FARMING CAREER FOR GIRLS

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1933, Page 7

FARMING CAREER FOR GIRLS

PROFITABLE CHICKEN REARING.

NEW PLYMOUTH SCHOOL TRIAL.

The practicability of poultry-farming as an occupation for girls was mentioned by Miss D. N. Allan, principal of the New Plymouth Girls’ High School, at the breaking-up ceremony. “The seed of a new growth of work has been sown this year,” said Miss Allan. .“The teaching profession has ah ways absorbed a large portion of our girls. That door has been closed in their faces. Openings in the business world are few and far between, positions that since the war have been filled by girls and women are now being sought by boys and men. Another door closed. So we have been seeking other possibilities for the girl who needs to be self-support-ing. In England, agriculture, horticulture, bee-keeping and poultry-keeping are recognised industries for women. They have their agricultural colleges in which girls who love outdoor life may be thoroughly trained. ; “We were fortunate in being able to add to our Scotlands staff Miss Crawford, who had been warden of Harper Adams Agriculture College, England. We are limited in possibilities of extension at present, but we have been able to make a start.. Miss Crawford has a small class among the boarders which, next year, I trust will include day girls also. We have the beginning of our pedigree flock of Leghorn chicks. One hears it said that poultry keeping does not pay; nor does it with the old haphazard methods, but scientific handling has done much to improve the other stock on a • farm and poultry properly kept can become a paying proposition besides serving as an outlet for energy and a hobby for leisure moments.”