H.—29a

8

in hand, and depute an officer to visit America with a view of making inquiries regarding markets for our produce, and also with a view of endeavouring to get into touch with some business firms dealing with meat, outside of the Meat Trust, who would be prepared to handle and sell New Zealand meat on the American market. The Prime Minister stated that he was in sympathy with the proposal, and would give it consideration, and see what could be done to meet the wishes of the Board. At a later meeting Dr. Reakes reported to us that, in conformity with the Board's request for the appointment of a Trade Commissioner to make full inquiries as to possible trade for our meat and other products in the American and other markets, Sir Thomas Mackenzie had been requested to visit New York and other centres in the United States of America on his way from. London to New Zealand, and to report to the Government. Agricultural Instruction. Dr. Reakes reported that the subjoined recommendations with regard to rural education that the Board had made to the Council of Agriculture at their 1920 conference had been brought forward and discussed at a conference held in Wellington between the Department of Agriculture and the Education Department in August of last year, and that this gathering had practically endorsed the suggestions made by the Board. " The Board of Agriculture realizes, as every one must, the necessity of increased production, and this must necessarily come largely from the land ; it has therefore discussed the means by which this can be brought about. It realizes that education must play a great part in demonstrating to the farmer the means by which the production can be increased, and would lay before the Council of Agriculture a scheme of education to be aimed at, as follows : — " 1, The Board views with satisfaction the cordial co-operation that exists between the Fducation Department and the Agriculture Department in re agricultural education, as shown by the success of the short farmers' courses carried out by officers connected with both Departments at Ruakura, and urges that these classes should be established wherever possible. If an experimental farm is not available, arrangements might be made to hold such classes at the farm of some wellknown farmer, where accommodation for those attending could be obtained nearby. " 2. Tho Board, having watched the good work of the field instructors connected with the .Agriculture Department, is of opinion that their number should either be increased or assistants be appointed so that experiments or demonstrations could be greatly increased in number covering farm operations in tho various districts. " 3. That where possible farm schools should be established. " 4. The Board desires to impress upon the Minister the great need of a fully equipped agricultural college, with sufficient land connected with it for all the necessary requirements, and urges that immediate steps be taken to utilize the money so patriotically bequeathed to the State by the late Mr. Josiah Howard to provide such a college. " 5. That in connection with such agricultural college there should be appointed (1) a bacteriologist, (2) a chemist (who should be a bio-chemist), and (3) a plant pathologist for investigation and research purposes, with a sufficient area of land set apart for their use. " 6. Thus stops would be provided so that any student could gain both scientific and practical knowledge of the farming operations. To complete the educational structure it would be necessary that a Chair of Agriculture in connection with some University college should be established, so that a degree in the science of agriculture could be taken, and thus give a standing to the teachers who would take such a degree. Bursaries should therefore be provided to enable students whose parents were not able to give them this advantage to attend classes and sit for the agricultural degree, the practical work being taken at any appointed agricultural college. " 7. Further, that to encourage young people, either at schools or farms, those agricultural and pastoral associations who are prepared to conduct competitions for the young, in raising crops and the breeding and rearing of animals, should be subsidized to enable them to carry out such competitions, as these have been found to be of great service in the States and Canada in awakening an interest in improved methods of raising crops and live-stock. " 8. District committees representing agricultural and pastoral associations and County Councils to act in conjunction with the agricultural instructors of both the Department of Agriculture and the Board of Education to work up interest in agricultural education generally. " These committees to arrange practical experiments to demonstrate the best use of the various manures and lime. " If the Council of Agriculture endorses these proposals the Board considers that the recommendation should be forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture jointly from the Board and Council; and, further, that the Board would ask the various agricultural and pastoral associations to set up the above-mentioned district committees of farmers to work with and assist the various Government officials connected with experimental and demonstration work." All of these recommendations were subsequently endorsed by the Council of Agriculture excepting No. 6. The following resolutions in the matter, which were passed at the above-mentioned departmental conference, were afterwards dealt with at a meeting of yourself and the Hon. Minister of Education with the heads of both Departments, on the 26th October, 1920, with results as shown in notes by the Minister of Education :— " 1. That the function of Education Board instructors lies in work in primary, secondary, and technical schools ; that of Agriculture Department instructors with farms and farmers and with lads requiring practical training after leaving' school. That, pending the securing of a sufficient number of instructors to meet requirements, the field officers and instructors of the two Departments work in co-operation," — (Confirmed.)