TRAINING FARM.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1425, 27 April 1912, Page 6

TRAINING FARM.

•THE RUAKURA SCHEME. 01-TLIXKD BY Till: PREMIER. 'J'hq main object in providing farm training at the experiment farms nf the Dominion, said the Hon. T. Mackenzie, during the course of his speech at the m-hristoning ceremony in connection with the Ruakura l-'arm of Instruction, is to make farmers—not to educate agricultural exports or instructors. The latter function could well, remain with the Education Department and the university. The public schools were beginning to all'ord teaching in rural subjects, and tho technical -ciiuol- afforded training to those who were entering into commerce or handicraft-!, but for the youth who was going on the farm there was no institution to which he could attach himself for practical equipment in his future calling, with the exception of the Lincoln Agricultural College in Canterbury. That college was beyi.ml the menus of the majority of tho youths who wished to become fanners. Willi this in view, some young men had been received at the Ruakura Experimental. Station. Tho possibilities wero hi great llial suitable accommodation was now provided for training young men in practical farming, but one of the experiences of having them at tho station, and one that was very forcibly brought to notice, was (hat something more than working on a farm was essential; something to interest a young man was wanted. It could bo readily seen that when (lie day's work was over youth must have something to interest if. There was a responsibility on the establishment thatreceived t.hesd young mem the age at which these youth camo to such an establishment was the period of suscep(ibility, and the influence brought upon them made or marred their future lives. ]'or this reason a barrack-life, where careful discipline could not l>e exerted, was impossible. The lUpiUrtment realised I hat the young man who came to tho farm must bo interested and cared for. To interest him there should be some useful teaching. To care for him ho must be provided with conifortablo quarters and good food, and he must be under the control of some responsible and capable person. It might bo said that the proposals were ambitious. If they were so considered, let the importance of agriculture be also considered. All our other industries combined could not compare with agriculturo in importance. The farmer might at least pay for .his sons and daughters a modicum of tho educational advantages offered to the sons of the city people. To meet this in a very modest way at Ruakura, the building for the reception of young men was now in occupation. It provided room for about a score, and for. the. staff connected with tho establishment. Provision was alt-o being made for young men at Wcreroa and Moumahaki. and it was hoped soon to accommodate -10 or 50; but they must look forward to accommodate many more in the not far distant future. The Course of Instruction. Tho first object in the reception of young men was the practical training in fanning, and they would bo required lo take tho part of a farm hand in all work, They wore under the absolute control of the manager at all times, and after working hours, and in all matters connected with the house, under his supervision. None would leave the farm except by permission of the manager. The tcachiug, which must tako an imporfant part, would be courses of lectures and demonstrations on subjects connected with agriculture. These lectures would be associated with reading on these matters, followed with" an-examination. To those who exhibited diligence some reward would be allowed, and lo those who prove benefited by conduct and examination, a diploma would be given. Tho courses ot instruction,

and the demonstration of the lectures would be set out by certain officers of the Ibpartment, supplemented by others engaged for tho purpose.. It-was not assumed that a detaileiLcourse of teaching could be set out;-, itriniglit,' hpwoveir,-" bo somewhat on these lines:-- ' " It was not at present nroposed to. teach chemistry; but the fertilisation of tho land is all-important. A farmer should know the principal plant foods, tlio effect and nature of the manures he applies, lie should al c o understand how (o appreciate the meaning of the analysis of fertilisers that accompanies the invoice supplied b.v the vendor. Tlic chemist connected with the Department could give a lecture each month, and set out o. course of reading that would enable this information to bo appreciated.

llie touching of botany would enable the farmer to recognise more and more tho value of rotation of. crops, and this rotation is nn immediate necessitv on the farm. The recognition of harmful plants, such as thoso injurious to stock, thoso that affect tho, flavour of milk, and thoso hat injure other plants, should be taught. J ho Departmental officers attached to tho biological branch could indicate a simple course of reading, and if tliev could not lecture themselves, the services of an instructor attached to the Jvhioation Department or I niversity or allied institutions nuglit be secured. Tho expense of the services would not be excessive. Surveyors could be employed who could teach these young men to tako levels of drains and roads, and to calculate correctly the quantities of earth in the excavation of drains and' road-making and fillings. Instruction in bookkeeping would also be given. This was an essential item, for few farmers knew what: i\as tho result of any ono division of their operations. The one general point, whether they are making money or losing it, was known, but where, or how, hut seldom. Tho farm to-day had become almost a machine shop. The steam and the internal combustion engines were Lo bo found every, where. The harvester and drill are in common use, and with the dairy farmer the milking machine and its separator are in daily service at. tho dairy farm, l'or this costly equipment a'knowledge of its use and maintenance was desirable. Instructions irmn a machinery expert would be provided; The orchard and garden were in evidence on the modern farm as sources of profits for home use and for sale. The horticulturist had already given instruction in gralting, pruning, and technicalities of these pursuits. The poultry establishment claimed a considerable number of learners who illtend taking up poultry-raising as an occupation. The apiary had proved itself of interest to a largo number of young women. They had tho opportunity of becoming completely equipped with- a knowledge to enable them to successfully undertake the business of bee-farming. Terms of Admission. Thero might be expected to come to siKjh an establishment young men of tlireo classes, viz.: (1) The farmer's son. The youth who had left school and who himself, together with his father, wished to learn something more than the school provides. (2) Sons of professional business men or others whom their fathers proposed to start on the land. (3) Young men who arrive in New Zealand with tlio intention of taking up land, but who wished to obtain some experience in farming before doing so. The young man who came to ltuakurn must enter into an agreement to remain a s]>ecified time. This term was n year. He must also agree to be under the complete control of the manager, to conform in all regulation's, and to take a lull and active part in all work that may bo required from him. lie would also ague to leave the farm on the notice of the manager, who was not required to give a reason for his action. Tho age at which candidates may bo admitted is from 15 to 20. They are subject to enquiry as to character and general fitness before ac-cept-ince. The .Minister for Agriculture, on the recommendation of tho Director of .Fields and Experimental Farms, decides and selects these pupils. Tho payment to pupils is 2s. Od. "per week during the first six months. If a pupil remains for a second year, this remuneration may be increased. It may be that a small "premium may be required from tho parents or guardians to ensure that the lad mav not leave for trivial reasons. This would be retained by tho Department if the lad did not remain one year, or if tho manager found it necessary or desirable lo dismiss him for any cause whatsoever, li the lad behaved well and remained a year the sum would: be at the disposal of the person, parent, or guardian. II was not proposed that fees should he charged for the reason that it a young man »n- l.siljug to cam the cost of his hoard and lodging, small wage anil ro'-t of lectures he would.be required te leave the fai-u.