AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 540, 15 June 1920, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

RUAKURA CLASSES. The following letter from the Education Department dealing with ;:g----licultural classes at Ruakaura was considered at the meeting of the Franklin Sub-Provincial District New Zealand Fanners' Unicn on Tuesday, Sth inst:— Auckland Education Board—Winter Course of Instruction for Farmers at Ruakura Government Farm, 1920: Sir,—l desire to bring under your notice, and that of all the members of the Farmers' Union in the Auckland Province the proposed course of instruction which will be held under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture and the Auckland Education Board at Ruakura Government Farm at Hamilton during the month of July. The course will begin on July 12, and will terminate on July 17. Four main phases of farming will be dealt with during the week, viz.: General agriculture, dairying and live stock, wool and wool-chssing, in a series of demonstrations and lectures. A fairly complete course in each of the above groups will be covered dunt;g the week, and while there is no obligation to do so farmers are advised to limit themselves to one section to derive the full advantage of a series oi' studies progressively arranged. The demonstrations and lectures will be given by officers of the Department j uf Agriculture of the Auckland Board of Education, and the leading farm-1 ers. Those attending will be acconr- j modated on the farm. Stretchers, mattresses, and pillows will be provided, and farmers are requested to bring their own blankets and accessories. Arrangements have also been made to provide all meals on the firm. Those desirous of staying irHamilton must make all their owi. arrangements. A charge of £2 10s is being made to defray meal and other expenses during the course. All travelling expenses must be paid by vhose attending, but provision wiM be made to convey all luggage from Hamilton railway station to Ruakura and back free of charge. The number of farmers attending will be limited to 100. In the event of applications in excess of this number being recevied, a selection will be made in order of priority of application. Applications must be sent in writing; to the undersigned not later than June 19, and upon acceptance details i of the courses together with other I information will be mailed to the applicant. I trust you will kindly make use of your union to give this winter course of instruction the utmost publicity. It is designed to as-1 sist the farmers of this province in the many problems which confront j them. The initial course held last year showed the value of such instruction, and building upon this experience the syllabus outlined for 1920 is hoped to meet the requirements to a better extent than hitherto.—J. P. Kallaugher, Supervisor, Manual and Technical Branch, May 10, 1920. Mr. Mellsop remarked that these classes were well worth while, and he had heard very favourable reports about them. Mr. Morgan endorsed Mr. Mellsop's remarks. It was resolved to do everything possible to help the proposed classes.