FARM TRAINING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26027, 15 December 1945, Page 8

FARM TRAINING

AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL A CLYDEVALE PROPOSAL The conversion of the Clydevale linen flax factory buildings into an agricultural high school was urged by a South Otago deputation at the meeting of the Otago Provincial Council of the Federated Farmers of New Zealand yesterday. The proposal, as outlined by the deputation, was set out in a letter to be forwarded to the Government through the Department of Agriculture, and the meeting decided to support the representations of South Otago. The letter stated, inter alia: We understand that the pioneering work done by the Feilding Agricultural High School has met with considerable success. We have read with great interest the report of a special committee of the Auckland Education Board and its proposals for a similar type of school in South Auckland. We urge you to consider the claims of South Otago, and we contend that when the linen flax section is finished with the Clydevale site no finer opportunity would ever present itself for a project of this kind. Use for Linen Flax Factory “The flax mill area is situated in the centre of the rich pastoral and agricultural district of Clutha Valley, and the consolidated district high school is only half a mile away. The majority of the boys attending the secondary department are not interested in academic examinations, but have gone on to the land, and no doubt boys from this school will continue to do so. The Lawrence and Tapanui District High Schools are on the fringe of the district, as is the South Otago High School at Balclutha. These schools and others further afield would doubtless have pupils of the.age of 16 beyond their second post-primary year who would welcome the opportunity of continued education of a type that is right in line with what they need. “The local Farmers’ Union is a strong organisation, while the Young Farmers’ Club has a large number of members, most of whom would welcome short courses at an agricultural school. Further, one of the best-known stud sheep farms in the South Island is a few miles away. “The present flax mill buildings are most suitable for the purpose we advocate. The hostel has accommodation for 20 odd boys. Three modern houses are available, plus many smaller houses at present used by the married employees. The office could be converted easily into a lecture room and the deseeder shed could be used for the barn, shearing operations, etc. Other buildings are available for implement storage and so on. The ground—s 4 acres—is very suitable and doubtless additional acreage adjoining could be acquired. There is a good water supply from the Clutha River and Clydevale, half a mile away, has a post office, store and garage. Support Accorded Mr E. D. Boyd moved that the wishes of the deputation be supported by the executive. , , Mr S. Mosley, who seconded the motion, assured the meeting that the district was prepared to get right behind the project and do everything possible to ensure its successful operation. The chairman (Mr J- S. Hunt) said the project was worthy of the executive's support. It did not conflict in any way with the idea of an experimental State farm. - It was decided to give unqualified support to the proposal.