FARMERS’ AGRICULTURAL CLASSES

Shannon News, 7 October 1921, Page 3

FARMERS’ AGRICULTURAL CLASSES

MR FIELD , TAKES MATTER UP. Mij F. G. Roe, chairman of the Levin’ District High School, referred at Tuesday’s meetihg' of the Committee to the agitation for the estab- ‘ lishment of classes for agricultural instruction for farmers at the central Development Farms. The chairman said he was pleased to notice that 3\|r W 1 H. Field, M.P., had given notice to 'ask the Minister fot Agriculture, the following question: “Whether, in view of the great success which has attended the establishment of agricultural classes for farmers at. the Ruakura Experimental Farm, and the growing , popularity of such classes; he will take steps .to institute similar classes at the ‘Weraroa Central Development Farm, where all j necessary buildings and facilities ate already available; and thus give farmers front the South Island and the southern portion of the North Island an opportunity of improving their knowledge of agricultural subjects.’’ Mr Roe went on to say that the Weraroa farm was .splendidly suited for the holding of such classes. There was ample accommodation for the visitors, the farm was thoroughly up to date, and had the services of an experienced ani practical manager. Being close to Wellington, it was convenient for the experts to attend during the time the classes were being held. There was no reason why the classes for agricultural students from our secondary schools should not be 0 held at the Farm also, and he said a large number of pupils from Palmerston North would attend if such were commenced; in fact, the rural course which it was desired should he removed from the local high school curriculum should be taught at the Farm. When the agricultural college was established there, instructional work would, of course, be taken up permanently, The chairman expressed the hope that the Chamber of Commerce would also take up the question of getting the farmers’ classes started, and with the united support of the whole district he did not think that their efforts would fail.