MORE VARIED AND RESPONSIBLE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 96, 18 January 1938, Page 11

MORE VARIED AND RESPONSIBLE

Instruction At Weraroa

Training Farm

Dominion Special Service.

Levin, January 17.

The important position that farming occupies in the economic structure of the Dominion is fully recognised at the Weraroa Training Farm, where increased instruction is being given in more advanced methods in all branches. Here the Introduction of inore responsible work has given the boys in tbc Institution a greater interest, and made life more enjoyable than was possible previously under the institutional routine.

A visit to the institution while the activities were in progress revealed ,a spirit of enthusiasm among the youthful workers, some of whom were engaged in shearing and its attendant operations on the central development farm, under the guidance of an expert official. Three sets of machines were in use and the boys sheared an animal In turn. Some with a natural aptitude turned out sheep at the rate of 70 a day. Others while waiting their turn were crutching, baling up the wool and branding it. In the yard still more made examinations for foot disease and cleaned and trimmed hoofs. Tn the final stages mouthing and selection of ewes for breeding was carried out. Already 1150 sheep and 700 lambs have been through the shed. At the Arapaepae Road property haymaking was in full swing. On the 10acre block 300 bales have already been completed, and despite the warm weather the boys attacked thei r work with eagerness.

Other activities include the trimming of hedges and the milking by hand of 18 cows. This dairy work is entrusted to three lads without an official in charge. They fully appreciate the position of trust and the responsibility given them. This is the first year in which this class of work has been carried out by the boys, and the manager, Mr. J. J. Hercock, and his staff are to be complimented on the results of the new departure.