AWATUNA FARMERS’ UNION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 11 July 1925, Page 9

AWATUNA FARMERS’ UNION.

F I LIST ANNUAL BALL. A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. ’ Thronged with an assembly of approximately 2UO dancers from the local .and surrounding districts, the Awatuna Hui] presented an animated scene on Friday evening on the occasion of the first annual ball held under the auspices of the Awatuna branch of the Fanners’ Union. Thanks to the efficient organisation effected by the president. Mr IT. Davison, the popular secretary, Air F. L. Street, and the other executive members, assisted by the ladies’ committee, consisting of Alesdames 11. Alty, M. Barker, Al. Bourke, L. Corbett, G. Frost, G. Harding, P. Hughes, E. James, R. Pope, H. Rea. F. A 7. Street, D. Thompson, and Al'iss Korti, the entertainment of the guests was excellently provided for, and as a social eA-ent the function achieA r ed a. success Avhich should make its -annual recurrence one of the most popular in the district.

A pleasing decoration scheme, featuring pink and blue tints, ga\ r e- the hall an attractive appearance, Avhieh was tlie subject of much favourable comment-. Entwined streamers suspended from the walls conveyed under a large circular cluster of festoons luing aboi-e the middle of the floor, the Avails being draped with harmonising colours, Avhilc delicately-shaded ligiits diffused a sort glow over the scene and enhanced the effect. The syncopation provided by Boulton’s orchestra afforded faultless dance rythm and ensured the maximum of pleasure from dancing on a well-con-ditioned floor. Alessrs H. Davison and N. AlcKinnon, the Al’s.C., superintended a programme- which pro\-ecl enjoyable throughout, each number being wel| patronised. Two waltzing competitions, divided into open and maiden classes, added to the general interest, the aivard of the judge, Air R. Tremaine (Auroa) being giA'en in favour of Aliss M. Lovell (Knpmii) and Air L. Thompson in the open eA*ent, and in favour of Aliss E. Sanson (Rrverlea) and Air D. Alercer in the maiden.

The -supper room appointments arranged -by the ladies’ committee met with especial approval, the room and tables being tastefully decorated, and the latter being laden with an abundance of appetising confections, while a -bevy of willing attendants waited upon the guests. During an interval in the programme suitable appreciation of the public support given Avas expressed by Air. Davison, who also tendered thanks to the ladies and all who had assisted in making tlie event such a pronounced success. Air. Davison intimated that both socially and financially the A’entnre ha-d received very great encouragement. He felt- sure it Avould prove a valuable asset to the social life of tlie Aivatuna branch of the Farmers’ Union, and hoped that similar results ivould mark the function in the future.

Air. Glasson said a suggestion had been made that children should do experimental Avork in this connection, but he believed it was not intended thatthis should be- done.- AVhat they wanted to learn was how to grow good crops. The chairman said they Avanted uniformity all over the district. CALF REARING. The question of the cost of rearing was brought up by Air. Syme, who said he would agree to a suggestion made last year by Air. Deem that the question of cost be cut out altogether. The chairman agreed, and said they were out to -see which child could rear the best calf.

The suggestion that putting in cost led to dishonest methods was discounted by Air. Syme. Calves could be reared at a very small cost, and he lie. lieved 8s was a reasonable amount. Rut he added that the cutting out of cost Avould give a big handicap to the children Avhose fathers had good stock and plenty of milk and other food available. It’would- be essential,. however, that a record of all food given should be kept. DATE OF ENTRY.

After some discussion it Avas agreed tliat calves born between August 1 and August 31'ivould be eligible, and entries should be made by September 19.

On Mr. Syme’s motion it was agreed that calves be brought to the schools to be branded, and that this be done as before at the time of judging. SOUTHERN SCHOOLS. A suggestion made by Mr. Betts that Alton, Kakaramea, and Manutahi be allowed to come into the competition was held over to see if a competition was run under the Wanganui Board. Mr. Syme said that there were several difficulties in the way of admit ting them into Taranaki, and the competitions started here were originally for TaranakT schools only. It was agreed that, as in the past, the competitions should be confined to Taranaki Board schools in South Taranaki. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Committee: Five teachers, Messrs Innes (Okaiawa), Nairn, Francis, Brown and Metcalf; Education Board, Messrs Syme and Ridling; Farmers’ Union, Messrs E. J. Betts, J. Dakers, E. Cameron, W. McL’Dowie, E. R. Putt, W. F. Lyndon; Department, Messrs J. W. Deem and A. J. Glasson. It was resolved that the prize moneys be the same as in previous years.

Cordial thanks were expressed by the secretary for tne manner In which the calf-rearing judges—Messrs F Hoskin, W. McL’Dowie, Jenkins, L. S. Barraelough and H. Wren —had done the work asked of them, and often at very short notice. He included also all others who had helped. The president endorsed 1 these remarks, and expressed his deep gratitude to all these gentlemen for their uniformly able and courteous assistance. They had done yeoman service during the past years, and their work was highly apprecited. A hearty vote of thanks, moved hv the chairman, was passed to the press for their unfailing help, by which the work of the clubs had been spread widely.

A vote of thanks to the chair, and to the Borough Council for the use of the room was carried, and the meeting adjourned.