THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1924. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18813, 13 September 1924, Page 10

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1924. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES.

Is giving to the House bis opinion that there should be established, for the present, only one agricultural college in the North Island, at some place yet to be indicated, the Minister for Agriculture spoke for himself. In the Budget mention is made of two such colleges in the North Island, and, although tho matter has not yet been before Cabinet, an impression has been created that two are to be provided. There is still uncertainty as to the precise programme to be followed in establishing higher education in agriculture on a better footing; but there need bo no hesitation in asserting this district's right to be given those facilities, whatever may be done elsewhere. Whether there is to bo a special school of agriculture at Auckland's university college, or a chair of agriculture there to supply tho teaching requisite in the technically agricultural subjects of the degree course in agriculture, or a separate institution established to meet the need, is a matter of • some importance. But, at the moment, in view of Mr. Nosworthy's declaration in favour of only one institution in the North Island, what is vitally essential is that Auckland's claim should not be brushed aside. There is no objection to other districts being given full facilities. Indeed, the ideal arrangement would be to give each of the four university districts an agricultural college, or chair, or special school. Stretching through a dozen parallels of latitude, New Zealand presents not one problem in agriculture, but many. It would therefore be an excellent investment to give each district higher educational facilities. Researches having more or less local bearing could then be carried out to advantage. Closer attention could bo given to conditions distinguishing broadly each district. The whole Dominion would profit by such thorough and intimate investigation and instruction.. However, in spite of the insistent counsel of those best versed in the Dominion's diverse needs, this wise and equitable treatment of New Zealand's need may be deemed impracticable. In the event of a decision to provide higher education in agriculture in only one district in this island, Auckland has a paramount claim to be the locale of that new departure. The Minister's proposal to strengthen Lincoln College in order ' to make it serve tho need of the South Island commends - itself as a sound one, if that island is to have its higher education in agriculture centred in one place. Lincoln College has not hitherto fulfilled the purposes of an agricultural college of university rank. It has been more farm than college. But its regime may be modified and its scope extended to make it serviceable for higher ends. There is no apparent reason why, so adapted, it should not admirably accomplish the purpose Mr. Nosworthy has in view. So the South Island's one agricultural college of university standard can be economically and efficiently obtained. Turning to the North Island, he has obviously to choose between the Auckland and the Wellington university districts. In making the choice, it should be borne in mind that Auckland's claim has been often openly favoured. Whenever its'appeals for recognition of its engineering instruction have been denied and its requests for a school of dentistry have been pressed unavailingly, there have been frank and repeated promises that it should have agriculture. The University Senate has encouraged the hope. Last January it agreed to recommend the Government to make provision for agriculture at both Auckland and Wellington, in the expectation that these places might have equal treatment. Profiting by the late Sir Walter Buchanan's bequest, Wellington, has proceeded to the appointment of a professor in the subject and is organising its scheme of instruction. But, against Sir Walter Buchanan's gift of £10,000 for agricultural instruction in Wellington, Auckland has Sir John Logan Campbell's bequest of £20,000, which tho estate's trustees are making available this month. Already other funds, including Sir Arthur Myers' promise of £100 per annum for three years, are in sight, and any action the Government may take will be loyally seconded by local generosity. All that is necessary is the prosecution of a financial campaign, which will take definite shape as soon as there is assurance of the Government's favourable view of such a development here. There need be no hesitation on the part of the Government. The general argument for expenditure on such an educational enterprise cannot be gainsaid. The Dominion's cultivable land is passing out of the stage of virgin richness. There is an urgent need for scientific attention to the soil's capabilities. This involves expert research and higher technical instruction than has yet been given. Already tho Dominion's failure to provide adequately for education in the science underlying its chief industry has become a reproach. As to the localising of that education, Auckland's need is impressive. This district has experienced an agricultural and pastoral development exceeding that known elsewhere in the Dominion. A third of New Zealand's export of farm products goes from this district. Yet what has happened is but an earnest of what may be brought to pass when higher education in agriculture enables farming to be fully scientific and intense. Within the

wide bounds of the district are vast possibilities. It has climatic conditions that broadly distinguish it from other areas, and a variety of soilß calling for special treatment. The urgency of agricultural development which marks the Dominion is especially emphasised here, aud the time is fully ripe for a bold policy. It is certain that educational facilities provided! outside the district will bo of very little value to Auckland, and it is equally certain that, provided within it, they will add to the prosperity of the whole Dominion in greater ratio than similar provision would produce elsewhere.