FEILDING A. & P. SCHOOL GARDEN COMPETITION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8713, 12 January 1907, Page 3

FEILDING A. & P. SCHOOL GARDEN COMPETITION.

(Own Correspondent,)

Thd following report by the judges, Messrs Jaa. Weightman and A. B. Mayo, On the School Gardens Competition was lead at the committee meeting of the above Association last evening. Eevlewing the work accomplished by . the competitors as a whole, we consider it highly satisfactory, reflecting credit alike upon teachers and pupils, and it came to us as an agreeable surprise that so much should have been done in so short a time, it being practically a first attempt at gardening in some cases. Certainly, in several cases, errors of judgment wore in evidence, in others, lack of attention to detail was noticeable. These defects wore pointed out, and hints given for future guidance.

Perhaps we may bo pardoned for considering “ Flat or billed vegetables,” as somewhat indefinite, but excuse for mentioning tho matter bring the fact that teachers wore also doubtful as to its interpretation.

In our opinion the substitution of care of garden tools would bo advisable in future competitions; as v.-o consider these should bo preserved with core. Tills wo found done in some cases, while in others no care whatever appeared to bo given. Tho result of our labours under the various headings, “Neatness,” etc., will lie found in tabulated statement herewith. On Tuesday, December 11th, we visited Upper Tutaenui and Halcombo. At tho former place we found a small garden proportionate to size of school, and an enthusiastic lady teacher in charge. This garden, though weak in certain points, was highly commendable. Aside from the vegetable garden, wo noticed a nice assortment of grass in experimental

plots; this should prove a valuable object lesson to the pupils, and ho advantageous to them in later life. Flowers were also extensively grown and presented a most pleasing appearance. At Halcombo we at onco had evidence

that we were amongst old campaigners.

the extensive garden being better than we had cither hoped or expected, considering the aspect and nature of the soil. Wo found no room here for hints or suggestions, except in the matter of naming and labelling, which had received but little attention. Hero again wo found a fine collection of grasses, and, in addition, various experimental plots under

grain, etc. The date of our visit to Cheltenham and Kimbolton was the 12th. At Cheltenham the arrangement of the garden was very good, no space being lost by useless paths, while the plot allotted to farm roots treated with different manures was most interesting, and had a little more attention been paid to small details (hoeing for instance being very weak) this school would have been well to the fore. On account of Kimbolton’s elevated position wo bad expected to find growth rather later than at the other places, instead of which, in some cases (notably mangolds and swedes) it was in advance of any school visited, but, nnfortunatelj', in later sown vegetables there was a great falling off. In the arrangement of this garden there is room for improvement. Various grasses were again in evidence. Newberry, Taonui, and Lytton Streets were taken on the 13th.

Newberry.—Tbo arrangement of this garden was good and showed evidence of previous experience. Tho attention paid to details was most marked, tho naming and labelling being a model of neatness and accuracy, while the garden tools (old) were kept in splendid order. Taonui.—This garden wo found better that might have been expected considering the lack of shelter. An attempt had been made to cope with this disadvan tage by planting a belt of horse beans on two sides. The effect on the beds adjoining this slight shelter was self-evident, and should not fail to impress upon the minds of pupils the necessity of providing shelter, not only for gardens, but tor other purposes. Here, again, strict attention had been paid to naming and labelling. Lytton Street. —Tho arrangement of this garden was considered a mistake if an adequate return for labour expended is desired. Not only is tbo ground occupied by paths excessive, but tho waste space (18 inches) surrounding each bod represents much unromunerativo Labour. Much caro and attention bad evidently been given tho various plots which presented a pleasing appearance ; but here, again, there was an absence of labels. Ohakea.—On visiting this garden we could feel nothing but sympathy for tho children attempting to garden under such unfavourable conditions, it being a fact that on our visit the wind was blowing tho vegetables out by the roots. The children had spared no labour, and such vegetables as could withstand tho wind were very satisfactory. Suggestions were given as to providing a quick and inexpensive shelter. Newberry School scored DS marks, Cheltenham 0-1-4, Taonui 01, Halcombe 00, Kimbolton 79, Lytton Street 76, Upper Tutaeuui 71, Ohakea 68. Mr Robt. Brown, of Wellington, who examined tho book work, said bo could not let tli is opportunity pass without referring to tho book work of tho school. Tho work was of a very high order indeed, and ho suggested that an opportunity bo given to other competitors to look at the books. Particularly pleasing features wore the individual observation work and the system of accounts adop te d. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded tbo judges and Mr Brown. Tho chairman said it was most gratifying to get such a report, and tho judges had given all tho information possible. Tho movement had done all that was expected of it—probably more. Mr Mayo, one of tbo judges, in response, said it had been a pleasure to do the work, and ho would like to see a copy of the report sent to the Education Board, as they had gone to considerable expense in the matter.

Tho following is a table of marks obtained by tho schools. It will be noticed that tho marks for book work have not altered tho position of the schools.

3 12- „ 13 ■ “ S » S-!5<§ a s 2 s i-T Cl- s. £ii c? • Name of School. 6 JSi K e O i ® 1 6 W P Fg;g, o s; 3 S' & 5 P «<5 s' * o gjgi ta P £*. S' ct- C|_ ft 1 ft &•■ O • ; s s: s 5' 5* CT5 h3 o i s o £ ' P and pr Newberry 10 |I0 10 Qi 1,1 O; / 0 10 8,10 10 6 98 1st Cheltenham 9il0 s;10i 9 9 10 o! 9 5 04} 2nd Taotiui 9 9 8 9i 8 8 9 7; 8 10 G'01 3rd Halcombe o;io io;io 9i 10 9 8' 9 0 0:90 4th Kimbolton 510 7 8! 41 10 0 8 9 7 10i79 : 5th Lytton Street io:io 7 9i 8, 6 7 5[ 9 0 0 76 6th Upper Tutaenni 5 7 S' ci 9 5 8 9 Oi/l 7th O’natea G 9 7 8[ 4 5 5 8 G 4|(1S I 8th