N.Z. Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 57, Issue 5, 21 November 1938, Page 457

N.Z. Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

Edited by

S. Freeman,

Dominion Organizing Secretary.

Poverty Bay Clubs’ Sports Rally.

E. M. Bates, District Secretary, Gisborne

• I I HE Poverty Bay District Committee THE Poverty Bay District Clubs of the Young Farmers’ Clubs held ; a combined sports rally, followed by a masquerade fancy dress ball, on 1 6th August. The Agricultural and Pastoral Association . kindly lent the showgrounds for the rally, and in fine weather a very pleasant, if strenuous, day was spent. Competition was very keen throughout, and all events were closely contested. The Wairoa Club was invited to compete, and won the Manawatu Challenge Cup for. the most points in the meeting, gaining 30 points, with Gisborne a close second with 29 points, and Te Karaka third with 22 points. Sports Results. The sports programme was very comprehensive, and results were as follow :

Football. Seven seven-a-side teams competed. The Gisborne Club won the final after an exciting contest against the Wairoa Club.

Tug-of-war. -The Wairoa Club defeated the Ruatoria Club, with the Gisborne Club third. Each team consisted of eight members.

Standing Chop. The Ruatoria Club took all the . places because of the fine performances of J. A., G., and P. Brownlie. Dog Trials.— the head and pull event R. Pilmer and D. Buscke, both of Gisborne Club, tied for first place. ' S. J. Sinton, of Te . Karaka, was third. In the drive and yard event -the . winners were. : -S. J. Sinton, Te Karaka, i ; B. H. Smith, Gisborne, 2 ; D. Buscke, Gisborne, 3. S. J. Sinton, Te Karaka Club, won the Brian S. Bree Cup for most points in the dog .trials. - .: . . Sheaf-tossing Event. J. Jackson, Te Karaka Club, 1 ; L. Donald, Tolaga Bay Club, 2 ; R. Field, Gisborne Club, 3. In this event the second and third placings tied, and in the throw-off actually threw the sheaf higher than the winner.

Running Events.

100 Yards Sprint Final. J. E. Brownlie, Wairoa Club, 1 ; J. N. Brownlie, Wairoa Club, 2 ; M. , Munro, Wairoa Club, 3. ■ 220 Yards. E. Newton, Te Karaka Club, 1 ; M. Munro, Wairoa Club, 2 ; M. Moore, Gisborne Club, 3. y. 440 Yards Gisborne Club (R. McKinly, T. White, R. Field, M. Moore), 1 ; Wairoa Club (J. E. Brownlie, P. Lister, N. Munro, J. N. Brownlie) 2. ; Te Karaka Club (E. Newton, A. Bayley, A. Manuel, R. Jackson), 3. Hop, Step, and Jump.— E. Brownlie, Wairoa Club, 1 ; J. Jackson, Te Karaka Club, 2 ; E. Newton, Te Karaka Club, 3. 100 Yards Open.—R. McKinly, Gisborne Club, 1 ; M. Moore, Gisborne Club, 2. Sack Race.— Bayley, Te Karaka Club, 1 ; J. Lister, Gisborne Club, 2. Fancy Dress Ball. In the evening the masquerade fancy dress ball at the City Hall proved an outstanding success, and the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union cannot be praised too highly for their generous and willing help. The success of the rally was largely due to the interest and assistance of many others, including judges, referees, members, and their parents, and the generous donors of prizes.

Mr. G. W. Smith, the District Chairman, presented the cups and prizes won by the competitors at the ball. Other prizes awarded were : D. G. Beattie’s prize for most efficient secretary, W. G. Brownlie, Wairoa Club ; District

Secretary’s Shield for most efficient club

in the Poverty Bay District, Gisborne Club The day was marred by an accident to Mr. J. Bayley, Te Karaka, who received a broken leg in the first round of the football competition.

THERE was a good attendance of club members and friends in Pahiatua for the debate between

members of the Ballance and Mangatainoka Clubs. The subject chosen was, “ That the Young Farmer of To-day has More Opportunities than had his Grandfather in his Youth.” The teams were as follow : Ballance (negative), R. Day (leader), W. Holdaway, and H. Wilton ; Mangatainoka (affirmative), I. Algie (leader), G. Cotter, and K. Pryde. Mr. J. W. Sturton, President of the Pahiatua Literary and Debating Society, presided, and Mr. J. A. Walsh acted as judge. The debate was judged on the following points ? Deportment and effect, matter, delivery and argument, combativeness, enunciation and pronunciation. At the conclusion of. the. debate Mr. Walsh gave the decision to the Mangatainoka team (affirmative), the points allotted being as follows : Mangatainoka, 225 ; Ballance, 213. The prize for the

Inter-club Debate in the Wairarapa.

best speaker was awarded to H. Wilton (Ballance). The judge, in summing up, said Mr. Wilton spoke in a quiet, convincing, and logical manner ; he never once hesitated for a word, and made little or no reference to notes. His enunciation was good, and his arguments solid. The second best speaker was G. Cotter, who spoke surprisingly well and with considerable confidence, said the judge. He tackled. his subject in a masterly manner, and adduced some sound reasonings, speaking with an entire absence of nervousness. The third best speaker was I. Algie, who spoke with excellent delivery, good style, and a very pleasing manner. He adduced the best arguments of the evening, but prejudiced his chances by glancing downwards at his notes too frequently, thereby losing touch with his audience.' The other three speakers were distinctly good, continued Mr. Walsh. The leader of the Ballance team, R. . Day, the youngest of the debaters, had a bright, cheery style and a sense of humour) and

showed great promise. Mr. Holdaway had a quiet delivery and spoke well, and should make a good debater. A little more vim and vigour in his speech would be helpful. Mr. K. Pryde, who had only a few minutes’ notice to fill a vacant position, did exceedingly well, and required only a little more practice and confidence to make a good speaker. The chairman congratulated the members of the two teams on the excellent speeches they had made. He also complimented the judge on his analysis of the various speeches and the helpful advice he had given the debaters. Mr. Graham Nutt, a past member of the Y.F.C. Dominion Executive, endorsed the chairman’s remarks, stating that he, too, was agreeably surprised at the debating powers of the young speakers. Votes of thanks to the chairman and the judge, proposed by W. Holdaway and I. Algie, brought a highly successful evening to a close. 4- * -fl-

Southland Debating Contest.

W. Faithful, District Secretary, Gore.

THE final of a series of debates for the young farmers’ clubs in Southland was decided in the R.S.A. Hall, Gore, on Friday evening, \ 7th October, when the finalists in the eastern and western districts competed for the W.D.F.U. trophy. The subject of the debate was That Democracy has Failed.” The affirmative was taken by the Woodlands Y.F.C. team, representing the western districts, the members . being Messrs. L. Middlemiss (leader), M. Clark, A. Campbell, and K. Hargest. Members of this team showed considerable preparation of their subject, and handled their matter in a businesslike manner. : ; - The judge, Mr. E. H. W. Rowntree, Rector of the Gore High School, congratulated this team on the efficiency of its team work and its generally good delivery. Although only a small margin of points separated the two teams, its treatment of the affirmative side of the "debate

gained Woodlands the winning place. , Western Southland therefore holds the trophy for this year. The Waikaka Club’s team represented Eastern Southland in handling the negative side of the debate. The team consisted of Messrs. G. Gutschlag (leader), P. Turnbull, W. Kerse, and D. Kirkpatrick. This team stressed the undesirability of other forms of government, but failed to concentrate on' the subject of democracy. Debates in the eastern district are a comparative innovation for the clubs, and this club is to be congratulated on the excellent showing it . made 'on the debate. ' Mr. S. D. Blomfield, vice-chairman of the Eastern Southland Executive Committee, presided over a large attendance. The chairman referred to the unfortunate accident which kept the chairman of the executive, Mr. Henry Smith, away from the debate. - Although absent, Mr. Smith sent his best wishes to the meeting for a ; successful evening. The chairman ■ also

stressed the tremendous assistance the members of the W.D. and F.U. branches had been ,to the Young Farmers’ Club movement, particularly in the district, and also throughout New Zealand. The desirability of forming more clubs in the district was mentioned, and all present were invited to co-operate in the work. In presenting the trophya silver cup —■ Mrs. W. Orr, president of the Southland Executive of the W.D.F.U., congratulated the winning team, and expressed the hope that the movement would progress throughout the province. Mr. A. R. Johnston, president of the Southland Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union, also spoke of the value of the Young Farmers’ Club movement. Votes of thanks to the Women’s Division for the trophy and for the excellent supper were carried by acclamation. The first was proposed by Mr. L. Middlemiss and seconded by Mr. E. Gutschlag, and the second was proposed by Mr. W. R. Harris, chairman of the Western Southland Executive of the Young Farmers’ Club Committee. Mr. J. Middlemiss, president of the Woodlands Young Farmers’ Club, proposed the vote of thanks to the judge.

Manawatu Clubs’ Debating Contest.

THE second round in the. debating competition at present being conducted by the Manawatu Young Farmers’ Clubs has now been completed, and some excellent debating was heard. The subject, “ That the Embargo on the Direct Importation of Live-stock because of Foot-and-mouth Disease, should be Lifted,” gave plenty of scope to both sides. Levin . defeated Otaki by a very small margin of points, Fitzherbert defeated Rongotea, Apiti defeated Kimbolton, and Colyton defeated Pohangina. Practically all the contests depended on the reply of the leaders for their result. For the semi-finals the following subject has been chosen : “ That All-grass Farming is More Profitable than a Combination of ' Grass and Cropping.” Apiti will oppose ; Colyton, and Levin will oppose Fitzherbert. ; There is no doubt that this competition is bringing out a great deal of talent from the young farmers of this district, and a challenge debate against a team of young men from Palmerston North would be a fitting conclusion to the contests. ❖ * ❖

Dannevirke Club’s Field-day.

J. W. Palmer, District Secretary, Hastings.

THE Dannevirke Young Farmers’ Club held its field-day at Mr. G. J. Buchanan’s property at Waitahora. Although weather conditions were far from ideal a large number of members attended, and the competition was keen in all sections. The working sheep-dog competition aroused keen interest, and under the conditions some very good runs were put up. Messrs. C. J. and R. J. Wiffen acted as judges, the results being : D. MacDonald’s (Dannevirke), “ Lad,” 1 ; Tom Morrison’s (Makotuku) " Tuff,” : 2 ; L. Bedford’s (Motea) Fanny,” 3 ; G. N. Buchanan’s (Waitahora), “ Dan,” 4. At the conclusion of this competition the. judges gave exhibition trial runs, which were greatly appreciated by members. Sheep-judging Competitions. Seventeen entries were received in both the Romney and Southdown classes. Competitors were asked to place four ewe hoggets, giving, their reasons and any faults. Unfortunately, it was impossible for the judges selected to be present, and at the request of the club, Mr. G. J. J. Buchanan agreed toi act. ’ When the members had completed their judging Mr. Buchanan placed the.. sheep, giving his reasons. ‘ The following are the results : Romneys. L. Tickner (15), Waitahora, .1 ; T. Nicholson (7), Mangatoro, 2 ; F. Tickner (16), Waitahora, 3 ; J. Harvey, jun. (9), Waitahora, 4.

Judge’s Comments. The judge said that Nos. 15 and 7 both placed the sheep in the Romney ewe hogget class correctly, but could have gone into more detail. No. 16 was a good paper and placed the first two hoggets correctly, but went astray on the third and fourth sheep. This card is worth special mention, as the person putting it in ■ made his remarks very fully and to the point. No. 9 placed the first two hoggets correctly, but also went astray on the other two. This paper, was also lacking in detail.

Southdowns. J. L. Stuckey (6), Awariki, i ; ,F. Tickner (16), Waitahora, 2 ; T. Nicholson (7), Waitahora, 3 ; W. Robinson (13), Mangahei, 4. ’ Judge’s Comments. The judge said that No. 6 placed hoggets correctly. It was a good paper, but could have gone into a bit more detail on the third and fourth placings. No. 16 placed the first hogget correctly, but went astray with the three remaining sheep. It was a very good paper, ’ and attention to detail was displayed in a particularly good style. \ No. 7 placed the first hogget correctly, but missed, in the. remaining three sheep. It was a fair card, but more detail could be shown. At the conclusion, Mr. T. P. . Bly th, chairman of the Dannevirke Young Farmers’ Club, thanked Mr. Buchanan for allowing the field-day to be held on his property, for the special prizes donated to the sheep classes, and for his keen interest in the club.. Mrs. Buchanan was also heartily thanked for supplying afternoon tea. In his reply, Mr. Buchanan wished the club every success - ' in the future, and stated that he would do all he could to help them. ■5 s ■>

Ashburton County Club’s Field-day.

A FIELD-DAY arranged by the A FIELD-DAY arranged by the Ashburton District Committee of 1 Young Farmers’ Clubs was held at the Ashburton Showgrounds on Friday, 2 1 st October. There was an excellent attendance of young farmers and' also some senior farmers. ' The field-day took the form of demonstrations on sheep and cattle, each of the demonstrators dealing very fully with the points of their respective breeds. The following breeders kindly made their services available to the young farmers : Mr. R. J. Low, of Highbank, who demonstrated on the English Leicester . breed ; Mr. H. C. B. Withell, of Ealing, who demonstrated on the Ryeland breed ; and Mr. G. H. B. Lili, of Eiffelton, who demonstrated on the Milking Shorthorn. Each- demonstrator dealt fully with the points looked for by a competent judge in .the show ring, and it was pleasing to the committee to see notes being made and to hear the manner in which questions were put to the breeders. At the conclusion of each demonstration a member of a club proposed a vote of thanks to the demonstrator. Mr. L. Chisnail, Advisory President of the Hinds District Young Farmers’ Club, proposed

V. P. Boot, District Secretary, Ashburton.

a general vote of thanks to those responsible for making the day such a marked success. An enjoyable afternoon concluded with the holding of a stock-judging competition

on English Leicester ewe hoggets. : The excellent results of this . competition showed that the knowledge imparted by the demonstrators < had ; been used to advantage.

On the Tasman Glacier.

: G. Crump, Lawrence Club.

A MONG a party of about thirty AMONG a who set of about Mount tourists who set out from Mount Cook Hermitage, equipped with tramping boots, sun goggles, and staves, to spend a day on the Tasman Glacier was a young fellow farmer and myself. It was about the middle of January. There was not a cloud in the sky, and the. prospects for a perfect day were very, promising. After travelling thirteen miles in a rickety old bus over the roughest road imaginable, which, for the most part, was across the moraine of the Tasman Glacier, we came to the Ball Hut. Arrival at Ball Hut. The Ball Hut is situated on the banks of the Tasman Glacier, and commands a

magnificent view of the glacier and surrounding mountains. The . Ball Hut is more a miniature hotel than a hut. It is a corrugated-iron structure of two stories., haying, I should think, about ten rooms and accommodation for up to one hundred people.: The journey had taken us two hours, rocking, bumping, and lurching at the rate of about six miles an hour over., little less than a field of boulders, and on alighting from the bus we felt rather stiff and sore. However, we soon wore this off as we climbed the winding track to the hut, where, after a short wait, lunch was served. After lunch we were, divided into two groups, with a guide for each group, and then started off for a tramp across the glacier. After clambering down a zig-zag path cut out of a steep bank about 50 ft.

high we arrived at the edge of the glacier. The surface of the glacier is by no means smooth ; the ice is raised in mounds about 4 ft. or 5 ft. high, some higher, others lower, making thousands of little gutters or gullies. Travelling on the lee. For the first quarter of a mile the ice was practically covered with a thin coating of small, grey stones, but as we tramped farther on these disappeared except for a few boulders, leaving a huge field of glittering, sparkling-white ice, from which the midsummer sun, now at its meridian, glared pitilessly, making it necessary for us to don our coloured goggles. Our guide pointed out many of the mountain peaks and other landmarks— Mount Tasman, Glacier Cone, and the

Graham Saddle being among those pointed out. Distance is very deceiving in alpine regions. Different landmarks which seemed to me to be no more than a quarter of a mile away were, I was told, actually four or five miles distant. . We passed quite a number of crevasses, both large and small. Our guide threw a boulder into a particularly large crevass and told us to listen to it hit the bottom. Breathlessly we waited, and after what seemed an age we could distinctly hear the sound echoing from the murky depths. We threw in another boulder and timed it, and it took seven seconds after leaving the surface to strike the bottom.

Our guide took us to a spot where a small cave had formed in the ice. Inside the cave the ice was a wonderful lightblue colour, and in places almost green. We were told that where the ice was coloured there was most movement in the glacier. The Tasman' Glacier moves at the rate of from 9 in. to 18 in. a day, and is fed from 250,000 acres of snow. Rumblings of Avalanche. We heard several distant rumblings which, our guide told us, were made by avalanches. We even saw one of these, but at so great a distance that it looked like a square yard of snow moving a few feet down the face of the mountain.

We began our return journey at a spot directly opposite the Hooker Snow Falls, of which we had a magnificent view—in fact it looked so close that I was tempted to set out and walk what seemed to be about 2 chains to the foot of the falls, but I was told it was at least three miles away. We hurried on our homeward tramp, arriving at the Ball Hut at about 4 p.m., where our hunger was satisfied by a very pleasing meal. •'After this we climbed aboard the bus on the last lap of the journey back to the Mount Cook Hermitage, leaving behind us the Tasman Glacier, but taking with us many happy and pleasant memories.

Among the Clubs : Reports on Activities.

Southland.

Otama.— Club debate, the subject being That Tractors are Superior to Horses for Farm Work.” The affirmative was taken by S. Mackay, C. White, L. Mackay, and J. White, and the negative by W. Logan, B. Wilson, A. Dillon, and J. Brand. Mr. Kelly, of Wendon, acted as Judge, and gave the award to the affirmative side.

Wyndham. Arrangements for shearing competition and final of debating contest. Lecture by Mr. W. R. Harris on “ Pasture Management and Root Crops.”

Dunedin.

Middlemarch.- on proposal of Mr. A. W. Duncan, of the local district high school, to establish a series of experimental plots. Mr. Duncan outlined the scheme, and stated that the main object was to experiment with and demonstrate the value of different manures on mangels. He hoped that members of the Young Farmers’ Club would take an interest in these plots, and stated that he would be glad to assist when possible with demonstrations. Mr. S. H. Saxby, Department of Agriculture, then gave a brief outline of experimental and research work, describing the objects of research and mentioning the vast number of persons engaged in it throughout the world. So far as farm research was concerned, he said, the greatest number of research workers were the farmers themselves. Every farmer who was at all progressive was, in reality, a research worker in many spheres of farming activity. So far as the school plots were concerned, Mr. Saxby considered that, with proper attention, some valuable results should be obtained, and that the young farmers of the district’ should be glad to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by Mr. Duncan. He pointed' out that the results from any experiment were specific for that trial only, but that as a guide they could be extremely valuable. Mr. Lobb, Department of Agriculture, congratulated Mr. Duncan on the thoroughness with which he intended to carry out the trials. He expressed agreement with Mr. Duncan in his intention not only to estimate total yields, but also to make determinations of the relative dry matter. At the conclusion of the discussion Mr. Glover moved a vote of thanks to the various speakers.

North Otago.

'Enfield. -Brief outline given of the increase in the club membership subscription; dance postponed ; decided to hold a rope-splicing contest at the next meeting. Talk by Mr. J. Simpson on “ Farm Finance.” Mr. T. A. Sellwood, Department of Agriculture, discussed the question of 44 Suitable Grasses for Pastures.” Five — Lantern lecture by Mr. D. Wraight, of Timaru, on “ The Manufacture of Superphosphate.” Tokarahi. Lecture by Mr. T. A. Sellwood, Department of Agriculture, on 44 The Mangel Crop.” thorpe.— Lecture by Mr. S. Hook, Meat Inspector, Pukeuri Freezing-works, on 44 Stock Diseases and Conditions Found at Freezing-works.” At the previous meeting an interesting talk bn “ Stock Ailments ” was given by Mr. A. Ingram, Inspector of Stock, Oamaru.

South Canterbury.

Arno.— lnstructive lecture on 44 Hydatids ” by Dr. R. G. Shackleton.

— Arrangements for a “ wind-up ” dance. Inter-club debate, Pleasant Point v. Geraldine, the subject being “ That Mixed Farming offers More .Monetary Return than Sheep-farming on the Plains Land.” Pleasant Point took the affirmative, and were adjudged the winners. The speakers were—Pleasant Point: V. Wilson, 0. Chapman, and H. Talbot; Geraldine : H. Worner, D. Chisnall, and C. Burrows. The debate was strictly impromptu, the subject being sent to the meeting in a sealed envelope. Mr. C. C. Leitch, Department of Agriculture, acted as judge. At the previous meeting an interesting talk entitled “ The Boer War and South Africa” was given by Canon A. H. Norris. The speaker described his own experiences, and answered a number of questions about the agricultural pursuits in South Africa.'. — Arrangements for social. Lecture by Mr. E. J. Lukey, Governmfent Veterinarian, on “ The Care of the Breeding-ewe.” At the previous meeting prepared speeches were given by members. ■ Milford. Lecture by Mr. C. C. Leitch, Department of Agriculture, on “ Grasses and Clovers.” Discussion re field-day and proposed North Island tour. Pleasant — Arrangements for a field-day, and also for a debate. Two “ movie ” films exhibited by Mr. C. C. Leitch, Department of Agriculture, one depicting Maori life, and the other entitled “ Our

Daily Bread,” dealing with the wheat industry. At the previous meeting a debate was held, the subject being “ That the Young Farmer of To-day has better Opportunities than his Grandfather.” The speakers affirmative: F. R. Clarke and A. Crombie ; negative: E. B. Chapman and D. R. Shires. The award was given to the negative. Members of the Pleasant Point Farmers’ Union acted as judges. Some very helpful criticism was given by Messrs. A. B. Struthers and B- E. Elphick. Waihaorunga.— Debates' held as follows : Waihaorunga v. Arno, subjects, That the Emancipation of Women has been in the Interests of Society,” and “ Does Farming Offer as Good Opportunities as other Avenues of Employment.” Waihaorunga (negative) won the first debate, and Arno (negative) won the second. Further debates, Waihaorunga v. Hunter, subject “ That Secondary Industries should be encouraged in New Zealand,” won by Waihaorunga (negative) ; Womens’ Institute v. Waihaorunga, subject “That the Women should be the Mistress of the House,” won by the Womens’ Institute, who took the negative. Mid-Canterbury. Ashburton. — lecture by Mr. R. McGillivray, Fields Superintendent, Department of Agriculture, on “ Pastures, and Strains of Grasses and Clovers.” Hinds. Lecture by Mr. W. Stafford, Department of Agriculture, on “ Irrigation.” Mayfield.— Debate, the subject being “ That the Settler on the Land To-day has Greater Possibilities of Success than the Settler in the Past. Speakers Affirmative : W. L. Doyle, G. Branch, and K. Moore ; negative: S. Sewell, A. McLay, and R. M. Mulligan. The team supporting the negative won by a narrow margin. The judge was Mr. J. W. Kingan. — Discussion re stock-judging and shearing competitions. A prepared speech” competition was held, for which Mr. R. Dunkley, president of the Methven Farmers’ Union, presented a handsome challenge cup, and Mr. R. Gerard a trophy for the runner-up. The subjects selected by Mr. Dunkley were as follows : (a) “ The Uses and Possibilities of Electricity on the Farm ” ; (b) “ The Menace to the Farming Community from Synthetic Products”; (c) “ The Advantages and Disadvantages of Agricultural and Pastoral Shows to the Practical Farmer.” Mr. R. J. Low, the Club Advisory President, controlled the competition. Eight members took part, and the judge, Mr. L. Aitken, who gave some very constructive criticism, placed the first four as follows (possible marks, 210) : J. Vallance, 160 points, 1 ; R. Penny, 153 points, 2 ; R. Wightman, 139 points, 3 ; C. Wightman, 136 points, 4. In presenting the trophies, Mr. Dunkley congratulated the speakers on their fine performances, and said that he felt more than justified in donating the challenge cup in an endeavour to improve the standard of public speaking. - Christchurch. Darfield. Arrangements for field-day and dance. One member to compete in National Sheep-shearing Competition at Palmerston North. Lecture by Mr. Hannah, of Lincoln College, on 44 The Care and Management of Stud Sheep.” . Ellesmere. teams selected to compete in the stock-judging competitions at , the Christchurch Agricultural and Pastoral Show. Address by Mr. H. G. Stephens on his “ Tour of Australia.” Hororata.— Talk by Mr. S. Freeman, Dominion Organizing Secretary, on the Y.F.C. Movement and club work generally. Mr. Freeman also exhibited some “ talkie ” films of agricultural and general interest.

Little River. General business. Invitation accepted from the Lyttelton Harbour Board to take part in an educational day at Lyttelton. Teddington.— Arrangements for dance. Interesting travel talk by Dr. Burns.

North Canterbury.

Amberley. Team selected for stock-judging competition at the Christchurch Agricultural and Pastoral Show. Lecture by Mr. Marsh on “ Wheat and Flourmilling.” , Amuri.— Lecture by Mr. G. K. L. Knott, Government Veterinarian, on “ The Management of Breedingewes at Lambing-time.” — Arrangements for Y.F.C. exhibit at Rangiora Agricultural and Pastoral Show. Team selected for judging competition at Christchurch Show. Lecture by Dr. M. M. Burns, of Lincoln College, on “ Liming the Land for Profit.”

Oxford. — by Mr. F. Englebrecht on his tour of Australia.

Scargill - Omihi. Arrangements for field - day. Lieut.-Colonel Nicol! exhibited films dealing; with the activities of the C.Y.C., and gave an address on ‘ Defence Problems.” Marlborough. The Dominion Organizing Secretary, Mr. S. Freeman, paid visits to the Blenheim, Flaxbourne, and Seddon clubs. He exhibited 44 talkie films dealing with agricultural; subjects, and gave an address on the Y.F.C. movement at each meeting. • Nelson. — Arrangements for Y.F.C. stock-judging at the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Show. Address by Mr. T. H. Robinson on “ Insurance.” The meeting was attended by members of the local Farmers’ Union. Wairarapa. Alfredton. — Lecture by Mr. Taviner on “ Agriculture and Other Subjects of Interest in Rarotonga.” Ballance.— lecture by Mr. J. E. Duncan, Department of Agriculture, on “ Wool.” The meeting was held in Pahiatua, in conjunction with other clubs in the Bush District. Carterton. Report by Mr. D. McGregor on the annual general meeting of the Federation. Arrangements for table tennis match with Masterton Club. Lecture by Mr. W. J. Gray, Government Veterinarian, on “ Stock Diseases.” Mr. Gray dealt with facial eczema, milk-fever, grass staggers, mammitis, footrot, and sleepy sickness. — Lantern lecture by Mr. J. E. Duncan, Department of Agriculture, on “ Wool.” Tinui.— The club secretary’s report is as follows : The monthly meeting of the Tinui Y.F.C. was held on the 6th instant, Mr. J. Groves presiding. A lantern lecture on the practical side of woolgrowing was given by Mr. J. E. Duncan, Wool Instructor, Department of Agriculture. He dealt first with the various types of fibres, showing some common faults, and stressed strongly the undesirability of hairiness. • Mr. Duncan described a simple test, using the benzol process, in order to facilitate the improvement of the fleece. He emphasized 'the menace to woolgrowers of artificial wools made from casein’ and wood-pulp. This wool had, he said, the advantage of being produced to a standard ; therefore the farmer must produce as near as possible an even-quality fleece. Mr. Duncan also demonstrated the damage caused by the indiscriminate use of tar brands, and dealt with the different bacterial infections of the fleece caused by faulty fleecing of the back, allowing water to penetrate. After answering questions, Mr. Duncan was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.” Manawatu. — Discussion re shearing competition ; arrangements made for members to have a “ trial ” shearingday, an.expert local shearer to be in attendance as a coach. Lecture by Mr. Jamieson on “ Crops and Cropping.” Bunnythorpe.- Lecture by Mr. B. McLeod, Colyton, on “ Mole Drainage.” At a previous meeting a debate was held, the subject being “ That Farming is More Difficult To-day than it was Fifty Years Ago.” The following members took —Affirmative : . Messrs. Anderson, Wood, and James ; negative : Messrs. Stewart, McKenzie, and Rowan. Colyton.— Discussion on wool and shearing competitions at the Palmerston North Show and also on a local field-day. Feilding.— Report on dance ; address by Mr. Buist on “ Public Speaking.” Fitzherbert.— Discussion re forthcoming debate between Apiti and Fitzherbert clubs; film showing caterpillar tractors exhibited by Mr. Kidd. Holcombe. lnteresting address entitled “ Agriculture Abroad ” by Mr. L. J. Wild, principal of Feilding Agricultural High School. Kairanga.- Arrangements re fat-lamb exhibits at Palmerston North Agricultural and Pastoral Show ; lecture by Mr. H. Lancaster on “ Dairy-farm Management.”

Kimbolton-Kiwitea.— Reports on dance and interclub debate. Address by Mr. E. W. Barnett, of Halcombe, on “ Shearing and the Shearing Competition at the Palmerston North Show.” Levin.— lnvitation accepted from Junior Division, W.D.F.U., to attend a social evening; further arrangements for judging competition. Mr. E. W. Barnett, of Halcombe, demonstrated with the aid of lantern slides the correct method of handling and shearing sheep. ’

Pohangina Valley. —-Discussion re classes at the Manawatu Spring Show. Lecture by Mr. G. S. Robinson, Department of Agriculture, on “ Topdressing.” . X ’ — Discussion re . debating competition. Mr. H. R. Denize, Inspector of Stock, gave a demonstration of the brom-thymol test and a lantern lecture on “ Animal Husbandry.” At the previous meeting a debate was held with members of the Rongotea Club, the subject being “ That Farming To-day is Harder than Fifty Years Ago.” The speakers were as followsßongotea (negative): J. W. Gloyn, J. T. Quarry, T. H. Gibbons ; Rangiotu (affirmative) : R. Bond, K. Wilton, S. H. Lucas. The verdict was given to the Rongotea team. Rqngiwahia. —Discussion re shearing competition at Palnierston North Show, &c. Rongotea.— debate, Kairanga v. Rongotea, was won by Rongotea. Shannon.- Talk by Mr. G. Thomas, of Messrs. Abraham and Williams, on “ The Drafting of Fatlambs.” The speaker dealt fully with his subject, explaining, among other things, “ buying on schedule ” and “ selling at per head.” ' —-Lantern lecture by Mr. E. W. Barnett, of Halcombe, on “ Shearing.” Wanganui. Hunterville. Talk on “ Lambing ” by Mr. W. H. Morton. At - meetings previously unreported debates were held as follows : v. Bulls Y.F.C., subject “ Grassland v. Supplementary Cropping,” won by Bulls ; v. Junior Division of W.D.F.U., subject “ Town v. Country,” won by the Junior Division. A lecture on “ Insurance ’’ was also given by Mr. Featon. Marton.— Arrangements for district field-day. Mr. S. Laurenson outlined the art of debating, after which a general debate was held, the subject being That Straight-out Grass Farming is Superior to Supplementary Cropping.” Taihape. Lantern lecture by Mr. E. Bruce Levy, Director of the Grasslands Division, Plant Research Bureau, on “ Impressions of Agriculture Overseas.” A field-day was held on Mr. L. A. P. Sherriff’s property, Koiwhiwhi. Mr. Sherriff demonstrated on his Aberdeen Angus cattle, after which a judging competition was held. There was an attendance of - 36. — Discussion re stock-judging competition at Royal Show, Hamilton, and shearing competition at Palmerston North Show. Members advised to enter pens of lambs in the Y.F.C. class at the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Show, and also to offer their services as stewards. Mr. A. R. Dingwall, Department of Agriculture, detailed arrangements in connection with a field-day and stock-judging competition to be held at Marton. Mr. C. Goldstone, a club member, gave an interesting talk on “ Wheatgrowing and Crop Rotation in Canterbury.” South Taranaki. Alton.— Arrangements in connection with Y.F.C. rally at Hawera. ■ Social evening followed meeting. Eltham. —Invitation from Farmers’ Union for members to attend pasture-judging. Arrangements for debate with Pukengahu Club. Impromptu speeches by members on various farming topics ; some very good speeches resulted. At the previous meeting Mr. J. E. Davies, Department of Agriculture, gave a lecture on “ Pasture Management.” Hauiera. Arrangements for field-day. Discussion on a report entitled “ Land Settlement ” prepared by W. Phillips, a club member. At the previous meeting a lecture was given by Mr. J. E. Davies, Department of Agriculture, on “ Seed Certification and its Value in the Establishment of Good Pastures.” Kaponga.— Arrangements for a visit to a dairyfarm for a demonstration on dairy stock. Club debate, the subject being “ That Dairy Farming is more Profitable than Sheep-farming.” The speakers were M. Kissick and K. Rowe (affirmative), and R. Edgecombe and E. Duff (negative). The supporters of the affirmative were declared the winners.

— Arrangements finalized for two fielddays, one on dairy stock and one on pigs. A debate was held with members of the Eltham Club, the subject being “ That Dairy-farmers should Test their Herds under the Dominion Group Herd-testing Association.” The debate was very closely contested, and resulted in a win for the Pukengahu Club, whose team spoke for the affirmative, by the narrow margin of 77 points to 76. The judges ' were Messrs. F. Mertons and H. D. Lambie, Advisory Presidents of the Pukengahu and Eltham Clubs respectively. ■ A field-day was held by the Pukengahu Club on Mr. Best’s farm, the owner demonstrating on Romney and Southdown sheep. .

North Taranaki.

- Cardiff. Arrangements for field-day and stockjudging competition ; invitation to be sent to members of Pukengahu Club. Address by Mr. G. Court, of the Kaponga Farmers’ Union, on “ Sheep for the Dairy

Farmer.” At the previous meeting a talk was given by Mr. C. H. M. Sorensen, Pig Club Supervisor, on “ The Importance and Value of Pig Recording Clubs.” Arrangements for a dance and euchre party. All members present took part in a debate “Hay and Ensilage v. Hay and Roots.” Mr. J. N Blyde, Advisory President, acted as judge. The side supporting “ Hay and Ensilage ” won by a small margin. , ' Okau-Tongaporutu.— Short addresses by club members as follows : “ Marking Lambs ” (E. Foreman) ; “ Breaking-in Fern Country ” (R. O’Donell) ; “Diseases in Lambs ” (G. O’Donell) ; . “ Feed Flavour ” (0. Collins) ; “ Farming in Rhodesia ” (M. Collins). Club members attended a meeting of the Farmers’ Union to hear Mr. C. H. M. Sorensen, Pig Club Supervisor, in connection with the forming of a pig-recording club. One of the club members was appointed to the selection committee of the newly-formed Pig Club.

— Three teams selected for stock-judging competitions at the Stratford Agricultural and Pastoral Show. Address by Mr. Marfell on his experiences in the Great War. At the previous .meeting a film dealing with caterpillar tractors was exhibited.

Southern Hawke’s Bay.

Dannevirke.— A large gathering organized by the Y.F.C. visited the Dannevirke High School, where an exhibition of farming interest had been prepared. Demonstrations were given of the various scientific tests used in agriculture, including the brom-thymol test for mammitis and the benzol test for hairiness in wool. The visitors also saw the work of the agriculture class at the school, the co-ordination of the theory and practice being explained. A post-mortem examination of a diseased sheep was carried out by Mr. S. K. Carswell, Agriculture Master at the High School.

■Norsewood. Decided to support the Dannevirke Club in connection with a suggested bacon competition. Lecture by Mr. W. Jenkins on “ Farming Conditions in England.” Onga Onga.— debate, subject “ That Grassland Farming is Better than Arable Farming,” the speakers being as follows : O. Bloomfield and C. N. Masters (affirmative), L. E. Bradley and E. S. Bibby (negative). Takapau.— Lecture by Mr. G. V. Westbrooke, Government Apiary Instructor, on “ Bees.” Northern Hawke’s Bay. — Discussion re proposed club sports meeting, to include athletic, horse and novelty events, chopping and sawing, and also stock-judging, &c. Lecture on “ Bacon Curing ” by C. Oliver (a club member). The speaker dealt with the feeding to produce the best bacon, the killing of the pig, and the cutting-up of the carcass, and the curing and smoking. He also gave details of two proved cures. . Nuhaka.- —Field-day on Mr. T. W. G. Tombleson’s property. Mr. Tombleson demonstrated on his Polled Hereford cattle. ' Putorino.— Address on “ Fleece Testing ” by Mr. M. Johnstone, followed by a demonstration of the benzol test. Address by Mr. E. Wills on “ Pasture Grasses.” - Poverty Bay. Te Karaka. — Discussion re shearing competition. Address by Mr. G. Brown on “ The Value of Keeping Farm Records.” Tolaga Bay. Talks by club members as follows : “ How to Speak in a Debate (K. Cooper) ; The Origin of the Present Breed of Horses” (J. Phillips); “ How to Sell Bits and Pieces of Wool ” (R. Nelson). Waiapu.— Addresses by Messrs. J. Morrissey and D. Kirkham on “ Oil Tankers ” and “ A Trip around the Islands ” respectively. • Te Kuiti. Aria.— Club debate, “ That the Young Farmer of To-day has Greater Opportunities than his Grandfather,” the speakers being R. Thomas and D. Scrivener (negative), R. Pritchard and E. Riddle (affirmative). A field-day was held on Messrs. Alderson Bros.’ farm; Mr. T. Alderson showed members around the farm, pointing out the changes that had taken place since it was first occupied. Otorohanga.— Lantern lecture by Mr. E. Bruce Levy, Director of the Grasslands Division, Plant Research Bureau, on “ Impressions of Agriculture Overseas.” Recent field-days have included a visit to Messrs. Tipping Bros.’ farm, a visit to the Horotiu Freezingworks, and a visit to Mr. Merrin’s dairy, where a lecture on “ Modern Pasteurizing of Milk ” was given|3>y Mr. E. A. Merrin. Te Anga Central.— A lecture on “ Calving Troubles ” was given by Mr. W. G. Bonner, Inspector of Stock. A football match was played between the Otorohanga and Te Anga Clubs, resulting in a win for the Otorohanga team by 19 points to 6.

Rotorua.

Horohoro. successful ploughing match was held on Mr. T. Waerea’s farm. Sixteen local members and one visiting member competed in the three classes, (a) single furrow (short) one wheel only ; (6) single furrow (long) ; (c) double furrow. Special prizes were awarded for best strike, best finish in each class, and best on the ground, and also for best “ ins and outs on ground, best plough team, the best-groomed team, and the best-handled team, together with , prizes for the best-kept harness, the straightest ploughing ■_ on the ground, and for the champion ploughman. • Mr. E. W. R. Leslie acted as judge of the ploughing, and Mr. Harrington, of Tokoroa, of the horse and harness, &c. There was an attendance of 115, in spite of a cold, showery day. An enjoyable social was held in the evening, during which a short debate took place, the subject being “ The Long Mouldboard Plough v. the Short Mouldboard Plough.” There were four speakers on each side, two members of the Rotorua-Ngongotaha Club and two members of the Ngakura Club speaking in favour of the long mouldboard, and four members of .the Horohoro Club supporting the short mouldboard. The subject was keenly , debated, the Horohoro team being declared the winners. . .

Rotorua-Ngongotaha.— Address by Mr. Leask on. “ Management and Cleanliness in Cow-sheds.” At meetings previously unreported the following addresses were given: “The Management and Care of Fat Stock ” (Mr. McLennan) ; “ General Management and Care of Sheep ” (Mr. C. Gillam) ; “ How to Rear Calves up to Weaning State ” (Mr. J. Boulcott) ; “ Management of Breeding-ewes on the Dairy-farm ” (Mr. H. M. Martin).

Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Opotiki. Arrangements for a field-day at Mr. Beattie’s piggeries. ; ' - Waimana. — Lecture on “ The Pig Industry ” by Mr. H. M. Peirsen, Extension Officer in Pig Husbandry, Department of Agriculture.

Western Bay of Plenty.

—Discussion re stock-judging at Royal Show, Hamilton. Lecture by Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture, on “ Manures and Top-dressing.” — Lantern lecture by Mr. A. V. Alic, Department of Agriculture, on “ Seed Certification.” Tauranga.— Discussion re ‘ inter-club tennis and cricket; lecture by Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture, on “ Top-dressing.” Te Puke.— Lecture by Mr. G. Broom, Government Veterinarian, on “ Diseases of Horses’ Feet.”

Waikato.

Huntley Arrangements for dance. Debate, “ Horses v. Tractors,” between two club members, J. Frandi (horses) and K. Johnson (tractors); the debate was won by K. Johnson. An address was given by Mr. J. H. Furniss on “ Leadership.” Kakepuku.— Discussion re Royal Show, Hamilton. Arrangements for a debate. Lantern lecture by Mr. C. Walker, Department of Agriculture, on The Development of Pumice Lands.” A field-day was held on Messrs. Candy Bros, property, Pokuru. Mr. G. B. Melrose gave an address and demonstration on “ Stock Ailments,” and a talk on “ The Care of Young Calves,” stressing the necessity for correct feeding and adequate shelter. Te Kowhai. debate, subject Grassland Farming v. Supplementary Feeding,” the speakers being (grassland) C. H. Weedon, E. G. Radford, and A. Hope; (supplementary feeding) R. Banwell, J. Truelove, and F. Couch. The supporters of supplementary feeding won by a narrow margin. A field-day was held on the property of Messrs. Corby Bros., Te Kowhai. Demonstrations included Sheep,” by Mr. S. Potts, Cambridge, and “ Horses,” by Mr. J. C. Begbie, Te Kowhai. The attendance was twenty-five, including visitors. North Auckland. Marohemo.— Discussion re stock-judging at the Royal Show, Hamilton. Lecture by Mr. King, Department of Agriculture, Kenya Colony, on “ General Farming.” A field-day was held on the property of Mr. M. Maras ; a demonstration of the sterilization of the milkingplant was given by Mr. King. Ruawai. — by Mr. W. A. Beattie, Pig Recording Officer, on “ Mineral Deficiency in Pigs,” dealing with the symptoms and practical cures. Umawera.— Lecture by Mr. W. A. Beattie, Pig Recording Officer, on “ Pigs.” Mr. Beattie dealt with the regulating of litters in accordance with the milksupply in order to eliminate the wintering of any stores. He described the best pig from the butcher’s point of view, and showed how a deficiency of minerals (limes, phosphates, &c.) influenced bone-formation. Methods of feeding were also discussed. At the previous meeting Mr. G. Cameron addressed the members on Farming Problems of the District.” This is a new club with very good prospects. O