YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

Evening Star, Issue 22671, 10 June 1937, Page 17

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

SOUTH ISLAND COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING Tho annual meeting of the South Island Council of the New Zealand Federation of Young Fanners’ Clubs was hold in tho Farmers’ Insurance board room yesterday afternoon. There was a largo attendance of members, presided over by Mr A. C. Cameron. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS. The Chairman stressed the need for the utmost frankness in their_ discussions. The movement was making real progress, and there were very encouraging signs. The multiplicity of other attractions was a groat problem, in every walk of life study circles were being formed by men who wished to improve their knowledge of any subject, and if the same could not be in the farming community there must be something wrong. Some members considered that since the Department of Agriculture had taken over the control of the young farmers’ movement their interest was no longer necessary. That was a wrong outlook, and everything must bo done to retain the co-operation of these men. In conclusion the speaker thanked the members for their loyal assistance during tho year. DISTRICT SURVEY. The recommendations of tho District Survey Sub-committee were submitted by Mr S. D. Blomfleld. The committee considered that the district surveys as at present conducted should be continued as an optional activity. It also considered that in view of the fact that the committee considered that some definite activity be given to'every club member it recommended for the council’s consideration that each club member should as part of his club work keep a diary of tho general _ farm operations on the property on which he is working, and that each member should give a detailed report on some particular branch of farming in which he was interested. The subjects for a detailed report should bo one of the following:—Lamb mortality, seed production, cropping production, team or tractor costs, litter herd production, and orchard production. It was further recommended that with a view to securing uniformity in records and giving a guide to club members completing one of the reports that a schedule be drafted showing the lines along which the report was required and the details to_ be contained in it, and that these be printed and supplied on request to the secretaries of various district committees. These schedules were being drawn up by members of the committee. It was pointed out that the practice of keeping a diary was of great educational value, as well ns an adjunct to farming routine. One of the greatest difficulties which had to be overcome was in persuading youths to stand up at a meeting and express their opinions. Tho report was adopted and the committee was authorised to proceed with the suggestions contained in it. It was also decided that tho cooperation with the agriculture masters of district high schools bo left to tho District Committee. SPECIAL COURSE. Details of the special young farmers’ course at Lincoln College were explained by Mr G. A. Nutt. Mr L. W. Blackmore explained that there had already been an excellent response, and it appeared as though the course would bo most successful. DISTRICT WORK. Delegates reported on club work in different districts. All of them outlined tho good progress made, and referred appreciatively to tho active interest of officers of tho Department of Agriculture. The greatest difficulty generally experienced was in connection witli finance. The organising secretary (Mr S. Freeman) spoke briefly of his activities and tho advance that was being made by the movement throughout New Zealand. Members congratulated him on the assistance given by his visits. REMITS. The following remits from district committees were discussed and approved for submission to the New Zealand conference:— From the Upper Clutha Club—" That in. rule 13 the words ‘ and all club members within that district shall have voting power at such annual district meeting ’ shall be ruled out, leaving only to tho delegates the power to vote.” Roxburgh Club—“ That interclub visits bo encouraged.” Palmerston Club—“ That each club should receive gratis a copy of tho Journal of Agriculture.” “ That, although not obligatory, where practicable each year new officers should be elected so as to give all members a chance to hold office.” “ That with a view to assisting tho secretaries of the North and South Island Councils to prepare reports and to keep in touch with the activities in their respective islands, this meeting asks the Dominion Executive to issue instructions to tho secretaries of all district committees to supply a copy of all reports given by them to district committee meetings on the activities within their respective districts.” Mr J. M. Smith suggested that tho dates of annual meetings should he brought forward. At present, he said, the annual meeting of the council was held in tho middle of the club season, with the result that decisions could not be put into effect until tho following season. It was decided to ask the Dominion conference to consider the advisability of holding the annual meeting about September of each year. There was a full discussion on means of meeting transport expenses for lecturers and delegates to council meetings, and on the financial position of the federation generally. OFFICE-BEARERS. Office-bearers were elected as follow;—Chairman, Mr A. C. Cameron; vice-chairman, Mr Allan Grant; honorary secretary, Mr S. D. Blomfleld; delegates to tho Dominion Executive— Messrs A. Grant, G. A. Nutt, C. Whatman. and J. M. Smith.