TO TRAIN FARMERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17239, 15 February 1918, Page 7

TO TRAIN FARMERS

A NEW SALVATION ARMY VENTURE. The .Salvation Army's numerous activities in Now Zealand have now been jidded to by tho establishment of a, Boys' Training Farm in tho Waikato. This important step has been made possible by tho gift of a lease (with right of purchase) of 2060 acres of good land between Cambridge and Rotorua by Messrs George Alexander n.nd Ewon M'Gregor, both of whom have successfully farmrd similar land in the Upper Waikato. The land has already been purchased outright, and Commandant Charles Fitness has bren appointed manager.

In giving particulars of the new scheme to a reporter, Commifsioncr IT. C. Hodder stated that the Army was embarking on a new departure altogether. Owing to tho conditions 'brought about by the war, it rrprod with every nation to hred the cry, '' Back to the Lund , ," and to train as fanners those boys who wore too young to become soldiers. The authorities had seen in the gift the chance they wanted, and as soon as. possible tho land will bo converted into a general training farm for boys, the sons of fallen soldiers preferred. The idea is to secure such boys and others, such as those from the orphanages, between the agps of ]4 and 18, and indicate in them a love of tho land, whilo giving them a sound training in farm life. Tt is the intention to cover all branches — agricultural, pastoral, dairying, and poul-try-raising—and in addition to give boys a smattering of allied industries, such as blacksmithing, saddlery, carpentry, and the like—a thorough course extending over about four years. Tho majority of those turned out would be good farm but others, who showed a particular aptitude, would complete the ooiirFc more or less finished farmers, and perhaps the Army would help them to ptart on their own.

Commissioner Hodder nnd Brigadier Bray (director of the Army's social worlc) have left to inspect the newly-acquired property.