TRAINING FARMS FOR NAVY BOYS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2681, 10 January 1924, Page 3

TRAINING FARMS FOR NAVY BOYS.

X.Z. SHEEPFATIMERS’ ACKNOWLEDGMENT. AN ECHO OF THE GREAT WAR.

Asked by the Rangitikei Advocate representative for particulars of _the property purchased recently by New Zealand Sheepfarmers as a training farm for boys of naval and mercantile marine men injured or killed in the Great War, the Hon. Edward Newman, C.M.G., M.L.C., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, originator of the scheme, remarked that he thought the property pur chased by the Trustees is most admirably suited for the purpose. It consists of all qualities of laud, from waste sand to rich bullock fattening ground, and takes in about 1,000 acres of the “Flock House” estate, including the palatial residence erected by Mr Lynn McKelvie, and about 5,000 acres of the Waitatapia estate, owned by Messrs Dalrym.pl e Bros. The trustees feel that to give proper effect to their scheme it is absolutely necessary to have a large property of varied kinds of land on which all branches of farming work can be earned on. At Flock House it is proposed to have at least two dairy farms where the boys will learn dairy' work on up-to-date methods. Sheep farming, cropping (to a limited extent) poultry farming, fruit growing and tree planting will also be taught.. All stock bred on the station will he fattened there. It is proposed to plant the lighter land with trees on a large scale. Each season the maximum area possible will be dealt with. By this means the boys will be taught to be interested in afforestation, and the value of the station will be greatly increased.

“Twenty years hence,” remarked Mr Newman, “plantations on Waitatapia should he worth a very large sum of money —perhaps as much as the whole property is costing now. Our idea is to make the boys good, practical farmers. They' will probably stay for six months at. Flock House to get the ground for their training. Then they will be sent on to carefully selected farms where they will receive wages, part of which will he retained for their benefit by the Trustees. The farmers will have to undertake to teach them their business and treat, them prosperity: One of the Trustees will keep his eye on each boy always. After three years or so the Trustees will assist the boys to start in whatever kind of fanning they may fancy. The scheme is intended to deal with nbont, 50 boys arriving every three months. The first batch Is now being selected by the London Advisory Committee, and it is expected they will arrive in New Zealand about the end of February or early in March. It is proposed to have the boys under reasonable discipline with good wholesome surroun dings, and evtry effort will be made tiers, and with proper pride in the Empire to’ save which their fathers died at sea during the War.” Further questioned, Mr Newman stated he had no fear about the success of the scheme. Mr T. R. Lees will he managing trustee, with an efficient staff under him, the boys will have a good time, and, the speaker believed, would learn to regard Flock House as a very happy starting place for their life in New Zealand. The trustees, Mr Newman said, will endeavour to take the place of fathers to the hoys, who will be encouraged to regard them as such.

The hope was expressed by Mr Newman that the Navy League will form a strong branch at Bulls, and that members will interest themselves in this work and provide amusement for the boys in the way of concerts and entertainments. On the farm sport will not be neglected—there will be football, tennis, cricket and other games.

Mr Newman referred to the fact that good prices for wool have come back, and are likely to be maintained for many years. If any farmer who has not subscribed to the fund, feels inclined now to do a bit that way, he is sure the Trustees will be glad to tell what they want most at the farm. Asked for further information, Mi’Newman replied: “Well we can do with a chapel and an organ for the boys to start with. Two good flagstaffs would be appreciated and there are, no doubt, many other things which Mr Lees could indicate if asked.”

“We hope,” said Mr Newman, “to run up our flag at Flock House about the middle of next month, and it will be kept flying from dawn to dusk for many years as a sign tha/ the she#p farmers of this Dominion will never forget what they owe to the fathers of the boys. All must feel that it is an honour and a privilege to do something for the sons of our gallant sailors.” Concluding’, Mr Newman expressed the hope that the people of Rangitikei and Manawatu will regal’d this enterprise as one in which they have an especial interest. He mentioned that 200 boys are expected to arrive each year, and later it is hoped to bring out parties of girls for training.