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Otago Daily Times, Issue 19182, 27 May 1924, Page 8

THE FARM SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION. TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —There Las been some comment in the country lately on the Farm School now being held iu Dunedin. "Why can't it bo held in Show Week? Then hundreds would go." Well, the plain answer of the det partment is: "There are too many counterattractions during Show Week." And any reasonable man must admit that the contention is sound. Months ahead almost every available hour is booked up for other meetings, and the Farm School would be overlooked. Last year the same objection was raised; but the school fully justified itself, and was a pronounced success. But this year the enthusiastic students from Southland will not be in evidence, as a very successful school has just been held at Invercargill. Many districts are clamouring' for these classes, and, of course, the instructors will naturally be drawn to the localities which desire their presence most. It is hoped that now we have succeeded in establishing these classes hero, that they will never fall through because of a poor attendance. And to those who cannot attend the full course, it may be suggested that to go to the last three or four days of the course is better than not to go at all. The management of the classes makes everybody welcome, whether they are full-time or only halftime students. The wide knowledge of Mr Cockayne, the director; the enthusiasm of Mr Levy ior the grasslands of New Zealand; the valuable fieljd-work lately carried out by Mr Miller in reference to our insect pests; the comprehensive grip Mr Tennent has of all local conditions; the different points of view presented by tie old and young members of the class—all these combine to afford an education the value of which cannot be estimated by pounds, shillings, and pence. Those of us who have our noses to the agricultural and pastoral grindstone are apt to have limited views. The experts who lecture and demonstrate at these courses of instruction have opportunities for a much wider field of vision and observation. The New Zealand Farmers' Union has these classes very much at heart, and we hope that as many as are able will roll up to the Technical School during the- present week. —I am, etc., Fred. Waite.