Calf Club Corner

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 56, Issue 32898, 20 August 1947, Page 6

Calf Club Corner

The annual meeting of the Hauraki Calf Club Group was held recently in Paeroa and there was a good attendance of delegates from school clubs and Young Farmers’ Clubs. Votes jf thanks were carried to the Hauraki Agricultural and Pastoral Association for great assistance during the '1946 season. It was decided to approach neighbouring groups to arrange for an interchange of judges during the coming season.

The following officers were elected: President, Mr D. G. McMillan; vicepresidents, Messrs B. E. Veale, C. Townshend, R. Burton; secretary, Mr H. G. McGowan; executive, president, vice-presidents and Messrs Ruscoe and Kelly. It was decided to lower the levy for clubs to 6d a member. Various matters affecting the group were discussed. Among the subjects were: Y.F.C. members to act as associate judges; assistance*by group for distant clubs to attend championship show; appointment of two judges at clubs where'required; two judges «*ud one umpire for championship show. The next meeting of the group is to be held at the end of September. The report of the president, Mr H. G. McGowan, was as follows:— In submitting the annual report on the third year’s working of Hauraki Calf Club’s Group I wish to congratulate all who were responsible for the continued improvement in our work. The quality of the stock shown was excellent and reflects great credit on the exhibitors. This was particularly apparent at the championship show held in conjunction with Hauraki A. and P. Association at Paeroa. The

[By

H. G. McGowan,

on behalf of the

Hauraki Group Calf Clubs].

co-operation of the president, secretary and committee of the association contributed in a large measure to our success. The large number of spectator's that watched the display from beginniing to end was most enthusiastic and appreciative of the quality of the stock and the care given their pets by the exhibitors. At the local shows there was a great improvement in organisation. These field days are now a permanent part of our rural education system. Many teachers are developing other sides of this work and are incorporating home gardens, flowei' shows and sweet pea clubs in the work. Our credit balance has grown from £l4 5s 2d to £3O Is sd. The aim of the group is not to accumulate funds but it has been a wise move to put the finances on a sound footing so that the group may be enabled to give greater assistance in the future. The thanks of the club are extended to many who worked for such a successful year, the children who cared for their pets so well deserve special praise, the judges who gave valuable assistance, those who organised club shows, the Y.F.C., the Thames Valley Jersey Breeders’ Club, and others. There is one phase of our work that should be mentioned. The prime purpose of calf clubs is to inculcate in children a love of animals, and sze must not develop an aim that encourages a purely competitive spirit, or one which selects the best herds or cows in a district. We want to encourage a natural love of animals and that comradeship of others interested in the same work. Competition will add interest to the job but must not be the dominant factor in our activity.

Finally, may I thank all who gave such co-operation for 1946 and trust that the coming, year may be one of continued improvement.