SOLDIERS' TRAINING FARM.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 45, Issue 13794, 26 March 1919, Page 6

SOLDIERS' TRAINING FARM.

A SU-fiTAJfTIAL VOTE

Tho question of making a grant- towards the Taratani soldiers training fajm waa considered at a meeting of tho executive of tho Wairarapa J'&tuctie Association in Masterton ysstcrday.

A letter wa« read from jfcle.svra Oawith and Logan, solicitors, stating that tho rules of tho Association provided that grants may bo lawfully mado to insululiojis of the character indicated.

Tho chairman (Mr H. Morrison) who had given notice that a vote of £o0M) be made to the. fund, stated that, after giving tho matter consideration, he had come to the conclusion that the. grant might be substantially increased. The Repatriation Committee had relieved the Association considerably, though there would still be much work to do. Mr Morrison was of opinion that the training farm would bo of great value to soldiers. Ho considered the vo'C should bo increased to at least £10 000. V 7 hen in Wellington recently, be lad iutf-viewed Colonel Acland, the- officer who was in, charge of limbless soldiers. This officer luid asked if men who had lost a. limb were adapted for farming. He (Mr Morrison) had replied that they wore, provided that they were put. on suitable land. Colonel Acland had expressed delight that a training farm for soldiers was to be established. He (Mr Morrison) was of opinion that men who had been badly shattered should be given first consideration on the farm.

Mr W. Perry stated that the bad cas-c's would receive first consideration.

Mr Hornsby asked for information as to the financial side of the institution, and «s to what the Government had done.

Mr Perry said that it was estimated that X 12,000 was required. The settlers had agreed to find the farm and the stock, on condition that tho Government provided £9000 for the building.

Mr Hornsby was of opinion that the Government should bo approached for an increased grant. Mr A. McDonald said they had agreed to do everything if the Government found £900*0.

Mr W. Perry did not think they should make a further demand upon the Government, in the meantime.

Mr D. McGregor said the Government had made no provision in the buildings for poultry farms, etc. The chairman stated that the Association had at present a total sum of £61,266 in hand. Mr Hornsby did not think this sum would be enough for the requirements of the soldiers. " Mr McDonald stated that a lot of the money advanced in loans was coming back to them. The chairman said a sum of £12,50u had been loaned to the Masterton Bor o igh Council on debentures. This mon--t»v aid not fall due until 10"! "Mr G. C. Summcrell stated that he had interviewed their banker, and ascertained that the Borough Council debentures of £12,500 could be handed over to the training farm. Mr Hornsl.A- asked if this would meet the requirements of the farm. Mr Perry replied that it would.

The chairman said that when in Wellington ho had ascertained from Mr L. 11. Tripp that there was a possibility of a grant being made by the Advisory Committee towards the farm.

Mr Summprell moved that the "Mas terton Borough Council debentures, amounting to £12,500, be handed over to the Board of Control of the Taratahi Training "Farm, the interest to be computed as from March Jilst. Mr Hornsby seconded tho resolution. Mr D. McGregor supported the motion, stating that the funds of the Association were intended for returned soldiers su.-h as those who were going upon the farm. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously.

Mr "W. Perry thanked' the Association, on behalf of the committee, for its handsome contribution. This would enable the committee to proceed more expeditiously with tho work, and to provide at an early date for the soldiers requiring training. Mr Perry mentioned that the farm, besides being of value to tho Dominion, would ultimately become of great value to the district. Each district would have to provide its own education for farmers-, and this farm would become an educational institution for tho Wairarapa. He again thanked the Association for its donation . Tho chairman said that the farm would be available for any soldiery who required experience. lie anticipated that there would bo lectures for soldiers . Mr D. McGregor said that provision was being made in the buildings for the accommodation of visitors. Mr Perry pointed out that lectures were provided for at the Hawkesbury Farm, in New »South Wales, and he had no doubt they would eventually be part of the education here.