RURAL EDUCATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8183, 26 July 1912, Page 1

RURAL EDUCATION

MARION SCHOOL FARM PROGRESS OF OPERATIONS AT THE INSTITUTION. The Marton School Farm is commanding a good deal of attention just now, and it would seem as if operations are developing in the direction of an Agricultural' High School, where the boys can be boarded and taught tho usual secondarj' course, together with agricultural instruction such as field wont, etc. At present tho boys are mustered at the school farm each Monday morning, but tho weather is not always suitable lor outdoor work. About thirtj’-fivo boys _ attend, -from Taihape, Hunterville, • Wanganui, Martou, and Fcilding, and though no estimate cun j et be given of the .number who intend to adopt an. agricultural life, all seem to be very mucii interested in the instruction given, particularly that iu connection with live stock. Three instructors deal with the farm students, namelj', Messrs Bait (veterinary science), O. Banner (agricultural implements ' and pigs), and Grant (animal husbandry). Mr Halt I alien the lads for about an hour and a half, and h« teaches the home doctoring of anPnais; whilst Mr Grant deals with animal husbandry, the different characteristics of daily and beef tj'pes being profusely illustrated with lantern slides procured in the district. The slides veto made from photos taken of some of the host flocks and herds in Hangitikei. Mr Banner teaches the young farmers of the future ,how to use and care lor farm implements, and he impresses upon them-the, necessity of knowing each, part and also its use. Tho instruction deals principally with tillage instruments, including ploughs, cultivators, seeding machines— broadcasting and drilling—rollers, mowers', etc. it® shows how years of work can lie obtained from them .with careful usage. Another important subject he intends leaking shortly with, is manures and manuring, the object being to discuss the unit value and use of different manures for different crops, and at the same time pointing out the bad effect of'-certain manures on certain crops. Furthermore, Mr Banner having come direct from Hawkesburj- College, which contains one of the finest pig studs in the Southern Hemisphere, the question of' pigs and pig-roisiug is one that will receive prominence. Owing to the icceut bad weatuer field operations have been retarded, but preparations are now being made for springsowing, and it is intended putting down one acre in early potatoes, the other four acres of the school farm to fall in with tho general routine of crops.