MAORI CALF CLUBS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18580, 14 December 1934, Page 16

MAORI CALF CLUBS

KEENNESS ON COAST DIFF’JCULTIES OVERCOME RESULT OF JUDGING Maori school children on the Coast are keen members of their calf (Hubs, and they are showing evidence of becoming just as keen dairy farmers as their parents. These points were noticed this week during the annual displays of calf clubs attached to native schools. At each place good musters of calves came forward, and attendances of parents were unusually good. At Wharekahika (Hicks Bay), Tokata and Te Araroa weather conditions were unfavorable, the heavy rain of Tuesday night having raised the Awatere and Karakatuwhero rivers to fresh, and many calves had to cross at least one of these rivers. Calves were led by some pupils for as far as five miles. A general improvement in the care and handling of the calves .was noted by Mr. R. G. Lockhart, schools agricultural instructor, under whose supervision the displays were held, and the children were complimented on this. In older to encourage the calf club movement, the Ngatiporou Co-operative JJairy Company, Limited, has decided to -provide a prize for each school holding calf club parades in the Matakaoa and Waiapu counties. This concerns eight native schools and one Education Board school.

MANUTAHI An increase in numbers aud a very marked improvement in the general condition of calves were features of the parade at Manutahi (ltuatoria) Native School- The judging was done by Mr. Lockhart, who congratulated several pupils on their line efforts in leading. Certificates of merit were awarded to Darkie Walsh, Muriel McCosh and Ruru Hauraki. A special prize was awarded to Robert McCosh for handling and leading.

WIIAKA W HITIRA This was the first year for calf club work at Whakawlptira Native School, and a small, though creditable, showing was made. Certificates were awarded to John Wailii and Sam Waihi.

WHAREKAHIKA Unfavorable conditions prevailed for the Wharekahika parade. Certificates were awarded to Margaret Pearce and Sonny Stainton, with Eru White highly commended.

TE ARAROA At Te Araroa, several adults, including the chairman of the school committee, Mr. S. Mills, were present. Tlie awards were given to Dolly Bates and Eric Barbara.

TOKATA A large gathering of parents attended the Tokata parade, together with a number of ex-pupils of the school. The judge, Mr. M. W. Halliwell, Whakauugiangi, made the awards of certificates to Maria Brooking and K. Mullooly in the senior class and to Rangi Brooking and George. Brown in the junior class, with Edward Reid highly commended. Mr. T. Murtagh, of the school committee, thanked the judge and Mr. Ijockhart for their presence, and assured the. interest and gratitude of the parents.

TIKITIKT A good attendance of parents, expupils and former calf club members witnessed the display at the Tikitiki Native School. Messrs. Frank Manuel and Wehi Xururangi, in collaboration with Mr. Lockhart, made the awards of certificates to the following pupils:— August class: Eruete Moretc and John Taare. September class: Ropata Green aud Apcrahau Wairehu. A marked improvement in condition and handling was noted, and the judges referred to this in their remarks. Some calves were brought at least five miles, an indication of the great keenness among pupils and parents. On behalf of the school committee, Mr Rutene Wairehu thanked the judges.

MANGATUNA

At Maugatuna, Mr. P. Weeks -was the judge. Members of the school committee and ladies were present. The parade included both lambs and calves, and though the numbers were small the display was quite creditable. Awards were made as follows: August calves: Charlie Hale and .Sonny Sadlier. September calves: Claire Hale and Mary Maurirere. Lambs: Colli Ilindmarsh and Joyce Hale. The headmaster, Mr. S. J. Kelly, thanked those present for their interest and support. ■

Bush fires, says a Greymouth message, have been prevalent throughout the West Coast during the existing spell of dry weather.