AGRICULTURAL TRAINING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20323, 2 August 1929, Page 14

AGRICULTURAL TRAINING.

NEW ZEALAND'S PROGRESS. BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR STUDENTS. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] PALMERSTON NORTH, Thursday. "While in Australia recently I came in very close touch with all those engaged in the various branches of the agricultural occupation, and considerably with those specially interested in research work," said Sir George Fowlds, at a meeting of the Council of the Massey College to-day. "I found there, as here, their rapidlyincreasing interest in the question of agricultural education and research. "While nono of tho States I visited — Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria—have made very great advances ahead of us in New Zealand, they aro all deeply interested in the question and plan some measure of extension of the work, both in education and research. I came back more fully convinced that ever that we are svorking on tho right lines in connection with the establishment of this college. I make that statement not merely as an opinion of my own, but as a result of discussions of the question with those who aro engaged in tho different branches of agricultural education in Australia. "A lame portion of the work in each of the States is controlled by tho Agricultural Department, and nearly all tho men engaged would like to have greater freedom, which is universally recognised as belonging to all institutions of this kind. "Then there is one thing which I think important., and which I would like to emphasise for tho benefit, of this country. That is. that every competent student who goes through college is rapidly snapped up for a Government position. My considered judgment is that the opportunities are now greater for university-trained men as research workers in agriculture than in practically any other learned profession. I think (his is of importaneo to tho present students of tho college, and it ought to be instrumental in encouraging other bright men to take up the study. 1 got a list from Professor Watt, of Sydney, of men who have gone through his school during recent years. Practically every one of thorn has been taken up either in the Government departments in education work, or in connection with industries which, are closely connected with agriculture. "T met several members of the Re search Council in Australia, nod every one of them complains about the difficulty of getting thoroughly trained men to carry on the work which is waiting to be done, and T have not the slightest doubt that all the capable students turned out by us for years to come have vciy promising careers ahead of them, if not. in this country then in Australia. In tho matter of dairy research work we aro probably better' organised now than any part of Australia.