Flock House Farm of Instruction

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 69, Issue 5, 15 November 1944, Page 435

Flock House Farm of Instruction

Flock House Station, established in 1924 by the trustees of the N.Z. Sheepowners’ Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund for the training in agriculture of overseas boys, was acquired by the Government in February, 1937, and is now open to New Zealand boys of from 14% to 18 years of age who have passed the necessary medical examination and are of good character, THE Station is situated in the Rangitikei County, nine miles from Bulls, near the mouth of the Rangitikei River. General Aim The general aim is to give an initial training in all branches of , farming, make a boy self-reliant, instil a sense of responsibility, and generally to give him a decent outlook on farm life. The term is for twelve months, and applicants may enter at any time of the year. There is no fee, the only cost being that of the regulation clothing outfit, a list of which is given later. Remuneration Remuneration as set out hereunder is paid during the period of twelve months boys are at Flock House: —

As will be seen, the bulk of the money is paid to the credit of a savings account which is opened on the boy’s behalf when he is admitted, and only . sufficient for pocket money"" is paid to him direct each week. Further, the advancement in remuneration

of a trainee is at the discretion of the Manager, Flock House. The Department of Agriculture undertakes to find suitable employment for each boy on completion of his training. Application for entry should be made to:— The Director of the Fields Division, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Wellington, Cl. The property comprises approximately 8,000 acres lying between the Rangitikei River and the coast, and varies from rich alluvial flats along the river frontage to typical sand dune country along the coast. Approximately 6,000 acres are stocked, the balance being devoted to an afforestation scheme. . The property is farmed as far as practicable along commercial lines, due regard being given to the initial purpose of training. Tuition is principally along practical lines, supplemented by lectures by the staff and officers ,of the Fields Division. . The farm buildings, tools, and implements are not other than would be found on any well-equipped property of similar size and farmed on intensive lines. Livestock Horses: Good-quality draughts are bred on the farm, and also suitable hacks.

Cattle: There is a herd of approximately 90 good-type Jerseys and the usual young stock. About 1,000 head of well-bred Aberdeen Angus cattle are run. These include a breeding herd of 350 cows. All steers are fattened on the property. A small stud herd is also kept. Sheep: Approximately 9,000 sheep are wintered, including 6,500 ' ewes bred to Romney and Southdown rams, ewe lambs from the former being retained for replacements to the ewe flock, and wether lambs and Southdowns fattened. Pigs: Purebred Berkshire sows are bred to the Tam worth, and all pigs fattened. Accommodation Trainees are accommodated in the hostel, a two-storied concrete building set in ideal surroundings. Dining rooms, etc., are situated in an up-to-date annexe, the whole being lit by electric light. When off duty the boys are under the supervision of a housemaster, the domestic arrangements being in charge of a matron, who is a fully qualified nursing sister. The food is good and ample. Recreation This is under the direction of the housemaster, and. is well catered for. There is a large recreation hall adjacent to the hostel, where a weekly cinema is held, and also dancing and indoor games. There is a good swimming bath, cricket and football field, and a nine-nole golf course. Religious services are held every Sunday. Rules and Regulations Trainees must conform to the rules, which will be strictly enforced. Any wilful damage will be charged against the trainee concerned. List of Clothing Required Khaki shirts, 3*; denims (trousers), 3*; work coat, 1; oilskin, 1; work boots, 1 pair; towels, 3; grey shirts, 2*; 'grey trousers, 2*; pyjamas, 2*; singlets, 2; best shoes, 1 pair; sand shoes; bathers; pull-over; best sox; working sox, 6 pairs*; handkerchiefs, 6; laces, leather and cotton, 3 each; overcoat; best suit; hussif; boot outfit; brushes, hair, clothes, tooth; comb; pad and envelopes; ties; braces; belt; cap or hat; blankets, 2; rug, 1; sports coat; coat hangers; best shirts; gum boots, knee, have been found to be very useful. Items marked * will require renewing at end of about eight months. The work boots to be military type, not too heavily nailed.

Amount to be Remuneration held in Savings Period. per Week. Account per week. For the 1st 3 months .2/6 1/6 ” ” 2nd" ” .. 5/- ' 3/6 ” ” 3rd ” ” .. 10/8/- ” ” 4th ” .. 17/6 . 14/6