80 



passed through the elementary studies. Rutherglen was properly- 

 equipped, and if this were done arrangements could be made for 

 non-resident students to be admitted. That would increase the 

 range of men who could be gradually educated in the higher 

 branches. 



Mr. Craike thought that would be going the wrong way to 

 work. The college was under the Council of Agriculture, and 

 he thought it not wise to ask the Government to interfere. It 

 would be better to ask the Council of Agriculture to make the 

 necessary arrangements. 



Mr. Pounds thought that that council was, to an extent, on its 

 trial, the same as the Viticulture Board, and he thought it was a 

 matter of consideration as to how far the Viticulture Board could 

 have control over the colleges or have some use of them. He 

 understood the question had been a question of funds, audit would 

 be a question for the Viticulture Board to make recommendations 

 to the Minister. Those present were there at the invitation of 

 the Minister, and they might leave it to him to adopt or reject as 

 he thought fit, but he (Mr. Pounds) thought a mere expression 

 ■of opinion might do good. 



Mr. Ievine asked did not the last speaker think the CouncU of 

 Agriculture would shelve the matter ? 



Mr. Pounds did not think so, because they had practically made 

 all the equipment for the instruction, and had the instructors. He 

 did not know what had been done at Longerenong, but he under- 

 stood they had nearly all the machinery necessary to carry it out. 

 He did not think it would delay the establishment of the college 

 at Rutherglen for an hour, but he thought it would supply them 

 with men who had received primary instruction and be of use to 

 them. It would be the same as grammar schools to the univer- 

 sity or colleges. 



Motion lapsed for want of a seconder. 



Mr. West moved — " That this meeting of delegates approve of 

 the principle of an alteration being made in the Local Government 

 Act with a view of giving councils the option of making their 

 rates upon the unimproved value of the land." At present it was 

 made on improvements, and to all new industries like viticulture 

 ■and orchard growing it was unfair. He thought some resolution 

 should be passed to that efEect. 



Mr. Ceaike asked what was meant by giving the option ? He 

 thought they should be compelled to do so. 



Mr. Williams seconded the motion. It was similar to one 

 passed by the horticulturists some time ago. In seconding the 

 resolution, however, he would add that it should be made com- 

 pulsory. 



Mr. West said he moved this because there was always merit 

 in giving an option in a matter, and in the existing state of public 



