BOYS FOR FARMS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 89, 12 October 1937, Page 16

BOYS FOR FARMS

WORK AT FLOCK HOUSE . MINISTER'S STATEMENT The value of Flock House Station as an initial training centre for boys who wish to take up farming was emphasised by the Hon. W. Lee Martin, Minister of Agriculture, in an interview. Mr. Martin said that since the State had taken over the station at the . beginning of the year he had taken a keen interest in the work of the farm, and was convinced that the scheme had great possibilities for both the boys and the primary industries generally. "The station consists of about 8300 :res," said the Minister, "and the soil varies from some of the best in the Dominion to pure sand. This enables all classes of farming operations to be carried out, and the boys are given an all-round training which fits f them for a apprenticeship in practically any class of primary production. The on the . station include nearly 1000 run cattle, 80 stud cattle, 167 dairy cattle, over 9000 sheep, about 40 horses, and about 100 pigs. By the time a boy has completed a year on the station, he has gained a wonderful background on which to develop as a primary producer, and this initial training has been much appreciated by the farmers who have taken on the boys as apprentices. TUITION IS FREE. "When a boy has completed his training of twelve months at Flock House, he is apprenticed to an approved farmer for three years, and during this period the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture keeps in close touch with his progress. It is our aim under the scheme to give the boys the same opportunities to develop their skill and intelligence as the boys in other, walks of life. The training is free to any boy between the ages of 14£ to 18 years, who intend to follow farming pursuits, and the only cost to the parents is the cost of the boy's outfit, a medical examination prior to entering the station, and his rail fare. While the boy is at the station he is paid 2s 6d per week, of which Is is retained for the payment of his return fare. The staff at Flock House includes a farm manager, a housemaster, and a matron, and their assistants, and the moral and material welfare of the boys is the constant concern of the staff. THE TRAINING SYSTEM. "During the boy's residence at Flock House he learns to milk well and quickly, harness and drive a team, plough, and use the simpler farm implements, repair, erect, and strain a wire fence, dag and crutch sheep, use tlfe simple carpenters' tools, ride well, and care for horses and livestock, dig and plant and look after a vegetable and flower garden, cut and clear gorse and scrub, cook meals and repair boots and clothes. Generally the boys work for a minimum of six weeks in the milking shed, four weeks as teamsters, three weeks at fencing, four weeks as shepherds, and two weeks at carpentering, but naturally these periods vary according to the aptitude of the boys. "On the recreational side, the boys are encouraged to play games, and physical training forms part of their curriculum. There are tennis courts, a football and cricket ground, and a swimming bath on the station, and in wet weather the boys may have their recreation in the large social hall where religious services are also held, and pictures are screened weekly. The boys also have access to a canteen where most of their pocket money finds a resting place.. "I cannot imagine more ideal surroundings for a boy wishrng to take up farming," said the Minister, "and I am anxious that parents who wish their sons to go on the land should avail themselves fully of the facilities which are being offered at Flock Houss for their training and development."