AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3698, 27 January 1925, Page 15

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

DISCUSSION BY OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY. At Friday’s meeting of the Otago A. and P. Society the following resolutions were submitted for consideration. — (1) “That the committee place on record its appreciation of the generous contributions received towards the establishment ot agricultural colleges.” (2) ‘'ihat the meeting recommend that all contributions be concentrated so as to ensure one college being established and fully equipped.” (3) “That no success can be achieved bv having chairs of agriculture established at several universities without providing for the necessary facilities for a course of training.’’ (4) “That the meeting urge tho Minister of Agriculture to secure the passing of a Pure Seed Bill during the next session of Parliament.” (5) “That to develop and extend the growing of pure seeds in the Dominion a qualified plant breeder be appointed.” Mr James Begg, in apologising for his absence, pointed out that the position of higher agricultural education was most unsatisfactory, and stated that if tho committee could suggest any method to mend the present difficulty it would be rendering real service to agriculture. Mr Begg considered that one college would be ample to meet the requirements of New Zealand in its present state of development, but it was very doubtful if the generous gifts that had hern made could be available for one institution. Mr Begg pointed out that the expense involved fully to equip and establish one college made it practically impossible lo have one of these in each of the existing universities. Mr Black considered the present position was unsatisfactory, and said that naturally those who had contributed such large sums of money stipulated that the money should be expended in a certain district. The question of urging tho Minister of Agriculture to pass, during the next session, a Pure Seed Bill was a matter that required careful consideration, and no motion should be passed until those directly interested, both in th© growing of and dealing wilh seeds, should havo had an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the Bill. After some discussion if was derided, on the motion of the president, to defer consideration until next monthly meeting.