SCHOOL AGRICULTURE

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1929, Page 17

SCHOOL AGRICULTURE

HENRY LANE SHIELD PRESENTATION TO ARARATA. THE WINNERS CONGRATULATED. The shield presented by Henry Lane and Co. for most points in the Boys’ and Girls’ Competitions, which was won this year by Ararata School, was presented to the school at a function in the Ararata Hall on Tuesday night. There was a large attendance of residents, Mr. A. G. Larconi, chairman of the Ararata School Committee, presiding. There were also present: Messrs. H. G. Dickie, M.P., J. R. Corrigan, president of the South Taranaki Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Association, S. A. Chisholm, representative of Henry Lane and Co., E. K. Cameron, secretary of the association, J. W. Palmer, Department of Agriculture, and R. Syme, district supervisor of agricultural instruction in schools. . Mr. Larcom said that it was a creditable achievement for a small school like Ararata to win the shield. The head teacher, Mrs. M. A. Carleton, had taken a very keen interest in sclfool agriculture, and during the past two years the school had won a great number of prizes at the summer and winter shows and at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club competitions. Mrs. Carleton and the children were deserving of the congratulation of the people of the district on the splendid work they had done. Mr. Chisholm, on behalf of the donors of the shield, added his congratulations to the teacher and children. He had received a letter from his principals asking Jjim to convey their congratulations to the winners. So far the shield had not been wOn outside Taranaki., He then asked Mr. Dickie to make the presentation to the head teacher. Mr. Dickie said they were much indebted to Henry Lane and Co. for such a fine trophy. He complimented the school on its outstanding feat, and hoped that now they had won it they would hold it, and have their names inscribed on the small shields around it. The Boys’ and Girls’ Club movement was growing, especially in the Manawatu, where there is very good land, and they will be. putting in a challenge for the shield. The drift to the towns should be reversed. Agriculture wag one of the most honoured of professions and it took a man of brains and ability to become a successful farmer. Mrs.'Carleton returned thanks, stating that they highly prized the trophy and everything in their power would be done to retain it. EFFORT FOR BIG SHOW. Mr, J, R. Corrigan congratulated the children, and hoped they would continue to hold the trophy and prosper’ with the work of the clubs. He mentioned that very shortly the Hawera Winter Show would attain its majority. It was intended to make the next show a big affair, and he asked for the cooperation of every school in Taranaki in making a special effort to put in as good - exhibits as possible. Prizes won by pupils at Ararata School in last year’s competitions were presented by Mr. Corrigan as follows: — George Lundberg, silver cup, first champion for carrots, silver badge, first in group for carrots. H. Joblin, silver cup, second champion for carrots, silver badge second in group for carrots.

George Joblin, second in group for mangolds, J. O’Connell, third in group for mangolds. Calf-rearing. —Sydney Parker, first for dairy type; H. Joblin, first for rearing, Friesian class; Daisy Joblin, second in Jersey class, and R. Tarrant, third in Jersey class.

A gold medal was presented to George Joblin for the best crop grown in the district, a crop of mangolds, 104 tons 12cwt to the acre.

A gold medal was awarded to George Lundberg for the champion carrot crop of South Taranaki, over 59 tons to the acre.

Mr. Palmer, on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, conveyed their congratulations. He said that the former holders of the shield, Tikorangi school, were after it again this year. He stressed the importance of the cooperation of the parents in these competitions, - Mr. R. Syme said that last year Tikorangi won the shield with 51 points, but Ararata this year had obtained 72 points, this -number being well ahead of any other school. He appealed to residents ,to support the movement financially, pointing out that the money raised would be subsidised by the Government up to £4O. During the evening a number of musical items were contributed as follows: Folk dancing by the pupils of the school, songs, Miss Eileen O’Connell and Mrs. W. V. Parker, and Highland dances by Master George Lundberg and Miss Sydney Parker. A clever exhibition of conjuring given by Mr. E. K .Cameron proved a source of interest and wonderment to the audience.

Dancing was carried out to music played by Mrs. R. Corkill and others, Mr. Thomlinson being M.C., and an excellent supper was served by a ladies’ committee.