YOUNG FARMERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 18, 1 November 1938, Page 8

YOUNG FARMERS

tiuiis in Farmer.s’ Unions and County Councils, for instance, to impart by means of lectures the latest developments in scientific methods of funning, to train them in the running of the business of their dubs, by arranging field days, tours, demonstrations on stock and experimental work of the Department of Agriculture, to instil into members the urgent need for progress! veness in the farming community, to strive for tin* welfare of the same and by means of the fostering of the social life of the young farmer, to make for more pleasant conditions under which to work.

Such worthy objects are surely deserving of greater support and it should be the ambition of every young farmer to avail himself of the opportunity of becoming a member of some young farmers’ Club and enjoy the privileges which must certainly be denied him at present.

In Ashburton an. enthusiastic, lead is being given by Air A*. P. Hoot, of the Agriculture Department, who has done a great deal to place the clubs on a sound foundation.

ESTABLISHED IN THE COUNTY. PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMME ADOPTED. MEMBERS APPRECIATE BENEFITS Since the formation of the Metkven Young Farmers’ Club three or four years ago, the Young Farmers’ Club movement has steadily progressed until at the present time there are clubs at Hinds. Mayfield and the Ashburton Tech idea! College. It is apparent from the enthusiasm shown by the members of these dubs that they realise the benefits that can be derived from contacts with such organisations, and it seems a great pity that more support is not afforded the movement in this County.

Admittedly, this County is poorly situated for the development of fresh clubs owing to the scattered population, but it is earnestly hoped by the District Committee that by bringing the type of work the movement encourages to the notice of the young farmers in time club memberships will increase and even new clubs spring up. Over 5000 Members. Four years ago the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs was formed, and with its formation the movement lias rapidly spread till the membership is well over otKX) to-day. Big though this membership is, there is still much scope lor increased individual club members and for the formation of new clubs.

The assistance.given to clubs by the Department of Agriculture has proved invaluable and the Department, which now controls the movement, keeps in touch with clubs through Mr S. Freeman. an officer of the Fields Division, who is the organising secretary ol Young Farmers’ Clubs in New Zealand, and the instructors in Agriculture in each district, who act as the local secretaries.

'Perhaps the main object ol the movement in this County should be to encourage more young men to stay on the land. This is a difficult problem at a time when city and town have, so much to offer. The farm work must be made interesting and at a time when fresh problems are facing the farmer each day. there is an everincreasing need to educate the young farmer, so that'he may understand more fully the subjects which will give him the knowledge to farm liis land so as to obtain the maximum from it. Must Keep in Touch. The farmer of to-day must understand the economies of marketing and production, must keep in touch with the latest developments in agricultural research, must have all the knowledge available at his finger-tips, so that he is better equipped to deni with problems which may arise on his larm. This aspect of the movement is not sufficient; youth from the country "ill soon wish to seek the brighter lilt 1 ol the town if their social life is not catered for. and so it is that the movement encourages the I rateniising of the young farmers at socials, card evenings and dances. Wide Scope of Work. As in the towns, education aims at turning out a uselul citizen, so in the country the Club movement aims to make ilie young farmer a uselul member of the farming community, by eni enraging open-mindedness, encouraging debating, providing training that will enable them to hold executive posi-

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