AGRICULTURAL CLUBS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 163, 12 June 1939, Page 4

AGRICULTURAL CLUBS

; MANAWATU-OROUA DIVISION. Tile annual report on the activities of the year of the Maiiawatu-Oroua division of tne i toys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs stated that a most successful year , had been experienced. ! In tho calf rearing section, 33 schools | took part and 494 animals were paraded , before the judges. This is easily the high--1 est total in the history of the movement in the district. The crop competitions were \ supported by 34 schools, 174 plots being presented. This total, too, exceeded those for many years past. It is felt that the movement generally • has a very live influence in the district and tho judges acknowledge, with gratiI tude, the assistance rendered by teachers, committeemen, judges and supporters. The financial support which is so readily given the clubs by tho Agricultural and Pastoral] Societies, Farmers’ Unions, dairy companies and other bodies in tho district, has aleo been a big factor in the develop- ' ment of the work. The following gentlemen acted as group supervisors:—Messrs H. R. Green, Kairanga; W. J. Croucher, I Palmerston North; A. Kidd, Kiwitea; A. F. McKenzie, Bunnylhorpe; W. E. Thomas, Te Arnkura; F.. N. Rowe, Rongotca; 10. Cowdrey. Ilalcombe. It is generally accepted that tho season was a very unfavourable one. Notwithstanding this, the root, crops seen were better than ever. Tho judges feel that the youthful competitors have learned the benefits that accrue from regular and thorough cultivation and have pleasure in reporting that tho measure of success obtained was due to the practical application of lessons learned. At the last annual meeting, it was decided to supply seeds of soya beans to all competitors who desired* to fry this ; crop in the optional section of their plois. j The variety obtained was early Dwarf Manclni and most of the children sowed one row of seed. Results were most disappointing- and it seems that tho variety is not, worth persorvering with in the Manawatu. Two kinds, Manitoba brown and black eyebrow, did ripen satisfactorily. The mixed plot still seems to meet with general acceptance and continuation of this form of competition is recommended. Tho records received from the compel itoru reached a high standard of excellence and the judges express lo the teachers their appreciation of the support given (he punils in the. preparation of the notes. The Farmers’ Union Challenge Shield for • cultivation and record was won by the Pakihikura School. One hundred and thirty-three entries were made in the. club classes at; tho Manawatu and West Coast A. and i?. Assocciation’s Winter Show*. CALF REARING. The animals seen at the schools reflected credit on their owners. - and it is fitting - to say that the standard of excellence reached in the preparation of the calves was very high. Another very pleasing feature was the increased number of senior i animals seen at the schools. The fact that < those were presented is evidence that interest. in the animals is not lost when ] , they pass the calf stage. The judging at | j the schools was in the very capable hands I of the following gentlemen who are ac- i coided the thanks of all concerned in the i work:—Messrs J. Smith, Bunnylhorpe; ( II R. Green. Kairanga; A. Banks, Mar- ■ ton: A. A. O’Donnell, Jlunnythorpo; It. - D. Brewster, Makino; 11. J. Lancaster, , Glen Oroua; O. M. Ilyd.e, Kairanga; A. Montgomerie. Awahuri ; A. Burgess, Ron- . cotea; .T. 11. Mason. Feilding: D. Buick, ( Palmerston North ; T. Hanford. \\ haka- j rongo - X. Wilson, Longhurn ; N. (.‘beet- , ham. Bunnylhorpe; D. Prentice, Kopanc. j The Inst three acted as associate judges. These lads are ex-members of the Calf Club movement at, their respective schools and were all keen exhibitors. It is pleasing to observe the interest they still maintain in the work and to note their ability in ' making their selections. _ ( The report also records the championship awards, which have already been publish-