HON J. A. HANAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11595, 13 January 1916, Page 2

HON J. A. HANAN.

VISIT TO CHRISTCHLRCH. THE CANAL AND EDUCATION". The Hon J. A. Hanan, Minister of Education, had an opportunity yesterday of seeing the site of the canal it is proposed to build in order to connect Christchurch with' the' sea/. With Dr Thacker, M. Isitt, M.P., he motored to Mount Pleasant, where Dr Thacker explained that it was intended to establish Port Christchurch and make "one pf the best harbom-s south of the Line." He stated that Mr Hanan was the twentyfirst member of Parliament and the fifth Minister who had been taken to Mount Pleasant to see the position of tho canal. . .

Before leaving for Wellington in the evening, Mr Hanan said that he was greatly interested in the scheme, and was indebted to Dr Thacker for giving him an opportunity of seeing exactly whero it was proposed to make the canal. Ho was charmed with the view, especially of Christchurch, and he was convinced that this beautiful city had a great future before it. His tour yesterday had shown him the city was growing in a way that reflected tho prosperity notable throughout the Dominion.

Chatting on education, one of the subjects very near to his heart, and of his aims and ambitions, Mr Hanan said that he felt deeper interest should be taken in agricultural education. New Zealand depended upon agricultural development for its prosperity, and'specialisation was required in that industry, more, perhaps, than in any other industry conducted in this country. New Zealand was destined to become a country of small holdings. In that case, when settlement became closer and cultivation more intensive, agricultural education would become moro valuable. There was special education for professional men; there was technical education for workers; and there should be agricultural education for farmers. Skilled agriculturists' would produce more wealth. Both the Education Department and the Agricultural Department were interested in the movement, but at present they were not working in co-operation. Consequently, a national scheme, beginning with the boy at school and ending with the man on the laud, was not •possible. In the W r anganui district, farmers were taking a gratifying interest in the movement.. The" benefits of agricultural education wero clearly recognised in some parts of the country, and if similar recognition was given in other parts of New Zealand much would be done to promote the progress of agriculture, and secure largely increased productions, a higher standard of quality, and enhanced wealth to the community. He wished to see New Zealand prepared for what would take place after the war, and to meet tho greater demand for byproducts. The people should try to bring about national efficiency. ' To do that, there must be thoroughness in training, because that was the path which led to efficiency.