‘Community’ idea for rural growth

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33037, 3 October 1972, Page 14

‘Community’ idea for rural growth

Members of Young Farmers’ Clubs and Country Girls’ Clubs in Canterbury would like to see more activities of a community nature when the two organisations are amalgamated next year.

This was one of the main points brought out when delegates representing 62 clubs and eight district committees met in Christchurch yesterday to discuss matters arising from an amalgamation.

They agreed that the aims of the combined organisation should be the same as those at present. ‘Unpopular’ debating On the question of activities, several delegates said that there should be more involvement in community activities. Car rallies, it appeared, were a much more popular activity than farm tours and a Timaru delegate said that two clubs in his area thought debating should be dropped, on the grounds that it deterred young people from joining the movement. It was agreed there would be times when country girls and young farmers would need to held separate meetings.

A vote to restrict office to members under 25 was defeated when the meeting discussed whether the age limit

should be retained at 30 years.

Delegates agreed to retain the present structure of the two organisations, in the new body. A move by Mid-Canterbury on scholarships and organisation had unanimous support. Mid-Canterbury’s proposals were that more overseas exchanges be provided, and that scholarships be expanded to make provision for young women. It was agreed that clubs should have one male and one female vice-chairman. This will also apply at district and national level. Clubs will have four delegates on district committees.

Decisions made yesterday will be sent to the national executive of the Young Farmers’ Club movement, which will prepare a report for its annual in March. A proposed constitution will be sent back to clubs for consideration, and it is expected that amalgamation will be finally approved at the annual general meeting of both organisations in June next year.