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Co-operative experimental work, an activity in abeyance since the beginning of the war, was reintroduced during the year. The trials are known as Y.F.C. co-operative trials, being co-operative in the sense that the Department provides the materials and directions for laying down the experiments and club members are expected to carry out the work, report on the trials, and see them through to completion. The Y.F.C. Federation made a move two years ago to sponsor the formation of a " sister " organization for rural young women, to be known as the Country Girls' Association. The executives of the Women's Division of Federated Farmers and the Women's Institute agreed to support the proposed movement, provided its age limit was set at twenty-five, and the Rural Development Division of the Department proffered assistance on similar lines to that provided by the Fields Division to the Y.F.C. movement. Eight branches of the new organization have been established to date, 6 in Canterbury and 2 in the King-country district of the North Island. A central body to control this new organization and co-ordinate its work is expected to be set up shortly and an impetus given to the formation of a number of other branches. The Y.F.C. Supplement to the New Zealand Journal of Agriculture is in its second year of publication and is issued monthly to all Y.F.C. members with their copies of the New Zealand Journal, of Agriculture. Show Exhibits During the year departmental show exhibits were revived after a lapse of five years and exhibits were staged at Hastings, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch.. and Invercargill.

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