YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26121, 25 May 1950, Page 6

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

CANTERBURY COUNCIL’S ANNUAL MEETING

Six new young farmers’ clubs were admitted to membership of the Canterbury council of Young Farmers’ Clubs at the annual meeting yesterday afternoon. Affiliated clubs now number 58, with a membership of 1870.

“I have watched the Young Farmers’ movement grow up since its inception 14 years ago, and I am very proud to have been associated with its progress,” said Mr G. Freeman. Dominion organising secretary. There were 332 clubs in New Zealand today, and the number was steadily increasing. The Canterbury council was maintaining steady progress, and membership continued to increase. The following officers were elected: chairman. Mr A. McKercher (South Canterbury); vice-chairman, Mr O. J. Osborne (Ellesmere); honorary secretary. Mr R. L. Bennetts (Christchurch); honorary treasurer, Mr J. Young (Christchurch); delegates to Dominion executive, Messrs W. J. Symes. O. J. Osborne, and H. L. Chisnail; finance committee. Messrs Osborne, Symes, McKercher, Bennetts, and Young. “You must realise the great value of our movement to New Zealand and to ourselves, and every effort must be made to increase membership to our 25,000 target,” said Mr E. Rabbidge. Dominion president of Young Farmers’ Clubs, addressing the meeting. “You who are gathered here to-day are the acknowledged leaders of this movement, and it is your duty to see that general interest is maintained and our organisation advanced. We have a reputation unequalled by any other young peoples’ movement in New Zealand, and we have the full confidence and support of this country’s leaders,” said Mr Rabbidge. Congratulating members of the Canterbury council area (which includes Nelson. Marlborough. West Coast, and Canterbury), Mr Rabbidge said that they had done a great job in promoting the growth of clubs. But this progress had to be maintained, for there was nothing more damaging to the prestige of the movement than to hear of clubs going into recess. It was essential that district councils and the executive members of individual clubs should provide varied and interesting activities without which progress could not be achieved. There were a great many outside bodies which were prepared to help young farmers’ clubs, but the foundation of their success rested solely on good attendances at meetings and individual enthusiasm.

“It is widely recognised that from the ranks of the young farmers’ club movement will come the, leaders of to-morrow,” concluded Mr Rabbidge, “and for that reason alone our organisation must be kept strong, healthy, and progressive.”