THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

Shannon News, 1 April 1926, Page 3

THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

HAS A CHOICE BEEN MADE? WERAROA NOT YET INSPECTED. (“Levin Chronicle.”) The Central Development Farm at Weraroa does not appear to he receiving, the consideration ite suitability deserves in the choice of a site lor the Agricultural College. A sub-com-mittee of Cabinet consisting df Sir James Parr (chairman) and the Hons. Hawken, McLeod, and Rolle6ton is drafting a report on the subject for Cabinet. On Friday last Mr W. H l . Field, M.P. telegraphed to the, Mayor of Levin (Mr Hobson) as follows: “Dislike appearances respecting Agricultural College. Ministerial Committee apparently reporting without hearing Levin, though the Minister of Agriculture assures hie to-day,that he and die Minister of Lands are visiting Levin next week. Think the Premier should see Farm and hear us. Consider immediate action imperative.’’ Mr Field also communicated with Mr Linklater, M.P., to the same effect. 'The Mayor was out-of town when the telegram was received on Friday and it came before the Borough Council last night. Cr. Roe said Mr Field should have received a reply to his telegram before this. The speaker had brought up the matter before of having someone to represent the Mayor when lie was absent from town. There were six councillors quite handy and the speaker was surprised to hear that nothing had been done yet. The matter was a very important one and he hoped some steps would be taken to get the Prime Minister iup and other Ministers and 'have the question thoroughly threshed out.

Cr. Parker said the house would not sit until June and lie did not suppose any decision would be made until then. If the decision was to be made by Cabinet, the least' the Goun,cil could do was to put before them the evidence which they held as to the isuiija'bdlity of Wiararoa. There were two' new members Off Cabinet and they should have the' opportunity of going over the Farm. Cr. Keedwell said a sub-committee of Cabinet had been appointed to report on the sites and they were the people who should be appealed to*. In any case the Council should draw up a memorial to' put before Cabinet. Or. Parker: You cannot do bettor tban visual evidence. Cr. Keedwell: Lf fve cannot get Ministers here it would be better tc put the.written evidence before them' —definite statements as to the excellent facilities at Weraroa.' Tire .Mayor*, said the Council' were relying on the promise "made to Mr Linklater that no decision would be arrived at until the Weraroa site had been inspected^ Cr. Moitensen asked whether the Professors of Agriculture had seen Weraroa. How did they know it was not suitable? ' It was decided that the Prime Minister and as many members of Cabinet as possible be invited to inspect the Weraroa Farm and hear a statement on the subject before the site of the Agricultural College is decided upon.