YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20862, 19 October 1937, Page 4

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

FIELD DAY AT “BONNYRIGG” As a final to the year's activities more than 100 members of the Hunter, Maungati, Southburn-Lyalldale Young Farmers’ Clubs and others interested, attended a field day conducted by the Southburn-LyaUdale Club on Saturday at Mr C. H. S. Johnston’s property, “Bonnyrigg”, St. Andrews. The arrangements were in the hands of Mr A. D. Bishop (secretary) and club members who spared no effort to ensure the success of the function. Addresses and demonstrations were given on Shorthorn cattle by Mr R. J. Edgar (Seadown), Clydesdale horses, Mr C. H. S. Johnston; Border Leicester sheep, Mr A. Ward (Southburn); Southdown sheep, Mr C. H. S. Johnston; Romney sheep, Mr J. Waddell (Timaru) and Woolclassing, Mr V. Collins. The visitors were entertained at morning tea by Mr and Mrs Johnston and at lunch and afternoon tea by the Southburn-Lyalldale Club. Mr I. Caird extended thanks to Mr and Mrs Johnston for their hospitality and practical assistance, and to all who had contributed to the success of the day.

A prize Clydesdale filly was demonstrated by Mr Johnston, and later visitors had an opportunity to note points of interest when comparisons were mad? with five younger horses. The horse jjudging competition’ was won by Mr Duncan Squire of the Maungati Club. Mr A. Ward explained the merits of a well bred Border Leicester and traced the history of the breed from the time of its arrival In the Dominion. In the absence of Mr Allan Grant, Cralgburn, Waimate, Mr Johnston explained the points of the Southdown. The Romney was demonstrated by Mr J. Waddell, Timaru, who traced the progress of the breed from the time of Its importation into New Zealand. He ■eferred to the popularity of the breed throughout the Dominion and to its hardy constitution which enabled it to make use of much coarser fodder than other sheep. Mr Edgar, a noted Shorthorn breeder, demonstrated on a registered Shorthorn bull and later on a cow of the same breed, from a milking point of view. He also gave a practical demonstration of the dehorning of a week old calf. After lunch, Mr V. Collins, tutor of the woolclassing class run in conjunction with the club, gave a practical demonstration of the correct method of handling a fleece from the sheep's back to the bins. Mr Wallace Smith, Lyalldale, made a presentation to Mr Collins on behalf of the club for the valuable knowledge of woolclassing he had handed on to members during the year. Congratulations on the success of their field day were extended to the Southburn-Lyalldale Club by Messrs B. E. Evans (Maungati) and D. Gregan (Hunter). Votes of thanks were extended to Mrs Johnston and her helpers for supervising the refreshments, and to Mr A. D. Bishop for the excellent arrangements made. Mr Johnston, on behalf of Mrs Johnston and himself, expressed pleasure at being able to assist the clubs. Competition and interest have been encouraged among clubs by the presentation of the following cups and

trophies:—The Wheatgrowers Association’s for stacking competition; Allendale Cup (Mr Andrew Grant); horse jujdging; Craigburn Shield (Mr Allan Grant); for sheep judging and “The Timaru Herald” Shield for the most progressive club in South CanterburyAt a future date club members in conjunction with Mr C. C. Leitch, of the Department of Agriculture, have arranged a tour of experimental and manurial trials throughout South Canberbury.