AGRICULTURAL CLUBS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 25 July 1924, Page 4

AGRICULTURAL CLUBS.

If there is one thing more than another that is likely to have -an effect in stopping the- drift from the country to the towns, it is a continued and sympathetic effort to encourage and foster an interest in farming among the young people. it is striking to see how they respond to any evidence of such interest. One of the most useful works undertaken of recent years in this district-' is the series of competitions in root-growing and calfrearing amongst the school children. The work done, which is supervised by the Department of Agriculture and the Taranaki Education Board, and in which, it may be mentioned, Mr. A. J. G'lassort and Mr. Rod Syme take a very keen personal interest, has shown that the young people manifest a desire to excel and have the ability to secure results which, if carried out in a larger way on the farms, would result in a decided -all round advantage. It would also go a long way towards securing that much desired end, better feeding of cattle and consequent increase in production. Such must follow. But it is essential, if the scheme is to be the success its promoters desire, that a much, greater interest be, taken by the people of town and country. The fairness of the appeal to both will be recognised whan it is remembered that the townspeople are almost as directly interested in seeing progress on the farms as the farmery themselves. Their prosperity is a reflection of that of the men on the land, and whatever benefits the latter'must necessarily be of decided material advantage to them. It is therefore timely and fitting to remind both parts of the community that this season’s competitions are now to be arranged, and to urge them to consider the question seriously and show their interest and sympathy by attending the annual meeting of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs, which will take place to-morrow morning in Hawera. The promoters are moved by no selfish •motives, and are anxious only to see progress made. Financial assistance will always be welcomed, but they ask most earnestly that farmers and townspeople will show a- sympathetic inteiest, which will go far to achieve the success desired.