CALF-REARING COMPETITIONS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 14 August 1928, Page 6

CALF-REARING COMPETITIONS.

TROPHY PRESENTED TO TOKAORA SCHOOL.

Yesterday Lib the Tokaora. school the Bennett and. Sutton Cup, won by children of the school, was presented by the Hon. O. J. Hawken, Minister 01 Agriculture. The presentation was made in the presence of several members oi the committee to the acting headmistress (Mrs. Decides). The chairman of the committee (Mr. H. J. Finlay) said it was probably a unique occasion, and lie was sorry that on account of illness the headmistress (Mrs. Chamberlain) could not be present. The occasion was a visit irom the Hon. O. J. Hawxen, Minister of Agriculture, who had come to present to the school the cup donated by Messrs Bennett and Sutton lor the school showing the three best calves reared by pupils, and this trophy had been won by Tokaora at the last Eginont show. The names of the young exhibitors were the Misses Johnson daughters of Mr. and Mrs H. E. Johnson. Mr. W. McL’Dowie, president of the Egmont A. and P. Association, said he had to apologise lor the absence of Mr. if. W. button, one of the donors, who had wished to be present but was unable to do so. He said that by inadvertence the cup had been lying in the secretary’s otiice and should have been presented long ago. He said that Air. Johnson and lie had canvassed for trophies, and Messrs Bennett and Sutton had given one for the three best calves from the same school. It had to be won thrice before becoming the' absolute property of any school. In congratulating Tokaora and the three young people, he said he hoped they would win it again. They had done good work and thoroughly deserved the reward.

Mr. Hawken, in presenting the cup, said it was essentially the boys’ and girls’ day to-day. He hoped Tokaora was proud of its achievement. He said that the training given in competing for such a trophy was very valuable and enabled them to know how to treat calves properly, aud it was very important to the whole Dominion that good calves should be reared. the young competitors could Well be proud of their success. Much, greater care ol stock of all kinds—not only cattle, but horses,' fowls, and pigs—was required in New Zealand, he said. The country would benefit much by its young people learning to rear the best standard ot stock of all kinds. There had not been sufficient care taken in this matter in tire past, and the country was losing a. large sum of money each year. He instanced the loss of hoggets in the South Island, which was largely due to want of care, and he urged farmers to look after the feeding of their stock. He feared the farmer was slow to learn tlie lesson of how to treat his stock to maintain good condition, and I he was always ready to make excuses. When cows were dying or fowls not laying he dicl not say to himself “I have "not looked after them well,” but looked for excuses. Tliese great losses could be avoided, said Mi\ Hawken. In conclusion, the speaker said he hoped that Tokaora would set an example to other schools, and that they would soon win again. At the call of Master Laurence Gilbert three hearty cheers were given for the Minister, and a hearty vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. Mr. H. E. Johnson said he hoped Tokaora would keep the l’eeord it had made, and lie saw no reason why they should not win again. The exhibit of calves by the children would be a strong factor in making the A. and P. shows a great success. He paid a tribute to Mr. McL’Dowie for the good work he had done in connection with the clubs.

Mr. MeL’Dowie, acknowledging the compliment, said it was a pleasure to come out, and he hoped Tokaora would win again. Mr. Hawken said before leaving that Mr. H. G. Dickie, M.P., had arranged to make the presentation, but that ho had important work to' do in Wellington and had asked Mr. Hawken to take his place. The children and the visitors then adjourned to the hall, where afternoon ten was provided by Mines. H, Finlay and T. Bollond and Miss Raven. A cordial vote ot thanks was passed to them.

During tea time 'Master Laurent entertained the 'company with a clever recitation.