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Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1925, Page 2

Although the winter schools in the past have not been remarkable for outstanding success, it is good to see that the authorities are persevering with the proposal and that it is intended to hold a winter school on the Coast about July. On this occasion there is to lie a travelling school, that is. instead of asking those interested to come io a common centre to hear the lecturers, the lecturers will visit the several centres a., far as time will permit. This variation may prove, more successful in reaching a greater number of folk who ought to he interested in acquiring knowledge at the school, but limited to a week only for the whole Coast, it means that- there will he serious limitr.tions to the work to be performed,

and a consequent limit to the knowledge to he imparted. By limiting the subjects, there will he, reduced opportunity, and in that respect the possibilities of the school will become limited. With a day for each centre only, there will be a brevity about the work ' amounting to a brief scamper through the subjects taken in hand. For this immediate neighborhood it is proposed to set apart one day only for Arahura and Kokatahi, and the suggestion is to hold the school on the one available day in Hokitika. A single day, it is believed, is all that can be given to .South Westland. It is obvious that- a hurry scurry such as this "ill not do justice to the themes on which the farmers would be interested, and an effort should be made t > have the time of the School doubled at least, so that not less than two days might he devoted to any one centre. The settlers should be given the fullest opportunity in the matter. They are remotely situated and are often in a quandary regarding expert advice, which is more readily available for farmers ill centres nearer more populated places. Presumably the Agricultural Department has the staff and it is a matter only of adjusting their time to suit the needs of the district wherein expert guidance is greatly required by those going on the land, and requiring direction. Doubtless. if the settlers themselves, "ho are chiefly interested in the matter, moved through their organisations, they would secure a better concession from the Department. After all, the matter will lie governed chiefly by the amount ot local interest displayed, and it would be opportune now to be alert to the position, and seek to have a more generous itinerary granted to the Coast as whole. Scientific knowledge and exiert treatment governing work about the farms, is of the greatest economic honelit to the settlers, "ho should he disposed to seize such an opportunity as the present to acquire the class of information specially useful lor them in their every day work about the farms. While welcoming the proposal for the Winter School, the settlers can show their appreciation best of all by securing an extension of its duration, and a full attendance at the School during its progress.

Nominations for the municipal elections close to-morrow. It is to lo hoped the ratepayers will display an interest in the event, end make an elfort to see all the seats contested. An election not only stimulates public interest. but infuses life into the members elected, who must perforce outline some policy for consideration, and once elected, are in honor bound to seek to advance the town along the lines indicated. There is room for active work in eonne -lion with municipal affairs, and the term of oflito can he made a useful and interesting one for the town. The retiring Council is leaving some proposals niid:seliarged, and these with new works to he undertaken, will provide a good business year. Interest in the welfare of the to" n should be such that theic should be no lack of candidates so that the electors may make the best choice. There is now a very liberal franchise and ample possible candidates to draw U |, m . n will lie too late after to-mor-row to rail against the Council if the itizenx neglect- to put torunrd 1! best men for the position. The choice ,:f candidates in the first instance is with the ratepayers, and it is to >• hoped there will he a I response ta the request of tile Returning Ofiber lor candidates to fill the responsible p-.sili affecting local government for the next couple ot years.