AGRICULTURAL CLUBS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19365, 23 July 1925, Page 8

AGRICULTURAL CLUBS

OPERATIONS IN WANGANUI DISTRICT ENTHUSIASTIC WORK IN SCHOOLS JUDGES’ REPORT ON ACTIVITIES. The activities of the Agricultural clubs in tfie Wanganui Provincial district were extended this season, and the young farmers in the making have carried out the work allotted them in an enthusiastic manner that augurs well for the success of the boys’ ami girls’ club competitions in the future. Some excellent results were obtained -despite adverse conditions and circumstances. and the judges’ report (Messrs J. M. Smith. Department of Agriculture, and J. B. Hogg, Education Board), which is as follows, makes interesting reading:— 4 ‘Up till the present season club operations have boon confined to a few schools of this district, but realising the value of the work it was decided to enlarge the scope in the Wanganui district. With this object, in view we visited most of the schools along this coast between Manutahi and Bulls and as a result the number of schools com peting increased from four to sixteen. “As decided at. the annual meeting of the executive the crops dealt with wore mangolds (White Sugar) and car rots (Matchless White). As regards the crops grown the carrots were uni form I v good, but the adverse, weather conditions, and the variety of seed obtained militated against the production of heavy yields in the mangold plots. The low yield of the mangold crops, however, appears to have been general, as will be seen by reference to results of other district competitions, both in these plots and in the farmers’ competitions. The heaviest crop for this district was the crop of mangolds grown by Clarence Morrison, of Turakina, the yield being 101 tons 7 cwt..; the best carrot crop being the one grown by George Boswell, of Maxwelltown, the yield being 58 tons 13 cwt.

“In the schools new to the scheme the work was taken up enthusiastically and carried through in a manner which augurs well for the future. The infan tile paralysis epidemic, occurring as it did in mid-season, did not vitally affect the work as at one time it was thought it would, but it debarred many of the competitors from instruction in the field during the first visit. At judging time, however, the majority of competitors were able to accompany us, and in some cases the intending entrants, for next season wore also present, thus gaining the. advantage of viewing the crops which should stand in good stead for next season’s work. To the supervisors and others who put their cars at our disposal our thanks are due, bv', unfortunately in some instances the supervisors showed lack of interest, not putting in an appearance at either visit, and doing nothing between the visits to further the movement. We suggest that these supervisors be replaced by others who are able to give a little time to the work. These cases, however, are in a very great minority, and gen erally speaking the interest and en thusiasm displayed by both the teacher ami the supervisor has done much towards the success of the clubs. Par ents also can do much to make or mar the work by the interest they take, in it. and the best [dots wore from children whose parents are. keen on the work.

“The total number of plots this year was 148. In February 115 plots were visited. It is regrettable to have tn re cord that 17 of Ihe number dropped were the result of stock having broken into the plots. Twelve plots were not sown or wore not brought successfully through the seedling stage. Twentyfive more dropped out before the final judging, stock again being responsible for the majority. We cannot make too strong an appeal to the parents to see that the plots are securely fenced. It is very disheartening to the children to see their plots destroyed just prior to judging. The plots are accounted for as follows: Total entries 118; completed 9«); destroyed by stock 29; negilected or not sown 18; competitors left [district 1 I. “'Tho Wanganui Winter Show committee provided classes for the clubs at their recent show ami 42 entries were receded, this being very satisfactory. hi addition an exhibit was set up. the roots shown eliciting much favourable comment. “The charts kept by the children were a decided improvement on those of past years, some being very excellent and giving evidence of close' observation and painstaking effort on the part of tho children. From the educational point of view the keeping of a crop record is very essential and not a small part of the competition.. It is hoped that, in later years the importance of similar records of all farm operations will be fully realised by such of the competitors as enter farm life after their school term is completed. “To sum up, we can report a very satisfactory season’s work, and our best thanks are due to the children, parents and local supervisors who together ’h;*e combined to make the movement such a success.’’