A GREAT COLLEGE

Wairarapa Age, 22 July 1926, Page 5

A GREAT COLLEGE

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE. SITE AT PALMERSTON NORTH. GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS OUTLINED. (“The Age" Special.—By Telegraph.) WELLINGTON, July 21. In the House of Representatives to-day, the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. O. J. Hawken) announced that the Government had decided, after very full and careful consideration, following inspection of a number of properties submitted, to establish the Central Agricultural College on a site of some 880 acres of land closely adjacent to Palmerston North.

After citing the recommendations of the University Commission, the Board of Agriculture, and Sir Frank Heath that one agricultural college should be established in a central position in the North Island, the Minister observed that the new system of agricultural education needed to be so planned as to allow for harmonious expansion in various directions and for utilisation to the full of existing institutions. It was hoped to bring about a state of affairs under which not only would farmers’ sons undertake training to make themselves efficient up-to-date farmers, but also young men from the cities would realise the economic and other advantages of rural’life and take up a course of training to enable them to become farmers themselves. All this could only be accomplished if higher agricultural education could lead to the betterment of social and economic conditions of rural life, and, properly handled, it should do so. Again, the researches in agriculture should gradually collect data which would be of inestimable value to the Government in dealing with policy problems of the industry which arise from time to time. Setting a High Standard.

“It is truq," said Mr. Hawken, “that the country could not be expected to absorb a large number of agricultural graduates, but it is highly necessary that facilities be available for giving degree students a training up to a high standard, and the college will bo equipped, both as regards staff and general facilities for adequately providing such a course of education. Thus a training will be provided for young men, fitting them to become leaders in agricultural enterprises, teacher* and instructors in agriculture, both for work among the farming community and in our schools, and, what is highly important, will also provide a training for research workers whose activities will be directed at enabling us to reap the fullest advantage from our natural resources." Varied Soils. The Palmerston North site, the Minister continued, includes the McHardy homestead and about 24 acres of land situated alongside the Batehelor property. The site as a whole consists of some 880 acres of land, and contains a variety of types of soil which will be of special value to the instructional and research staff of the college in carrying out both demonstration and experimental work. 4 ‘One strong feature of the activities of the college/ ’ Mr. Hawken observed, “wiH be in connection with dairying, and this site contains land well suited for carrying on practical dairying work together with experimental work in connection with the industry. “It also possesses land suitable for cropping purposes under North Island conditions and for demonstrating practically all type of farming work. . . “Quite apart from students taking either the degree or the diploma course at the college, an important feature of the instructional work will lie in the provision of short, courses fdr farmers

and farmers’ sons; for dairy factory - managers, and for young men desiring a training in connection With dairy factory work. ... Organisation and Control. “It is the intention of the Government to provide a sufficient sum of ! money to enable a college and farm : buildings to be erected with fully adequate accommodation, including a hostel for students, and for the college buildings to be designed and equipped in a manner in keeping with the importance of the institution, and to ensure efficiency. An adequate annual sum for current expenditure will also be provided. It is proposed that the buildings shall be so designed as to be capable of extension in later years without in any way affecting the general symmetry of the structures. In order to provide an efficiently constituted controlling organisation legislation is being prepared to set one up, this organisation to have upon it representatives of the Auckland University College, and Victoria University College, together with farming and commercial interests. When this board is set up the question of the staff required to enable the college to carry out its instructional and research functions satisfactorily will be discussed with it and decided. Judging from the

.experience of the agricultural colleges established in other countries, it is quite possible that the number of students at the commencement may not be large, particularly as regards those taking the degree course, but it is both hoped and believed that the institution will, by good and satisfactory work; develop greatly as regards the attendance of students of all types as time goes on.” After five years the whole position will be reviewed from the point of view of determining what extensions are necessary. Mr. Hawken stated that the Government has in mind the development of a centre of instruction not only in agricultural science, but in other branches of applied science. It is hoped that 'Xew Zealand will thus have in the near future a centre of educational activity which should be of the highest value not only to the .great

pastoral and agricultural industries, but to other important activities of the Dominion's population. The activities of Lincoln College are to be continued and extended. In reply to Mr W. S. Glenn, the Minister stated that a Bill would be introduced to provide for the purchase of the site, and for the constitution of the board of governors of the college.