AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1917, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION

TARANAKI EDUCATION DISTRICT. At yesterday's meeting of the Taranaki Education Board the agricultural instructor (Mr. Robert Browne) reported as follows for the period ending September 8, 11)17: The routine work of instruction in primary and secondary schools, orchard work and horticulture and farmers' cla.sses was continued. Continued wet weather, also term holidays were disturbing factors. Staff changes:—Mr. Howell arrived at the beginning of the month, and immediately took up work. Mr. Johnson completed his duties on the 7th September, putting in the last week with Mr Howell, giving him an insight into the running of classes. Miss Turton has completed her work for the season. I have pleasure in putting on record mv mtire satisfaction with the manner in which Mr. Johnson has carried out his duties. Since joining the hoard's service he has thrown himself whole-heart-edly into the various sections of work, mid in each case has made good. In horticulture and orchard work Miss Turton's work has <been excellent. School classes.-The following schools were visited, ssome more than once: Piiniho, Hillsborough, Lincoln (2), Inglewood, Tataraimaka, Warea, Tuna, Tatiki, Kaponga, Opunake, Te Roti, Matapu. Ohangai, Mokoia, Rawhitiroa, Mata Rotokare, Midhirst, Norfolk road, Dudley, Lincoln, Egniont Village (2) Kent Korito, Waitara, Tikorangi, ' Mimi' Waihi, Urenui, Oaonui, Pungarehu' Oakura, Omata, Cardiff, Midhirst. I note that in many grounds pine trees are an annoyance in shading buildings and in causing draughts, and should be removed. In several, these matters are being remedied. The work can in most rases be done only gradually, but it should he impressed on committees that It is advisable that such unsuitable trees should be disposed of and replaced bv suitable hedge plants whenever possible Plantations—Another matter requiring attention is the planting out of waste portions of grounds. Where the committee cannot faca the question of keeping fern and weeds under control planting out thickly with stringy bark wattle, and other suitable trees as recommended by Mr. Maxwell, would soon turn waste ground to productive uses Seed could this season be supplied to schools willing to undertake such work Lucerne growing.—l hope to see every school ready to sow a plot of lucerne in November and December of this year In the majority of schools no difficulty will be met with in establishing the plant, and much future good should follow since our future farmers will be familiar, even in a small way, with the possibilities of this plant. D.H. School classes.—Holidays, examinations and staff changes havo this month all interfered with work in this line. Instruction should now proceed smoothly.

Technical college classes.—At V ew Plymouth, ploughing and preliminary cultivation has been completed at the Fitzroy plots, in preparation for lucerne sowing A plough has now to be purchased for such work. The lads have shown great keenness in putting extra hours to get this work finished in good time, and the recent welcome change in the weather has been favorable work. We should be glad to hear of opportunities for the lads to help in digging or early shearing operations. At Hawera Mr. Johnson's departure has interfered with instructional work. Orchard classes and horticulture These have completed work for the season. Very great enthusiasm was manifested at Inglewood and at the three New Plymouth centres. At a combined concluding meeting of the latter I was requested to convey to the board the thank's of members for having established classes so much appreciated. Practically all members have guaranteed to again next winter, and I am assured that much greater support will be forthcoming another season. Average attendance was as follows:—lnglewood 11, Central 10, Fitzroy 4, Vogeltown S, Waitara i\ Stratford 5. Farmers' classes.—Meetings have been held as follows:—Patua. Bell Block, Warea, Maketawa, Opunake, Inglewood' Pungarehu (B) Kaimata, Mangorei, Waitoitoi, Cardiff, Tututawa, (S) Ngaere Normanby (J.). Here again staff changes' and also aumerous appointments for ilairy factory meetings have upset our usual running, but normal conditions should now continue. It is very annoying if for any cause changes have to be made as regards the running of such classes. The new arrangement of .egular monthly meetings is now being established at Waitoitoi, Tututawa, Patua, Warea, Pungarehu, Bell Block, Inglewood and Maketawa, and I expect a further extension shortly. TECHNICAL COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS.

In connection with agricultural instruction the technical committee of the board reommended a s follows: That the director of agricultural instruction be authorised to obtain seeds of eucalyptus, wattle, or other trees for distribution to those schools where he thinks propagation can be properly carried out. 2. That the .question of finding suitable land for a school of horticulture for women in New Plymouth be referred to Messrs White and Smith to report on. 3. That the director be authorised to go to Wellington to consult the agricultural and education departments with reference to future agricultural instruction. 4. That applications be invited for the position of assistant instructor in agriculture at a salary of £3OO per annum and that the matter of advertising be left to the director. The report was adopted.