YOUNG FARMERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 13, 15 July 1939, Page 25

YOUNG FARMERS

PROGRESS REPORTED

FEDERATION'S ANNUAL MEETING

The fifth annual meeting of the New Zealand Federation of Youne Farmers' Clubs was held in Wellington yesterdayMr. Alan Grant presided. In his presidential address, Mr. Grant said that if the movement succeeded only partially in arresting the drift from the country to the towns it would have more than justified its existence. The fact should not be lost sight of I that the major objective of the Young Farmers' Clubs should be in the direction of raising the standard of agriculture throughout the Dominion, said Mr. Grant. At the same time the development of the s"ocial and recreational side was well worthy of encOuragement, particularly as a means of popularising the clubs and assisting in I the improvement of the rural environment. •The progress of the past year was indicated not only by additional clubs and increased membership, but als6 by the activities that had been successfully carried out throughout the whole movement. The organisation now embraced practically every farming district in New Zealand. The movement was seeking out the leaders from among young farmers, giving them confidence in their own ability, and generally exercising a wonderful influence on country life. INCREASED MEMBERSHIP. At the last annual meeting in September, 1938, there was a total of 160 clubs affiliated to the federation (67 in the South Island and 93 in the North Island). Today there were 201 clubs, of which 75 were in the South Island and 126 in the North Island. I The increase of 41 clubs had resulted fin the total membership being raised to well over 5000. Actually 50 new clubs were formed during the period, but it became necessary to disband nine of the older clubs. Major activities had included -a successful national shearing competition staged at the Mahawatu-West Coast Spring Show, nearly 100 competitors from all over New Zealand taking part. The Minister of Agriculture (thei' Hon. W. L. Martin), in his address,! stated that the awarding of bursaries I to deserving young farmers was being _ considered. . | The Director of the Fields Division ] of the Department of Agriculture. Mr. ] R. B. Tennent said that the Govern- j ment grant of £500 had been recom- j mended for the ensuing year. ) The financial statement showed an '. excess of income over expenditure of ■! £261. I Officers elected were:—President, f Mr. E. W. Barnett (Halcombe): vice- * president, Mr. D. F Coleman (Amber- 'c ley); treasurer! Mr. C. H. Schwass; c auditor, Mr. A. P. O'Shea.