9

H.—29a

" 2. That, with a view to securing an adequate number of trained instructors in the various branches of agriculture, either for the Department of Agriculture or for the Education Department, the following steps should be taken : — " (a.) That facilities for teaching the subjects required for the B.A. pass in agricultural science and for advanced agricultural science for the B.Sc. degree should be provided at each of the University colleges." — (Confirmed.) " (b.) That special encouragement in advance of present arrangements be given to students of training colleges who show a special aptitude for agricultural work to proceed to an agricultural college to complete their training." — (Confirmed.) " (c.) That a bureau of information and guidance should be established under the Education Department in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture in order to induce lads from secondary and technical schools, as well as teachers and other persons, to pursue a course of study in agriculture, and to advise them concerning the steps they should take." — (Confirmed.) " (d.) That both Lincoln College and any agricultural institution of suitable standing to bo established in the immediate future by the Agriculture Department make special provision for the training of agricultural instructors and experts."— (Deferred pending Mr. Nosworthy's visit to Lincoln College.) " (c.) That to enable Lincoln College to fulfil more completely its function as a University school of agriculture, and to provide the necessary instruction for students of the type required, substantial financial provision be made for the necessary buildings, equipment, and additions to staff." — (Deferred.) " 3. That in the opinion of this conference any area of agricultural land in excess of what is necessary for small plots to demonstrate essential scientific principles is not required and should not be provided in connection with any secondary or technical school." — (Confirmed.) " 4. That, in regard to agricultural clubs for boys and girls, the resolution passed by the Board of Agriculture and the Council of Agriculture at their recent meetings bo confirmed by the conference, with a suggested addition to the effect that where clubs are already in existence conducted by organizations other than agricultural and pastoral associations these be continued as at present, but that an endeavour be made to link them up in each case with an agricultural and pastoral association.' ' —( Confirmed.) " 5. That one school of agriculture of University rank should bo established as sufficient for the present requirements of the Dominion." — (Deferred.) " 6. That farm schools should be established in connection with Government experimental farms, under the Department of Agriculture, wherever the demand for instruction warrants such establishments.' ' — (Confirmed.) In connection with the farm schools, the following recommendations are made : — " 1. That one man be in charge and responsible for everything on the farm, and that he be given such assistants as are necessary for the efficient conduct of both the practical farming and the instructional work.'' — (Confirmed.) " 2. That one member of the staff undertake the immediate control of the students' welfare and general behaviour." — (Confirmed.) " 3. That, in addition to practical work in all branches of agricultural and pastoral operations, instruction be given in— " (a.) Elementary science and mathematics bearing directly upon practical farming-work. " (b.) Instruction in English, history, and civics on general lines calculated to make the students good citizens in after-life —in this connection a good library to be provided. '" (c.) Instruction in practical matters indirectly bearing on farm-work in New Zealand— e.g., saddlery, farm carpentry, farm blacksmithing, concrete-work, &c."— (Confirmed.) " 4. That if any charge is made for board and lodging of students it should be at a low rate, to be reduced for the second year." — (Confirmed.) " 5. That in all cases a bond should be entered into by the parent or guardian undertaking that the student shall not be removed, without adequate cause until his course is completed." — (Confirmed.) " 6. That the course of instruction be for two years." — (Confirmed.) " 7. That in order to properly co-ordinate their work, and to receive a short refresher course, agricultural instructors should meet together each year for at least one week at some place centrally situated for both North and South Islands." — (Confirmed.) After some discussion the following resolution was passed in the matter and forwarded to you : " That the Board views with satisfaction the conference which has taken place between the Department of Agriculture and the Education Department, which has defined the work of each Department in connection with agricultural instruction, and hopes that the recommendations made to the Government will be given effect to as soon as possible. Boys' Agricultural Clubs. The Board also discussed with Dr. Reakes the best methods to be adopted to bring the agricultural and pastoral associations and other farmers' organizations into this movement, and we advised you that — " The Board of Agriculture is of opinion that to encourage competition by boys in connection with agricultural clubs — " (1.) An organizer should be appointed and a sum of money set aside for that purpose and for the allocation of prizes.

2—H. 29a.