TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10986, 8 June 1901, Page 9

TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

PROPOSED AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM. At last night's meeting of the Canterbury Industrial Association the Chairman, Mr R. E. McDougall introduced Mr M. Murphy, F.L.S., who, he said, wished to bring a matter under the Association's notice. Mr Murphy stated he desired to bring, b&fore the Association the question of the establishment of an Agricultural and Industrial Museum, and the institution of a Technical School in connection tiherewith. It bad originally,been the idea of the A. and P. Association to establish such a musotrm, but funds were required to do so, and it was thought that they might well ask assistance from the Government, seeing' that the work might be looked upon ac a national one. The Premier was approached on the question, and had supported the id«a. It was now, however, thought to be unworkable, as the Government could do nothing unless technical classes and regular instruction were given. He did oot see exactly how they were to do what thq Act required, because it was necessary that practical instruction should be given. He "thought it a matter for the Industrial Association to take up. It had been considered that it would be a good thing if they had continuation schools for the eons of farmers and' others, 'where they might attend lectures. However, it appeared' nothing could be done. s In reply to Mr Minson, Mr Murphy said his object in appearing -that night was to place .the matter before the Association. Mr Seddon had 1 suggested altering the name to' Agricultural and Industrial School. Something might yet" be done,' but so far he ihad not received any word. The Chairman said they had the idea some time ago of establishing a museum for their ind'usiries. Messrs Buchanan and' Howland referred to a little museum of industries , which they had started some years ago. . Mr Howland said,, after visiting America, he had brought back a scheme for a permanent exhibition and a technical school in connection with it. Sir Julius Vogel had placed £1400 on the estimates atf the time, towards purchasing a site and starting such a project, but the item had been thrown out; Mr Minson considered that technical education was ■ well within the' Association's sphere. It seemed to him that the beat thing to do would be to appoint a good strong Committee to report at a future meeting. Hβ accordingly proposed a motion in that direction. The Chairman thought they ought to send some of their young men to America and other places to gain knowledge. Murphy stated, if they were to keep in the front, they must look after technical education, and gain as much knowledge as possible from ' progressive countries like America. '» • Mr Beayen considered it would! be well if the Committee were niora of an advisory Committee than a working Committee. At present their funds were • all locked up in the Hall, and for a few years they would have little to spare. He quite agreed:with the idea of sending young men \to America for training and experience. America was making such strides that unless something were done to keep pace, at i least some of their industries would be snuffed out. After further discussion the motion was put and carried, and Messrs A. W. Beaveh, W. Sey, R. Allan, Howland, A. H.Han- %- cock, *J. L. Scott, Buchananj J. A. Frostick, J. C. Wilian, W. Minson, G. Booth, R. E. McDougall, and C. Horsley, were appointed a Committee.