10334. Is it proposed that there will be any experimental plots in connection with the school?—Yes, small plots in the gardens. The particular thing is to give the students the scientific basis on which agriculture is founded, and to give them experiments and suggestions which will have some reference to agricultural practices as far as possible. It is not intended to have a farm in connection with the school. The students there at the end of the course would have a certain knowledge of the science upon which agriculture operations depend. If they were going to become practical scientific farmers it would be necessary for them to put in some time on a farm, and as soon as they had done their practical work they could go on with the university diplomas in agriculture. What is to be the provision for them, whether the State will make some further provision in the way of an agricultural college which will give the students the practical work after having gained a knowledge of the theoretical basis of it, is a matter which will have to be considered. There is a committee which has been appointed to deal with that amongst other things and make recommendations.

10335. By Mr PAYNTER: It appears that the students to these high schools have to be selected by the inspectors of the districts?---For scholarships.

10336. Can boys be sent to these high schools without being so selected?—So long as they are up to standard. The inspector as he goes round a district will see that the children who wish to go to these high schools are up to standard, apart altogether from their selection for scholarships. Those children who were found to be up to the standard would be marked as eligible to go to the high schools if they wished.

(The witness retired)
                                                                       

The Commission adjourned.