FORESTRY SCHOOLS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 23 September 1924, Page 9

FORESTRY SCHOOLS.

COMMENT ON GOVERNMENT’S DECISION.

THE LINE OF LEAST RESISTANCE

In commenting on the Government’s decision regarding forestry schools, the Herald says: ‘‘Two schools are ,'.o n.uch better than none that Auckland will join hands with Canterbury in appreciation of the Government’s action. So far as this district is concerned, there is every prospect that it will justify the decision. As the Minister of Education expresses the fact, Auckland has exceptional qualifications as a site for forestry research and training, and now that the main financial need has been met b3’ the Government’s grant, local support should he readily forthcoming tc. complete, the monetary provision and set the school on a sound footing. Congratulations to Canterbury, should be accompanied by a whole-hearted determination on the part of Auckland to make the projected school thoroughly efficient and successful.” The Star, which twits the Government with taking the line of least resistance, remarks: “The Government has not been courageous enough to make up its mind in favour of one of the rival claims, so it is handing cut an annual grant of £IOOO to each, plus a vote of £6OO for equipment. The result may be that in place of one good • o-'!. properly we shall have two inferior schools. Also it is doubtful whether there is room in the Dominion for two Schools of Forestry; whether there will be a -sufficient number of students to justify both; and whether the graduates of the two schools‘can be absorbed in the forestry work of the country. However, it is satisfactorv to know that something lias been done at last to put. the study of forestry on a proper. footing. Even if the Government has been weak in its decision, it .may be congratulated on bavins done something for forestry.” ; .