AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 308, 7 June 1915, Page 6

AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION.

TEACII ICRS AT MOUMAHAKI.

The success of the camp of instruction at the Moumahnki State.,Farni which Mr. .1. (I. Ellis, the Taranaki Education Board's agricultural instructor, organised for the Stratford School boys a couple of months back, led to the organisation of a camp for teachers on similar linss, and about 20 ladies and gentlemen Bpent last week at Moumahaki. The number in attendance would have been larger but for the bad weather conditions which obtained just prior to the date fixed for going there—Saturday, May 29th. Nevertheless there was a fair number of very interested persons, who found the week all too short to see all that was to be seen and learn all that was to lw learned, and who worked willingly and harmoniously during the period. Several very interesting lectures were delivered by the obliging manager of the farm, Mr. T. W. Lonsdale, and by the assistant manager, the plant breeder, and the head gardener, and, in addition to these, the board's instructor superintended the peregrinations of the party and directed their observations. The value of such an expedition to Moumahaki is found in, the fact that so many branches of agriculture work are followed on the farm, and the varied phases of farm life so aptly illustrated and experiments is all directions tried. The members of tiie party were all abundantly satisfied with their visit, and express their keen appreciation of what they saw and learned.

During the period tliey furnished some musical and literary entertainments to the people on the farm and the residents of the district, the chief of which was a concert in the public hall, held on Wednesday evening, at whieh a really excellent programme was submitted to a very appreciative audience, and at the close of the concert an enjoyable dance was held, the supper, which made a very tempting display of dainty dishes, being provided by the farm officials. The proceeds amounted to close upon ten pounds, and it was agreed that it would be fittingly disposed of if it were devoted to the support of the Public Service candidate.' (Miss May Palmer) in the Wellington queen of the carnival contest, and this was accordingly done.