FARM TRAINING SCHEME

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25902, 7 September 1949, Page 4

FARM TRAINING SCHEME

WIDE INQUIRY THIS YEAR

ADVANCE APPLICATIONS LODGED

Although only 15 vacancies are available in the Canterbury Youth Farm Advisory Council’s training course at the Rangiora High School

next year, 20 candidates have already been interviewed. Applications will be received from all parts of the South Island, north of the Waitaki river, up till September 30. “I begin to feel like the headmaster of Eton,” said Mr G. D. Innes, secretary of the council, yesterday, remarking that six fathers had put their sons’ names down for entry in 1951, one for 1952, and one for 1953. “An exceptionally fine type of boy is applying for entry to the course,” Mr Innes continued. All were keen and willing to advance their academic training it so advised.

Five boys were at Rangiora now in the first year of the course. In addition to a useful range of class subjects, they were being given elementary training in all aspects of farming. At the end of the year they would be placed with approved farmers for three years’ practical experience. A special committee of North Canterbury Federated Farmers, under Mr M. M. Fleming, was assisting in choosing suitable farms, and Mid-Canterbury Federated Farmers had alsp offered to help. At the end of th*e farming period, it was hoped that trainees would take the eight-months’ intensive course at Canterbury Agricultural College. Lincoln. By the time the first trainees finished the complete course, a new land settlement scheme for young farmers would probably be in operation. Hostel accommodation was available for all trainees accepted for next year, and bursaries would probably be granted in all cases, Mr Innes said. Candidates were being interviewed as soon as possible after application, and selections would be announced early in October. All candidates would thus be able to make plans for next year before they finished school. Applications so far came from Christchurch. Mid-Canterbury, the West Coast, Marlborough, and Nelson, Mr Innes added.