Wairarapa Training Farm of Instruction

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 81, Issue 6, 15 December 1950, Page 518

Wairarapa Training Farm of Instruction

NEVER before has the , . r ■ •. jr demand tor trained farm workers been as acute in New Zealand as it is todav and a Zzeaiana as it is toaay, ana a sign of the times is the demand from youths anxious to acquire a practical knowledge of modern farming practice. Im 1Q1« an arpa of 7RR acres was N 1918 an area of 73b acres was acquired in the Wairarapa by gift +ik lOr r amounting t £28,020, to which the Government co - tabuted a further £9OOO, the intention of the donors being to develop the area from therffit World°wS andsubset auentlv to set it aside fw the trlirdng o? youths desirous of taking up farm practice. The original proposal was put into operation and some 60 men received practical training in all phases of farming. Following that period the farm was used for various purposes in advancing the need for training in farm practice and after the Second World War it was again made available to returned servicemen. From January, 1944, 80 men have passed through the farm under the Rehabilitation Department’s scheme and have been given an intense course in. practical farm methods under the capable instruction of the farm manager, Mr. N. Blatchford, and his staff. The trustees and the members of the Rehabilitation Farming Committee consider that the training has been sound and the whole work well worth while. The property is controlled by a board : of trustees . (all practical farmers) and a manager and staff responsible to the board. In August, 1948, the trustees decided to carry out extensive improvements and enlarge the activities of the farm so that a scheme for training youths between

15 and 18 could be undertaken. The scheme is now almost completed and the farm will be available to accept applications from such youths, beginnin § a course in January, 1951. As only a limited number of students can be accepted, applications should be made without delay. Training will occupy 2 years. Farmed on, Commercial Lines The property is farmed on essentially commercial lines and the training will be practical; so that the trainee will U i re a complete knowledge of what be is doing and why. In addition short lectures will form J art of the curricuj and f arm library is available, Livestock consists of horses, some 2000 sheep, including stud Romneys and Southdowns, a Jersey herd, Polled Angus cattle, and purebred Large W S. pigs- , , ... . .Lield days, demonstrations, and visits to stud farms, A. and P. shows, e tc-, will form part of the training scheme. Trainees will be under the personal supervision of practical and widely experienced foremen and will receive instruction in dairying, stock work, and other phases of agriculture and m horticulture. All trainees join the local Young Farmers’ Club and take part in its various activities, thus fitting them to take an active part in the Young Farmers’ organisation when they go to another district. There will be a system of marking to enable a true assessment of progress during the period of training. Revisionary tests will be given at 3monthly intervals and quarterly rePorts covering progress, physical development, and behaviour will be furnished to parents. During the 2 years boys are at the Wairarapa Training Farm they will

receive 2s. pocket money per week in the first 3 months, 2s. 6d. in the second 3 months, 3s. in the third 3 months, 4s. in the fourth 3 months, and remuneration according to progress and results in the second year. The 3monthly increase may be postponed or totally declined at the discretion of the farm training supervisor if the conduct and progress of a trainee are inconsistent with his ability. In addition, to the pocket money paid a deferred payment of approximately £l5 is paid annually. This payment is made to the boy’s home address. Included in the curriculum is provision for sport and recreation; football, tennis, cricket, hockey, swimming, and, during the winter, billiards, table tennis, dancing practice, physical culture, and social evenings. Accommodation Trainees are accommodated in separate cubicles, with ample shower and bath facilities. The recreation room, dining room, and kitchen are up to date and ample good food is provided. When off duty trainees are under the supervision of a housemaster, a matron supervises the domestic arrangements and watches the health of the boys, and a resident doctor at Masterton is on call for any emergency. Rules and Regulations Rules and regulations are strictly enforced and must at all times be observed by trainees. Any wilful damage will be charged against the boy concerned and any serious breach of the rules makes him liable to immediate dismissal. Everything possible is done to see that the boys benefit during their period of training and are interested and happy during their stay. List of Clothing In addition to ordinary clothing, trainees must be provided with at least 2 suits for farm work, 2 pairs of heavy boots, a stock raincoat, 3 bath towels, 3 linen pillow slips, 4 single sheets. (All clothes and bed linen must be plainly marked with the trainee’s full name.) Application and Entry New trainees will be admitted toward the end of January. As accommodation is limited, early application is essential; if the number of candidates exceeds the vacancies, early applicants will receive priority. The trustees will undertake, if desired, to find suitable employment for each boy at. the completion of his training, provided his work and conduct have been satisfactory. Any New Zealand youth between 15 and 18 who is interested in agriculture and has the necessary medical and character qualifications may become a trainee at the Wairarapa Training Farm of Instruction. . Applications for entry should be made to: The Secretary, P.O. Box 11, Masterton.

Handling Calves for Vaccination