WYNDHAM

Southland Times, Issue 24108, 23 April 1940, Page 10

WYNDHAM

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL At the annual meeting of householders of the Wyndham District High School the chairman (Mr L. Harper) presided over an attendance of 10 householders. The annual balance-sheet showed a debit balance of £l4/10/1, and in moving the motion for its adoption, the chairman expressed disappointment at the small attendance. He would have liked to see more young married men taking an interest in the school. There had been many changes in the school during the past 12 years, said the chairman. The fall in attendance at the secondary department had resulted in Miss Curie being transferred to Riverton, and this would mean more work for Mr W. L. Stewart. During the period under review the various sports organizations at the school had more than held their own against much stronger opposition. The grounds were in good order, but much more could be done if more finance were available. The decreased attendance at the school had resulted in a decreased capitation grant. This now stood at about £9O, against £123. This meant that the incoming committee would have difficulty in making ends meet, as firing, cleaning and sanitation alone cost more than £9O. The present heating system was unsatisfactory and the outgoing committee was of the opinion that the board’s architect be asked to inspect the system with a view to having a more economical system installed. The rector (Mr C. S. Gordon) said the roll at present stood at 113 in the primary department and 19 in the secondary department. The attendance throughout the year had not been good because of sickness. The school had been well treated as far as equipment was concerned. Under the supervision of Miss Curie, the secondary department had won £3 for winning the centennial survey competition. The school had not done so well at sports as previously, but, nevertheless, had put up a good showing. Parents’ day was well attended. He wished to thank the committee for its attention to any requests made during the term. It was only those in touch with school work who realized the work carried out by the committee. The following committee was elected:—Messrs O. Traynor, A. A. Wilson, D. N. A. Macpherson, W. F. Bennetto and W. Thompson. This was two short of the required number, but the committee has power to fill the vacancies. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr Bennetto was elected chairman and Mr Traynor secretary. Appreciation of Mr Harper’s services to the committee was recorded in the minutes. YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUB There was an attendance of about 20 members at the first meeting of the year of the Wyndham Branch of the Young Farmers’ Club. Mr J. McLaren presided in the absence of Mr _F. Clay. Mr A. Howe reported that since the last meeting 10 members had inspected the 10 acres of land offered by the Department of Lands for tree planting at South Wyndham. As a result of the inspection it had been decided that the area was too rough and was out of reach of the club. An acre of land on the opposite side of the road had also been inspected, and this was found to be more suitable. A letter to this effect had been forwarded to the fields inspector, but until a reply had been received, nothing could be done in the meantime.

It was decided that a committee comprising the chairman, vice-chairman, and Mr W. Brown should draw up a syllabus for the season. An address on top-dressing was given by Mr W. R. Harris, who expressed pleasure at the good attendance. Since the outbreak of war some concern had been felt about the carrying on of the movement, and it had been decided to curtail the activities somewhat so as to avoid any excess travelling.

Now that Denmark had been overrun by Germany much produce would be cut off from Britain, Mr Harris said. This meant that more supplies would have to be sent from New Zealand, especially wheat, which was more essential now than ever. In England, more than a million extra acres had been put under cultivation this year, and there was ample time to prepare for a similar increase in New Zealand. If the farmers were to play their part properly, however, they would have to plan well ahead, according to the different types of soil, and if they did this the collective effort would be surprising. Farming was more or less of a gamble as far as the weather was concerned. The wet season last year had produced a great growth of grass, yet there were 56,000 less lambs fattened off the mothers this year in Southland than the previous year. The number of lambs born in any spring was determined by the feed position the previous autumn, and it was most essential that the ewe should have ample feed for six weeks before lambing as the ewe had to draw on her bod'’ reserves. The weather played an important part in production, and last season the spring growth was late because of the snow. This meant that the ewe went back, and that was one of the main reasons why so few lambs were fattened off the mothers.

A paddock in good heart would react to a top dressing of sulphate of ammonia, but the paddock would not be so good for a year afterwards. Mr Harris quoted the results of tests made at Lincoln College, which proved that the vitality of lambs born differed considerably, according to the feed ration provided before lambing. In each case where the feed had been increased before lambing the weight of the lamb increased.

Now that they were at war with Germany their supplies of potash were cut off. Today, unless a farmer found his land needed it, potash was too dear to buy. Yet there was growing need for potash because it was the remedy for scour. This showed that the land was getting out of balance and needed potash every four or five years. The correct management of pasture was another factor to be considered, as grass allowed to get too long did not have the same feeding value as closelycropped paddocks. Grass in paddocks should be kept down to a length of about three inches, either by grazing or by mowing in November and January. A vote of thanks to Mr Harris was passed.