AGRICULTURE AND NATURE STUDY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 38

AGRICULTURE AND NATURE STUDY.

A WANGANUI PROPOSAL. WANGANUI, September 27. A conference was held by the EducatioH Board this morning for the purpose of considering details in connection with the classes which it is proposed to establish throughout the Wanganui educational district in agricultural work and dairyinsrDelegates were present from the local' bodies, the agricultural associations, and! tha branches of the Farmers' Unions from Hawera to Palmerston. The scheme, which was outlin&d by Chief Inspector Gray, and discussed at length, provided for the appointment of an instructor in agriculture*, and dairying to visit the schools and giv© practical • instruction to teachers. Tha objects of the scheme were (1) a more systematic and scientific method of dealing witii Nature study and the study of plant life;; (2) more definite technical instructions ii* district high and technical schools; (3) to carry the benefits of technical instruction! to the outlying centres. The conference unanimously endorsed the proposal, and decided to bring the isame before the bodies which they represented, with a view toi getting- financial assistance, it was also is-

Bolved that the Government be asked to provide definite annual amounts for the objects of the scheme, as laid down by Mr Gray, and members for different electorates through the district are to be asked to urge, the matter on the Government. It •was resolved, further, that in the opinion of the conference Nature study should be combined with systematic and practical work in school gardens, and that Standards 1, 2, end 3 should be included in the list of classes for which capitation was paid. A resolution in favour of t-be consolidation of rural schools was also carried.