AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 August 1919, Page 2

AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION.

REPORTS TO EDUCATION BOARD. Tlio following reports? were received yester* day by the Education Board from the several agricultural instructors, on the process of the work during the montli Mr W. E. Burley stated that agriculture nnd dairy science had heon carried out regularly with nil classes, most of the work having, of necessity, to be conducted indoors In orchard work the classes specially interested had boe.i instructed in winter pruning and spraying ami In the preparation and planting of young frull trees. In dairy work, the classes which had carried out Iho herd-testing for the paat season in connection with the model dairy farmers' herd, were given a lenson at the farm on thd necessity of testing herds. The lesson was to demonstrate that It was absolutely necessary to test in order to pick out the good cows. The pupils were divided into four groups nnd net the task of aetarting the six wor.-it cowfl from the herd. flu'oe of tlie groups selected two, and the fourth group, one of the worst cows. On the other hand, two among the boy's selection wore among the best producers. Tho Instructor went through the herd and showed the boys the results of their testing work. < A further test was given the ho# of selecting the two best animals: but in no case were they successful, and again the instructor demonstrated to tho class; the whole lesson going ro show the necessity of testing in order to cull successfully. A lesson on top-dressing followed, observation of pasture being noted.

Mr H. <\ Johnson rcivir'i"! tlmf the month had seen great activity among primary schools. On overy occasion when a suygt'Stion for improvement to grounds had beon made, it had bceu taken up most enthusiastically by both teachers and committee. During tho month considerable improvements had been affected at Matapu, Mata, Ngaere, Itawhltlroa, Xormanby, Te Kivi, Hadnor, Huiroa and K;uipuho. Arbor Day was well observed in many schools, particularly at Kltham, where a row of fine shade trees was planted. Ho suggested that in future years, Arbor Day be not set down for one fixed day, but that It be held within specified dates This would enable instructors to organise nnd arrange accordingly. The Jnglewood orchard class was being continued keenly. The attendance was rogular, and good work is being affected. HegukiT inslruction had been given at Hawera Technical High School, rhlefl.v by Mr Syme. The exhibit arranged by this class for the Hawera Show was very creditable, the seed testing box being much admired. Much of tho credit f*r this was due to Mr Syme.

Mr J. \V. Conneil reported as follows: Primary Schools,—Tho amumi winter operations were being carried out in tho school grounds and gardens, while the experimental indoor work had been in most cases increased. Those schools in which dairy science was taken as a Subject in conjunction with agriculture, had denoted a good deal of timo to the examination and testing of milk. Work had comprised the scleotion and sprouting of seed potatoes for early planting; the collection of seeds of native trees and ishrnbs, the pruning of roses and fruit trees, pasture treatment, and the calculation of root and fodder crop returns. As tlio Taranakl soil conditions make it imperative to have a firm soil surface during the winter, very little digging and cultivation had been necessary in the plots. Boys' High School, New Plymouth —lnstruction had progressed steadily during the month. As tho season does not yet permit of much field work being carried out, a good deal of the timo was spont In the Bdence rooms, where agriculture, dairy science, agricultural chemistry and botany are taken. In addition, orchard work had been taken, Mr It. Dempney kindly placing h!fl orchard at the disposal of the agri- | cultural class. The renovating and manuruil ; treatment of th 6 trees provided some infc and instructive work. Mr Syme has as* sisted as usual, with the High School, and Technical College classes. 1 Technical College, New Plymouth —This class is now provided with a separate plot, where I roots and garden vegetables, potatoes, etc., are to be grown. They will carry out manurial , and variety tests and bo responsible for the cultivation and caro of the plot. This month the work has been taken mostly in the science rooms, with the. exception of special field work. Teachers' Classes have been carried out as usual, and the attendance has been satisfactory; but the restricted .train service is liable to diminish the attendance of country teaichers, and lias already affected some teachers.