RANGIWAHIA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 190, 13 August 1938, Page 14

RANGIWAHIA

FARMERS’ UNION. Marked activity has been shown in the local branch of the Farmers’ Union during the past two weeks. Mr. L. Feierebend, of Dannevirke, paid a visit to the district at the invitation of the branch and spent an afternoon inspecting various crops of mangels, carrots and swedes, also inspecting several areas of new grass pasture. In the evening he gave an extremely interesting address on “The Action of Different Fertilisers on Fodder Crops.” It was one of the best-attended meetings of farmers that has been held in the district. The keen interest shown could be judged by the premium on note paper and pencils and the continual fire of questions at question time. Mr. Feierebend was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for his address. It was unanimously decided that a root-growing competition be arranged for the coming season. On Monday. Mr. Neilson, of the Provincial Pig Council, visited a large number of local dairymen and in the evening addressed a well attended meeting on the principle of the Pig Club movement, and the advantages of having a club in each district. At the close of the address it was proposed to form a local pig club. 12 farmers, in the room, signifying their intention of joining. Mr. W. E. Boshier was elected chairman and Mr. L. Pemberton, secretary. Something unique in pig club formation was recorded, when a pioneer settler in Mr. E. Pemberton, donated 10 guineas to the club. This generous donation will considerably lower the entrance fee required by the other members, and should ensure a full club membership. Mr. Galpin, of the Fields Division, ’.was also present and gave a short, interesting address on the details of root growing competitions, and the advantages and necessity of keeping records, and exchanging views, to find out the best fertiliser and obtain, the most profitable methods to crop in each district. A discussion arose as to whether the parasite was working in the district, it being proposed that the secretary write for parasites in December.

The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the speakers after which supper was served. YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUB. A team from Apiti visited Rangiwahia on Wednesday evening to compete for the cup presented by Mr. W. J. Viles for a competition to take the form of a debate. The subject lo be debated was “Is Farming More Difficult To-day Than Fifty Years Ago?” The visitors proved the more experienced debaters, dealing with a number of aspects of the questions. The local te'am showed that debating and public speaking was a new line for them, but nevertheless the judge, Mr. Billings of Kimbolton, congratulated Mr. Malcolm Wood on his qualifications as a speaker. Apiti was awarded 85 points and Rangiwahia 67. Messrs. M. Wood. S. Meads and J. Boshier represented the local team and Messrs. Viles (2) and A. Cowan the visitors. The evening proved very interesting to those who were present. TOURNAMENT. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. P. Lewis wore the successful players at the card tournament held at Mr. and Mrs. Harris’ on Thursday evening. There was a very good attendance and the evening proved most successful in every