Rongotea

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 291, 9 December 1936, Page 12

Rongotea

From Our Own Correspondent Young Farmers’ Club. It nas been said that the farmer of the 'uture will be a scientifically trained man. i-ie will rank intellectually, socially, and ’mancially with the physician, engineer md other learned professions. W nether jr no this will be so remains to be seen, >ut for the present it can be said that ;he Young Farmers' Club movement pro/ides a stepping-stone to junior farmers seeking to attain this status. There is an opportunity that never existed before to meet and discuss the hundred and one problems oi’ modern farm practice, farm management, breeding, cropping, seed selection, with many other details that come up for review. And so it is a hopefui sign that the final meeting for the year of the Kongorea Young Farmers Club on Friday evening was one of the best yet. Air G. Burgess was in the chair and the secretary, -Mr J. Gloyn, had prepared a list of subjects for impromptu talks, the opening one being taken by Mr H J. Lancaster, who dealt with milk fever, reviewing the symptoms and means of remedying the trouble. Luring the spring a heifer in his herd had developed milk fever, this being the first instance of a heifer doing so that ho could recall in his fifty years’ experience with dairy cows. inflating the udder with air had proved a sure cure in all cases that had come under his - notice/ In some instance he advocated the use of paraffin oil as p drench, three bottles would provide three doses, to bo given at intervals of twelve hours. Mr M. Lind, former winner of the Stuart Wilson Cup, spoke on mangold growing and detailed the factors that make for success. Air G. Burgess followed with "Does it pay to use certified seed and why?” and in his short address he imparted much useful information. Air K. Brown was allotted "Common weeds and how to eradicate them.” Drawing on personal experience gained in England, Taranaki and the Alanawatu. he handled his subject in a most interesting manner and showed that such weeds as blackberry, ragwort and Californian thistles were very difficult to exterminate. Atembers entered most freely into the discussion on the various topics and as time did not permit several other questions to be taken up, these will be dealt with at a future meeting. Air Lancaster heartily congratulated members on their efforts, and remarked that it gave him great pleasure to see young men display such

capability in debate. Correspondence was read from the Department of Agriculture giving outlines of an essay competition under the auspices of the Alanawatu Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Club, to be known as the S. R. Lancaster Memorial Essay Competition, for a challenge shield donated by the club, to be held for one year, the winner also to receive a memorial medal and three guineas. Open to farmers’ sons and daughters up to 25 years of age. Essays to be not more than 1500 words. Title of essay, “Lessons to be learned from the Alanawatu Jersey Cattle Breeders Stakes.” The next meeting will take place in February, when Air N. Boyd, dairy Instructor, is to be invited to give ar. address.