TRAINING OF SHEARERS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25022, 2 November 1946, Page 8

TRAINING OF SHEARERS

COLLEGE CLASSES MAY CLOSE

LACK OF CO-OPERATION FROM FARMERS

Unless farmers provide sufficient sheep for instructional purposes, shearing training classes conducted by the Christchurch Technical College may cease. This was mentioned at a meeting of the Board of Governors last evening when the attitude of sheep owners in failing to supply sheep for the training classes was criticised. “Unless the sheep owners show their approval we will have to close down the shearing classes. I don’t see why the board should run them at a loss as we are doing at present,” said Dr. D. E. Hansen, the principal. “The position is becoming completely unsatisfactory. We have been doing good work for the sheep owners, although we do not receive a grant from them. But if they would supply us with sheep we could keep going. The registrar (Mr P. Halligan) mentioned a newspaper report in which Federated Farmers had criticised the classes. Mr A. E. G. Lyttle, secretary of the North Canterbury district of Federated Farmers, had suggested to him that the trainees be taken out to farms instead of the sheep being sent to Christchurch. This would be difficult for the college to arrange, he said.*

“We are anxious to train shearers, but we can’t do it without sheep,* said the chairman (Mr T. W. W«st), who added that he had noticed complaints from farmers about the lack of shearers “It is an absurd position. If farmers want us tQ train shearers, we are anxious and willing to do it, but we can’t carry on without their co-operation in'providing sheep.” A deputation from the board to discuss the matter with representatives of Federated Farmers was suggested, this being opposed by Mr J. E. Jones, who said it was “a little over the edge ’ when the board had to approach the farmers. “If they want learners it is up to them to get in touch with us,” he contended.

Dr. Hansen said he was not a bit concerned about the farmers, but about the studenta in the shearing classes.

Mr West: I agree. If the Federated Ifarmers do not want to supply us with sheep, then they would have only themselves to blame if the classes were stopped. o S e Putation comprising Messrs B. Seth-Smith and West and Dr. liansen with power to co-opt Mr M. El Lyons was appointed to meet Federated Farmers’ representatives. Mr Jones recorded the only vote against this action.