SCHOOL AGRICULTURE

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 18 November 1932, Page 5

SCHOOL AGRICULTURE

REPORT TO' BOARD. VISITS TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS. A report of visits to primary schools was given by the senior instructor in agriculture to the Taranaki Education Board meeting at New Plymouth on Wednesday. He said that most schools had had their third visit, after which instructors would have time to assist at the finalising of the call-rearing' competitions. The courses of work- for the year were nearing completion and progress along suitable lines was noticed.

The proficiency examination was to include rural science as a compulsory, pass subject. That would certainly have the effect of enhancing the importance of science with some teachers and parents, but there was the danger that a reversion to cramming for the examination might stultify much of the good in the work. In several schools there was a- tendency to modify the instruction because or the examination and that fallacy had been pointed out.' The questionnaire on each teacher submitted by the department to the inspectors was a greater safeguard of right science training in the schools. The State Forest Service was able to supplv bnlv pinus radiata seeds, but, thanks to* Mr. J. V. Henderson, of Bird school, whose pupils saved the seeds, a supply of macrocarpa ahd lowsoniana was made available for the majority of schools: A supply of karo seeds collected by the Mokau pupils was issued to coastal schools. There was already noticeable some improvement in the care necessary for good nursery work. The South Taranaki clubs were continuing their home science section with an enlarged schedule. Appreciation was expressed oi the effort by teacheis to stimulate and maintain interest m the clubs at a time when there were many demands on their time. It- was on their co-operation with the focal supervisors that the best results depended. Mr. W. P. .Grant, president of the Pig Breeders’ Association Uacl consented to demonstrate and judge m the pig-rearing competition. In district high schools steady progress was being made with the science work, and work of very fair to good standard was being done.