CALF CLUBS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3796, 17 August 1936, Page 7

CALF CLUBS

EDUCATION BOARD’S PROPOSALS ENCOURAGING MOVEMENT The organisation of School Calf Rearing Clubs is suggested by the Education Board’s agricultural branch, and this, it is felt, will do much towards creating greater public interest. The Education Board's system calls for a group committee elected by parents and others interested in the work, such as A. and P. Associations, herd testing associations,, dairy companies, Farmers’ Union branches, Women’s Institutes and the WT.F.U. The group committee, which is elected in June, usually consists of a chairman, secretary and treasurer, members representing the schools, and members representing organisations of the district. If necessary an executive committee can be appointed. Last year there was a Government grant sufficient to allow payment on the basis of 1/- per calf presented for judging. An audited balance sheet must be forwarded to the Education Board befor June 30th in each year. Membership of the school clubs is restricted to pupils of Std. 111. and upwards, but special junior competitions may be arranged for pupils below Std. 111. Competitors must personally keep on the official forms records of all foods used and the ’ amount of each food. Supervision by teachers is permitted. Usually it is convenient to judge the calves before the - end of the school year, but decision as to the date is purely a district matter. Frequently group championships are connected with the district shows. Calves shall be judged in two classes: (a) light breeds, (b) heavy breeds. Judging shall be on the following scale of points: Condition 30, handling by the competitor 30, growth 20, skin 10, bloom 10. Every calf receiving 70 points or more shall be eligible for a certificate of merit. If a likely competitor cannot obtain a calf in the home herd provision is usually made for invoking the help of the group committee in securing one. In case of death or disablement of a calf substitution is permitted in some clubs within one month of entry, subject to the consent of the group committee.