YOUNG FARMERS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 115, 9 February 1938, Page 5

YOUNG FARMERS

New Zealand Team For Australia

MINISTER’S WISHES FOR SUCCESSFUL TOUR

An official farewell was accorded the five members of the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs before their departure by the Awatea for Sydney yesterday to attend the Australian sesquiceutennial celebrations and to join a simlar team from Great Britain at Adelaide. The function was held at Parliament House in the office of the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. W. Lee Martin, and in his absence through indisposition the members of the team were farewelled by the PostmasterGeneral, Hon. F. Jones.

The speakers were introduced by the organising secretary of tlie federation, Mr. S. Freeman, who said the organisation was one of the most important youth movements in the Dominion. There was a chain of about. 140 duos from one end of New Zealand to the other, with a total membership of nearly 4000 young men between the ages of 14 and 25 years. The movement was entirely non-political and its primary objects were agricultural education and the promotion among young farmers of an interest in the well-being and advancement of farming. The New Zealand Department of Agriculture was definitely behind the movement, and the Farmers’ Union, A. and P. associations, women’s division, and other kindred farming organisations realised its potential value, and were assisting in every possible way. Lectures, field days, stock-judging, tours and other educational activities were arranged, and the movement aimed broadly at making better farmers and better citizens. Young farmers’ clubs were established throughout the Empire, and were particularly strong in Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Department’s Assistance. The Dominion president of the federation, Mr. W. F. McLaren, said the Department of Agriculture had been of tremendous assistance to the movement, and without the co-operation of its officers the organisation could not have made anything like the same progress. The officers of the fields division in particular had rendered most valuable service. The organising secretary, who was an officer of the department, and the instructors in every district, were responsible for the coordination of the work throughout the Dominion, and their efforts were deeply appreciated.

“The tour of Australia that these lads are undertaking ig a. milestone in the progress of our organisation,” added Mr: McLaren. “It is a matter for self-congratulation that the greater part of the funds needed for the tour were raised through the clubs themselves, and the lads who have merited the rewards must feel themselves very fortunate indeed. The lads will be away from New Zealand for about two and a half months and will spend most of that time in South Australia and New South Wales.” The Director of the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. R. B. Tennent, said he considered the movement to be of the utmost value to the farming community, as it represented one of the finest avenues for the dissemination of the results of agricultural research work and knowledge. He was fully convinced that by organising the country youth of the Dominion and directing their thoughts and activities along progressive and sound lines, the future of farming could be made more attractive, remunerative, and satisfying than had hitherto been possible. The Dominion secretary of the NewZealand Farmers’ Union, Mr. A, P. O’Shea, said the experience of his organisation suggested that the team of young farmers would find the farming community of Australia wonderful hosts and only too willing to show them everything possible. The result of such a tour by a team of picked young men, the cream of the membership of the clubs, could be productive of , nothing but profit and pleasure, and should result in improving the already excellent relations between Australia and New Zealand. Spirit of Independence. Mr. Jones said the spirit of independence shown by the clubs in raising a large portion of the funds for the tour was very pleasing. Farmers’ problems all the world over were increasing, and it was well to know that the young farmers of New Zealand were arming themselves with all the knowledge they could acquire. It was gratifying to feel that the organisation was bringing the young farmers into closer touch with "the department’s officers and their work.

“The progress of the organisation not only speaks volumes for the work of those who are fostering it, but it. also shows that the young farmers of to-day have the desire to take full advantage of the knowledge of research workers.and experienced farmers,” Mr. Jones continued. “Tlie organisation is appealing to the very best of the young manhood of the farming community, and that in itself is evidence of its worth.

"As guests of the Australian Junior Farmers’ Clubs you will have advantages that no ordinary tourist could hope to obtain. The same applies to your clubs here in New Zealand; as individuals you can do little, but as members of the Young Farmers’ Clubs the doors are wide open and everybody is anxious to help you. because they realise that you are a body of young men who are thirsting for knowledge. You are going to Australia as representatives of New Zealand, and we know that you will do your best to show everybody what fine young chaps we can produce in our Dominion. On behalf of the Government I congratulate you on' your success in the judging competitions at the Royal Show; your knowledge of stock will be a great asset to you on your tour. It is rather unfortunate that an Empire competition could not be arranged at Sydney, for you might have come back with fresh laurels.”

The leader of the team. Mr. C. M. Whatman, thanked the Minister on behalf of the team for his good wishes. The other members. .Messrs. A. B'isher, H. McKenzie, A. Viles, and A. Cowan, also returned thanks. The team was entertained by the Minister at afternoon tea.