FARM TRAINING.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18332, 16 March 1925, Page 5

FARM TRAINING.

A WAIRARAPA SCHOOL. CLAIM FOR CONVERSION INTO COLLEGE. (srECIiL TO "IKE PRESS.' ) MASTERTOX. I±The Agricultural Commission, presided over by Sir Jas. Wilson, set up ! 0' the Government to hear evidence in various centres and recommend n site fur the establishment of an Agricultural College, arrived from Auckland and visited the "Wairarapa Training Tarn, where evidence in support of Wairarapa's claim for the establishment of a college here was tendered by leaders of local farming organisations. Mr G. R. Svkes, M.P., who introduced the speakers, traced t.he history of the farm and said it was the idea of Air W. Perrv (a member of the Commission). who realised that the boys returning from the war would require some place where they could be taugufarm work. Three hundred and twent}sls acres was purchased, this supplemented by the purchase of 409 acres made possible by subscriptions from the people of the Wairarapa. 'lhc Wairarapa P. ami A. Society then placed at the disposal of the Government debentures to the valuo of to provide equipment and maintenance. The farm was thus nested in the Crown and the speaker knew that those soldiers who had an opportunity of training there now were doing well on land of their own.

Other officials addressed the Commission: Mr A. Eoss. provincial president of the Fanners' Union, stated that his Union took ) up tlio attitude that they would not be parochial. The only actual evidence placed before the Commission was tendered by Mr Duncan McGregor, a trustee of the farm. Jn describing the farm Mr McGregor said it was six miles by road from Masterlon, and three miles from the nearest railway station and freezing works. The farm comprised "0 alluvial river Hats and 20 or 30 acres of stonv ground, while the remainder was of a" clayey nature which had required draining and top-dressing. Three hundred acres had been tilled and drained. The students there had acquired a firstclass knowledge of. sheep farming, dairying and general agriculture. The farm had also a small flock, and its offering in the last local ram fair averaged It guineas. The farm had also achieved success in fat stock raising, each year drafts of about 1000 fats being disposed of. They had always been well spoken of by buyers, in one draft there being no seconds, while in another only three were graded second quality. Dairying had been engaged in, and though the herd at the commencement was nothing to feel proud of, it had by a thorough system of culling been brought up to a very good standard. Forty-five cows were at, present being milked. The land had also been cropped extensively, and they did not fear comparison with anything in the Dominion in this respect. In answer to a question Mr McGregor said that the Board of Management had tbo option of a further 50 acres of river flats at £42 per acre. " Naturally," continued Mr McGregor, *'wc wish to stress the suitability of this place for a college, especially with its nearness to Wellington, but we arc prepared to abide by your well-considered decision. Wo hope that you will be able to recognise that it is most suitable for a college site, but if, you decree otherwise wo shall,see that it continues, to make a good training school. Wo do not want a number of small parochial institutions," forcibly commented the speaker. "Wo say ono' college, and let it be a good one." "We Will take an entirely independent view of the matter, bit I assure you we can't please everybody," remarked Sir .Tames "Wilson in reply. "The farmer is the stumbling block. However, the matter is entirely in lu3 own hands, and it is up to him if we get a start to see that pupils are supplied. The Commission would report to tho Government exactly what they thought should be done, and if tho Government did not do it the politicians would have to shoulder tho blame." After luncheon the members of the Commission and local representatives were motored to various points on the farm, where they spent about two hours inspecting the land, stock and crops. They left later for Wellington, and go to the South Island on Monday night.