THE FARMERS' CLASSES.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 212, 14 July 1914, Page 1

THE FARMERS' CLASSES.

Subsidy From County

Council

A Grant'of £2O.

The chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee (Mr Ca'gill) waited upon the Franklin County Council on Thursday in connection with t'ne farmers' classes recently Established at the Pukekohs technical schccl. Mr Cariill explained that the committee tiad had considerable difficulty in getting the l eal igticultural classes started. The trouble was that the Auckland Education Board had no money available for this purpose. Alraadv the classes had proved their practical worth. In older to keep the classes (hey had either (o charge the students a high fee or seek money from elsewhere. Since these classes were for the farmers the commi'.tee theught th;»t some part of the cost thouid be charged agaicst the whole of the farmers. They wanted to extend the classes and hoped next year to have them, say, at Drury, Tuakau and Waiuku. They alsi desired to enlarge the curriculum by veterinary lectures, farmers' book-keeping, End to on. At present it only cost the students 15s for the term. What they asked the County Council for row was a tubsidy towards these clatssF. Cr Campbell: How much ar. 1 you short?

Mr Cargill: About £lO But the mere money we get the mote we will exter.d the work.

The chairman (Mr Motion) said the classes were very instructive and should be supported. Cr Renall said he had much pleasure in moving that the Council contribute £lO. These, technical clasjes represjnted one of the btst institutions evtr placed before the farmers and th'ir children. He would like to see wool-classing added, and would like to accept Mr Cargill's invitation to attend the next class to eie how the work was conducted. The chairman ihought the grant should he extended to £2O, which would give the committee a chance to extend. If he had bojswhoctuld take advantage of these classes he would be only too ready to send theni. He thought this would be money well spent. Cr Recall said he had no oljection to making it £2O, and moved accordingly. Cr Flanagan said he had much pleasure in seconding. The classes were of great value to tha farmers of this county, and he hinself was glad of the opportunity of joining. The railway people did not give any satisfaction by stupping the goodi train at D:ury on :lass nights, Lut if the classes were extended that would get over the cifficulty. He was glad to s.e so many young men attending these classes. Cr Campbell: What did the Borough Council give? Mr Cargill: They gave £5,

Cr Campbell rather objected that two or thiee ridings would reap th 3 benefit, but some ridings would get no benefit whatever. He waa very doubtful if Awhitu, Mercer or Hunua would get any. Whilst the school rtmaiiied in Pukekohe he was inclined to draw the lice. He fully supported £lO, but thought £2O was excessive. If they wished to make it £2O let those ridings abutting on Pukekohe bear the extra £lO. Cr Fulton eaid they werj in the centre of a great farming distiict; a lot of young farmers were coming on and £2O over the county was a very email sum.

Cr Renall said there was a good deal in what Cr Campbell said, aud ha did not suppose the Council would obj;ct to having the sum levied in proportion. Still a ninth part of £2O was not worth cavilling about. He was willirg that his riding should bear its <<hare, and if there were any objections he was willing to take it out of bis own pocket.

Cr Flanagan said the ridings closer to the railway would ieally pay more in proportion because of their higher valuations. The motion making the grant was carried without dissent.