THE CHILDREN'S FARM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14473, 13 September 1910, Page 4

THE CHILDREN'S FARM.

Mrs. Close's farm for children in Canada, which was so highly commended by Lord Strathcona during his speech at the opening of the new offices of the New Brunswick Government in the Strand, is the outcome of a scheme to benefit Poor Law children and reduce the rates, with the assistance of boards of guardians. Mrs. Close and her daughter made a tour in Canada some years ago, and they travelled slowly through the country, making themselves thoroughly acquainted with the local conditions of the various districts supposed to be suitable for children. Nearly every part of Canada was equally in favour of the scheme ; but New Brunswick speedily came to the front with an offer of exemption from taxation for a term of years, a grant of 200 acres of free land for every 20 children, as well as other advantages. These conditions turned the balance in favour of New Brunswick, and, thanks to the generosity of a friend, Mrs. Close was enabled to purchase a farm near the village of Rothesay, 15 miles east of St. John, on the main line of the Intercolonial Railway and the main road, both of which connect the city with Halifax and with Rimouski, on the St. Lawrence. The farm is half-a-mile from the station called Nauwigewauk, a curious old Indian name. Following the lines of the scheme, Mrs. Close fui'nished it for a maximum of 20 children and two officials, and then added a wide verandah and built a house for the resident farmer near by. The land consists of 185 acres. The total cost works out at £80 per bed, or £1600 for 20 beds. The average cost of village homes for children in England works out at £275 per bed, equal on the same basis to £5500 per 20 beds. The fare of a child under 12 years of age from London to the door of the arm is £2 12s 6d. The farm is managed in such a Way that the children live under precisely the same conditions as do the children of the neighbours, who are all farmers. The local school, with about 80 scholars, is only 300 yds away, and about four miles further is a magnificent Macdonald Consolidated School, with about 150 scholars, where the most advanced technical education in carpentering and agriculture is given by a staff of resident masters. All education is free, and Government omnibuses convey the children daily to and fro.