TRAINING FOR BOYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17909, 11 October 1921, Page 8

TRAINING FOR BOYS.

FARM NEAR PUTARURU.

SALVATION ARMY SCHEME.

GOOD PROGRESS MADE.

Excellent progress is being made in the establishment of the Salvation Army' 3 boys' training farm near Putaruru. The project embraces both a home for boys and the development of a farm where students can obtain practical agricultural training. The scheme was initiated some three years ago, when, through the generosity of Messrs. E. McGregor and W. C. Alexander, of Hamilton and Putaruru, the Army was enabled to take possession of an estate of 2000 acres, with the idea of converting this expanse of tea-tree and fern-covered land into a modern farm. The farm is situated about eight miles from Putaruru, a"nd an attractive scheme of development is now in operation. A great change has already been effected in this great tract of primitive country, no less *han 500 acres having already been brought under cultivation, and green fields and fair crops, grazing cattle and sheep are to be seen in place of the waste of fern and scrub of a breif year or two ago. There are at present over 40 boys in residence at the farm, and a number of orphan boys are being selected in England with the idea of bringing them out to the healthier and better conditions of New Zealand farm life. A home with accommodation for 80 boys has been erected, while there is also a special home for farm students. Six young men are now undergoing a course of agricultural training which will enable them to acquire the scientific ar.d practical knowledge necessary for modern farming. The farm at Putaruru is to be developed on sectional lines, each section featuring some special branch of industry and training. The dairy farming section is now receiving special attention, an up-to-date milking shed has been erected, milking machines installed, and the nucleus of a good herd is being developed! The educational requirements of the lads at the farm have been fully recognised by the authorities, and a school has been erected with accommodation for 100 pupils and a special suite of rooms for a resident teacher.