. It was not then, neither is it really now, properly understood, as to what an enormous help the school would be to the ypxmg folk in this large district. Recently the representative of the "Record" interviewed the headmaster of the school on high school matters, and the plar? of campaign was explained. .One of the* subjects now being specialised in is agriculture, and on this the " head " waxed enthusiastic. He said that the land adjacent to the school would shortly represent a fninature experimental farm, for among the experiments on the syllabus were top dressing plots, small patches of many kinds of grasses and vegetables growing. It does not require much thought to convince one that the subject will be one thoroughly fitting the youth of the district, providing they enter into it whole-heartedly, and it is in this that the parents can assist. Very few visits are paid by parents to the school-grounds, and consequently the boys are apt to think little interest js attached to their work. What is required is a very live concern on the part of the parents'; an active interest will encourage both the scholars and teachers. We feel sure this will be acknowledged by all citizens and farmers, who will come to be proud of the work, and its results. Agriculture is but one of the subjects —the others will fit a capable lad for a professional or business career —but it is to this arm that we wish to particularly draw attention. The parents are distinctly fortunate in being able to get the most modern tuition imparted to to their growing girls and boys and should show their appreciation in no unmistakable manner