Rural Exchange Tour Of Asia Proposed

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32029, 2 July 1969, Page 11

Rural Exchange Tour Of Asia Proposed

Further investigation into a proposal for a good-will study tour to Asia next year was approved by the annual meeting of the Rural Exchangee Association in Christchurch recently.

Introducing the subject, the secretary (Mr I. Totty, MidCanterbury) said it was expected that a group of about 20 eould take advantage of contacts offered and already made while travelling to and from Expo ’7O. As Expo '7O was being held in Japan, it could help draw attention to a project in that part of the world, explained the president (Mr S. Inder, Maniototo).

The approximate cost of $7OO would have to be considerd a personal responsibility, said Mr W. Penno, national past president of Young Fanners’ Clubs. Although there was little hope of much financial assistance at present, members should consider assisting this activity as a token of appreciation by former exchangees of the debt they owed to persons who had made their exchange visits possible, said Mr D. Glass (Methven). The first Far Eastern Rural Youth Conference was held in 1957. said Mr B. McLachlan (Waipara). Now would not be too soon to consider action for the establishment of contacts for rural youth organisations to enlarge upon. Other delegates supporting the proposal agreed that the tow would be a good way to make use of International experience gained through country Girls and Young Farmers sponsored exchanges.

The Asian area was of vital concern for New Zealand’s future trade in primary products, commented one speaker. The Royal Agricultural Society was sending livestock and New Zealand Federated Farmers were interested in establishing rural projects in the Philippines and Indonesia, said Mr McLachlan. The tour could be a vital link in helping rural young persons to co-ordinate or complement these efforts. Officers were elected as follows: President Mr S. Inder

(Maniototo): vice-presidents, Messrs D. Roberts (Pleasant Point) and D. Macfarlane (Timaru); secretary, Mr I. Totty (Mid-Canterbury); treasurer, Mr J. Hughes (Waimate).