CLAIMS OF RUAKURA.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16780, 24 April 1926, Page 6

CLAIMS OF RUAKURA.

The movement, which had its origin in the motion brought by Cr. J. Gilbert before the Hamilton Borough Council this week, to urge upon the Government the claims of Ruakura as the silc for the proposed Agricultural College is one that should have the whole weight of the province behind it, While at first sight this agitation may appear somewhat parochial in tin: eyes of some people, it will be found incontestable, after a little close analysis, thai. Ruakura presents claims which cannot be approached by any other part of Ihe Dominion. In the establishment of an Agricultural College it is quite patent that many difficulties have to be faced, and those charged with the final decision in this matter have no mean task. One of the salient aspects of the college question is that of finance, and we think it will be freely admitted on all sides of thought thai, the barometer in this respect requires very careful nursing so far as the Dominion is concerned. Tlie college does not slop at what may be termed first cost, but Uic expenditure to be made at ttic outset, in the purchase and equipment of a college new in lock, stock and barrel would be a heavy drain upon the Treasury. Apart altogether from the natural advantages thai, Ruakura presents, the decision in favour of the site near Hamilton would remove one of the prominent difficulties to bo faced under the proposal of the Government. In short, the real 'problem of linaiice would by such a decision become an item of really very secondary importance. However, as jjro-

viously slated, Ruakura has other appendages which substantiate its right to choice. In reality 150 acres there have been set aside for a college site for some time. It is a properly highly developed, excellently laid out and well equipped with slock, many of which animals are scheduled in the highest pedigree standard to be found in New Zealand. Agriculture, horticulture and live stock breeding, practically to Ihe fullest extent of the curriculum in each, have been carried out at Ruakura over a long period. The work, in the main, that the college would undertake lias its facilities already established. Ruakura is valued at £IOO,OOO, .it is a well-oslablishod institution competent to the needs lo which a University College would he put. , Above all it is Government property, and all other things being equal, as we confidently assess them in furthering the selection of Ruakura, it.would appear that no logical argument can be raised why it should-be passed by and the country committed lo the expenditure of many thousands of pounds the people can ill-afford upon the purchase of site in some other part of the Dominion.