FARMERS OF THE FUTURE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 14 December 1912, Page 6

FARMERS OF THE FUTURE.

SH.EA'RINiG DEMQXSTRATTON AT

HA-WERA

HOW (NORTHERN LADS HANiDLE EHE SHEARS.

A BIG DEMAND FOR THE STiU-

iDENTS

STUD DJUFjCTOR'S OOMFIDENIOE

(From our Travelling IRepoiriter.) HAWERA, Dec. 13. A great deal of prominence hias lately been given to the splendid work 'being done 'by the agricultural classes in the southern end of the Wanganori Education Board district,, but it moist not be forgotten that the northern territory, under the very capable instruction of Mr R. Brown, Director of Teichnioal Education., is producing same really thoroughbred /farmers as a result of the instructiioai given. Yesterday Mr Fred Pirani, chairman, of the Board, Mr G. D. Braik, Director off Education, and Messrs Dixon andl 0'Dea, members of the Board, paid a visit to Hawera, and fooind the class,. numbering seventeen, engaged in shearing sheep. There were also aborat twenty spectators, and all present received quite an eye-opener as to the expert way in which the sheep weire handled, and the general excellence of the work done. During the short time the parity were present, 17 crossibreds were deprived of their fleece, one little Iboy about thirteen years of age being particularly skilled in the use of the shears. The reputation the (boys have gained for good quality of the work bias induced several farmers to forward small flocks to these young students for shearing purposes, whilst one stud breeder, manifested such confidence that he allowed the class to shear eonne of his stud sheep. Now, quite a demand for the boys has set in from small flockmasters, semis of whom have ©ven offered the control of their sheds. It is quite possible that • next year a number o<f contracts will be undertaken. The work includes (packing and ibalimg for market, besides the sorting of tihe fleeces.

# At the conclusion of the demonstration Mr Pirani addressed the olaiss and pointed out thlat the instruction they were receiving was not only in the direction of how to shear well. It taught them also self-reliance, strength of character, and individuality, and eiveai if the members of the class did not follow an agricultural vocation, the instruction received under the direction of Mr Brawn must necessarily have a marked influence on the life of each' 'hoy. Mr. Pirani referred to th© liberality of the farmers who had displayed such interest in the classes, and to the very fine feeling which had prompted so "many acts of generosity. In"condusion, the Chairman paid great tribute to the' ■capabilities and the fine character of the instructor, Mr Brawn, who, definite great difficulties, had surmounted them all by his masterly (methods. The work of Mr Bronvn was second to none, ;ittd the Board of Education iwas very fortunate in having such a capable (agricultural instructor.

Mr Braik also eulogised the work of Mr Brown, whom he designated a "Ibedrock" man—one who got toh e right poaiit at the right time. The shearing demonstration ended with three cheers .each for Mr Pi rani Mr Braik and Mr Browh.