YOUNG FARMERS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 142, 12 December 1935, Page 30

YOUNG FARMERS

SOUTHLAND WINS CUR

Entries approximating 1500 in number were received from school children resident in almost every district in New Zealand for the boys' and girls' agricultural clubs' competitions' this year. Main interest in the club! work in New Zealand at present is displayed in the Taranaki district where the movement is in a flourishing condition. The Wellington district is the centre of strong activity, second only to Taranaki. A cup presented by Mr. Stuart Wilson, Wellington, for the most meritorious performance in the club competitions this year," has been won by E. M.Hassed, a pupil of Otautau School, Southland. This competitor grew a crop of potatoes which when officially weighed yielded at the rate of 46 tons an acre. This remarkable achievement clearly demonstrates the value of the work being carried out by clvb1 members and shows what can be done in .the way of growing record crops provided good seed,and scientific cultural methods are carried out. ;. The second place in the competition was taken by Lister, of, Toko School, Taranaki,- who grew an unprecedented crop of mangolds yielding 179? tons per acre. There is no question that the work performed by .club members is of a remarkably -calibre, and given sympathetic; consideration and the necessary financial support the movement should expand in all districts, of the {Dominion, .and prove of inestimable value by inculcating in competitors the fundamentals of sound farming practice. The Stuart Wilson Cup which is regarded by club members as a most coveted. trophy, has proved a real incentive to competitors, and this year's recipient, in winning it, Has received well-merited congratulations from the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. •C. J. ißeakes, who;rriade the award.