YOUNG FARMERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 192, 15 July 1939, Page 15

YOUNG FARMERS

GROWTH OF MOVEMENT. FEDERATION AIEETLNG. "WELLINGTON, July 15. “If the movement succeeds only partially in arresting the drift Iron) the country to the towns then it will have more than justified its existence.” said thi> retiring president. Air Alan Grant, in his address to the fifth annual meeting of the New Zealand Federation ol Voting Farmers’ Clubs in Wellington, yesterday. The fact should not be lost sight of that the major objective of the Young Farmers' Clubs should he in the direction of raising the standard of agriculture throughout the Dominion. At the same time the development of the social and recreational side was well worthy of encouragement, particularly as a means of popularising the clubs and assisting in the improvement ol the rural environment. The progress of the past year was indicated not only by additional clubs iyid increased membership, but also by the activities that had been successfully carried out throughout the whole movement. The organisation now embraced practically every farming district in New Zealand. The movement was seeking out the leaders from among young farmers, giving them confidence in their own ability, and generally exercising a wonderful influence on country life. AfEAIBERSHTP INCREASE. At the last annual meeting in September. 1938, there was a total of 100 clubs affiliated to the federation (07 in the South Island and 93 in the North Island). To-day there were 201 clubs, of which 75 were in the South Island and 120 in the North fs’nnd. The increase of 41 clubs had resulted ill the total membership being raised to well over 5000. Actually 50 new clubs were formed during the period, but it became necessary to disband nine ot the older ones.

Alajor activities had included a seeessful national shearing competition staged at the Afannwatu-West Coast Spring Show, nearlv 100 competitors from all over New Zealand taking part. “The movement in New Zealand has come to stav and I am satsified that it is progressing - along the right lines," concluded Air Grant. The Alinister of Agriculture (lion. W. Lee Martin), in his address, stated that the awardig of bursaries to deserving young farmers was being considered.

There was a large attendance of delegates from all parts of New Zealand. The Director of the Fields Division. Department of Agriculture (Air R. R. Tennent) said that the Government grant of, £SOO had been recommended for the ensuing year. The financial statement showed pit excess of income over expenditure of £2Ol. Oflirers elected were: President. Air E. W. Barnett (Mnlcombo) : vice-presi-dent-. Air I). F. Coleman lAmhcrley): treasurer. Mr C. 11. Schwass: auditor. Mr A. i\ O’Shea.