PROPOSED HIGH SCHOOL FARM.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XVIIII, Issue 369, 12 August 1916, Page 2

PROPOSED HIGH SCHOOL FARM.

’ , CONFERENCE OF LOCAL bodies. : ; .QUEEN STREET EXTENSION AREA. The conference of local bodies convened by the Wairaate Agricultural Board to consider the projected High School Farm was held in the County Council Chambers this afternoon. There -were present: Messrs F. T. Wallace (Chairman), A. W. Barnett and Geo. Reynolds .(representing the Board; H. M. Whatman (County Council), R. Inkster (Borough) W Lindsay (High School Board), W. Geddes (A. and P. Association), W. F, Cheverton (School Committee), and T. W. Manchester (Farmers' Union), with Mr G. Pitcaithly (Headmaster and secretary of the Board). Mr Brown, of the Field' Experiment Department, came down from Wellington to attend the meeting. Mr Pitcaithly,, explained that' the object the local Board of Agriculture wanted the conference to urge was the securing of ’4O acres on Queen Street Extension (Waimate Settlement) for a farm on which experiments might bej' conducted) much as was, being done in conjunction with the Ashburton High School. Agriculture was now) a University scholarship subject, and the Education Department was prepared to assist with capitation and instructional services, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture. < ' Mr Brown explained the Ashburton system. There the area was about 150 acres. All the fences had been brought down, and! the Department was appointing a man to run the farm as an experimental farm. The High School pupils would be kept advised of every development daily, and could visit the- farm as a part of their schooling. They could mark off a small portion for themselves. He spoke on the general subject of scientific agriculture, but wound up with a practical application to the matter immediately in hand. They must catch the youngsters and teach them the science of the farm, He hoped they could,get this 40.acrc section. Later on such a site might not be available. The chairman thanked Mr Brown, and asked for a vote, on 'the question of the rental that ’the meeting thought would be warranted. In reply to Mr Pitcaithly, Mr Brown promised £l5O this v ear and more next year. His Department was prepared to pay for all labour and the- rentals. All the meeting had to do was to get tho ’land out of thei hands of the Lands Department. \ Mr Lindsay: You would be satisfied with some 1 return for your, money, Mr Brown? Mr Brown: Wo look for the information we can glean, as our return.