BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 August 1924, Page 7

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS.

ANNUAL MEETING. FRESH ENTHUSIASM. There was an air of revival and enthusiasm about the adjourned meeting of the clubs, held to-dnv and over which Mr R. Dunn presided. In a few preliminary remarks, Mr Dunn said the Farmers’ Uni.on were willing to carry on the competitions, but were faced with the problem, as before, of the prize money-. The members were anxious to assist in every- way and would do everything possible to ensure success. Mr Hooker said that he was present as seertary of the Winter Show executive, who supported the competitions very largely, an'd added that entries had been held up because prizes had not been paid. His. executive were anxious to co-operate and to help, for they knew the Farmers’ 'Union had been having a big struggle. The whole success hinged on the prompt pay-ment of prizes. Mr Deem said that those who had taken an interest in the movement would not continue unless this was done.

Mr R. Syme suggested the setting up of a small sub-committee to go into the matter, and said that if this were settled the movement would be given stability. The deputy-secretary said that the suggestion would fill the bill.

A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs R. Syme, Giasson and Hooker, was appointed to confer with Mr Buckeridge and Mr Fvson to deal with the matter.

Mr Syme brought up the question of the calf-rearing competitions, and said he feared it could not be carried out this year. He said the annual meeting of the clubs was always too late, and recommended that the date be fixed annually- as near the beginning of July as possible.

Mr Cocker said that many children had kept their calves, believing the. competitions would be held. Mr Hooker agreed this was a good idea and that it would be a fatal move to drop them. He said that the Winter Show hoped next year to be able to do more and to have a place for exhibiting the prize calves. He urged the necessity" of interesting the townspeople in the project, and said they were not brought sufficiently- into touch with the scheme. The burning question in dairying matters was increased production, and this was the best way to bring about such a result. The chairman agreed this was a good suggestion, and hoped it could be carried into effect. It would lie unfair to competitors, who believed the competitions would be <earried on ns before. Mr Svme referred ro the fact, that yearling and 2-vear heifers and cows had to be judged this year, and said this was an added reason for continuing the competitions. Mr Hooker said he was sure the necessary funds could be secured if a canvass was made. Mr Deem referred to the cost of feeding, which he considered was not. of so much importance as the rearing of good strong calves. It was resolved that the calf-rearing competitions be carried on as before, and on the same conditions. EXECUTIVE. The following were elected, as representing the various interests: Education Department—Messrs Bidling and Syme. Agricultural Department Messrs Deem and Giasson. .School Committees Mrs McNeil (Rawhitiroa), Messrs Frances (Tokaora), Tunes (Okaiawa), Brown (Anrna), and Mills (Riverlon). Farmers.’ Union —Messrs E. TToskin, ,8. Millar, E. .1. Betts, 8. Huston and 11. .Sutherland. Winter Show—Mr L.O. Hooker. The president, is a member ex officio. PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. U was resolved that all schoolmasters and committees be notified asking for entries for the competition, and that, as soon as these are received charts be sent out for the children, and a few extra if required. Mr Giasson advised that the children be urged to keep notebooks and fill in charts from them. Air Hooker said that tho executive should send out to schools a copy of the exact conditions with all details necessary, so that they could be followed by- anyone. They must got a uniform and the best chart possible. All teachers must, be urged to send entries in early. The work of the boy-s’ and girls’ clubs should be made a prominent feature of the school routine. Mr Giasson urged the need of active local supervisors taking a keen interest in the work. Mr Dunn said that the charts he had seen were a distinct credit to Hie j schools. ' It was only fair to teacher:! to stress this point. Mr Syme said the committee should draw up conditions and send out circulars to teachers, setting out: fully the conditions.

The president said suggestions from, anyone interested would be welcomed.

It was agreed that chairmen of school committees or members of the Union be local supervisors, and on Mr Hooker’s suggestion a list was arranged of all those who were ready to ge out and personally interview them. He added that he considered it absolutely essential to see them personally, and that only thus could satisfaction be secured. The children would respond if they saw tile parents and teachers taking a direct interest in the work. Mr Dakers urged that all branches and committees should make a special effort to secure local prizes, so that the efforts of the children who did not get group prizes should be recognised. Mr Crocker agreed and said that an interview was worth a dozen letters The offer of the members present, as suggested by Mr Hooker, to go out to interview committees was accepted with thanks. The plan of canvassing was left to the executive.

On Mr Hool cer’s suggestion it was decided to go ahead and bring down a comprehensive report. He also urged interviewing the business men of the towns, and not leaving thte whole burden to the farmers. Mr Deem said the schools should raise their own prizes, and of this the meeting approved. Mr Syme suggested that if more money than was required were raised it should lie used to make further competitions rather than increasing prizes. ” It. was resolved t<> leave the whole "W-.’o I'eporr tn a meeting to he called in, say. four weeks. The representatives of the Agriculture arid Education Departments wore asked to prepare a report, on the question of grouping. The town plots were referred to, and Mr Classon said he considered they were not a success. This concluded a very valuable discussion. and a vote of thanks to all who had made, such good suggestion* was carried, and concluded a capital meeting.