COURSE OF AGRICULTURE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 56, 27 June 1914, Page 5

COURSE OF AGRICULTURE.

A TECHNICAL COLEGE. At the last meeting of the Taranaki Education Board, the Director of Technical Education (Mr A. Gray) outlined a course of instruction in agricultural work which he proposes to introduce if sufficient suport is forthcoming. The details 'are set out ia the following circular, which he has sent out among the farmers by way oi a "feeler" :

"For the present I propose to obtain the use of from five to ten acres

of land which would be worked as a small farm. A competent inst-uct-or would give his whole time to the instruction of students, who, in addition to the practical work, would receive instruction at the College in Dairy Science, Agriculture, Chemistry, Botany, Farm Carpentry, Metal Work and Elementary Plumbing. Also Engineering would be taught to a standard sufficient to enable the students to thoroughly understand and to repair ordinary farm machinery, including milking machines of various types. In addition) a specially arranged simplified system of Farm Book-keeping would be taught. As the majority of the students would have to board in or near New Plymouth, it would be necessary to charge a fee sufficient to cover boarding expenses, and cost of tuition. This I think would have to be £SO per annum. Now, before I can go on with this scheme, it is necessary that I should have the names of twenty students whose parents are prepared to them at least a one year's course, and I should be glad to hear from any such parents at the very earliest opportunity. I shall be very grateful for any suggestions from farmers or others interested, and will at once supply any further information that may be required." The Board approved of the suggestion, members remarking "that, it would be very valuable if sufficient pupils could bo obtained.