Y.F.C. lacks leaders

Press, 9 April 1977, Page 2

Y.F.C. lacks leaders

; Leadership is seen as the [key to the' Young Farmers’ [Club movement’s stemming its falling membership. ' The importance of dynamic leadership was emphasised by the retiring chairj man, Mr P. K. Jarman, at ithe annual general meeting 'of the Christchurch district [of rhe federation of Y.F.C. Membership had declined to 250 from 299 in the previous year, with membership e of school clu.bfi remaining "'static at 218, he said. ; However most chibs had [catered well for their members. Clubs which had appeared weak had gained ; strength and it was mainly a matter of encouraging capable people to become club I !officers. “If we do this, ! be/llieve we can hold our mems bershp in the face of the continuing depopulation of a rural areas,” Mr Jarman - said. j He was concerned though gi about the lack of people pre-

eipared to accept leadership, s’ “My advice to you is to take g I whatever responsibilities you ■ are offered — from club sec- - retary to national president,” • he said. “Each task you take on t will leave you better for it, g and the experience will t stand you in good stead.” Apart from the normal d run of activities, Mr Jarman ;- said that Y.F.C. members j had played a full part in the ? community. They had provided guides for schoold children at the Christchurch i- Show, and speakers for the -ißolleston detention centre. d) “This community contact a work is vital today, and I i- hope that a further ‘Town b visits Country* day will be - undertaken in the coming - year.” e Reporting that be and his f [ wife had represented the a ; movement at the State fareIwell banquet to the Queen hiand the Duke of Edinburgh, -IMr Jarman said this was a

. mark of the esteem in which ; young farmers were held; i they were one of the few: • youth organisations repre- ’ sen ted. Mr H. J. Macartney (Tai > Tapu club) was elected , chairman to succeed Mr JarI man. The vice-chairmen are Miss J. R. Holmes (Avon 1 City) and Mr R. Crossen ; (Dunsandel). The new secre- ; tary is Miss R. Tobeck (Tai : Tapu).