FARMING FOR BOYS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 104, 26 January 1933, Page 8

FARMING FOR BOYS

Good Preparatory Work in Secondary Schools REPORT OF INSTRUCTOR That good work is being done in encouraging boys in the secondary schools in taking up agricultural pursuits was evident from a report submitted to the Wellington Education Board yesterday by Mr. H. W. Hesse, supervise!’ of agriculture and science instruction. At the beginning of the year, he reported, the department suggested that greater emphasis should be given in the district high schools to agriculture, and recommended that the work done in the schools should be given a practical application toward the farming practice of the district, and the local farming industry brought into closer contact with the agricultural work of the schools. To give effect to the wish of the department, the supervisor visited all district high schools during the first month of the school year. Agricultural advisory committees were formed in the seven centres. The committees consisted of prominent farmers and representatives of local farming bodies, working in co-operation with the school committees, headmasters and secondary assistants. The extension movement was now definitely and successfully established. Arrangements were made for the secondary boys to pay regular visits to local farms and factories for first-hand observation and discussion of farm operations, crops, general farm practice, and factory operations. A programme of visits was drawn up at each school. Particularly good work had been done at Levin, Carterton, Eketahuna and Featherston. The agricultural advisory committees took over the group control of the calf-rearing competitions of their districts, and in addition advised regarding field experiments of local interest, further extension of the school agricultural course, and farm employment. The extension of the school course was reflected in the greater interest now being taken in the agriculture course, and in the outlook of the boys themselves. "In the course of my visits,” he said, “I have noticed a closer bond established between the farming community and the schools, and as a result a number of boys have been absorbed in employment by the farmers of the district who have been in close touch with them by means of the extension movement.” LOVE OF THE LAND Clubs for Boys and Girls CALF-REARING CONTESTS The activity of boys’ and girls’ agricultural clubs is of outstanding value to the schools and to the community, according to a report submitted to the Wellington Education Board yesterday by Mr. H. W. Hesse, supervisor of agriculture and science instruction. It was agreed at the beginning of the year, in view of the fact that there is at the present time no grant to meet any expenditure in connection with these chibs, and as an economy measure, that, only calf-rearing competitions be held during 1932, he reported. Calf-rearing competitions were organised in ten group centres under the auspices of the Wairarapa Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Chib (seven groups), and the Horowhenua Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Club (three groups). The judging was carried out at each of the group centres during the last fortnight of the school year. The calf competitions had attracted a great, deal of attention in the Horowhenua and Wairnrnpa districts. Report from Two Chibs. The. Wairarapa Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Club. Masterton. had seven calfrearing club groups: Martinborongh, Featherston. Greytown. Carterton. Masterton. Eketahuna. and I’ahiatua. There were 269 entries, and the judging of calves was from December 12 to 16 inclusive. Mr. Ben Roberts, of Parkvale, was judge The Horowhenua Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Club. Levin, had three calf-rear-ing club groups: Shannon, Levin, and Te Horo. There were 114 entries. Group and final judging was carried out at Levin on December 9, before a large and representative gathering. Mr. H. J. Lancaster. of Glen Orona, was judge. Revenue Source Drying Up. In his report for the past year Mr. Lawton states: —"This activity is of outstanding value to the school and community. No encouragement is required. The people are eager for expansion.” Mr. Brockett says: “On account of the cost it was not to carry on the usual root-growing competitions in the Wairarapa. Calf-rearing competitions, however, have made good progress. Entries increased from a little over 100 last season to 269 this year. “At the same time I would point out that, there is a grave danger of these competitions being abandoned just when they have become highly successful. The whole of the. expenses are met by voluntary subscriptions, and this source of revenue, in view of the present economic position, is rapidly drying up. The committee's funds are nearing exhaustion, and will not permit of a refund of the travelling expenses incurred.” The cost of the calf-rearing competitions. it was stated, had been borne by the local clubs, without any expenditure by Ihe department, or board.