ST. JOHN'S FARM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 224, 21 September 1934, Page 13

ST. JOHN'S FARM.

DECISION TO CONTINUE. BOYS' EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE. Following an offer by the Unemployment Board to contribute the balance of the money required to operate the training farm at St. John's, Tamaki, the Auckland Boys' Employment Committee yesterday decided to keep it open for another year. The secretary, Mr. N. G. Gribble, said that a programme had been drawn up limiting expenditure to £400. The sum of £225 had been raised as the result of an appeal for funds and the Unemployment Board had promised to pay the balance of £175. A report presented by the farm manager, Sir. B. G. Edwards, showed that 425 boys had been trained since its inception in August, 1932. "It is gratifying to hear from and to receive visits during holiday periods from lads who were here during earlier months," continued the report, "and to hear that they are making progress and earning increased wages. Many employers also record their satisfaction and some inquire for replacement of lads leaving their employ. "Of completed work (besides the produce returns and home consumed vegetables)-, the St. John's College Trust Board now lias some 14} acres sown in grass and top-dressed as a result of the clearing and cultivation, transforming that area from dense heavy gorse and blackberry. Assistance has been provided by the work of the boys in clearing and generally helping with the erection of boundary and internal fences with gates. Some three acres of the heavy gorse beyond the city reserve has been cut, and frontal sections have had the gorse cut and kept in order. The front paddock of four acres from fast becoming covered with gorso and blackberry is restored to order, and is now a useful grazing area. "During a period of uncertainty as to continuing with the farm and a temporary cessation of boys enrolling, garden operations have been delayed and a shortage of vegetables may later be experienced for a brief period." The balance-sheet of the committee showed that receipts for the past month had been £243, and expenditure £13S. There was now a credit balance of £463. During the month £132 had been received as the result of the appeal for funds, and the Rotary Club had promised £G0 toward the St. John's farm.