YOUNG FARMERS’ GAMP.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13284, 16 June 1936, Page 2

YOUNG FARMERS’ GAMP.

A FAREWELL DINNER LAST WEEK’S FUNCTION. The Young Farmers’ Week, which has been held at the Solway Showgrounds since Monday, was brought to a succsssful conclusion last night when the members of the clubs and officials were entertained at dinner by a committee of Masterton citizens, headed by Mr E M. Hodder, says the ’ .Age.” The arrangements for the dinner were admirably carried out and it was a highly successful and enjoyable gathering. The dining room at the Showgrounds was beautifully decorated by a ladies’ committee. Mr J. M. James presided and others at the official table were: Sir William Perry, Messrs E. M. Hodder, H. Morison, J. L. Heckler, R. 11. Williams, W. James, W. F. McLaren, L. T Daniell, H. Mackenzie Douglas, C. H. Wilton, J. H. Irving, H. M. Boddington, S. A. Fa Roche and S. Freeman. The proceedings opened with much enjoyed community singing under the leadership of Mr J. H. Hunter, the accompanist being Mr T. Vaughan, after which dinner was commenced by the piping-in of six turkeys, led by Pipe-Major Alan Mackenzie Douglas, of the Wairarapa High School Pipe Band.

Prior to the start of the toast list, Mr J. M James called iijd the club chairmen, Messrs Bremner, Blatchford, Martin, Ward, Pilmer,

stating that he could see everything going with a swing. When the camp opened on Monday, said Mr James, it was thought that there must be some law and order and the camp was divided into five sections, the chairmen being appointed to take charge of a group each. He was sorry to say, he observed with a smile, that the men who had been expected to uphold the dignity of the camp had let them down. They had allowed riotous laughter and gave the boys an opportunity of enjoying themselves, which he thought was a serious mistake. (Loud laughter). It had upset the equilibrium of the town. “You know wo should expect something more from leaders,” he remarked with magisterial severity, “and I sentence you to attend to the ladies while they have dinner.” The chairmen were then counted out by their colleagues. The toast to the king was proposed by the chairman. A FINE MOVEMENT. Proposing the health of the “Young Farmers’ Clubs,” Sir William Perry said he thought that the

movement wa-s one-of the host that had ever beeit started ill New Zealand (Hear! .Hear')-, “We feel,’’ he added, “that ye>W Hire at an age when you can .appreciate what is told to you at the lectures held during the week.” He congratulated those behind the movement, in the Wairarapa,' ; where - iff 'had v been a great success so far. He considered that the secretary, Mr Freeman, who had been so very energetic, had made such a naih© for himself that the authorities would want to give him a much better job. He hoped that the incoming committee would take steps to get better lectures than there bad been this year. Every effort should be made to secure the very best men possible to give information It made him wish he was young again to have such a wonderful start to help him through. When he -first started 50 years ago to breed some Lincoln sheep he found it very difficult to get information. It" would probably take those present some time to put into practice what they had learned during tlio week. They should remember the main points of what they had learned and it would all come back to them later on. They could not ex'pect to use all the knowledge right away. He hoped that what had been done in the Wairarapa would be continued in other districts. The Department of Agriculture was evidentlv going to take the matter up and that would give the organisation a great help as the Department had many capable officers. With that assistance he felt that the movement would forge ahead and make rapid progress. Messrs Bremner (Bush district), Ward (Carterton and Grey town), Blatchford (Masterton and Tinui) and Pilmer (Gisborne) replied to the toast. PRESENTATION TO MR. FREEMAN.

The toast to the Department of Agriculture, coupled with the name of Mr S. Freeman, was proposed by Mr W. F. McLaren, and seconded by Mr N. Martin, who said that all were well aware of the fact that Mr Freeman was one of the finest organisers in the Wairarapa. The. lads were very grateful for what lie_had done for individual clubs and for the camp. Ho then presented MiFreeman with a crystal decanter, jug and glasses. On rising to reply Mr Freeman was greeted with cheers. For the success of the movement in the Wairarapa he had done all he could but considered that much of the success was due to those who had assisted him with the organising work and also to the Young F armors themselves. It had been said that when the movement was first started that it would not last long but he was happy to say that the Masterton Club started ten members and to-day had 70. Other clubs had between 30 and 40 members. Ho deeply appreciated the gift and was very grateful to the boys for tlieir generous action.

Mr J. H. Bremner proposed the toast to the “Citizens of Masterton.” One aspect of the camp, in his opinion, was that such a gathering c ould not but fail to cement the

goodwill between town, and country, lie hoped that the outcome would be a much better understanding between the young people of town and country. The young farmers would be pleased to leave with the knowledge that they would be welcomed T^acix.

Replying on behalf of the citizens of Masterton, Mr H. M. Beddington thanked Mr Bremner for his kind remarks. Should the occasion arise again they could be sure of the support of the townspeople and lie hoped the young farmers would return home remembering the good time they had in Masterton. Discussing the activities of the week, the chairman said that the camp was the first of its kind held in the North Island and he would leave it to those present to judge whether it had boon a success or otherwise When the young farmers had started to arrive the organisers had felt some trepidation as to arrangements for accommodation but everything had worked out splendidly. All had been in good temper so they must have been well fed. ’There had been co-operation right through the town and district. Nothing had been a trouble and all had come forward like one man for which ho wished to thank them. Transport had been a problem, •he remarked when expressing thanks to all who had lent cars. Mr R. H. Williams had not been prominent but lie had been inside his office with his ear to the ’phone morning, noon and night. Ho was the man that the Young Farmers had to thank for the transport provided. All were unanimously of tlie opinion that Mr Freeman was a wonderful organiser. For entertainment had to thank Mr R. J. Young and company. Thanks were also due to those who gave demonstrations and lectures and to the management of the Cosy Theatre. Referring to the visit from the Minister of Agriculture and his colleagues, Mr James said that he felt that the Minister and the Department were heart and sole in the movement and could be relied upon for their support. He also wished to thank tlie Pipe-Major from the High ■School Band, the ladies of 'Masterton and their friends, to whom they were indebted for the splendid dinner.

In proposing the health of Mr G. H. Perry, who is patron of the Wairarapa Council of tlie Young Farmers’ Clubs, Mr Hugh Morison said ho deeply regretted that Mr Perry was unable to be present and hoped ti nt lie would make a rapid recovery. Sir William Perrv replied, stating that Mr G. H. Perry was well on the road to recovery The dinner concluded with «n haka by the boys led by Mr L. T. Daniell. During the evening much appreciated items were given by Messrs IF Hall and T. Vaughan. The following ladies’ committee, Mesdnmcs J. A Betts, E. McLaren, E. M. Hoddor, Misses P Betts. J. Betts, P. Jordan, R Booth am, B. Brown, N. Bootham. J. Daniel?. B. Robinson, B. Todd, S. Mace, J. Bootham, M.

McLaren, Matthews, N. Carrick, I*. Ball and P. Perry played a big part in the success of the dinner and were heartily cheered when the dinner concluded.