YOUNG FARMERS’ N.Z. CLUBS NEARLY 9000 STRONG

Grey River Argus, 30 June 1947, Page 7

YOUNG FARMERS’ N.Z. CLUBS NEARLY 9000 STRONG

P.A. NEW PLYMOUTH, June 25. The membership of the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs increased by nearly 3000 during last year, representing a gain of 81 clubs. This was disclosed by the retiring Dominion president, Mr G. V. Avery, of Sanson, in an address to the annual conference of the federation, which opened at New Plymouth to-day. He said there were now affiliated to the federation 291 individual clubs, with a total membership of nearly 9000. Included in the figures were 23 clubs in secondary schools. Seven of the clubs had been formed in the J. Force in Japan. Apathy among the clubs in certain parts of the Dominion was blamed by Mr Avery for a slow response to a drive for funds for a national memorial to members who lost their lives on active 'service. Last year’s conference had decided to provide as a memorial, a special wing at Massey College for the accommodation fo club short-course students, and a lecture room and recreation hall at Lincoln College, estimated to co it 120,900. It was stated to-day that a total of 12337 had been received. The conference agreed to adhere to the decision to try to raise the full amount in two years. The incoming executive was recommended to accept an invitation to told the 1948 livestock judging competition at Massey Agricultural College. The principal officers elected were: Dominion President, Mr J. Barclay (Waimate); vice-president, Mr D. G. McLachlan (Wairarapa); treasurer, Mr.G. S. Poland (Wellington); auditor, Mr O. G. Thomas (Wellington); represented on Federated Farmers, Mr D. G. McLachlan; representative of National Pig Council, Mr S. Richardson (Manawatu)