EDUCATING YOUNG FARMERS

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 93, 14 January 1926, Page 8

EDUCATING YOUNG FARMERS

FEILDING COLLEGE DEPUTATION TO MINISTER OF LANDS (By Telegraph—Resident Reporter.) Palmerston North, January 13. The Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands, arrived at Feilding this evening He was welcomed by the Mayor (Mr. W. E. Carthew) and councillors, Mr. L. T. McLean (chairman of the Kiwitea County Council), and Mr. A. Campbell (chairman of Oroua County Council). They congratulated the Government upon its remarkable vote of confidence at the recent general elections, and said that they confidently expected that the Government. would take a firm stand in any industrial dispute which might arise. The Minister cordially acknowledged the welcome, and received three deputations, two of which were held in camera. One of the principal matters discussed was in connection with the Agricultural College, the deputation being introduced by Mr. G. Elliott, M.P. Mr. Atkinson, a member of the deputation, stated the case for the Agricultural College. He said that without the necessary equipment the school could not possibly progress, and they wished to enlist the sympathy of the Minister and his Department with the aims of the college.

Mr. P. Wild, principal of the college, said he felt the Government was not giving tlie support to the college that it was entitled to. The board had made agricultural education the first string to its bow. The college had been established four years and had done good work, but they required more land; 150 acres was required to teach the practical side of farming. The land would possibly cost £lOOO, and if the Government could not see its way to grant such a sum the board would be pleased to receive an annual grant of £5OO for five years to enable them to lease the land as only spade work was being done at present. The speaker also urged the necessity for a chemical laboratory, which the college badly needed, and pointed out that so far the land for the college had not cost the Government one penny, as it had been a gift from the people of Feilding. Councillor A. Campbell the claims of the college, and pointed out that the education imparted was greatly appreciated by those whose sons were undergoing instruction. In reply, the Minister stated that he was entirely in agreement with the speakers. Feilding was fortunate in having such a competent staff. Enthusiasm was the essence of success, and the Feilding people had plenty of it. He promised to do his best for the college and said he recognised the need for additional equipment. He would do his best to obtain more money for the purchase of land. He would gei the facts and put them in the hands of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education.