GRANT OF £500

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 264, 6 November 1937, Page 8

GRANT OF £500

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST. PALMERSTON N., Nov. 5. Speaking at the instruction and with the authority of Hon. Lee Martin, Minister of Agriculture, Mr. J. Hodgens, M.P., told a large gathering in Palmerston North lasi evening oi representatives of Young Farmers’ Clubs from all parts of the Dominion that the Government had never entertained any idea of attempting to secure political control over lhe New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. This authoritative statement followed the recent publication in a Waikato paper of an expressed opinion that the Government wa.s endeavouring to get political control of the movement. In proof of the Government’s interest in \he work of the Young Farmers’ Movement, said Mr. Hodgens, Cabinet had in the past few days authorised a grant: of £5OO towards lhe finances of lhe New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

Deputising for Hon. Lee Martin, Minister of Agriculture, who was unable to attend, Mr. Hodgens expressed the Minister’s good wishes and on behalf of the Minister gave a vigorous denial of statements recently made to the effect that the Government was attempting to get political control of the Young Farmers’ Clubs. Because departmental officers were working enthusiastically for the movement, such a sinister suggestion had been made. The Minister and Cabinet wished definitely to have the young farmers in full and unfettered control of their own organisation. The grant had been given because it was felt that it was vital in the national interest that young farmers should have as thorough and scientific a knowledge of their industry as possible. The grant was a token of that.