AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT. •At yesterday's meeting of the Taranaki Education Board the following report was read from tho .Director of Technical Education (Mr. Browne): — During the last three weeks the visiting of primary school classes has continued with vigor. 'Practically all the aiore get-at-able schools have been visaed, as far afield, as Uruti and Koiiuratalii, and several have been visited more than once. Some half-dozen of those visited are taking up agriculture for the first time. Both Mr. Sergei and Mr. Johnson agree with me that frequent visits of short duration are very effective in arousing the interest of both teachers and children. The instructors are cordially welcomed in all country schools. The following schools were visited. 1 during the period mentioned above:—Kent road, Albert road, Jiurford road, Koru, Waiongona, Lepperton, ITuirangi, Tikorangi, Hillsborough, Waihi, Urenui, Mimi, Ngaere, Tarild, Norfolk road, Kiore, Kaimata, Inglewood, Fitzrov, Toko, Douglas, Huiakama, Huiroa, Raupuha, iStanley road, Marco, Whangamomona, Makaka, Riverlea, Te Kiri, Awatuna, Ararata, Eraser road, Rotokare, Mata, Mokoia, Oliangai, Meremere, Te Roti, Rawliitiroa, Mangamingi, liurimoana, Rowan, Mangalmme, Tutatawa West End, Whakamara, Tokaora, Okaiawa, Matapu, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Kapuni, Manaia. Excursions.—With tho Kaponga diildren, a visit was paid on Saturday, March 3, to Mount Egmont on the south side. The aim was to study the conditions of plant growth, especially to note the various 'belts of vegetation as the mountain was ascended. Unfortunately, the weather broke while we were on the ascent, but as it remained dear below, a usefui time was spent studying the vegetation, etc., in the bed of the ICapuni near the "Falls'' Mountain 'House. The children of this school are greatly interested in rock-gardening, and have made an excellent start. On the 9th, the Manaia school children journeyed to the Kapuui mouth to study river and sea action, also the plant and animal life of the shore. .Again the weather \va.s not quite favorably, but an interesting time was spent. On the return, afternoon tea was generously provided for all by Mrs. J. J. Patterson. The above work very greatly adds to tho observational .powers of tho children, and is of wider school value than at first appears.
At the Stratford District High School Standards 5 and 0 are getting well into their course of work. These are big classes, and it takes some little time to get going in these cases. Botany and Agriculture is each taken by all pupils, and by the time these reach the secondary classes senior work can be taken with advantage.
lo standardise the work of inspection, a one-day visit was paid by all three instructors to some five schools in the southern end of the district. From time to time others will be visited in like manner. This gives an excellent opportunity for tho interchange of ideas, and pupils are glad to know that their efforts are fully appreciated by all. Stock-judging.—Previous to the New Plymouth Show, efforts were made to interest the children of surrounding schools in the work of stock-judging. Mr. Sergei especially giving instruction at schools. The result was that some 53 entries were received, and 50. lads competed from all grades of Schools. The country children entered into the spirit of this work as keenly as any. It is interesting to note the sequel. The four places were secured by pupils from the Franklov road school. The one lesson given here must have been well driven home by the teacher, who lias reason to be proud of the success of his pupils. Mr. Fulton, of tho Dairy Division, and Mr. Sergei acted as stewards in this competition. Already arrangements are being made with other show ofliicals to add this event to future functions.
Easter course for teachers.—A syllabus of instruction for this has been drawn up. As the future work in schools will be based on this, I consulted with Mr. Morton, and we are in entire agreement as to tho future aims and methods of instruction.
School grounds—Many eases have been reported where little progrcs cart be made with improvements to grounds until the children's horses are kept in a separate portion. Residents also frequently use the sflhool grounds as a temporary accommodation paddock. This matter requires early attention. District High School classes—Good progress is being- made with those at Stratford. The method of instruction, viz., all instructors present on one day, is proving very effective, and owing to' the presence of the class teacher in each case, is sufficiently elastic for our needs, tho services of one or the other of the instructors being occasionally require;! elsewhere on that dayTechnical College students.—A continuous week's instruction is arranged for between March 26 and £O. for lads from both I-lawera and New Plymouth. Seasonal work at the experimental areas will be proceeded with at full pressure, and in this time the heavier work should bo completed in preparation for the winter crops. The want of suitable accommodation at New Plymouth for indoor 1 science work is greatly interfering with the orderly development of instructions. Special work was undertaken by the Technical College lads in assisting 'stewards at the New 'Plymouth Show; in lessons in "budding" at the nurseries of Messrs Duncan and Da vies ; in work at the Bell Block dairy farm; and in the dipping of sheep at Mr. Western's, Bell Block. Tho staff is indebted for much kindness shown to the lads in connection with the above.
Experimental areas.—The lucerne crop at Corbctt road has been cut and the ground cultivated, and is now coming away well. The swedes show signs o! the dry weather, but will soon recover with a little rain. Tho soft turnips at Fitzroy are being sold to be removed, and preparation of the ground will then proceed. This area will have a small demonstration orchard, some up-to-date pasture, and we also aim at showing the improvement possible in old and indifferent pasture by top-dressing the worst piece available for this purpose. I 1 armors' classes.—Mr. Sergei as now made a start with the middle and northern ends jf the districts, and with fair attendance for this time of the year. lie has visited Kaimata, Toko and Stratford so far. Owing to a misunderstanding, the Cardiff dairy factory terminated. in December tho arrangement made at the annual meeting to join in the scheme of instruction, but alter a visit unanimously agreed to take up the larger scheme, i.e., all farms of suitpliers to be visited in rotation on a donation of Is per ton of output. The classes at Lowgarth and at Aurua continue, and Mangatoki, with fuui
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Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1917, Page 2
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1,095AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION. Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1917, Page 2
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