The Star. SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1914. THE FARMERS' CONFERENCE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 30 May 1914, Page 4

The Star.

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1914. THE FARMERS' CONFERENCE.

Delivered every evening by 5 o'olocK in Hawera, Manaia, Normanby, Okaiawa, Elthara, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakeho, Matrutahi, Alton, Hurleyville, Patea, Waverley.

The reports lately published of the proceedings of the provincial gatherings of the Farmers' Union will probably have come somewhat as a relief after the recent flood of party oratory. It is a pleasant change to get some honest talk about things that, are of practical importance to the greatest industries of the country. The addresses at the Taranaki conference were of practical value, but by common consent it will be agreed by the people interested in the Farmers' Union movement and all that it stands for in rural commercial interests, .that the annual address of Mr J. G. Wilson this year, and it has been for some years past, is paramount in interest. He gave a capital review of the position and prospects of the main rural industries, and it is satisfactory to find that, in his opinion, the development of the past few years is likely to be continued. There are great prospects ahead for the principal industries of the country, and if these prospects are realised, then not only will there be prosperity for the individuals and the classes engaged in these industries; but there will be accruing wealth to the whola community and accumulating capital wherewith to provide for the construction of public works and for the financing of the various ■activities of the State. In the past year the exports of the Dominion have approximated the record of £24,000,000 in value, a wonderful output for so small a community, and while the population is so well engaged in the peaceful work of produce-raising there need be no fear of hard times, nor any cessation of national development. But while Mr Wilson had a great deal of encouragement to offer on this aspect of the farmers' outlook, he did not neglect to point out that what he terms vocational education must be attended to if our farmers are to make the most of their labor and the most of their land and capital. Does anyone yet need to ask what is vocational education? If so, with confidence he may be referred to what is being done by the Wanganui Board in this district ; and we are glad to add also by the Taranaki Board. The Wanganui Board has led the way, and the Taranaki Board, seeing that good was resulting, has taken up the matter with energy. If these Boards persevere they will do great work. The school gardens, the experimental camps, the technical schools, the education in special subjects are stimulating taste, widening knowledge, creating an atmosphere in which there will be keenness for more knowledge. But we do want a few more Mr Wilsons to talk to the people and broaden their sympathies. It is true he said at Wanganui "that the older generation are perhaps past redemption," and that we must look to our young people. But he did not mean, we are sure, to be so sweeping as his words might convey. The older generation have a great part in the work that is to be done or should be done—the part of helping and en- i couragmg the movement, and seemg1 that it shall not halt for want of j means. In Northern Taranaki the! older generation are realising this and appreciating their duty, and are giving very satisfactory aid to the Education Board. In South Taranaki there is still something to be desired. The Education Board needs, and is going to ask for, more help i n order that this vocational education, in respect of which Mr Wilson pleads so strongly I may be developed and perfected and i brought to the farmer's home. It may I be hoped that Mr Wilson's address will have materially helped to make us realise m South Taranaki that there is a duty to help.