FORESTRY.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19451, 26 October 1928, Page 11

FORESTRY.

NO NEED FOR TWO SCHOOLS. f OPINION OF EMPIRE CONFERENCE. [THE PRESS Special Service.] "WELLINGTON, October 25. '•While we have been impressed by the efforts of tlio University Collego to develop forestry courses under extremely difficult conditions, we have no hesitation in saying that the existence of two parallel schools of forestry in tho country is thoroughly uneconomical and unsound. We are unanimously of the opinion that one of the two existing schools should be abolished, and tho resources of both concentrated at one centre." In these words the committee set up by the Empire Forestry Conference, to report upon forestry education in New Zealand, somewhat roundly condemns the present method, pointing out that, forestry is of such gi'cat importance to the country that it is Essential to Jiavo the best trained men possible in the service, and that methods are not likely to achieve this result. "There are two schools, neither ot which has a staff in a position to givo the necessary instruction," says tho committee's report. "If, on the other hand, tho resources of both could be combined in one institution. a thoroughly sound course could be given. The present conditions are fair neither to the instructors, to the students, nor to the Government which supports both schools, and looks to tliem for recrtiits for its forest service. We are informed that the State Forest Service expects to recruit four graduates annually, in addition to one or two vacancies per annum that may be expected in private employment for which forestry graduates will also bo required. "In view of the limited timo at our disposal, We have been unable to go into certain aspects of the question sufficiently closely to justify a definite opinion as to the "best centre for si. single school. "In regard to the course of training, laid down by th© University, to be followed at both Colleges, the syllabus for the degree course is, in the main, very satisfactory, our only criticism being that it gogg rather further in pure science—particularly physics—than is really necessary, wiiile forest engineering is not sufficiently covered. Hie latter criticism would be fully met by making the forest engineering 'a specialised study Which is how optional, a compulsory part of the course,- ana we recommend thiit this shoiild. be done, "We content otirselVes With observing-' (i) That on the ihfOrmatioh before iia, we do hot consider that the associate's course is of much value to the Dominion, and certainly ought hot to allowed to interfere with the training for the degree; . .(2) that "although it may bo necessary that the ranger course should be conducted, by the same instructors, the curriculum should be quite distinfct from that of the degree course students, and the instruction should be conducted in separate classes, otherwise the training of the degree course students is likely to be held back. "Should it be found impossible to reach an agreement as to which of the two existing schools to select, we are of opinion that it would be better to abolish both, and to make a fresh start by concentrating all the available resources in a single new school, on neutral ground, rather thait to perpetuate the existing system. Should this solution be adopted, we think that tho question of linking'- Buch; a school With the new Agricultural College ,at Paliherston North might be Worth . consideration. Wd couid, however, only recominend such a measure provided that a degree in forestry, of the University of New Zealand should be granted to any Student who graduates through the new course." l The report was adopted by the Con- i ference.