YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 195, 19 July 1937, Page 2

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS.

FEDERATION MEETING. WELLINGTON, July 17. The third annual meeting of the New Zealand Federation of Young (farmers’ Clubs was held in Wellington yesterday Thirty-four delegates attended, representing districts from as far south as Southland and as far north as Auckland. Mr A. C. Cameron, of Dunedin, the president of the federation, was in the chair, and among those present were Messrs W. F. MeLarsen, Masterton, vice-president ; R. B. Tennent, director of the Fields Division, Department of Agriculture; Hon. F. Waite, M.L.C.; J. H. Bremner, Pahiatua; Alan Grant, Waimate; H. J. Lancaster, Palmerston North; R. T. C. Raine, Nelson; H. J. Holyoake, M.P., Motueka; Adam Johnston. Waikaka; and D. McGregor, Masterton.

The organising secretary, presenting the annual report, said that it was a record of steady progress, an increase of 38 in the number of clubs actively functioning and of about 1000 in'the membership. The number of clubs to date was 122, of which 62 were situated in the North Island and 60 in the South (Island, the membership being approximately .3000- The report dealt with the major activities,' including educational weeks, agriculture camps, tours, etc., and summarised the work of the clubs generally throughout the year. Lectures and demonstrations had been given at monthly meetings by officers of the Department of Agriculture throughout the Dominion. Members of the staffs of Lincoln and Massey Colleges and the Cawthron Institute had assisted in the same way. Advantage had also been freely taken by the clubs of the help of local breeders, and farmers who had been willing to assist. Discussions and debates were rapidly becoming an essential part of club work and members were developing the true club spirit. Lecturettes given by members themselves were becoming a feature, and in some cases certain members were visiting otliei clubs throughout their districts and delivering lectures on matters of farming interest. Inter-club visits and debates were being carried out mid the social side was not being neglected. Field days had become a regular feature of both club and district work, and were in most cases well attended by the older members of the farming community. The more important activities undertaken during the season included an agricultural week at Palmerston North attended by about 300 members; an ngricultura' week at Nelson, attended by about 60; an 11-dav tour undertaken by 51 members of the Bav of Plenty clubs; through the southern nart of the North Island, including Wellington; a tour through North Otago bv 80 members of Otago clubs: a tour through Central Otago by 40 members of southern clubs : and numerous smaller tours and trims, including a visit by a imrty of 80 Waivarapa members to industrial works at Petone am l Lower Hiitt. The assistance of kindled organ'sations. such as the New Zea'nnd Farmers’ Union, W.D.F.U.. the A. and P. societies and the various dog-trial associations was. acknowledged. Trophies donated for -different competitions, such as essays and stock judging, were referred to. Among them was a cup donated bv Mr P. G. Cope, of Palmerston North. Mr’ W E. McLaren, chairman of the North Island council, was elected president, and Air A. C. Cameron, the retiring president, was elected vicepresident.