Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY DECEMBER 27, 1928. AGRICULTURAL CLUBS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 65, 27 December 1928, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY DECEMBER 27, 1928. AGRICULTURAL CLUBS.

The comprehensive report on agricultural clubs drawn up by the Instructor in Agriculture should do much to further the work of the Education Committee to which it wasi submitted. The necessity for encouraging the youth of the Dominion to adopt rural pursuits will be realised by all, and there is no need to emphasise aspect of the case. Greatest interest attaches to the methods by which it is proposed to bring about the desired object. As Mr Bates stated, the operation of the club, in addition to being an invaluable factor so far as directing the inclinations of the rising generation is concerned, would also stimulate the interest of the general community in regard to agriculture and it's possibilities as a field of activity for those embarking on life work. Of American origin, the movement spread to Britain, and in 1920 New Zealand adopted the idea, the first club being established in South Taranaki. So great was the success of that mitial venture that it was not long before other districts came into line, and to-day there are several clubs in various parts of the North Island and in Southland. In all cases the benefits arising ha>*e been such as to warrant extension of the movement and with the experience derivable from other places there is no reason why an Ashburton County institution should not be run on lines that would ensure success from its very inception. The matter of finance, so often a stumbling block in the way of establisliino* anything new, does not enter into consideration in the present instance; the main requisite is enthusiasm on the part of a few sponsors, who organised as set out in the report, would enlist the active support of wellwishors and with their aid encourage the children to greater efforts to excel in the various competitions. The Ashburton County is fortunate in including within its borders many men oi wide experience and ripe .luogment who are public-spirited enough to undertake the duties involved, and there is reason to anticipate that the movement will be established here. Once I accomplished, success should be lassured. ______