AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1918, Page 7

AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION.

'WORK IN TAKANAKL

The following repo-rts of the agricultural work carried on by the Taranaki Education Board wore submitted to yestor day's meeting of the Board:—; Mr W. K. Burlcy- reported that during the month of October the work in agriculture in the High- Scftools of Stratford and Hawera has been mainly in the nature of revision in 'preputation for the forthcoming examinations. At Stratford this preparation lias been the chief work but except when interrupted by weat'her and "peace" demonstrations xhe practical work with potatoes, etc., and orchard Woi'K has continued.

Stratford Model Dairy Farm.—This work has been much interrupted, but the testing of the farm's herd of 40 cow 3 has again been satisfactorily carried out by the pupils. The work here is also now interrupted in that the school is closed down for ten days owing to the influenza epidemic. Donations.—Mr F. Mason, of Feilding, made a gift of over twenty eucalyptus seedling trees, including' twelve different varieties, and thfese hate been set out at Stratford. With one exception all are doing well. Among otliejr things he also donated roses, stocks, and sweet peas. Mr MacDonaid, manager of t'fie Stratford Dairy factory, donated a box of sample bottles for the use of the school in connection with its testing of the Stratford Model Dairy Farm herd. Hawera Technical.—The work lias continued aj per usual, but in general science a visit was made to the Hawera gas works to study the manufacture of coal-gas and bye-products. Hawera District Hig l !!. School.—Here also the work been as per usual, but in practical .work a -visit was made to the Glover road dairy. factory, and under the direction of Mr Beaumont, the boys spent five hours in practical work. At Stratford, at the local nursery, under Mr Morison demonstrations in grafting were given very fully, including all stages. This visit proved most interesting and instructive. Teachers' Classes in Agriculture .at Stratford.—The attention and work of this class 'has been good. The outside work has included a visit to the Model Farm.

Mr. J. W. Connell reported as follows: Primary Schools.—The following were visited:— •

Lepperton, Central (2), Pembroke, Waihi, Radnor Road, Omata, Tarurutaugi, Bell Block, Hurford Road, Hillsborough, Kent Road, Korito, Tuna, Waiongona, Courtenay Street, Fitzroy, Dudley, Norfolk Road, Lincoln Road, Inglewood. In addition Mr Dean, junior assistant, visited the following: Dudley Road, Kaimiro, Albert Road,' Stanley, Tuna and Mokoia, I am pleased to be able to say that in most ease 3 the work is well advanced to get in all seeds possible. But owing to the protracted period of cold weather little growth is' noticeable and consequently the crops will in mnay cases be later than usual. Several schools are carrying out variety root crop trials, and the results of these should prove of interest to the farmers in the respective districts. At the Central School, important trials are being made to test the values of several, green manuring crops, tile soil there being eminently suitable 1 lor demonstration purposes. I visited the Huirangi School on October, (Arbor Day), when several of the local residents attended and carried ouis some general improvements to the school grounds. The interest taken by the (Jommittee and the parents is commendable. A word of praise is due to the teaVher and children of Standard VI, Central School. The flower garden 3 have been re-organ-ised and nowly laid out, the Effect being very pleasant. It is hopeavto make thesa gardens a distribution centre. It may be mentioned tfiat most of the work is done in the' teaeher'a add children's own time. V

New Plymouth Boys' High School. — Field Work was continued whenever possible with the result that almost all J[he plots have been sown down. Oats, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, cabbages, onions, peas, beans, etc., are well starts ed and good results may be expected. Pasture management and the treatment of lucerne was continued, the rotational grazing being very effective. Indoor and laboratory work in general agriculture, dairy science, agricultural Botany and chemistry was continued, Instruction in shearing was also given, [the sheep being provided by Mie Freezing I Works Company, through the courtesy of the manager, ,Mr. Milne. The classes .were most instructive and greatly ap- ! predated by the students. Genef&l-—Arrangements have been made fot Mr Bean to commence duties at the 'fauraaga Horticultural and Experiiucntil Station, at t!he beginning of next year,

j Votes qf thank's were passed to ! Messrs Mifton, of Feilding, and Mr Mac-. Donald (makager of the Stratford da,iry factory), fprHieir donations.