AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3002, 23 February 1926, Page 2

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

IN RANGITIKEI DISTRICT,

A deputation from the Victoria (Wellington) and Auckland University Colleges waited on the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) and the Minister of A'griculture (Hon. (). Ilawken) yesterday morning in reference to the site and other matters connected with the proposed agricultural college between Mart on and Palmerston North. The deputation comprised the Hon. 6. Powlds and Professor Ridet, of Auckland College, and Messrs. P. Levi, C. Watson, T. Forsyth, M.P., Dr. T. D. Stout, Professors Peren and Wilson, and Mr. Robison (Registrar), of Victoria College. The deputation asked that the 'matter be considered in private, to which the Ministers agreed. After the interview had been concluded, Mr. Powlds made a short statement to the representatives of the Press. He said that in accordance with the decision of the Auckland and Victoria College Councils, tlit* deputation had asked the Government to purchase, a site of some 1500 acres in the Marton-Palmers-ion North district, which had been inspected and approved by the Ancle land and Wellington Professors of Agi iculture; and so provide a capital sum for buildings, including a hostel, and equipment, in addition to making provision for salaries of the ((‘aching and research stall and the cost of maintenance. The representatives of the two bodies were in thorough agreement as to the matters placed before Ministers, and the interview was most cordial on l oth sides. The Prime Minister was most sympathetic in regard to the whole matter, and recognised the great advantage accruing from the fact that Auckland and Wellington had joined hands, especially in agreeing as to the location of the college. The whole matter, they were promised, would be brought before Cabinet as soon as possible, and the deputation would be notified as to the extent to which the Government would be prepared to meet them.

Interviewed afterwards, the Prime Minister informed a Dominion representative that the deputation had put up a solution of the difficulties facing the carrying out of the scheme proposed which seemed at first glance a feasible one. and he would place it before Cabinet at an early date.

A meeting of Cabinet was held at 4.30 p.m. yesterday, but nothing further has transpired in the matter.