BEST IN DOMINION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 29 November 1928, Page 4

BEST IN DOMINION.

SCHOOL ROOT CROP. STUART WILSON CUP. WON BY H. WILLIS, MATAPU. An event of importance not only to the 'Matapu. School, but to the whole district, was celebrated at Matapu yesterday when, as the grower of the* record" crop of mangolds for the Dominion, Master H. \V r illis was presented with the Stuart Wilson Cup, given Jby Mr Wilson, of Wellington, for annual competition among all the schools of the Dominion. His crop, it will be recalled, weighed out at the .rate of 188 tons 6 evvt. to the acre and easily beat any previous crop. With the cup goes a gold medal and enlarged photograph of the cup, presented by the Agricultural Department each year. On behalf of the Director-General of the Department, Mr A. J. Glasson made the presentation. Mr W. A. Guy, chairman of the school committee, presided, and there were present : Messrs J. R. Corrigan and P. Bremer (judges in calf rearing), E. K. Cameron (Provincial Secretary of the Farmers Union), and Rod S-yme, Instructor oi' the Education Board. There were also a large number of parents and friends and all the children of the school. After a brief introduction by Mr Guy. Mr Glasson said that- to him had been given the privilege of making this presentation, lie said that Mr Wilson, realising the value qf the clubs, considered it a good idea to give some trophy to sustain interest in the movement, therefore had donated a challenge cup for the best crop grown in the Dominion by a school pupil. Last season this had been won by. Harold Willis and he had no need to extol the merits of this fine achievement. It was a distinction to the grower and to the whole district. Already, lie added, there were three winners from South Taranaki. He regretted he was not empowered to hand over the cup, which was to be returned to the Department, but each year it gave a permanent record, in the shape of & gold medal and photograph of the cup and the winner’s name was inscribed on the trophy itself. He therefore had great pleasure on behalf of the Director-General in making the presentations to Master Willis and heartily congratulating him on his achievement, lie added that the school should also set itself to secure the H. A. Lane Shield for most points, in all competitions and with the crop's they grew and the calves they reared this should be possible. Mr E. K. Cameron expressed his pleasure at being present and he announced that the championship judging at Eltham on December 14 there would be several other prizes to be presented to Matapu children —H. Willis, Ist mangolds and the Webb Challenge Cup and a silver cup for himself; O. Treweek second in carrots and second in championship; Trixie Carter, dairy type (two badges). Mr J. R. Corrigan referred to- the great example set that afternoon, which showed, how a direct benefit for the country could be secured. _ He said others could do the same if they took trouble and did everything well.' He referred also to the school exhibits which i were once such a feature of the winter show and lie urged pupils to try to foster these exhibits. He also urged the parents and committees to co-operate with the children. , , , Mr C. Willis responding on belialr ot his son,, said they appreciated the honour of winning the championship ot New Zealand. He added that they had received great help from reading the records made in England by Mr Birkett, the writer of .a series of articles on the crowing of crops. This authority stressed the need of preparing the ground months before solving and hai - nig it therefore in a perfect condition. Previous winners ol the cup are as be--10'1990 WP. Collins (Beaumont) and Geo.“McLeod (Momona); 19*21, Owen C Gould (Hampden) ; 1922. Dorothy V ard (Okaiawa); 1923, I’- Stevenson (Hampden) ; 1924, Jean Miller (Oeo) ; 1920, Hugh Gibson (Outram); 1926, Harold Dorn (Kelvin Grove); 192/, Noel Prebble (Glen Oroua); 1928, Harold Willis (Matapu). , , The gathering was entertained by the ladies to afternoon tea.