Short history of the origin and establishment of the "Boys & Girls' Agricultural Club Movement" in Taranaki : and of the move to form a "Nature Lovers' of Co-operative Citizenship League"

Buckeridge, Geo. H. (George Henry), Taranaki Daily News, New Plymouth, N.Z., 1944

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Title: Short history of the origin and establishment of the "Boys & Girls' Agricultural Club Movement" in Taranaki : and of the move to form a "Nature Lovers' of Co-operative Citizenship League".

Author: Buckeridge, Geo. H. (George Henry)

Published: Taranaki Daily News, New Plymouth, N.Z., 1944

trusting you may find this interesting and "Worthy of your full co-operatioru

‘With the (Compliments of Qeo. c 3~£. 53 uckeridge

(Frontispiece)

TIKORANGI SCHOOL

sth May, 1943.

Headmaster: Mr. W. Anderson.

BOYS AND GIRLS’ AGRICULTURAL CLUB’S BROADCASTING TEAM.

Hon. OrKuniser: Mr. (leo. H. Buckeridge.

Girls: Beverley Lye. Kathleen O’Carrol, Gwen Jury, Marjory Anderson, Eileen Johnson, Patricia Lye, Irene Carmichael, Joan McAsey, Eileen Foreman, Margaret Carmichael, Rita Whitehead. Boys: Geofrey Gundeson, Max Foreman, Vere Jury, Cecil Smart, Claude Furze, Maurice Smart, J. Whitehead, Jack Carmichael, Evilns Lye.

Dedication

In loving memory of my dear parents, my brother, and my patient and devoted wife, to all of whom I owe so much.

Foreword

I want it to be clearly understood that, in consenting to the request of a large number of friends that I should write this story, I make no claim to any credit in connection with the origin and establishment of the Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Club Movement other than that of being able to recognise a good idea when I see or hear it, which I inherit from my parents, to persistence in advocating and in working to achieve it, which I owe to my brother’s fine example, and to my wife’s patience and encouragement.

The real credit for the success that has hitherto, and will in the future, come to this Agricultural Club Movement is entirely due to the excellence of its “Team Work.” To the Presidents and Secretaries of the Clubs and of kindred Assocations; the chairman and Members of the Education Board; the Agriculture Instructors; the Schoolteachers; the Judges and Supervisors; but most of all to the courageous endeavours of the children themselves for their devotion and persistent striving for excellence of achievement, often against scant encouragement and even opposition from some who should have given them all the help and encouragement possible.

I gratefully acknowledge my deep indebtedness to my friend, Col. Claude H. Weston, D.5.0., K.C., for so kindly consenting to write the Preface to this little work; also to the Director General of Agriculture in granting me access to the Department’s Library; and the Senior Inspector of Technical Schools for data that he very kindly supplied me with, and to the many kind friends who have assisted me in the gathering of records.

GEO. H. BUCKERIDGE,

Kelburn, Wellington.

October, 1944.

I desire the net proceeds of the sale of this little pamphlet to be set aside as the nucleus of a fund to be used for financing the Reciprocal Visits of Club Teams that are referred to in these pages, as a small contribution towards world peace.

Preface

I regard it as a great honour to be asked by Mr. Buckeridge to write a Preface to his history of the origin and establishment of the “Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Club Movement” in Taranaki and of the Movement to form a “Nature Lovers’ or Co-operative Citizenship League.”

I am glad to have an opportunity of paying tribute to his selfless enthusiasm which, seeking no reward, has received the only reward it values in seeing its work come to fruition. Also as a “Man in the street” to acknowledge the immense importance to the Dominion of the institution he has founded. Its value to the community as a whole cannot be over-estimated and with our innate clear-sightedness we New Zealanders will be sadly lacking in our duty if we fail to support it with all the powers we possess.

CLAUDE H. WESTON.

Wellington,

Bth October, 1944.

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SHORT HISTORY of the ORIGIN and ESTABLISHMENT of the “Boys & Girls’ Agricultural Club Movement” in Taranaki and of the movement to form a “Nature Lovers’ or Co-operative Citizenship League ”

Early in 1912, whilst on my way from England to New Zealand it was my good fortune to travel from New York to Montreal with a member of the staff of the Department of Agriculture of Canada who had been attending a conference, at Washington, in connection with w.bat is known in the United States and in Canada as the “4 H Club Movement.” He was good enough to give me a very full description of the splendid work being done for agriculture by these clubs in both these countries. This so impressed me that I determined to endeavour to get something of the sort started in New Zealand on my return. Two years later I had again to visit England and on my way, both going and returning, I called upon the Department of Agriculture, in Winnipeg, and was very kindly supplied by them with the fullest possible information, including a set of the department’s journal, containing the full history of the “4 H Club” activities up till that date. (These journals are now in the library of the Hawera Technical High School to which I presented them.)

Shortly after my return to New Zealand I took up the position of secretary and organiser to the provincial executive of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union in Taranaki and in that capacity commenced to advocate the establishment of clubs, similar to the “4 H,” in Taranaki, with the object of training our boys and girls so as to give them a proper conception of their obligations to each other and to the State, and of making good citizens of them.

Taranaki was fortunate in having, at this time, as the editor of the agricultural columns in the Hawera Star, Mr. C. H. Walker, to whom for the splendid assistance in publicity, and for the enthusiastic support and encouragement that he gave to the movement in every way, Taranaki owes a very deep debt of gratitude. Even with this valuable help, however, it was not until the provincial conference of the Farmers’ Union held on May 19, 1920, that I deemed the time was opportune to make a direct appeal for a start to be made, and the matter was then brought forward.

A report of what took place in reference, to this matter, taken from the Taranaki Daily News, 20/5/20, is as follows: “Twentieth Annual Conference of the Taranaki Provincial Branch of the Farmers’ Union held at Patea. Mr. R. Dunn, provincial president, in his address said: ‘Mr. Buckeridge, the provincial secretary of the Farmers’ Union, has outlined a scheme to create an interest in agriculture and stock raising among boys and girls attending schools in Taranaki, and to establish boys and girls’ clubs something on the lines on which they are run in U.S.A. and in Canada. It is hoped that such a scheme will stimulate and

encourage a love of agriculture in our young people, and as it is proposed to run the scheme by the Farmers’ Union with the help and co-operation of the technical and district schools, it is hoped that the movement will have the assistance of everyone who has the welfare of the boys and girls at heart and an interest in furthering the cause of agricultural education.’ In his report as organiser, Mr. G. H. Buckeridge said: ‘I have for some time suggested to the branches a scheme for starting boys and girls’ clubs in connection with the union, on somewhat similar lines to those that have proved such an immense success in Canada particularly. I trust the conference will fully consider this matter and that some definite steps may be taken to inaugurate these boys and girls’ clubs.’ ”

The conference favourably considered the proposal which was referred to the provincial executive to take further action in the matter, and at their meeting held on July 15, 1920, it was decided to issue invitations to representatives of the Department of Agriculture, Taranaki Education Board, and school teachers from Hawera and surrounding district, to meet members of the executive of the Farmers’ Union to discuss the possibility of forming agricultural clubs for boys and girls.

The meeting which was held in Mr. Buckeridge’s office, Hawera, on August 14, 1920, was reported in the Hawera Star (16/8/20) as follows:—“ The meeting was attended by the following: Mr. R. Dunn, provincial president Farmers’ Union, chairman, Mr. Buckeridge, provincial secretary, and Messrs. J. W. Deem and A. J. Glasson (Dept. Agriculture); F. Mills, D. Ward, W. Huggins (executive); H. C. Johnson and A. Browne (agricultural instructors Education Department); F. Innes, Herbert Jackson, S. Francis, E. Barry, G. A. Lyall and Mesdames Sangster and McNeill, and Misses Cowles, Laird, Murray and Simmons (school teachers). Apologies for absence from Messrs. Strack, Honore, Hewlett and Miss James (school teachers).

“The chairman in his opening remarks said the purpose of the meeting was to formulate some scheme whereby they could further the training of the boys and girls of this district to become more efficient in practical agriculture. He suggested that clubs operating on somewhat similar lines to those already established in Canada and the U.S.A. should be formed in this district. The matter was discussed at length and it was considered that while it was not possible just yet to establish clubs on the same extensive scale as those in Canada and U.S.A. some scheme might be evolved that would enable the project to be given a trial, that participation should be on an entirely voluntary basis, and that the crops should be cultivated on plots on the farms or home properties.

Mr. Dunn then moved, and it was carried: That a committee consisting of Messrs. Dunn, Deem, Johnson, Francis, Lyall and Miss Laird, with Mr. Buckeridge as secretary, be set up to formulate a scheme.

At the subsequent meeting of the committee the following resolutions were carried: (1) That in the opinion of this committee boys and girls’ clubs should be divided into two classes (a) for primary schools only, (b) for secondary school pupils and those who have left school up to 18 years of age. (2) That competitions be undertaken, for the first year in South Taranaki, for growing mangolds and swedes, and for calf rearing (the competition in this

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to be limited to grade calves). Owing to the lateness of the season calf rearing was not gone on with the first year.

The secretary was instructed to write the Department of Agriculture and to ask for the co-operation of their instructors, also to the Taranaki Education Board and the Taranaki branch of N.Z. Educational Institute for their approval, and to invite the teachers and farmers to give the scheme their active support to make it a succces.”

In his report with reference to this (Vol XXIII, N.Z, Journal of Agriculture, Fol. 36-40) Mr. J. W. Deem, Fields Instructor, Agriculture Department says: “In discussing ways and means the question arose as to how far the school teachers should be asked to assist the movement, and, while it was recognised that any assistance they chose to give must be voluntary, their goodwill was particularly sought in giving the clubs their moral support and assisting the children to keep their records (which it was considered were very essential to the value of the competitions). After a season’s experience I can testify to the great value of the teachers in the success or otherwise of the work. The teacher has great opportunities to help and to keep up the enthusiasm of the competitors, and the success or failure of a club will to a large extent reflect the attitude taken up by the teacher. It is interesting to note that the two most successful schools this year had a lady teacher in charge, also that the champion mangold (that of Miss Annie Thomlinson, of Ohangai, weighing 77 tons, Bcwt) and of swede crops (Miss Emily Woods, Rawhitiroa) were grown by girls. It was also decided to appoint a member of the Farmers’ Union in each school district to act as local supervisor or agent on the spot, who would keep a general supervision over the work, assist in the distribution of ■ material, arrange for visits of inspection, judging, etc. Nineteen schools entered in the competitions, with 140 entries for mangolds and 52 for swedes, making a total of 192, In the mangold competitions 82 competitors completed and had their crops judged, 33 were failures ’from one cause or another (in a great many cases through father’s cows or pigs getting in and destroying the crop). As showing the consistency of the competitors it may be placed on record that Miss Thomlinson and Miss Woods also won the championships for the best three mangolds and swedes exhibited in the club competition at the South Taranaki Winter Show.

“During visits of inspection and judging of crops the local supervisors invariably arranged that all competitors (and in many cases a number of the younger children who are likely to become club members next year) accompanied the general supervisor and judge from plot to plot. This afforded the competitors an opportunity of comparing one another’s work, and, by listening to the remarks of the supervisor or judge, of learning what should be done to get the best from their plots and why points were taken off in judging. In several instances during the judging the supervisors of adjoining clubs brought their members along, and thus gave them an opportunity of comparing crops in other districts with their own. This had the effect of arousing keen rivalry and many a competitor who had a poor plot, on seeing a good one and listening to the complimentary remarks of the judge, made ■ resolve that he would do better next year. This is a phase of th° work that should be encouraged, for after listening to the remarks of the competitors I can vouch for the great benefits derived.”

ELIZABETH SARAH BUCKERIDGE MEMORIAL CUP

In Memory of

My Mother,

who won it in 1881.

Geo. H. B

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Further reference to this aspect of the work will be made at a later stage of this story.

In his report on the second year’s working of the dub competitions Mr. Deem says (inter alia): “During the past year the clubs in this part of the Dominion were extended and now embrace North and Central Taranaki and the Brunswick, Wangaehu, and the Feilding districts. Altogether 43 schools in the Taranaki, and 11 in the Wanganui Education District competed in the field-crop competitions, the figures being as follows: South Taranaki 235 entries, North Taranaki 210 entries, Central Taranaki 107 entries, Brunswick 22 entries, Wangaehu and Feilding 82 entries. In the calf clubs 18 schools competed with 204 entries. In addition to the judging in the field, displays of roots were made at the New Plymouth and Hawera Winter Shows and at these the competition was keen, and a very fine collection of roots was brought together, these displays being quite a feature of the shows. Calves were also exhibited at the Egmont Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s Show, at Hawera, special classes having been provided. The champion crop of mangolds weighed 152 tons lOcwt, as against 77 tons 6cwt per acre last year. A girl, Dorothy Ward, of Okaiawa, was again the winner, and her sister, Erna Ward was second with 141 tons llcwt per acre. Both these crops gained full marks for cultivation, and were a sight to gladden the heart of any dairy farmer. The record charts for South Taranaki, where the competitions have now been going for two years, also show a very decided improvement, indicating that the competitors are gettinv a more intelligent grasp of their work, and that they are realising the value of care and accuracy in the keeping of records. One very regrettable feature noticed by the judges was the number of plots destroyed by stock —in many cases, within a few days of .judging. This, naturally, is very discouraging to the child, who has probably done very good work. The carelessness shown by some parents in failing to take means to secure plots against trespass by stock seems hard to understand. There is no question that these competitions are going to do a great deal to create a love in our young people for farm life, probably more than even the most enthusiastic club supporters imagine.”

This lack of proper support to'the young people was referred to in a report of the year’s activities of the Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs (North Taranaki area) published in the Taranaki Daily News and which showed a considerable deficiency in the cost of running the competitions and the income derived from donations. Realising, as I did, the very great value these clubs might bo if adequately supported, I wrote two articles, which were published in the Taranaki Daily News on September 5 and 12, 1925, immediately following upon the publishing of the report above referred to. in which I stressed this point in the following words: “Whatever the reasons may be that have hitherto prevented our business people and our farmers, too, from recognising the possibilities there are in the further development of this boys and girls’ agricultural club movement, it is to be hoped that they will take the necessary time to seriously re-consider their present attitude toward it. and render the financial support that is absolutely essential if the clubs are to be the success they can and should be. In spite, however, of the lack of adequate support that has hitherto been given them, these clubs have accomplished much good, and, given adequate financial backing, they can

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become a tremendous factor in the successful tackling of the problem ‘How to increase production’.”

Probably the most important work that these clubs have accomplished during the short period of their existence in New Zealand is in teaching many farmers what a little they really know about their own children, and what they are capable of if given a little of the right sort of encouragement. In many cases the children are brought up in such a way on the farms that they look upon the work on the farm as absolute drudgery, and make up their minds that, as soon as ever they can do so, they will quit the farm and take a job in the town where conditions are more to their taste. Small blame to them either for wishing to improve their conditions. We would think there was something wrong with their mentality if they didn’t, but what a very different thing it might be if children were assisted to take a pleasurable interest in the work on the farm, such as these Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs render possible, when the boys and girls taking part in them can be taught to get their pleasure, and profit too, out of their work in the various competitions that take place.

The impressionable age, unquestionably, is in early youth and if a child can be induced to take a pleasurable interest in the work on the farm it is in a fair way to continue on the farm. That this can be done has been amply demonstrated, and many parents are to be found who will admit that they have learned quite a lot about their children and, from them, about the cultivation of their crops as the result of these competitions. Take just one instance as an example. A farmer who, when he learned that his boy had been induced by his school teacher to enter in one of the root-growing competitions, told the teacher the boy would do no good with it, for he couldn’t get him to take any interest whatever in the farm, nor in the stock either, nor could he get any of his other children to do so. In order, no doubt, to make sure that the boy would have a difficult job to do any good with his plot, he gave him about the worst piece of land on the farm for the plot. The result was that, although the boy did his best, he didn’t get a place in the competition; but when he was taken round, with the rest of the competitors, to see the crops that had been grown by the other children, he recognised that his own wasn’t much good, and he promptly said, “Mine isn’t much of a crop, but, never mind, I’ll give them a good go for it next year.” He did, entering for root-growing and for calf-rearing too, and he grew the champion crop of the district, and in addition both he and his sisters did well in the calf-rearing competition. So‘much for the father’s knowledge of what his children were capable of. (He told me personally, years after, that he couldn’t keep his youngsters out of the cow yard now and that they knew more about the value of his cows than he did himself.) This is by no means an isolated instance either.

These boys and girls’ root-growing competitions have taught farmers in Taranaki that there is far more to be got out of their land, with proper care given to their crops, than any of them ever imagined possible. Take, for instance, the little girl of under 14 years of age, who grew 152 i tons of mangolds to the acre. How many farmers in Taranaki can show an equal result? Yet, if it is possible for a little girl to obtain such a crop it should be possible for a full-grown, able- bodied farmer to do as well or ever better.

The following results of champion crops of mangolds in competitions during the 10 years immediately following the starting of

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the Boys and Girls’ Competitions, as recorded in the annual reports in the Journal of Agriculture, should be sufficient to convince the most sceptical;—

Farmers’ Field Competitions and Boys and Girls’ Competitions.

Year Winner (farmer shown first) Weight per ac>re

1920-21 Not Named 39 tons 11 cwt

Annie Thomlinson 77 „ 6 „

1921-22 Not Named 77 „ 12

(1) Dorothy Ward 152 „ 10 „

(2) Erna Ward f sister) 141 .. 11

K&) wara t.sisier; „ 11 „ 1922-23 C. Willis 84 „ 6 „

Harry Betts 132 „ 5 „

1923-24 F. Hoskin 96 „ 19 „

Joan Miller 138 13

uuaii xvxxxxcx xoo „ xo ~ 1924-25 W. A. Guy 98 „ 13 „

P. Wakelin 98 „ 5 ,

1925-26 C. Willis (father) 87 „ 0

H. Willis (son) 100 „ 8 ,

1926-27 H. Betts snr. (over 90 years old) 128 „ 19 „

G. Putt 124 „ 11 „ i no'? oo u t^— I nn „u\ me o

1927-28 H. Betts snr. (over 90 years old) 106 .. 2

it**i-to n. jdciis snr. vover »u years om; iuo „ z „ Harold Willis 188 „ 7 „

1928-29 H. Betts snr. (over 90 years old) 108 „ 16 ,

G. Loving 181 „ 5

1929-30 H. Betts snr. (over 90 years old) 101 „* 9

Les Muggeridge 128 „ 17 ,

The year 1927-28 stands out by itself as shown hereunder:—

North Taranaki—

V. Penwarden (Boys and Girls’ Club) 127 tons 2 cwt

South Taranaki—

(1) Harold Willis (Boys and Girls’ Club) 188 „ 7 „

(2) A. Muggeridge (Boys and Girls’ Club) 130 „ 3 „

(3) R. Bird (Boys and Girls’ Club) 117 „ 0 „

Wanganui—

(1) A, McCandish (Boys and Girls’ Club) 134 „ 0 „

(2) M. Trembath (Boys and Girls’ Club) 130 „ 19 „

(3) M. McCandish (Boys and Girls’ Club) 127 8 „

Variety of seed used in each case—“Sutton’s Prize Winner.”

There are, however, several other points of importance that may be observed with advantage in connection with these competitions, viz:—

(a) The difference between the results obtained by the farmer and the little girls in the years 1920-21, and 1921-22, and also in the subsequent years to 1929-30.

(b) The wonderful results obtained by Mr. Henry Betts snr. for the years 1926 to 1930, when he was over 90 years of age, which emphasise the point that what has been done by the young and the very old should be equally possible, if not bettered by the full-grown,, able-bodied farmers.

(c) That similar comparative results could be shown, if space permitted, in the growing of other root crops—carrots, swedes and potatoes—but the above should suffice to show what might be accomplished if the crops are cultivated as they should be.

The mere growing of the crop, important though it is, is not considered to be by any means the most important part of the work

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DOROTHY AND ERNA WARD WITH THEIR CHAMPION MANGOLD CROP.

HAROLD WILLIS WITH HIS CHAMPION MANGOLD CROP.

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either in these root-growing competitions, but the keeping of accurate records of how they are obtained is given its proper place as the most important of all the operations in the production of the crops, placing as it does upon record the means adopted to produce the crop and full particulars of all conditions under which it is grown so that they can be referred to in after years at any time. This does away with the haphazard methods usually adopted on farms, and has been the means of teaching many farmers more than they ever knew before of the science of successful cropgrowing.

Again, with the raising of calves, the children are compelled to keep records of all the feed that is fed to the calf and of its cost, and for the first time on record, in very many instances, farmers have by this means learned what it costs to rear calves. This, it must be admitted, is a most important consideration to every farmer, enabling him as it does to ascertain whether he is making a profit or a loss on the sale of his calves. In these days of highpriced land and keen competition it is becoming more and more essential that farmers should be able to make the utmost of the production of their farms, both in regard to the quantity and quality raised and to the price obtained for it. Farming is as much a business as any of the businesses in our towns; but, in order to be a real success as a farmer, a man requires a much wider knowledge probably than in any other known business. First of all he requires a thorough knowledge of the practical or technical side of farm work. Added to this he should possess a good working knowledge of the theoretical side so as to be able to ascertain the properties his soil contains or lacks to provide the correct plant food to enable him to raise successful crops. He should know the right sort and quantities of manure to apply so as to be able ■ produce the best results from each kind of crop, and at the least cost; he should be a good judge of all classes-of stock, and should possess a good working knowledge of all the diseases and ailments they are heirs to and how to treat them; he should have a thorough knowledge of the science of marketing, both of his stock and his produce, and of market conditions. He should be able to manage men and to understand them and dealing with them so as to know,with some degree of certainty, whether he is getting the best results from his men or not, and whether he is employing both his men and his implements or machinery so as to obtain the best possible results from each.

These are only some of the qualifications he requires, yet how many farmers possess all these? Farming is a business, and in order to be a real success in any business it is essential that one should be able to gauge with accuracy the value of the commodity he is dealing with. In farming the number of commodities dealt with is almost innumerable, yet, in order to be an unqualified success, a farmer should possess an intimate knowledge of the values of them all. How many do? In a district like Taranaki, dependent as it is so much upon milk for its prosperity, the study of all problems connected with its production, manufacturing and marketing should be made one of the principal subjects of instruction in our public schools. It is to be assumed that we hopefully anticipate that by far the greater majority of the children attending our country schools at least, and a fair proportion of those attending our town schools also will obey the “call of the land.” If that is so should it not be the constant care of every one of us to see that they are adequately equipped to face life’s battle

15

successfully, at least as far as we can assist them? It must surely be that this is a phase of education that has not yet occurred to most of us, but it is none the less incumbent upon us that we should use our .best endeavours, as most of us no doubt pride ourselves we do, to see that our children are given every opportunity that we can give them to make a success of their life’s calling.

tor the 1925-26 season a total of 184 mangold crops, 129 carrot crops, and 129 calves were judged.

As with all new movements, owing to various causes, progress was rather slow, much slower than I had hoped for, so in order to induce more schools to take part, I offered, on behalf of my principals, Messrs. Henry A. Lane and Co. Ltd. of London, for whom I was at that time New Zealand representative, a Challenge Shield for annual competition between the' schools. This shield I brought out with me from London in June, 1926, and presented to the Farmers’ Union on behalf of my principals.

By the end of the 1930-31 season the competitions had extended, for root-growing, to the Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, and Horowhenua districts and the total number of entries judged to 1054, whilst the calf-rearing had extended to Wanganui, Manawatu, South Hawkes Bay, and the Ohura districts and the numbers judged to 657. At the end of the 1934-35 season the Department of Education took over this work and the following figures which have been kindly supplied to me by Mr. G. V. Wild, senior inspector of technical schools, illustrate the growth of the movement throughout New Zealand: “The number of completed projects (root-growing) was 4000 for the season 1934-35; this had increased to 26,516 for the season 1942-43 (the last figures available) and the number of calves judged to about 9500 in recent years.”

“Competitions,” however, are not “clubs,” the former encouraging individualism while the latter inculcates the “team” spirit, which is what is most to be desired. It was my firm conviction that until “team work” became the guiding principle the full benefit of the movement would not be obtained so I continued to advocate that properly constituted “school clubs” should be established. Support in this direction was very slow in coming and it was not until 1936 that the first real “Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs” were started.

“BOYS AND GIRLS’ AGRICULTURAL CLUBS

The first real “Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs” wefe started in 1936, one at Tikorangi under Mr. W. Anderson, headmaster of that school, and the other at Manutahi, under Mr. A. E. Gilliver, headmaster.

These “clubs” are run in just the same manner as adult clubs are. The children elect from among themselves a president, secretary, treasurer and committee, who undertake the full management of the club’s business, including the correspondence connected with it, under the guidance of the teacher. Both these clubs have proved great successes and have turned out some very fine young farmers, many of whom have qualified to act as assistant judges at various agricultural and pastoral shows, while it is also interesting to record that the first presidents of both of these clubs are with the forces overseas, where they have earned distinction.

The Tikorangi club, however, is the only one that has kept me fully informed of the operations of their club, which they have done by sending me copies of their annual reports and balance sheets each year.

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These, while showing very good work indeed, still indicated that the club was even yet not getting the best results obtainable, tending too much toward becoming individualistic and not exhibiting sufficient of the “team spirit” which, in my opinion, is so very essential.

In order to still further this true spirit of co-operation, or “team work,” I offered to present the club with a Silver Challenge Cup—to be held each year by the team which could demonstrate that it had done the best work during the year in helping each other, in the interests of the school, and in that of the district. This offer was accepted and the club under the very able and wise guidance of the headmaster, Mr. W. Anderson, is proving a very great success. Two teams competed for the cup and the manner in which their claims were put forward by the captains and representatives of the respective teams would have done credit to many an adult club. (It is very much to be regretted that, owing to indifferent health, Mr. Anderson has since had to relinquish his position. His loss will be a severe one to the school and to the district for which he has done so much, and it is hoped that a rest may soon fully restore his health and that he may be spared for many more years to render service in a cause which he has so very much at heart. His services should be utilised in this connection while they are available.)

On leaving Taranaki to take up my residence in Wellington some two and a half years ago, I was still supplied with copies of the annual reports of the club, the last of which showed—to quote from the report itself: “In response to an urgent appeal for the production of potatoes our members responded nobly as no less than eighteen undertook the task and there were in addition four plots at the school, and excellent results were achieved. . . . During the time the club has been in existence (seven years) over £lOO has been raised by our own efforts, £75 of which has been expended on community and patriotic purposes. . . . During the first term a Junior Club was founded and it has given us every pleasure to assist them in the organisation. The juniors have developed the keenness which is so noticeable among the senior club members. We congratulate the young people on their fine effort and wish them every success in the future.” . . . “This year, in response to a further appeal for the growth of vegetables no less than twenty undertook the task.”

This, for a small school with only 80 scholars, including the infant division, shows such a splendid example of true public spirit that I determined to bring it under the notice of the Hon. H, G. R. Mason, Minister of Education, with the object of having it given greater publicity and thus, perhaps, providing an incentive for other schools to emulate their example. On reading the reports the Minister was so much impressed by the splendid work that is being done by this little school that he readily acquiesced in my suggestion to have them give a broadcast of “the activities of the club” and authorised me to organise it. In this I was most ably assisted by Mr. Anderson, the headmaster. With the enthusiastic and ready collaboration of the Director of Education, Dr. Beeby, and the officials of the various departments, as well as that of the teachers and parents concerned, this was made possible and, as it was hoped, has induced quite a number of schools in Taranaki and elsewhere to form clubs on similar lines.

To make the broadcast the children taking part (18 in number) had to be specially trained, which it was possible to do only in

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HENRY A. LANE & CO.’S CHALLENGE SHIELD

Presented by

Messrs. Henry A. Lane & Co. Ltd.,

Provision Merchants, Tooley St., London. E.C.

1926.

G€o. H. B.

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Wellington, that being the only place where the necessary facilities were obtainable, and was made practicable by the kind hospitality and co-operation of the parents of children attending the Kelburn school.

Advantage was taken of the opportunity that this trip afforded of giving the Tikorangi children an “educational trip,” during which they were, by the sympathetic and kindly co-operation of His Worship the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. T. C. A. Mislop) and of prominent business firms in and around the city, given opportunities of getting insight into something of “city life” that they might otherwise never have been able to enjoy. The children were so much impressed by what they saw and by the great kindness they were shown during their visit to the Empire City that they issued an invitation to their hosts at Kelburn for an equal number of the Kelburn school scholars to pay a reciprocal visit to Tikorangi at the time of their annual show held in connection with their Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Club in order that they, in turn, cculd obtain some first-hand acquaintance with life in the country and of its industries.

Again the splendid spirit of co-operation and hospitality by all concerned, made this visit also an event of outstanding importance to the Kelburn children. The “educational value” of such visits may, perhaps, best be gauged by the following excerpts taken from two of the “travel books” (an account of what they saw and did during the trip), which each child taking part in the trips was expected to write:—

1. From Tjkorangi school: After describing the principal towns they passed through on their journey to Wellington, which they illustrated with maps, drawings and photographs, they enumerated and described their visits to the various places they were shown over. These included visits to the National Broadcasting Station, Botanical Gardens, both Houses of the Legislature, and the Parliamentary Library, Wellington Woollen Mills, The Dominion Newspaper Publishing Works., National Bank of New Zealand, Civic Reception in City Council Chamber by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop), City Corporation Milk Supply Depot, welcome by Director of Education, Dr. Beeby, General Post and Telegraph Office, and a drive round to Day’s Bay. In all these visits the children were given most excellent descriptions of how the work is carried out in each. In addition to all this they were shown round the city and harbour and were very kindly entertained by their hosts. The final summing up was as follows: “All the children who were fortunate enough to participate in the trip will never forget it as one of the most important events of their lifetime.”

2. From Kelburn school: Described the journey up to Tikorangi, special mention being made of the kindly welcome given them at Hawera on the way up, where they were met by members of Rotary Club and Boy Scouts who very kindly provided them with refreshments. Visits to North Egmont Mountain House, butter and cheese factories, pig farm, to see ensilage being made, Eorthwick’s Freezing Works at Waitara, Manukorihi Pa, where they witnessed the ceremony of the presentation of the Queen Victoria Ensign to the Atiawa Tribe by Judge Dykes of the Native Land Court on behalf of the Government, after which they were entertained by the Atiawas at a feast, which they saw being prepared and cooked in a hangi. The whole ceremony of the presentation of the Ensign was very lucidly explained by Captain Love

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after which Mr. W. H. Skinner, of New Plymouth, gave a very interesting description of the history of the pa at the time of the Maori War. A day was spent at the Tikorangi Boys and Girls’ Clubs annual show, visit to Government grading stores for butter and cheese at Moturoa, visit to Pukekura Park where they were shown round the fernery and lily ponds, and were kindly entertained at lunch by His Worship the Mayor, Mr. Gilmour, and the chairman of the hospital board, Mr. Stainton; visit to Central School to witness a playette entitled “Compost” given by the children of the school: visit to Mr. Petty’s gardens at Moturoa to see compost in process of being made; and a day on the farms. The description ended with: “It was an educational tour that must be an outstanding event in our lives, and in the history of the Kelburn Normal School, and resulted in 10 girls and eight boys having the most marvellous experiences during the week’s visit to Tikorangi.” ,

N.B. —The children financed the trips from their clubs’ funds, assisted by a subsidy toward railway fares by the Department of Education.

The results of these reciprocal visits demonstrate that it is possible—if town and country schools would “adopt” each other, as Tikorangi and Kelburn schools have done, and endeavour to organise similar visits—to bring about a much better understanding between town and country dwellers than at present exists throughout this country.

A still further evidence of this growing desire of bringing town and country school children, and through them their parents, into closer touch with each other, and of the power these boys and girls’ clubs may exercise on the future well government of this country by giving members a clearer understanding of the dependence of each upon the other in building up the country’s future prosperity, was given when a conference of delegates from clubs representing both town and country schools took place in New Plymouth, the report of which, taken from the Taranaki Daily News of 18th September, 1944, is as follows:

Presidents and secretaries of boys and girls’ agricultural clubs in 25 North Taranaki schools on Friday attended the first conference of officials held in the district. The gathering, which was held in the Hygienic tearooms, New Plymouth, was attended by 51 delegates.

Extending a welcome to the children, Mr. A. E. Washer, president of the North Taranaki Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs, said he hoped the conference would prove so successful and beneficial that similar meetings would be held annually. He assured delegates that the clubs were making a far greater contribution to the needs of the nation in production than many persons realised. He commended the work, which, he said, reflected great credit on teachers, instructors and supervisors and on the children’s own keenness and industry.

Members of the executive, continued Mr. Washer, felt that they would like to know more intimately those girls and boys who had been appointed by their fellows to fill the important offices in the various school clubs, and to discuss with them matters relating to the general welfare of the movement. “The executive, however, is anxious that nothing shall be done to destroy the originality of your work,” he said. “For example, they feel it would be wrong to endeavour to lay down a pattern upon which to run your school field days and shows. Our job is

to keep the movement working along sound lines, and to give you the benefit of experience we have gained in our lifetime.

“Last year the members of the clubs reared 553 calves, and reared them exceptionally well,” Mr. Washer went on. “They grew 636 plots of vegetables, and in addition some had bee clubs and poultry clubs, and undertook the rearing of lambs and pigs. This year in rearing heifer calves he hoped they would do even better, so that when the men returned from the war and took up farming there would be plenty of good heifers available for them.”

The reason for the conference was to encourage children to take a more active part in club work, said Mr. J. W. Connell, senior instructor in agriculture to the Taranaki Education Board. A fine standard of work in the rearing of animals and growing vegetables had been attained, but he desired to see an extension of club work in the schools.

The club movement was a preparation for the children, for after-life in taking part in community activities, Mr. Connell continued. Endeavours were being made in some rural districts to make the school the community centre. The children were shaping the future of their districts, he said, and following in the footsteps of men who did not have the facilities or the opportunities that the children of to-day had with the introduction of this broader sphere of school work.

Remits on several problems were discussed by the children and many questions were answered and explanations given by members of the executive. The delegates were expected to pass on to the members of their own school clubs the information received at the conference. The West End school delegates addressed the conference on the work done in raising seedlings.

Speakers at the conference included Mr. H. W. Insull, secretary of the Taranaki Education Board and president of the New Plymouth Rotary Club, Mr. W. H. Jones, chairman of the Taranaki Education Board, and Mr. J. H. Allen, president of the Taranaki Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Members of the executive and headmasters were guests at the conference.

The schools represented were: Bell Block, Central, New Plymouth, Egmont Village, Frankley Road, Fitzroy, Inglewood, Kahui, Kaimiro, Lepperton, Motunui, Newall Road, Norfolk, Oakura, Omata, Pukearuhe, Rahotu, Tikorangi, Vogeltown, Westown, Waitoriki, Welbourn, Warea, West End, Dudley. Transport difficulties prevented some schools from attending the conference.

In a letter to me with regard to the above conference Mr. A. E. Washer, the president, said: “We held something similar last year but the youngsters came to itr more to have a good time at the afternoon tea we gave them; but they came to this one with the idea of debating the remits. Any onlooker could feel the difference between the two occasions. What struck me most was the fine way in which they joined in the discussions on the remits that they had sent in to the secretary beforehand.” Mr. W. P. Okey, secretary of the North Taranaki Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs, in a letter to me with regard to the conference, says;—

“At a meeting held to farewell Mr. Duncan Mackay, who had been senior instructor in agriculture under the Taranaki Education Board for 13 years, and was leaving the district to take up an appointment in Christchurch, which took the form of an afternoon tea and a presentation to Mr. Mackay, about 60 girls and boys representing schools throughout the whole of North Taranaki

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attended. Members of the executive were impressed with the presence and bearing of the children and at a subsequent meeting of the executive it was decided to hold an annual conference of the presidents and secretaries of school clubs. It was realised, however, that such a conference to be of any benefit to the movement in general must be more than a mere tea party. It was therefore decided to communicate with the schools asking that topics having a bearing on Boys and Girls’ Club work be forwarded for discussion at the conference. . . . The experiment proved highly successful and served as a valuable guide for the development of future conferences. ... I can assure you that all the adults who attended that conference left the room with a feeling of pride and sat sfaction and absolute confidence in the ability of our young people to successfully handle the affairs of this fair Dominion. They will have some formidable problems to face in the aftermath of this world war. Let us hope that what we are now doing for them will contribute towards fitting them for the task. All power to them!”

In discussing this aspect of the movement with a number of influential citizens, however, it was felt that the name “agricultural club” may not make very much of an appeal to people who live in towns, as they have little opportunity for agricultural pursuits, but that some other name might be found that would enable any organisation or school, so minded, to affiliate with the agricultural clubs and to co-operate with them in a work that would make for the bringing together of both town and country interests in mutual understanding and helpfulness. This has been considered and the result will be set out in the following pages.

Before proceeding with this, however, I wish to emphasise very strongly that the principal objective of this “club movement” is to train the children to become good citizens, and by that I do not mean “goody-goody” but strong, self-reliant, honourable men > and women able and willing to take their full share in the well governing of the country and its affairs.

JUDGING MANGOLD CROPS (Ward’s).

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The preceding pages have demonstrated what those clubs have accomplished, the succeeding ones will be devoted to setting out what lies before them.

The name which has been selected for this Extended Movement is—

‘NATURE LOVERS’ or CO-OPERATIVE CITIZENSHIP LEAGUE.”

The reasons for this choice are:—The first part indicates the real purpose of the movement, to inculcate a love for the Almighty Creator and all His works. The second part provides the incentive to put forth our very best efforts in that the initial letters C.C.L. are L.C.C., in reverse, “LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL.” The citizens of London shine out to-day as a blazing beacon for all citizens of the world to emulate. They have set a standard of courage and endurance that will live for all time, and have given us a model to build our citizenship upon, that cannot be excelled but which we. the Britons of the South can at least try to equal.

WHAT LIES AHEAD, or THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOVEMENT.

From the fart that New Zealand is the last large tract of inhabitable land to be discovered we may deduce that, like man the last and most intelligent of living creatures to be created, the Almighty Creator intended this country to be His last and most precious gift to man.

We should, therefore, use our highest endeavours to make it what He intended it to be, in its citizens as in its natural beauty and in its wonderful fertility, the brightest jewel in His diadem, and in every sense of the term “GOD’S OWN COUNTRY.” This may be a high ideal; but “High endeavour, not failure to achieve is the true test of merit.” It is possible of achievement, however, only by each giving of his very best. It is up to YOU.

REMEMBER ARNHEM.

As stated in the preceding pages the ideal or principal objective of th:s club movement is to tram the children to become good citizens.

A good citizen is one who fully understands his duty to the place or state in which he resides, and who is ready and willing to carry out those duties to the very best of his ability at all times. To do this thoroughly he should be fully instructed in what his responsibilities are and in the privileges good citizenship confers. This demands the ability to gauge with accuracy the value of the country’s principal assets so as to know with certainty that he is using them to the very best advantage, and then to place that knowledge to the benefit of his country, and to his own best advantage. This requires accurate knowledge of its soil, what properties it contains and what is lacking in order that we may use those it contains and provide what are lacking to assist nature to produce the best she is capable of

This, the first objective, requires active co-operation with nature, or a love of and help to her to enable her to give bountiful reward to loving service; and also a love for each other, a true knowledge of what each is capable of and assisting him to produce the best for the good of the State, or in other words each one helping all and all helping each (“each one help one”). There is verylittle, if any, use in attempting to alter the views of adults whose

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opinions are firmly rooted, though it is not quite impossible; but it is easier, or should be if we adopt the right methods, to train the young.

Beginning with the very young our objective is to help them first of all to realise their dependence upon the Almighty Creator, then to discover their own individuality, i.e. to find out what they like to do most and to express themselves in it. Then to endeavour to train them along the lines their natural bent or talents would lead them to go and where they will derive the greatest pleasure and profit also in their work. To this end then we desire to inculcate in the children, being members of affiliated clubs: —

1. To acknowledge our dependence upon the Almighty Creator for all we have and are; to thank Him for all the blessings He so lavishly bestows upon us; to ask His assistance and guidance in all our efforts to help nature to make this world the beautiful place He would have.it be. With this object in view we expect affiliated clubs to begin each day’s work by:—

(a) Reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

(b) Singing or reciting one verse of a hymn, such as:—

“We thank Thee then, O Father,

For all things bright and good,

The seed-time and the harvest,

Our life, our health, our food.

Accept ‘-tie gifts we offer

For all Ihy love imparts,

And what Thou most desirest,

Our humble thankful hearts.

All good gifts around us,

Are sent from heaven above,

Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,

For all His love.”

(Tune —“Wir Pilugen.”)

Or Kipling’s '“Children’s Song” as follows:

“Land of our Birth, we pledge to thee

Our love and toil in the years to be

When we are grown and take our place,

As men and women with our race

Father in Heaven who lovest all,

Oh help Thy children when they call

That they may build from age to age

An undefiled heritage.

Teach us to bear the yoke in youth,

With steadfastness and careful truth;

That, in our time, Thy Grace may give

The Truth whereby the Nations live.

Teach us to rule ourselves always,

Controlled and cleanly night and day

That we may bring, if need arise,

No maimed or worthless sacrifice.

Teach us to look in all our ends,

On Thee for judge, and not our friends

That we, with Thee, may walk uncowed

By fear or favour of the crowd.

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Teach us the strength that cannot seek,

By deed or thought, to hurt the weak;

That, under Thee, we may possess

Man’s strength to comfort man’s distress.

Teach us Delight in simple things.

And Mirth that has no bitter springs;

Forgiveness free of evil done,

And Love to all men ’neath the sun.’

Land of our Birth, our faith, our pride,

For whose dear sake our fathers died;

Oh Motherland, we pledge to thee,

Head, heart, and hand through years to be !”

—“Kipling.”

(c) Reciting the following prayer:—

“And now our Father we pray Thee to give us health, strength, and courage, this day, to obey Thy Commandments to love and serve Thee, and to love and help each other. Amen.”

2. To organise our natioal efforts so that, from earliest infancy onwards, they shall be directed towards building up a strong, self-reliant and honourable nationhood whose aim shall be to help each other to give his or her best, and so be able to obtain the best possible results from nature’s storehouse.

3. To formulate and carry out policies to benefit the community as a whole, irrespective of sectional interests; particularly to bring about co-operation between town and country interests, and between employers and employees. Such, for instance, as has been done by the reciprocal visits between teams from the Tikorangi and Kelburn schools, teaching them to appreciate each others’ modes of life, its advantages and its drawbacks, and the need for co-operation between each other.

4. To establish Mutual Provident Societies amongst school children in order that the funds earned by means of their co-operative efforts may be conserved and invested so that each contributor shall be able to draw upon the funds, on leaving school, in proportion to the contributions he or she has made toward the funds.

5. To promote organisations for the purpose of bringing about active co-operation between producers and consumers so as to enable each section of the community to obtain fair value for its services.

6, To encourage group co-operation in every direction possible so as to minimise the cost of the necessary machinery and implements of production, and to purchase at the lowest possible cost, thus enabling goods so produced to successfully compete on their markets with any other similar products.

7. To inculcate the duty of the strong and fortunate to assist the weak and less fortunate and thus enable them to overcome their disabilities, as far as it is possible to do so, by co-operative effort.

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8. To encourage a love for the beauty of our own language and of correct speaking; and also to cultivate the correct pronunciation of the poetic and beautiful Maori names for places and the native flora and fauna.

9. To encourage co-operation between New Zealand and other parts of the British Commonwealth of Nations, United States of America, China, U.S.S.R., and all Allied nations, by means of reciprocal visits from teams representing any of the foregoing organisations.

10. To foster every kind of movement which has for its objective the bringing together of all nations in a spirit of brotherhood, and the total abolition of war.

To accomplish this it will be necessary to have a controlling body which should be comprised of directors, to be elected from representatives of town and country producers, and of all allied industries and distributors, for the purpose of: —

1. Obtaining the funds necessary for carrying on the activities of the league, in all its branches, and of controlling the expenditure so as to obtain the best possible results by:—

(a) Scientific survey of the soils of the Dominion so as to ascertain the best purposes for which they may be utilised, and by which they may return the maximum results for the labour entailed in production.

(b) Scientific survey and analysis of the sea, and of its products so as to ascertain the best uses to which they can be put in assisting the building up of healthy children, and healthy livestock and pastures.

(c) Insuring that the maximum effort shall be made, by careful selection of all stock and seeds, to develop and to produce the best and most profitable stock, pasture, fruit, vegetables and all other kinds of produce.

(d) Assisting with finance, when necessary, to enable children of poor parents to purchase the very best stock, seeds, etc., so as to give all children an equal opportunity of obtaining the very best results for their labour.

(This is already in operation in the purchase, through the league’s organisation of pedigree calves, or any other stock).

2. To assist in the formation of clubs, or other organisations for any of the purposes of encouraging a love of nature and of rendering her every possible asistance, by means of: —

JUVENILE BRANCHES. For children attending infant and primary schools. (Boy Scouts, Cubs, Girl Guides, Brownies, etc.).

To encourage TEAM WORK (rudimentary co-operation). Teams to consist of children representing every class, so that the older and more advanced help and instruct the younger, to inculcate in them a desire to love and care for all kinds of live stock, bird and plant life:—

(a) By calf, lamb, pig and poultry rearing and judging.

(b) Root and vegetable growing and judging. (Sugar-beet, Soya beans, asparagus, etc.).

(c) Seed growing. (Grain, grass-seed, maize, etc.)

(d) Arboriculture, forestry (native trees and shrubs) and horticulture, garden planning and laying out, including rock gardens.

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(e) Small fruit growing. (Strawberries, raspberries, loganberries, currants, passion fruit, etc.).

(f) Peanut, kumera, linseed, linen-flax, tobacco growing, etc.

(g) Carageen (Irish Moss), edible seaweeds, kelp collecting.

(hj) Silkworm culture and silk spinning.

(i) Art, designing, needlework, floral designing, poker work, etc.

(j) Wood and metal work.

(k) Utility work (making new things out of old).

(1) Continuous effort in the salvage of scrap metal, bottles,

paper, and other waste products.

(It may be asked what this has to do with production or good citizenship? “We have been taught ‘Waste not, want not,’ and that ‘cleanliness is next to godliness,’ and all children surely should be taught to be thrifty, cleanly, and orderly, and to love a clean and orderly town. Some of the steps toward good Citizenship.”

INTERMEDIATE. (Secondary Schools; Night Classes). More advanced work in all the above, including nursery gardening, green and hothouse work, grapes, tomatoes, flowers, etc., including inoculation of seeds to develop new types; orchard work (including citrus), pruning, budding, grafting, crossing and developing of new types; tung tree growing and tung-oil production; compost making; apiculture, veterinary classes, etc.

MORE ADVANCED. (Young Farmers; Youth Movements—--16/21 years old). Farm development and laying out, surveying, reading, irrigating, draining, husbandry, soil analysis, scientific production and preservation of stock, milk, etc.; beautifying societies; town planning; architecture; and development of cooperative effort in every direction possible.

FINALLY. Settlement of young farmers, and others, fully trained in the proper management of their farms, or other forms of activity.

A scheme for CO-OPERATIVE COLLEGE FARM SETTLEMENT is appended.

VISION OF THE FUTURE,

In and around every city and town, as well as along country roads throughout New Zealand, there are areas of public properties that are covered with all sorts of weeds and scrub, and which are in fairly close proximity to schools, that could be cleaned up and made beautiful if the children attending the schools were given the opportunity and the incentive to do it. Our main highways could be planted with suitable native trees and shrubs, and could be provided with seats whereon weary wayfarers could rest and admire their surroundings.

In the near, let us hope very near future, if precedent be followed after this war is finished, we will be looking for ways and means of perpetuating our deep appreciation and love for those splendid men and women who have given us so much to thank them for during this terrible war. What more fitting memorial could be provided than beautiful gardens and highways made so and tended by the children, to keep beautiful for ever in loving memory and gratitude for the heroism and devotion to duty of those men and" women to whom we will owe the blessing of peace and OUR NATIONAL FREEDOM?

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I believe that the people of New Zealand are not going to fail them, and that they are prepared to strive equally as strenuously for a permanent peace and to maintain that “New Order” that can only be obtained by obedience to Christ’s only commandment, to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

MAXIM.

“IT COULDN’T BE DONE—BUT HE DID IT.”

“Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,

But he with a chuckle replied,

That “may-be it couldn’t,” but he would be one

Who wouldn’t say so till he tried.

So he buckled right in, with a trace of a grin

On his face. If he worried he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn’t be done —and he did it.

Somebody scoffed “Oh you’ll never do that,

At least, no one ever has done it”;

But he took off his coat, and he took off his hat,

And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,

Without any doubting or quid dit,

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn’t be done —and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,

There are thousands to prophecy failure;

There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,

The dangers that wait to assail you;

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,

Take off your coat and go to it;

Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing

That cannot be done—and you’ll do it.”

(Anonymous.)

THE FINISHED PRODUCT—

The young farmer settled on his own farm. Co-operative College Farm Settlement (first published in March, 1932). Since then a similar project has been started, and is proving very successful, in Palestine. If they can be successful there it should be possible to do even better here in New Zealand.

The objects of this proposal are to make. available a land settlement scheme which will contain all the elements of scientific progress, together with business-like methods expected of a practical scheme, and combine these with the organisation and discipline expected of a modern agricultural college.

For this purpose it would be necessary to form a company to acquire a suitable property, or block of land, to provide the means for young men with limited capital:—

(a) To gain a sound knowledge of practical farming as cheaply as possible;

(b) To develop a block of land for the purpose of sub-division into suitable farms;

(c) To acquire a farm on the best possible terms.

To enable this to be done the financing of the project would be undertaken on a system hitherto not attempted in New Zealand, and one specially adapted to assist men with limited capital to acquire farms of their own.

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Under this system the participants would be required to take up debenture stock to be issued by the company, thus obtaining security for their funds, and the money, so provided, would be utilised in the further development of their areas, and in the purchase of live stock etc.

The education of participants in the proper treatment of land, pasture, cropping, and in the care and management of stock would be an essential part of the undertaking, and they would have the benefit of this until their individual properties were ready for occupation.

The settlement would be conducted on lines similar to those observed in agricultural colleges. Those taking up land would be treated as students and would be instructed, from time to time, by competent experts and would be suitably accommodated under proper supervision.

ADMINISTRATION—

(a) A special board would be constituted to act as trustees for the participants in the settlement and to supervise the expenditure of the funds in developing and stocking the property. The board would see that the interests of participants were protected and would also have power to act as arbitrator in any disputes which may arise between them and the company. It would obtain a mortgage security from the company to cover the deposits on account of purchase money payable by those taking part. This mortgage would be subject to any other prior encumbrances, if existing. The board would also enter into an agreement with the company in regard to the subdivision and settlement of the land. PRACTICAL WORK—

(b) All branches of knowledge connected with farm settlement would be included in the schedule of work to be undertaken by the company. This would comprise surveying and laying-off of areas; road ng and road grading; fencing, scientific laying down of suitable pasture and crop-pings, the laying-out and erection of dwellings, buildings, milking sheds; selection, breeding and proper management of live stock; agriculture, orchard work; apiculture; erection, equipping and management of a modern dairy factory; the development and harnessing of water power, and the erection of hydro-electric plant to maintain lighting and power for settlement dwellings and buildings, and for the machinery in dairy factory, milking and shearing sheds.

SCIENTIFIC GUIDANCE—

(c) The whole operations of the company would be conducted under the guidance of the best scientific opinion available. Experts in each branch would be consulted, and would advise the company with due regard to requirements in each case. The pastures would be sown in accordance with results of experimental plots; live-stock of all classes would be bred in order to evolve types most suited to New Zealand conditions generally, and the special country in particular; while dairy factory operations, both butter and cheese-making would be conducted, from farm to finished product, in accordance with the pronouncements of science.

CONDITIONS PENDING SETTLEMENT—

Until individual settlement could take place the applicants would be employees of the company, and would require to enter into an agreement, the terms of which would be, briefly, as follows;—

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The company would provide—

(a) Suitable accommodation in the form of plain, wholesome board and comfortable sleeping quarters in permanent buildings (as far as possible) with wire mattress bunks. (Applicants would be required to find their own bedding, linen, towels and clothing).

(b) An assembly hall with library and writing room, also playing grounds for outdoor sport.

(c) Competent instructors to supervise farming and developmental operations.

(d) A small weekly wage to be agreed upon in each case according to age and experjence of applicant; the balance also of an agreed upon wage to be held in trust (in each case) as payment towards allotted areas.

The company would arrange for medical and surgical attendance to be available, and would insure participants against accident.

The applicants would be required to serve the company diligently, obey the reasonable behests of the company, its directors, managers and instructors, and generally to observe the rules and regulations of the settlement.

In the case of a minor a suitable guarantee would be required, and a married applicant would have to pay for any additiona'l accommodation required, unless suitable employment could be found for his wife.

If any applicant should, in the opinion of the company, prove unsuitable, or should his work or conduct prove unsatisfactory, the company would be able, with the approval of the board of trustees, to cancel his agreement, by giving one calendar month’s notice in writing, and he would not be entitled to participate in the settlement, but his debenture holding would be paid on maturity. PURCHASE OF LAND—

(a) The surveying of the block into suitable number of farms, varying in size to suit applicants’ requirements, with certain necessary restrictions, and the laying-off of the necessary roads to be put in hand as soon as possible. When the survey is completed and the applicants are ready to take up their farms, an upset price will be fixed for each farm, by arrangement between the company and the board. This will be arrived at by taking the unimproved value of the land, which will be fixed by the company at an average price per acre on the whole area, but will, of course, vary in the case of each farm, some being higher and some lower than that figure, and adding thereto the cost of all improvements, including felling, grassing, fencing, tree-planting, surveying, reading, draining, buildings, etc., plus a surcharge to cover other reasonable overhead costs. Provision will be made for supplying building and fencing materials, seed, manure, stock and other farm requisites at lowest possible prices, and applicants will be required to purchase same through the company to enable them to gain the full benefit of co-operative buying and to ensure that only the best quality of stock and materials is purchased.

PAYMENT OF PURCHASE MONEY—

(b) Mortgage debenture stock will be issued by the company to participants for a term of three years, without interest, redeemable at an earlier date when required for payment of pur-

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chase money. No transfer of debenture stock will be allowed without the sanction of the board.

The purchase money will be paid as follows: The company may require applicants to pay sufficient in cash to make up (with the deposit in the form of debenture stock) two-fifths of the purchase price of the property, and the balance of the purchase money will be secured by long-term table mortgage repayable by halfyearly instalments of principal and interest. The rate of interest will not exceed 5 per cent. Applicants must covenant to reside on the property and to effect such further improvements as may be required by the company during the first five years of occupation. Each mortgage will also contain a covenant not to sell or otherwise dispose of the property without the consent of the company and such other covenants as are necessary and desirable to ensure good farming of the land. If an applicant fails to take up the property offered to him and to pay the cash purchase money as above, then the property may be offered for sale by the company, either by public auction or private contract, at the upset price, and if the property be sold for the upset price, or more, the company shall refund to the applicant the amount of his debenture holding on maturity, but any increase in price shall belong to the company. In the event of the upset price not being realised, the deficiency in price shall be deducted by the company before refunding the applicant’s debenture holding, and in any case all expenses attending the sale shall be payable by the defaulting applicant.

APPLICATIONS—

Applications to participate in the scheme will be invited from young men, preferably between the ages of 18 and 25, and who are present or past pupils of secondary schools. From these it is proposed to selected equal numbers from New Zealand and from the United Kingdom. A limited number of married applicants may be selected at the discretion of the directors. All applications will have to be on a prescribed form and accompanied by credentials, as to character, suitability and financial position, from headmasters of schools or men of standing, and at the same time application must be made for debenture stock to be issued by the company to an amount of not less than £ 1 for every acre applied for. Applications will be limited to one section not exceeding 500 acres.

(Provisions then for date of receiving applications and as to notification of acceptance, payment of deposit and balance of debenture stock etc.) and as to date of commencing operations etc.

N.B.—This is merely an outline of the general principles of the scheme, suitable for the settlement of large blocks of land; but it can be varied to suit smaller areas and groups so as to minimise the overhead expenses of instruction, supervision etc, and also to preserve the benefits of co-operative effort.

GEO. H, BUCKERIDGE.

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