Flock House Fond

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 268, 15 November 1934, Page 3

Flock House Fond

CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REPORT Discussing the year’s activities, tho chairman of tho Flock Houso Fund trustees, Mr E. Newman, C.M.G., in his report, states that at the date of the la3t annual report 109 soldiers’ sons in New Zealand had been received at Flock House, of which 70 had completed their training, leaving 39 in residence. During the year a further 01 New Zealand boys, were received at Flock House (of which two were seamen’s sons), OS completed their training. and were placed in employment, leaving 35 in residence and in course of training. The 173 boys were received from all parts of New Zealand sis follows Auckland province, 41; Poverty Bay, 4; Hawke’s Bay, 10; Taranaki, 5; Wanganui-Rangitikei, 9; [Manawatu, 11; Wairarapa, 4; Wellington, 22; Marlborough, 1; Nelson and .Westland, 7; Canterbury (North and Mid-Canterbury), 16; South Canterbury, 5; Otago and Southland, 38. The fjervico of the fathers was fully representative, 23 having seen service in the Main Body and every reinforcement and the Air Forco being represented. Fifty-one fathers were killed in action or died of wounds or sickness, The boys are selected by the War Belief Association or by the Returned Soldiers’ Association in the district in which they reside. .“The financial results of the farm operations for the year under review have been satisfactory, and have helped to make up some of the leeway suffered during the four previous bad years,” adds the chairman. “Each class of stock and piroduce shows an increased return over the preceding year, the principal increases being in the prices realised during the year for fat lambs and wethers, and for surplus •breeding ewes sold. The continued •policy of development of the property 'and consequent increase in stock-carry-ing capacity is mainly responsible for the good results, and, given reasonable prices in the future, the farm and station returns should continue to be Satisfactory.

j “During the year the boys have Regular physical exercises and drill, and each draft competes for the Sir James Allen Challenge Rifle Cup and (Silver Medal. Considerable importance -lias always been attached to these Eorms of. recreation at Flock House to ,'develop smartness in the growing youths. Theoretical instruction in -farm subjects is regularly given on {Saturday mornings and in evenings, /usually covering the immediate seasonable operations of . the farm. During Hi® year the film projector has been

converted into a talking machine, and good programmes have been provided for the entertainment of the boys on Saturday evenings. Divine servico is held in the Fenwick Memorial Ilall each Sunday. Tho health of the boys, under the careful supervision of the matron, has been excellent throughout the year, the open-air lifo and plentitude of wholesome food resulting in marked growth and physical development.

“I desire to again acknowledge the indebtedness of the trustees to the staff employed at Palmerston North and Fioek House station for tho continued loyalty, energy and ability 'shown in carrying out their various duties. Throughout its existence the fund has been particularly fortunate in its staff, and I am glad of this opportunity of expressing the appreciation of the trustees. They again desire to express their acknowledgment and grateful thanks to tho members of the Women’s Division of tho New Zealand Farmers’ Union, to the Y.M.C.A., tho Y.W.C.A., and to the many friends and advisors of tho fund throughout the Dominion for their help and advice in placing our young people in satisfactory employment., and for keeping in close and helpful touch with them when employed. We wish also to thank ■the many organisations and individuals in Palmerston North, Wanganui, Marton, Bulls and elsewhere for entertainments given and assistance at sports gatherings at Flock House station. The various patriotic associations throughout itho Dominion havo continued to give help to the fund by careful investigation into applications for assistance from seamen and disbursement of grants, and for this we express our sincero thanks.” ,