YOUNG FARMERS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4561, 17 April 1942, Page 5

YOUNG FARMERS

THE KAKEPUKU CLUB TO GO INTO RECESS The fifth annual meeting of the Kakepuku Young Farmers’ Club was held in the Pokuru Hall on Bth April, Mr W. G. Neill presiding over a fair attendance of members. The balance-sheet, presented by Mr M. Hughes and audited by Mr J. G. Wynyard, was adopted as satisfactory. It was decided that the Club should go into recess for the duration of the war, as many members were serving in the military forces. THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT The President submitted his annual report as follows: “ Since our last annual meeting this Club has seen many changes, both in the activities of the Federation and in the surprising developments of the war situation, now coming much closer. It behoves us all, in the light of current events, to consider seriously our obligations as a branch of the Federation to members, 2000 of whom are now serving overseas with the armed forces, to the country by diverting energy hitherto applied to the education and edification of the rising generation of farmers 'to channels which may be of greater value to New Zealand’s war effort.

“With a few exceptions, those of us who are still here are either anticipating being called into camp or are giving most of our spare time to Home Guard training. We must consider, then, whether it is not in the best interests of us all to go into recess as a Club for the duration of the war. This is a very serious step and one worthy of our earnest consideration. To my mind, however, it appears to be inevitable. “ Reviewing our activities of the past year, we appear to have been chiefly concerned with debating, lectures by prominent and capable men of the Te Awamutu district, and the sponsoring of a number of highly successful dances. The Club’s debating representatives have competed with the Otorohanga Club twice, the last debate, which we won, being a semifinal for the cup of the Young Farmers’ Club, South Auckland district. Our team was, however, defeated in the final by the Frankton Club. Teams . from this Club have also debated against the Te Awamutu Young Farmers’ Club and the Te Awamutu branch of the Farmers’ Union. The judges of all these debates have been very helpful and instructive, and to them our warmest thanks are due.

“ Again this year we have been fortunate with our lecturers, who have included the late Mr G. B. Melrose, on matters of interest in stock, etc.; Mr W. Mackenzie on his flying career; Mr G. Spinley, relating incidents in his tour of Britain and Europe; Mr R. F. Armstrong, on farm accountancy; and Rev. M. G. Sullivan, on numerous topics, including debating. To these gentlemen votes of thanks and appreciation are due. “We also held a very successful Calf Competition for a cup donated by Mr G. S. Clarke, the winner, Mr A. Rushbrooke, showing some excellent calves. The Waikato Young Farmers’ Club’s exhibit at the Waikato Winter Show was successful in being placed equal second with the Otorohanga Club. “ Delegates from the Club have attended Waikato District Committee meetings and the Auckland Young Farmers’ Club Council meetings. They also attended the Dominion Federation annual meeting held in Hamilton last year.

“ In conclusion may I express my thanks and appreciation to the Committee for their help; also to the secretary for his willing assistance in making the past year the success it has been. I would also like to record our appreciation of assistance given by local ladies at dances and other functions, and thank the Te Awamutu Courier for the consideration given to reports of our Club’s activities.” The meeting decided to act on the President’s suggestion and go into recess for the duration. Thanks on behalf of the Club were returned by Mr P. Ray.