EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17410, 24 May 1928, Page 4

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

FOR AND AGAINST RUAKURA. REVISION OF SYSTEM. EDUCATING BOYS. A scathing indictment of the Ruakura State Farm and its uses was made by Mr C. A. Magncr (Te Kowhai) at the Provincial Conference of the Farmers’ Union this morning. “The Ruakura outfit is a fool of an affair,” he said. "It should be abolished. One little farm with an expert man and his wife on it would do better work than scattered farms like Ruakura., which has become obsolete.” Mr Magner said the whole system of experimental farms should be revised so as to provide lessons which would be of practical benefit to practical farmers. Other delegates refuted his remarks and paid a tribute to the Government in assisting farming In the Waikato. The remit under discussion read as follows: —"That the Government be requested to assist in the consolidation of country schools on suitable farm properties lhat will be governed by rules similar to those which apply to the experimental farm at. Dargavitle, and that the Education Board be requested to support any such practical scheme, anil to add a suitable course to the syllabus.” Gaplain H. M. Rushworth (Haifa to.)' said the only way lo stem the drift lo the city was to create an active interest in agriculture in the schools. After further discussion the remit was carried. Visits to Country. Wholehearted support was given a remit suggesting that arrangements should he made by the union in conjunction with the Education Department for city boys to visit farms in holiday time.