AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20304, 11 July 1929, Page 12

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

IMPORTANCE TO STUDENTS. THE LACK OF FACILITIES.' Agricultural education was discussed by speakers at the annual conference of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture yesterday. The question was introduced in tho early stages of tho conference by Sir Georgo Fowlds, who referred to the work of tho Massey Agricultural College. He hoped that something effective would bo done at tho college shortly in the way of horticultural- education. His remarks wcro followed up at length by Mr. F. J. Nathan, in his presidential address. Tho primary industries were, in his opinion, of such importance that too much could not bo dono in spending timo or money to attract tho attention of students to agriculture.. Ho deplored tho absenco of educational facilities for agricultural students. "If less attention were paid to matriculation and to its stipulation for a foreign language in that examination," said Mr. Nathan, "and more attention was paid to chemistry—agricultural chemistry —it would bo better."

For many years, the speaker continued, thov had appealed to various Governments for" llio establishment of a, dairy research college. Eventually Massev College had been founded, and it was justifying its existence. lie felt thai similar expenditure in 1 he other branches of agricultural education would be as \Vell justified. Mr. Nathan also referred to the work done within the institute to further horticultural education. The institute had been given power by tlio Government to issue certificates and diplomas. Such interest had been taken in the matter by those engaged in horticulture that up to llio present 105 diplomas bad been issued. Tlio subject was later brought up in a report from the examining board of (lie institute, and was again in the form of a remit, discussed by tlio conference. A Wellington delegate, Mr. W. S. Mason, spoke of the preparatory work that could be done by members in local propaganda. As a diploma-holder, bo ottered to co-oper-ate with others in such work, and in the extension of the institute. Interesting details concerning boys who had taken a course of agricultural study at the Heddon Memorial Technical College were given by Dr. W. S. llill, instructor at the college.

At least 40 pop'cent, of students at postprimary schools, lie considered, should bo interested in agriculture. The cities could not economically support more than 60 per cent, of tho population. In spile of tho disadvantages facing those entering on such courses at. present, bo found that oil|v 9 per cent., of students of agriculture at the college found their way to city life. Forty per cent.-were engaged in work on their parents' properties, arid about 20 per cent, had farms of their own. An equally largo proportion wero continuing their study further.

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