Membership Problem In Y.F.C. Movement

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31376, 23 May 1967, Page 7

Membership Problem In Y.F.C. Movement

“We have the machinery not only to meet the challenge of modern farming but also to train young men in the wider field of citizenship,” said the chairman (Mr R. C. Dodson) in his report to the annual meeting of the Canterbury Council of the Young Farmers' Club movement While he was satisfied that the movement was achieving its aims, Mr Dodson said he felt that with the ability that was available in the movement it was not producing the results that it might expect. There were too few members

who had proven ability in some field or other and who were proficient in training others.

A recent membership survey showed that more than 50 per cent of members were between 17 and 20 years of age and that many young men remained members of the movement for less than two years. It was not a problem of obtaining new members but rather of retaining present ones.

Mr Dodson said that the movement had to integrate its aims into activities that were wanted by members and which involved their participation.

In reply to the frequent comment, “too busy at home,” or to opposition from fathers and employers, the movement had to ask where else could a rural boy better obtain the training to meet the demands of modern farming. On the other hand, he said, it had to have a realistic approach and try to run more activities during “off-work” periods. Mr Dodson said that the concept of community service was becoming more evident, especially at club level. But, he added, the movement was not just a community service organisation—it was a training organisation. Mr W. S. Penno, of Morven in the Waimate district, has been elected chairman of the council for the new year and Mr G. B. Robertson, of Methven in the Mid-Canterbury district, vice-chairman.

Head Injuries.—When a car and a truck collided at the corner of Blenheim and Middleton roads about 7.55 p.m. on Saturday, two persons suffered head injuries. Peter Robert Bartlett, of 17 Carbine place, ’/as admitted to the Christchurch Hospital, and Nevill Brian Hole, of 106 Malcolm avenue, was treated at the casualty department