AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 112, 27 September 1912, Page 7

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

DISCUSSED BY WAXGASUI EDUCATIOX BOARD. The subject of an agricultural college was discussed at' Monday night's meeting of the Wanganui Education Board. Some time ago the Board urged on the Mackenzie Government the desirableness of establishing aii agricultural college at Moumahalvi in order that the scholarship endowment might be turned to account. In pursuance of this, Mr. Dixon moved on Monday evening: ''That the Wanganui Education Board urges upon the Minister of Agriculture the claim of this district for the establishment of an agricultural college at Moumahaki. Further, that the Minister consider the wisdom of using part of the accrued fund of £IO.OOO and revenue, from the Taranaki Scholarship Endowment towards the establishment and upkeep of such college." Mr. Dixon briefly reiterated the advantages which Moumahaki oll'ered. lie was supported by Mr. O'Dea. but strong opponents were found in Me-srs l'unicll, Bennett, Guthrie and Eraser. It -was contended that it was useless making overtures or oilers to Mr. Massey. ITe was an expert in such matters, end had said that he would himself inspect all prospective sites, and the 1 college would be erected where most suitable. The opinion, was also expressed that the Taninaki Board might view the motion as hostile. Mr. Guthrie said that Moumahakfs claims had already been laid before the Minister, and the matter of the endowment had not been overlooked. Nothing would be done (ill the I'riin.e Minister.had insppcted the site nnd picked out the best from its geographical position, provided, of course.'that the land could lie get. It was also contended that as the AVanganui Board represented such a large district, including four places which were claiming a college. \t should take no action. Mr. Bennett said the opponents to the motion represented the places which wanted the college. The motion w;>< lost bv 4 to 3. the chairman voting for the motion.