TEACHING THE TEACHERS

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10713, 5 September 1912, Page 5

TEACHING THE TEACHERS

AN AGRICULTURAL SPRING

SCHOOL

On Monday last a score of teachers from various parts of the education district of Wellington assembled at the District High School, Master-toa, :o attend a series of lectures given 'by .Mi- C. A. Gumming, the Board's expert in agriculture. The lectures arc being given in connection with a Spring School in sgriculturo and chemistry, which, wc understand, is the first of its k'.-ul that has been held in Masterton. On the formation of soils and means oi maintaining soil fertility, the lectures lravo been most instructive and interesting.

Analysis of soils, together with experiments on the .same, illustrating a scheme of practical work, w'.ll bo of great uso to teachers - tnkng agriculture a<; « subject in tho cirricuium of their schools.

The information about insects beneficial ami detririrental. and.••the-me-thod of a king "the best use of this information for nature work, was also interesting and much appreciated;. . . Lectures are being given on plant disease, and methods of treating, especially with reference to those commonly met with. The teachers present are a!,so doing microscopic and practical work in this direction. In connection with this they are most fortunate in having at their disposal one of the best equipped science laboratories in the Dominion. Another aspect of tho work is seen in the woodwork room, where a rather curious sight is to see lady teachers busy at work with hammers and saws, making small models in wood. This, wo understand, is the latest idea of handwork for schools, and, judging by tho enthusiasm shown, Messrs Grant and Howe, the instructors, should be well pleased with the result. The classes continue next week, when Or Cockayne, the Government biologist, will give a lecture on "Impure Seed." and he will also ioin in a "field day" which is to take place next Wednesday.