Emphasis on Teaching

Gricultural

[?]Ogress In P-Ng

Emphasis on Teaching of Native Planters

HE second annual conference of [Agricultural Extension Officers in Papua and New Guinea was i at Goroka between November ind 9. The Eastern Highlands trict Commissioner (Mr. H. P. je), officially opened the con duce. he principal speaker was Mr. t. Herriott, Chief of the Division Agricultural Extension and In nation in the South Australian lartment of Agriculture. His sub “The Social Content of Agri [ural Extension Work.” mong officials invited to attend observers were: Two officers of Netherlands New Guinea De cent of Agriculture; Mr. J. O.

Ith, Agricultural Officer in the lartment of Territories, Can ■a; Mr. J. P. Reynolds, a lecturer n the Australian School of Ific Administration; and various ministration officers from the iartment of Native Affairs, and [research divisions of the De cent of Agriculture.

Ibjects discussed included:

jlems and their remedies in ve copra production; the intro lion of perennial crops to native culture; the coffee industry, with lal reference to extension work mg native producers; and the

integration of agricultural extension techniques.

There are now 46 Agricultural Extension Officers In the Terri tory, and 53 trained Native Assist ants on field work.

In addition, 266 natives are re ceiving agricultural training, and about 200 have completed courses of six to nine months. These are designed for the combined purpose of enabling native producers to im prove their knowledge and skill for the working of their own holdings, or qualifying for positions as skilled agricultural assistants on Admin istration and Mission Stations, or with such organisations as Native Local Government Councils and Co-operative Societies.

i* H S£ 6i: 61 agricultural training is provided through a one-year A°S, u at Magiri, a Department of r^tS ltUr A e . station in the Sogeri SS t Vb^ t . present 22 trainees are raxing this course. t George Naufahu, of Tonga, was beaten on points by Owen Brady in a heavyweight boxing contest at Derby, UK, in November. Naufahu downed Brady for a count of nine twice during the fight. Johnny Halafihi, of Tonga, defeated Billy Dean in a cruiser-weight contest in England in November, Dean retir ing in the second round with a cut over the eye.