AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 228, 15 March 1928, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP.

MORRINSVILLE SCHEME. Financed by Union. A valuable suggestion, which eminated from the annual report of the Morrinsville branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, was debated at the annual meeting of the branch on Saturday evening. In view of the satisfactory state of the finances the committee proposed that some part of the accumulated funds might be used to good purpose, and in this connection a very useful idea came from the secretary. This was that, the branch should establish one scholarship open to the sons of members of the branch every second year at the Massey Agricultural College, for a course in farming. The course covered two years, and consisted of a term of ten weeks in each ox the consecutive winters. The fee was £5 for each year, so that by establishing one scholarship open for competition every second year the cost to the branch would be £5 per year. It was thought that this would be money well spent. The president said that he personally favoured the scholarship being made an annual affair, which would cost the branch £5 for the first year, and £lO for the second year. It would be necessary to draw up rules and arrange for an examination. Mr. F. Seifert, while he favoured the idea, urged caution in expenditure. The branch was certainly in a good position, but this had been to a certain extent due to the energy of the secretary during the past year. It might be different in subsequent years.

Mr. G. Pirrit was of the opinion that the scheme was an excellent one, and in addition to its educative value would show that the branch was alive.

Mr. J. Pirrit also strongly favoured the scheme. Mr. J. E. Leeson said he was usually accused of extreme caution where financial matters were concerned, but in this instance he thought the object fully justified the expenditure. It was worth £5 for the advertisement it would give the branch, and would demonstrate that the Morrinsville farmers had plenty of initiative.

Mr. Wylie and Mr. Barrowclough spoke favourably. Mr. Thomas thought the suggestion should be approved of by the meeting and referred to the committee to report. A motion to this effect, seconded by Mr. Philpott, was carried.