YOUNG FARMERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 July 1939, Page 3

YOUNG FARMERS

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. PROGRESS OF MOVEMENT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “If the movement succeeds only partially in arresting the drift from the country to the towns then it,will have more than justified its existence,” said the retiring president, Mr Alan Grant, in his address to the fifth annual meeting of the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs in Wellington yesterday. The fact should not be lost sight of that the major objective of the YoungFarmers’ Clubs should be in the direction of raising the standard of agriculture throughout the Dominion. At the same time the development of the social and recreational side was well worthy of encouragement, particularly as a means of popularising the clubs and assisting in the improvement of the rural environment. The progress of the past year was indicated not only by additional clubs

and increased membership but also by the activities that had been successfully carried out throughout the whole movement. The organisation now embraced practically every farming district in New Zealand. The movement was seeking out the leaders from among young farmers, giving them confidence in their own ability and generally exercising a wonderful influence on country life. At the last annual meeting in September, 1938, there was a total of 160 clubs affiliated to the federation (67 in the South Island and 93 in the North Island). Today there were 201 clubs, of which 75 were in the South Island and 126 in the North. The increase of 41 clubs had resulted in the total membership being raised to well over 5000. Actually 50 new clubs were formed during the period but it became necessary to disband nine of the older clubs. Major activities had included a successful national shearing competition staged at the Manawatu-West Coast spring show, nearly 100 competitors from all over New Zealand taking part. “The movement in New Zealand has come to stay and I am satisfied that it is progressing along the right lines,” concluded Mr Grant. The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Lee Martin, in his address stated that the awarding of bursaries to deserving young farmers was being considered. There was a large attendance of delegates from all parts of New Zealand. The Director of the Fields Division, Department of Agriculture, Mr R. B. Tennent, said that the Government grant of £5OO had been recommended for the ensuing year. The financial statement showed an excess of income over expenditure of £261. Officers elected were: President, Mr E. W. Barnett ( Halcombe); vice-presi-dent, Mr D. F. Coleman (Amberley); treasurer, Mr C. H. Schwass; auditor, Mr A. P. O’Shea.