314 EDUCATION 



they then presented to be circulated throughout the Chambers 

 of Agriculture, and in pursuance of the powers given to them to 

 add to their numbers, they have obtained the co-operation of 

 Mr. Bowen- Jones and Mr. William Stratton. 



Your Committee have had opportunities during the past year 

 for more fully considering the system for instruction in agri- 

 cultural science recently introduced by the Government Depart- 

 ment of Science and Art, and is more than ever convinced that 

 this scheme enables science instruction to be brought within 

 the reach of a considerable portion of farmers' sons at a very 

 small cost. 



They have to report that these science classes are now esta- 

 blished in connection with some of our agricultural institutions, 

 and are meeting with satisfactory support in their respective 

 localities, and are largely attended by students \vhose privilege 

 it thereby becomes to combine practice with science in their 

 home training in agriculture. They would especially name the 

 class formed in connection with the Newcastle Farmers' Club 

 mainly through the instrumentality of Mr. Thos. Bell, a member 

 of your Committee. 



They find that the weakest point in the entire arrangements 

 is the great difficulty of obtaining properly trained science teachers, 

 and therefore recommend that your Council should make the 

 following representations to the Department of Science and 

 Art : 



1st. That it is of the utmost importance that instruction 

 in the principles of agriculture should be forthwith given to 

 those who are now in the Government Schools at South 

 Kensington, undergoing preparation for acting as science 

 masters. 



2nd. That every assistance which the Department can 

 render for giving instruction in the principles of agriculture 

 to science masters now settled in the county as teachers 

 should be afforded them. 



3rd. That the study of the principles of agriculture should 

 be encouraged in all training colleges in which masters are 

 educated, by allowing them the option of taking this subject 

 in common with other sciences, as one which will carry marks 

 toward their certificate. 



In submitting this report your Committee further venture to 

 recommend that each of the local Chambers of Agriculture be 

 invited to appoint an Education Committee for the purpose of 

 co-operating with existing educational institutions in the pro- 

 motion of agricultural education in their respective districts. 



The Secretary of the Science and Art Department at South 

 Kensington will, on application, furnish information as to the 

 preliminaries necessary to start a class, and what assistance 

 Government will render. And your Committee understand that 

 an official representative of the Department will be sent, free of 

 expense, to any locality where more detailed information is 



