THE MASSEY COLLEGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20114, 27 November 1928, Page 8

THE MASSEY COLLEGE.

A new chronicle of gifts made to the Masscy Agricultural College adds to a list that has already reached encouraging' proportions. The latest additions are not, for the most part, donations of great size, though one bequest, of £SOOO, is certainly very substantial. The main significance of the constant accretions to equipment and finance is that they are indicative of practical and growing interest in the North Island centre of agricultural education. The college was late in coming into existence, considering that the agricultural and pastoral industries arc all-important to New Zealand. The history of its establishment at Palmcrston North, too recent to need recalling in detail, fjives a happy example of rivalry being transformed into co-operation. True, both Auckland and Wellington, with every excuse, abandoned reluctantly tho plans already made for the establishment of complete agricultural courses at their respective university colleges. Having agreed to the renunciation each carried it through thoroughly, with tho result that the Massey College was founded and launched with real goodwill. Now, quite early in its history, there is proof that its detachment from both cities, and its foundation on what, after all, was a compromise site, has not condemned it to that indifference with which many compromises are regarded. Already it is rich in gifts. Thcv have all been of practical value, but they arc even moro valuable as evidence of a living and keen interest in an institution designed not only to further the cause of scientific agriculture and of research, but to offer tho working farmer the opportunity to equip himself better for his calling. The Masscy Agricultural College promises to be a live centre for the further development of New Zealand's most important industry. The voluntary efforts to improve its equipment are therefore acts of high public worth.