AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 314, 14 November 1929, Page 6

AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP.

FARMERS' UNION SCHEME. Wider Scope Suggested. . A report by the special committee set up to consider the agricultural scholarship at Massey College offered by the Morrinsville branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was before the branch on Saturday evening.

The report recommended that, owing to the fact that primary school boys were too young to fully benefit by thd short course at Massey College, and that to an older boy the funds at the disposal of the branch did not permit of an adequate sum for a scholarship, the original scheme be abandoned in the meantime. This recommendation was keenly regretted in that it was felt that the scheme gave a splendid opportunity to younger boys to take advantage of the facilities offered by the college. The committee had gone further into the question, endeavouring to find some alternative farm educational scheme. The limited time at the committee’s disposal did not permit of anything being finalised. It was the opinion of the committee that probably an educational facility at present in existence might be adapted to the needs of the district, and concerning which further information would be collated.

The president (Mr. G. Pirrit) said a scholarship of £5 was not sufficient inducement for boys from 17 to 19 years of age, as further expense would be involved in the course.

Replying to Mr. J. E. Leeson, the secretary said the Government did not assist with railway fares. Mr. J. M. Allen said he was sorry to see the scheme dropped. Although the union provided only £5 per annum the Government provided the rest, and boys taking advantage of

the offer received about £25 worth of benefit. “It seems that the thing sounds so cheap that no one will look at it,” said Mr. Allen. “No one appreciates the value of the course.” Mr. M. E. Barrowclough said a boy would have to find his railway fare, and pay board during the course of instruction, which would probably cost him about £2O. However, the speaker would not like to see the scheme dropped, and he hoped another scheme would he adopted in its place. Morrinsville was a good district and was developing fast. There might be some forms of bursaries available, and further information should he secured. The President : It is not intended to drop the scheme. Mr. Topham suggested raising a special fund independent of the branch.

Mr. Barrowclough : If we could start some kind of institution it would be an excellent thing. 1 feel sure the Chamber of Commerce and other bodies would lend their assistance. A course of instruction would not do some of the farmers themselves any harm. The Morrinsville branch started the herd-testing movement, and if such a scheme could he started it would be another milestone in the branch’s progress. The committee was thanked for its report, which was adopted.