N.Z. Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 59, Issue 4, 16 October 1939, Page 352

N.Z. Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs

Edited by

S. Freeman,

Dominion Organizing Secretary

War-time Policy of Y.F.C.

Federation Appeals To All Members To "Carry On"

* I ’HE policy of the Federation during TE policy of the discussed during the war was discussed at the meeting of the Dominion Executive Committee held recently in Wellington. Members were unanimous that the movement should continue to function, and that, so far as restricfunction, and that, so far as restnc- ~ , ~x . ~ „ tions and conditions could allow, its activities should be intensified. This does not apply so much to field days and other activities which, it was recognised, would be difficult to carry on, but to the ordinary channels of the organisation and the continuance of . , . ... . ~ , , , ~ , interest within the clubs themselves. It was decided to issue the following appeal to clubs and club members:

“It is realised that the country’s first duty is realised that the country’s first duty is to assist in winning the war, and in this connection the Y.F.C. movemen t can do more by continuing to operate than by going into recess. In eon mumg o function, activities of clubs J n general should be diverted . , .... , , towards assisting in production, and much can be done by the organising of clubs and club mem into emergency farm labour gangs or into emergency committees for other purposes. “District Committees and councils s bould also carry on, and should not considei ’ that their services are not essential, as the co-ordination of in- . . .- . ■ , terest which accompanies their meetings is the foundation of the whole organisation.

“The Dominion Executive therefore “The Dominion Executive therefore appeals to all units of the organisation to see , that interest in the moveme is maintained and intensified, and desires that members should hold themseives j n readiness to assist in the organisation of any such emergency organisation of any such emergency , „ „ . measures as can be successfully unFomented by the Young Farmers’ Club Movement.” The action of the Dominion President, Mr. E. W. Barnett, in recently offering the whole of the resources of the movemen t to assist the Govern- . • x-u 4. ment m the present emergency was . x . heartll y endorsed by the meeting, DOMINION EXECUTIVE

Woodville Field Day THE Woodville Young , Farmers’ Club held a successful field day at the Woodville racecourse on Bth July. The field day began with dog trials, and there were nine entries for the first event, a short head and yard. The results of a keen competition were:—W. D. Toogood’s “Nellie,” 1; R. Smith’s “Sharp,” 2; A. Fountain’s “Mark,” 3. The judge was Mr. J. Tait. Dannevirke, who afterwards demonstrated the working of four dogs, yarding with three. After an interval a Southdown judging competition was run off, the results

being: —A. Compton, 1; A. Fountain, 2; L. McKay, 3. This was rounded off by a demonstration by Mr. W. Swift. One of the most interesting sections of the day was the practical advice given by Messrs. Tait and W. Smythe on the handling and training of sheep dogs.

Horo Hero Y.F.C. Tour A PARTY of 20 members of the Horo Horo Young Farmers’ Club left Rotorua on 4th June under the leadership of Sir A. T. Ngata, travelling through the Bay of Plenty, Poverty Bay, and Hawke’s Bay districts. The party visited the Maori

Development Scheme en route, and also inspected the farms of Messrs. Black and Swinton, both former BledisIge Cup winners. Lectures on stock and the work in general were given at each Development Scheme as follows:Ruatoki Scheme (Mr. Merritt, assistant supervisor). Te Kaha (Mr. Brown, head sunervisor). Te Araroa (Sir A. T. Ngata), Tokomaru Bay (Sir A. T. Ngata), Wairoa (Mr. A. T. Carroll), and Mohaka (Messrs. McKay and Kingston). The party returned on 11th June after an enjoyable and instructive trip. D. KINGI, Secretary, Horo Horo Club.

Tour of New South Woles by South Taranaki Young Farmers

J. E. DAVIES, District Secretary,

Department of Agriculture, Hawera.

j“' ! ROM the point of view of the disi trict committee the Australian tour was an ambitious venture which proved an unqualified success. The party, which was drawn from South Taranaki, comprised 31 Young Farmers’ Club members, together with Mr. ,P. O. Veale, district president, as leader, and Mr. J. E. Davies, district secretary, as manager. Mesdames P. O. Veale and J. E. Davies also accompanied the party, which totalled 35. The young farmers, all of whom paid their own way mainly out of savings during the previous year, comprised two dairy factory workers, three sharemilkers, 12 farmers’ sons, 12 farm workers, and two farming on their own account.. The success of the tour was due in no small measure to the advance arrangements in equipping and preparing the party itself, the careful survey and estimation of transport and accommodation costs, and the provision of adequate introduction to the centres’ visited. A standard dress, consisting of the official Y.F.C. blazer, dark grey flannel trousers, royal blue tie, and black shoes, was adopted. The value of a

uniform style of dress was appreciated by the party, reducing the cost and quantity of the wardrobe of each member, and attracting attention throughout the tour.

The Tour The party left Taranaki on May 25 via Wellington, and returned on July 3 via Auckland, being absent for 40 days. All transport and accommodation costs, together with the managers’ expenses, entrance fees to places visited, and incidentals were covered by a charge of £5O per member. A surplus was devoted to a reunion of

South Taranaki club members and their friends at a social and dance on the return of the party, at which films taken during the tour were shown. The tour was confined to. a trip through the New South Wales coastal belts, that is, mainly dairying and fruit-growing districts north and also south of Sydney.

The Itinerary Details of the itinerary must necessarily be brief. On leaving Hawera the party was farewelled by the late Mayor, Mr. J. E. Campbell, and wellwishers: At Wellington we were welcomed at Parliament House by the Hon. W. Lee Martin, Minister of Agriculture, Mr. R. B. Tennent, Director of the Fields Division, Department of Agriculture, and Mr. S. Freeman, Organising Secretary, New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. The party was regarded, said the Minister, as ambassadors of good will from the Young Farmers of New Zealand to their confreres in New South' Wales. After a calm crossing in the Awatea we arrived at Sydney in perfect weather, and were met by representatives of the New South Wales Primary Producers’ Union and the Junior Farmers’ Club Council, under whose guidance our itinerary in New South Wales was carried out. An official welcome was extended by the following:Mr. E. Breakwell, Organiser, Junior Farmers’ Clubs, New South Wales; Mr. A. H. E. McDonald, Director of Agriculture; Mr. A. N. Binks, M.L.C., Chairman, Farmers* Dairy Co-operative Company; Messrs.

G. W. Gordon and R. L. Fitzherbert, Vice-Presidents, ‘ Primary Producers’ Union; Mr. J. L. Shute, General Secretary, Primary Producers’ Union; and Mr. L. G. Ashton, Editor of the “Primary Producer.” ‘

In Sydney Ten days were spent in Sydney, during which visits were paid to many places of interest, including the wheat silos, Sydney abattoirs, milk supply, and show grounds, Hawkesbury Agricultural College,''Primary Producers’ distributing stores, Sydney annual sheep sales, and, in addition, there were harbour excursions, sight-seeing tours, and visits to parks and gardens. The country tour, was made in. two comfortable buses, and was a personally conducted tour arranged by . the Junior Farmers’ Council. We are deeply indebted to Messrs. A. L. Nicol, F. O. Sims, and J. Chalmers, Education Department, who, as Junior Young Farmers’ Club organisers in their districts, arranged an excellent itinerary and accompanied the party. Visits were made to dairy farms and dairy factories, where detailed examination of buildings, plant, crops, -and stock were made and very capable demonstrations were given. Sight-seeing visits included inspections of Junior Farmers’ Club projects, urban amenities, Wollongbar and Grafton experimental farms, banana, pineapple, and orange plantations, and meat and steel works. Civic receptions by day, with - banquets, socials, and dances in the evening made up a well-balanced instructional and recreational tour which gave the party a wonderful insight into the farming life of the coastal areas of New South Wales.

Some Impressions Probably the most outstanding farming impression was the reliance placed by dairy farmers on soiling crops such as maize, sorghum, and cane, as supplementary feed. These crops are chaffed and ensiled and fed out over most of -the year in special feeding sheds, the herd being subsequently milked in another shed almost invariably by hand. Few used milking machines on the dairy farms visited, and the development of electric power was not as far advanced as in our own district. Most of the dairy farms were concerned with the production of whole milk for the home market, and local factory contracts demanded an even milk supply throughout the year. For this purpose the Illawarra milking shorthorn was the dominant dairy breed. Another striking contrast with New Zealand dairying was the remarkable knowledge of stock demonstrated by

the farmers. Animal husbandry, breeding, feeding and management, including the balancing of rations, were their main interests. Discussions on such matters were relatively easy to start as compared with discussions on pastures and pasture management. ' Members found it difficult to account for the seemingly unprogressive use of pastures. Top dressing and the conserving of grass in the form of hay or silage were little practised. Farms generally were less mechanised, and facilities for watering stock and the use •of concrete were not so well developed as in New Zealand. The semi-tropical fruit growing, including oranges, pineapple, and banana plantations, were altogether new to us and extremely interesting.

Junior Farmers Clubs Junior Young Farmers’ Club activities in New South Wales are similar in character to those of the Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs in New Zealand, but are . organised on somewhat different lines. Members are enrolled between the ages of 10 and 23 years, and project work, including stockrearing, crop-growing, and domestic activities, with special club shows, rallies, and camps, serve to maintain the interest of members in farming generally. , For local competitions, members are graded according to age, but inter-district and State competitions are open to all. We were impressed by the enthusiasm and sound organisation of the clubs generally. Each district has its own executive with a club member as secretary, and there is an air of self reliance. The inspection of the practical work of the clubs was most enlightening and

there was evidence that such work was proving of much practical value and. that camps and shows were very popular. Full-time organisers are provided by the Education Department. Each district, organiser devotes his energies entirely to the fostering of club work by giving instruction and inspecting projects, and assisting with the organisation of rallies, camps, and shows, etc. The movement differs from our Young Farmers’ Club Movement in that both sexes are enrolled and projects are featured. Difficulty is apparently encountered in retaining the interest of members up to the age limit, and the problem of providing for ex-club members is receiving attention. . Information regarding the activities and organisation of our Young Farmers’ Club organisation was eagerly sought, and there was every indication that a similar movement to our own may be undertaken. .

Appreciation The Junior Farmers’ Club Council of New South Wales, with its many local clubs, spared no effort to make our visit successful, instructive, and fruitful, and to them we offer our very best thanks. Mr. N. J. Simmons, council secretary, was a tower of strength. -So numerous were their courtesies' and concessions, and so ready the co-operation and assistance extended to the party both in New South Wales and in New Zealand, that it is not possible to express our thanks and appreciation to all individually who contributed to the success of this, th'e first overseas tour. We therefore thank you all.

Camp in Wellington for Y.F.C. Members During Centennial Exhibition

A DECISION to continue with the project was made at .a recent meeting of the special committee appointed to make arrangements for. the proposed Y.F.C. Camp in Wellington during the Centennial . Exhibition period. As the Federation desires that the clubs should do their best to continue to function., it' is therefore considered that it would be an admission of weakness to abandon the idea of holding the camp without ' first discovering what measure of support is likely to be forthcoming. It will be readily understood that without the necessary support the camp, cannot, be run successfully or at a sufficiently . low - cost, and on this account club members who desire to attend are urged to send in their applications as soon ‘as possible. ; Under normal conditions •no trouble would have been experienced in filling the camp’s weekly quota, but in the circumstances it has been found necessary to fix a minimum number of members participating and a minimum period during which the camp will be held in order to safeguard against financial loss.

Threefold Appeal It has also been decided that any profit over the actual expenses of. running the camp will be set aside to form the nucleus of a fund to assist in Y.F.C. land settlement. The. activity should, therefore, present a threefold appeal to members: ? (1) The . opportunity of spending a' week in Wellington in order to visit the Exhibition at a cost comparing more than favourably with hotel and boarding-house accommodation tariffs; (2) the opportunity of meeting club members from other parts of the Dominion; and (3) the likelihood of assisting in the establishment of a fund for the settling of Y.F.C. members on the land. The camp will be held from Thursday, February 1, until Thursday, March 28, 1940, a period of eight weeks. Members will attend the camp in minimum weekly batches of 100, and should sufficient applications be received, it may be possible, to extend the period. Members will be expected to bring their own . blankets. Beds and mattresses will be supplied. A . good standard of meals will be maintained, breakfast, tea, and supper being supplied at the camp. It is considered that it will. be more convenient for those taking part, to purchase their

own midday meals in order to save them the inconvenience of returning to the camp. - ’ ■ - Members will be accommodated in the Athletic Park Building, Wellington, which is centrally situated’ and within easy access of the Exhibition. The building is readily: adapted .for the purpose of the camp, and . contains adequate conveniences, showers, 1 etc. -

Camp Fees The charge to members will be £3 for the week, which will include, as stated, bed, breakfast, tea, and supper. Arrangements have also been made

with the Railway Department for a special concession rate of approximately 20 per cent, reduction in second-class return fare. The closing date for application has been definitely fixed for November 30 next, and ’. applications received after that date will not be considered. Members who wish to avail themselves of this opportunity of visiting the Exhibition should' send in their application as soon as possible, together with the camp fee of £3. ! It is important for each applicant to state the seven days in which he desires to attend' (from Thursday to Thursday, during the period 1 February 1 to March 28, 1940) and to give an alternative seven days in. case the camp quota is filled for that particular week. If it is impossible 'to fit the applicant in for either of the two periods given, a further seven-day period will be allotted, and if this is not convenient to the applicant his cash will be refunded. It must be understood that it is necessary to collect the camp fee with the application in order to finance the undertaking and also to ensure that members sending in their names attend.

Support Urged Members are urged to give special consideration, to this offer and to for-

ward their applications, accompanied by the camp fee, as early as possible to avoid ' disappointment. as it will naturally be a case of “first come, first served.” The camp is to be exclusively for club members, and while it is not expected that • young men will join clubs merely to take advantage of the Centennial Camp, it can certainly > be used , as an incentive when recruiting new members. • - v : -In conclusion, members are reminded that the . camp is being held for their benefit, and that they can help themselves and their fellow-members by supporting it. . Emphasis must be laid on the following points: — (l) Applications close definitely on November 30 next; (.2) first come, first served, and applicants should name an alternative week; (3) to avoid delay, each application should bear the member’s full postal address, and' should be accompanied by the camp fee of £3. —Organising Secretary.

Dairy Cow Judging Competition

THE entries received, so far, for the Dairy Cow Judging Competition (particulars of which appeared in the August number of the “Journal”) are not as numerous as was anticipated. Doubtless the outbreak of war has had an adverse effect on the competition, and on this account it has been decided to extend the time limit for judging one month in order to give members and others ample opportunity to take part in the competition. Those intending to enter should fill in and cut out the application form in the August number of the “Journal” and forward it to me with the Is entry fee. On receipt of this the judging form will be sent to them. The competition is open to all young farmers within the age limits of 14 and 30 years, whether club members or not. Should any intending competitor be unable to procure an application form it will be sufficient if he applies by letter, giving his name and address, and enclosing the Is entry fee. The closing date for the competition is now fixed for October '23 next. Applications should be made as early as possible so that the judging forms may be sent out in good time. It is hoped that members generally will do their best to make it a success. Organising Secretary.

Special Christmas Y.F.C. Supplement and Competitions

IN the December issue of the “Journal of Agriculture” the Young Farmers’ Clubs’ Section will take the form of a Christmas Supplement. The Section will be longer than usual, and will include a variety of special features. The success of this supplement rests with the young farmers themselves. In collaboration with the Dominion Executive of the Federation, a number of competitions have been arranged, and the quality of the supplement will depend on the response of individual members. First and foremost, the Dominion Executive is offering a prize of five guineas for the best essay on “A Scheme for the Settlement of Young Farmers on their own Properties.” In this competition there is also a second prize of three guineas and two prizes of one guinea each. The essays must not exceed 2,000 words in length.

Prizes of one guinea will be awarded for the best contributions on the following subjects: — 1. “Farming 100 Years Hence.” 2. “The Influence of Young Farmers’ Clubs on Rural Life.” 3. “How to Save Labour on the Farm.” 4. “A Short Story with a Rural Background.” 5. A Poem. Contributions to the first .four competitions should not exceed 1,500 words and the poem should not exceed 50 lines. A photographic competition, arranged by Mr. R. B. Tennent, Director of the Fields Division, has three sections, for which separate prizes of one guinea each are being awarded. Those sections are:— 1. A Common Farm Task. 2. A Study of Livestock.

3. Any activity of Young Farmers’ Clubs. Photographs must be taken by Young Farmers themselves, but need not be processed by Young Farmers. The prints must be of at least postcard size, but mounting is not necessary. All photographs must have a title, which should be written on a separate piece of paper. The photographs will be judged on their general interest and the manner in which the subject has been presented. , The Dominion Executive has also decided to award a prize of two guineas for the best design of a blazer badge. The successful design will be published in the “Journal.” These competitions are open to all financial members of Young Farmers’ Clubs. Closing date; November 25, 1939.

Otago-Southland Club's Tour of the North Island

TWENTY-TWO Y.F.C. members, representing equally Otago and Southland, left Dunedin on 6th May on a tour of the Wellington and Taranaki Provinces. The party arrived at Wellington on the Sunday, and, after a sightseeing trip around Wellington on Monday morning, had lunch with a Manawatu touring party who were crossing to Picton in the afternoon on the first stage of a visit to the West Coast and Glaciers.

At Manawatu We travelled leisurely by railway bus to Palmerston North, making only one stop to see the New Zealand Woolpack and Textile Company’s Plant. at Foxton, where we were met by Mr. Vickerman, the manager. On Tuesday we spent a very instructive day visiting the Plant Research Station in the morning and Massey College in the afternoon. Wednesday was also a full day, including a trip out to Bunnythorpe to visit the Glaxo factory. Afterwards we visited the Department of Agriculture’s Seed-testing Station, which was a revelation to us, particularly as we

learned that most of the samples came from the South Island. The ultraviolet ray test of ryegrass and the picric acid test of white clover made many of us realise to what extent science is assisting us in the selection of better seeds for our pastures; Later we were met by Mr. C. J. Hamblyn, Fields Superintendent of the

Department of Agriculture for Wellington Province, who had just returned from the big North Island camp at Hastings, where 200 Young Farmers were under canvas. He gave 'us a short address on 'the work of the clubs in the Manawatu district. In the afternoon we were the . guests at afternoon tea of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Lan-

: caster at their farm at Kairanga.. This farm was a veritable eye-opener to us, as it is 164 acres and has no cultivation other than a topdressing of 2cwt. of super per acre annually. On this block are carried 650 ewes, two horses, 40 registered cattle, and in the spring it is necessary to buy' in 100 to 120 cattle to keep the feed down. In addition, he fattens his lambs, and this year bought 380 lambs after getting his own away. It is a tribute to the exceptional .productivity of the farm, and reflects a great deal of credit on Mr. Lancaster as a farmer. In the evening came our first social event, the Young Farmers’ Ball at Whakaronga, which we greatly enjoyed. After visiting the new military aerodrome at Ohakea, we were met in Wanganui with an invitation for lunch as the guests of the District Committee. We then visited Messrs. Kempthorns, Prosser’s Aramoho fertiliser works before leaving for Hawera, where we arrived in time for dinner.

At South Taranaki At Hawera we were given a civic reception from the late Mayor, Mr. J. E. Campbell, and Councillor P. O. Veale, who is also chairman of the South Taranaki District Committee. We were then taken out to the Turuturu Mokai Redoubts, where Messrs. John Houston and W. R. Jones explained the historical associations of the pa and the latter taught us a haka. To complete the morning we saw the Maori

carvers at work, Mr. Houston acting as commentator. In the afternoon we were shown through the Renco laboratories at Eltham, and were entertained to afternoon tea by the chairman of directors and management. The evening saw a crowded hall for the dance arranged in our honour by the South Taranaki District Committee.

North Taranaki We had a leisurely trip through to New Plymouth, stopping en route M the Stratford Demonstration Farm, where we were received by the farm committee, North Taranaki District Committee, members of the local clubs, and Farmers’ Union.

After lunch at Stratford we visited Burgess Park, a beautiful reserve set in the hills and bequeathed to the city of New Plymouth by one of its many public-spirited citizens. New Ply*mouth was reached at 3 o’clock, and we were immediately impressed with its natural beauty and with its many parks and reserves. Sunday was a perfect day, and Mr. G. A. Blake, Fields Instructor, proved an excellent guide for our trip round the parks in the morning, and to Mount Egmont in the afternoon. At the hostel on the mountain we were entertained to afternoon tea by the District Committee and returned to our hotels very satisfied with our outing. On Monday, we proceeded to the furthest north point of our tour, Urenui, where Mr. J. J. Freeth showed us an excellent example of pasture management.. Mr. Freeth’s aim has been to establish a pasture which will provide green feed for his stock all the year round, and he has certainly succeeded. By the establishment of prairie and paspalum he has accomplished a continuance of feed, and to most of the party this was one 'of the lessons in the practical aspect of the tour. The afternoon saw • us at Mr. J. H. Paulger’s property at Tikorangi, where the aim is to secure special purpose paddocks for successional grazing. Later we went on to the model farm of Mr. J. N. Blyde at Lepperton, and were astonished at what can be produced in a district like Taranaki when special attention is given to pasture management. Our last evening in Taranaki was spent as guests at a dance of the Hillsborough-Tarurutangi Y.F.C. At 9 o’clock the next morning we left New Plymouth on the longest trip or the tour—l6o miles to Feilding. Stops were made at Omata to see what must be the finest cowshed in New Zealand, that of Mr. A. Wood. Although few

of .the party were dairy farmers, this shed, which on today’s figures would cost £5OO, was a revelation in what a model cow byre should contain. We lunched at the Waimate West Demonstration Farm as guests of the farm committee, and later inspected the farm. We arrived at Feilding at 6.15 to have dinner and dress for another pleasant dance provided for us by the local Y.F.C. The following morning was most interesting, visits being paid to the only community centre in New Zealand, the Feilding High School, and to Mr. Mason’s Milking Shorthorn Stud.

Wair arap a We returned to our hotels for lunch and then left for Masterton, the weather being perfect and the trip most pleasant. Next morning we viewed Mr. Wilton’s Lincoln Stud and we were very interested to see the unusual breed and to hear of its comparison in weight of wool compared

with the other coarser types. Morning tea provided by Mrs. Wilton, followed by a drive to a vantage point on the hills to see the Wairarapa, concluded a pleasant morning. In the afternoon we saw Mr. R. M. Perry's Southdown Stud, and later were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. McGregor for afternoon tea. Our last , night in the North Island was spent at Featherston in order to give us a good early start for Wellington next day. The itinerary had been altered, and provided for the morning at the Wallaceville Laboratory and the afternoon at the Ford factory at Petone. Both visits proved to be most interesting, and we arrived in Wellington at 4.30. Now, in retrospect, one can perhaps summarise the reasons for the success of the trip, as follows: — 1. The itinerary was arranged between the Wellington and Otago-South-land Councils so that the details were co-ordinated at a central point and any

duplication of types of visits was eliminated. 2. The size of the party made for easy handling and for all members to become quickly and easily acquainted. 3. Travelling was reduced to a. minimum, enabling us to be fair to our hosts and at the same time preventing the lads from becoming travel-weary three nights were spent at Palmerston North, two at Hawera, three at New Plymouth, one at Feilding, and two in the Wairarapa. . 4. All tastes were catered for, as attention was given to the educational, cultural, and social espects.

Appreciation The party wishes to thank all who in any way contributed towards their entertainment, and in particular to the honorary secretary of the Wellington Council, Mr. F. E. Sherwood, and to the Instructors in Agriculture for their thoughtfulness and thoroughness in all the details of the tour.

Progress of Masterton Young Farmers' Club

D. McGREGOR, Chairman, Masterton Club.

BIONEER club of the Wairarapa district, the Masterton Y.F.C., was formed on 28th November, 1934, ten members being present. From that date onward rapid progress has been made, until today the club membership stands at about 80, having been at one stage as high as 90 members. Since its inception all meetings have been held in the rooms of the A. and P. Association, which offer us ideal accommodation for all our requirements. We are indebted to the association for all valuable assistance rendered to us through the years. The Masterton Club was fortunate in having behind it during earlier years such stalwarts in the Y.F.C. movement as Messrs. W. F. McLaren and S. Freeman. Mr. McLaren, who is immediate past president of the federation and who has done such valuable work for the movement throughout the Dominion, was the first advisory president of the club, and Mr. Freeman the first Wairarapa district secretary. Reviewing the past history of the club it is interesting to note that Mr. Freeman gave the first lecture at a

club meeting, his subject being “Ensilage and Haymaking.” The first field day was held on 3rd May, 1935, at the Solway Showgrounds, attracting an attendance of 150 farmers and others.

Proceedings were opened by Sir William Perry, and practical demonstrations were given on throwing a horse, setting a plough, and a post mortem examination on a sheep. As a result

of the field day the membership was increased considerably, and from then on the club progressed rapidly. The first Y.F.C. camp in the North Island was held in Masterton in May, 1936, and did much in strengthening clubs in the Wairarapa and other districts.

Stock Judging and Debates Members have been successful in stock judging competitions held from time to time, and of these, competitions at local A. and P. shows have been a feature. In the annual judging competition for the “Point Blank” Challenge Cup, organised by the Wai rarapa District Committee, Masterton has succeeded on three consecutive occasions. Club debates and inter-club debates have proved very popular. In particular a debate with the Tinui Club on the subject, “That the Young Farmer of Today has Equal . or Better Opportunities than his Grandfather,” was a great success. At the December meeting last year a club debate took place, the subject being “That a Dairy Farm takes more Managerial Ability than a Sheep Farm.” All members present were asked to speak, and three minutes were allowed for each speaker. Members are also encouraged to give short talks at meetings, and these have been of a high standard. The purchase of an urn and the introduction of supper after meetings has brought members closer together, and more enthusiastic meetings have resulted. The club has been fortunate lately in securing some informative talking pictures. At the November meeting last year the organising secretary visited the club and showed some interesting films on the Y.F.C. projector. Another film entitled “Reproduction

Among Mammals” shown in April of this year created much interest. Other films have also been shown, and it has sometimes been necessary to arrange special meetings.

Socials All dances held by the club were eclipsed by our annual dance in the Town Hall last year, when more than 500 people were present. The “Point. Blank” Cup and miniatures were presented by the district president, Mr. W. James. Another successful dance was that held last April in honour of the visit of the Young Farmers team from the United Kingdom, who were billeted by local members during their three days’ stay in Masterton. Also present was the New Zealand team which visited Australia last year. An annual feature of the club is a table tennis match with the Carterton Club. The game of darts after meetings has already proved popular.

Future Activities Published in the Wairarapa this year by the district secretary, . Mr. N. Lamont, is a booklet in which the club programmes for the year, together with district and provincial events, are set out. This publication has been favourably commented upon by members from other districts. The booklet enables both club members and potential members to know what is arranged for months ahead. Mention must be made of the fact that Mr. J. Blatchford, the first secretary of the club and present executive member, has never missed a meeting of either , the club or the executive —a record of which few can boast.

Fitzherbert Club's Field Day

IN perfect weather a large crowd gathered at Linton recently for the field day organised by the Fitzherbert Young Farmers’ Club. Farmers, Young Farmers, and friends from Tokomaru and Opiki gathered at Mr. L. H. Craw’s farm, “Lock Moigh,” Linton, to witness a demonstration on the breaking in of young horses by Mr. Th os. Nolan, Feilding. Mr. Nolan is a past master in the art of “breaking,” and he imparted knowledge gained by him in a lifetime’s experience with horses. The demonstration was not without its thrills as these horses were among the wildest procurable in the district. Unfortunately, in the construction of the yard, members under-estimated the strength of the horse, which had no difficulty in breaking free on two occasions, finally tackling a high fence. Another horse was brought forward while the yard was strengthened, and Mr. Nolan showed how it should be done. , After lunch at the Linton Hall the party proceeded to Mr. C. H. Jensen’s farm at Opiki to inspect his model piggeries. These piggeries proved ideal in every respect, and Mr. Jensen explained special features, among which were grass yards connected with each pen, ventilation and insulation of sties, sanitary, arrangement of pens and drains, a bail for ringing sows, and a special “creep” for the feeding of young pigs. At this stage Mr. J. Woodley, Aokautere, demonstrated a patent device for castrating and ringing weaners. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Nolan and Mr. Jensen by the party. J. S. HOLDEN, Fields Instructor, Palmerston North.

Among the Clubs: Reports on Activities

Western Southland. n . . _ ... K ~ _ „ ... T Dipton. Address by Mr. G. Hamilton, Lums- ?? Tir^ a J m Mana . 2e .- / y ,ub eha l®; “Should Military Training be Compulsory?” The teams were. D. Milligan, J. Palmer, W. Ryan, B. Wilson (affirmative) and M. English, G. Helen, C. Gray, A. Mudie (negative). The decision was awarded to the negative team. At a previous meeting talks were given by club members:J. Miller (tussock grass farming) ; C. Gray (management of the team) J. Nevin (drainage) ; and D. Milligan (topdressing). Drummond. -—■ Competition for prepared speeches.

Thornbury.Speech competition by club members. Result:—J. McKenzie (trees), 1; K e. McKenzie (fencing), 2; J. Fallow (milk fever), 3. Impromptu speeches by Messrs, Atchis and Buchan on “Medicine" and “Democratic and Totalitarian Farming” reS n ec respecuvely - South Otago s . * —Arrangements for field day. Address by Mr. Casey. St. John’s Ambulance Instructor, on "First Aid on the Farm.” Lawrence.—Exhibition of cinematograph films by Mr. J. W. Woodcock, Department of Agriculture.

Milton. — Address by Mr. Grant, engineer, P.W.D., on “Concrete” and “Explosives." At a previous meeting an account of their recent trip to Dunedin was given by J. H. McCallum Ind G. Moore. CAnfral ntuvn Central Otago. Stirling.— to continue with the Centennial tree planting scheme. Several donatjons of trees received. Talk by Mr. W. R. Christie on “Trees and Tree-planting.” Roxburgh.— on educational week in Dunedin. Impromptu speeches by club members.

Upper — Arrangements for field day. Address by Mr. A. M. Douglas on "Trees and Tree-planting.” ' At a previous meeting a lecture by Mr. S. Freeman, Organising Secretary, on “Young Farmers’ Clubs and their Activities.” Dunedin. Middiemarch. — meeting. Arrangements for club dance. West Taieri.— Talk by J. Grant on “The Young Farmers’ Educational Week.” North Otago. Duntroon.— Display of Aims on agricultural activities in the district by Mr. H. Reid. Lecture on “The Problems of the Mower” by Mr. E. Reid. Enfield. — B. B. Blackmore presented an address prepared by Mr. B. B. Watson entitled “Farm Finance.” Five Forks.— The following resolution was passed: “That this Club offers as an organisation to render service of a national value in this country”; also it was recommended “That the. Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs use its organisation in the ’ same manner for Dominion-wide service.” Hampden.— One guinea to be donated to donated to Centennial Celebration Fund to be devoted towards the building of a rest room in Oamaru. Address by Mr. W. Gillies, of Hampden, on “The Royal Show, Hamilton, 1938”; the speaker was a judge at this show. South Canterbury. Arno. Address by Mr. Bevin on “Farm Management.” At a previous meeting a lecture by . Mr. W. D. Blair, Department of Agriculture, on “Diseases among Livestock." Fairlie. — Lectures by Mr. E. J. Lukey, Veterinarian, and Mr. A. Grant, Department of Agriculture, on “Diseases of Sheep” and "Covering of Lambs and Rugging of Hoggets” respectively.- At a previous meeting a club debate “That Present Methods of Farming in New Zealand are Uneconomic and Obsolete” was won by the negative team, . consisting of A. P. Whatman, C. Goulter, and B. O’Neil. The affirmative team consisted of M. J. Kirke, D. Lundie, and D. Scott. Geraldine. Arrangements for dance. Committee appointed to organise Stock-valuing Competition for Young Farmers in the District. Lecture by Mr. C. C. Leitch, Department of Agriculture, on “Pasture Mixtures Establishment Control.” At a previous meeting Messrs. S. R. Muff and J. Crotty gave talks on “Cattle Judging” and “Sheep Judging” respectively. Hunter. Messrs. A. J. Davey and J. Dempsey of the . Farmers’ Union addressed the meeting on “The Work of the Union.” — Arrangements for special meeting to organise Mock Court. Talk by the Rev. Wilson entitled “England and the English.” Milford.An address by .Mr. Tait, traffic inspector, on "Motor Regulations and the Road Safety Campaign.” Mr. Tait was assisted by two of his colleagues. An interesting discussion took place on the traffic regulations as they affect the farmer. Pleasant Point. — The following members were congratulated on their success in South Island Stock Judging Championships held recently at Lincoln: —J. France (winner South Island Championship) ; 0. R. Chapman (2nd, S.I. Championship) ; I. Chapman (4th, S.I. Championship) ; and H. N. Mcllaffie (Ist in Ayr - shires). Southburn-Lyalldale. held, the subject being “That labour-saving machinery introduced into farming in the; last twenty years has not been to the advantage of the rural community.” Teams were: Gray, A. Copland, and K. Cand (affirmative) and A. Bishop, M. Toohey, and J. A. Ward (negative). The judge, Mr. N. Gray, decided in favour of the negative ' team. The following team was selected to represent the club in the forthcoming inter-club debates: —-A. Bishop, R. Gray, and M. Toohey. Waihouranga. Arrangements to hold pruning demonstrations. Lecture by Mr. W. A. Blair, Department of Agriculture, on “The Running

and Organisation of the Agricultural Department.” Field day held on Pentlands Hills Station. Demonstrations included the following: Horses (Mr. F. Brown) ; Shorthorn cattle (Messrs. F. Brown and J. McKenzie) ; Corriedale sheep (Messrs. A. Grant and C. H. S. Thompson). Mid-Canterbury. Hinds. The following speakers selected to represent the club in inter-club debate —E. Rhodes, B. Simmonds, and I). J. Tait. Methvem. — Lecture by Mr. T. Ewer, Stock Inspector, Department of Agriculture, entitled “Lambing Troubles.” Christchurch. Garfield— Debate with Farmers’ Union, the subject being “Does Irrigation Pay?” Teams were:—Club: D. Selby, B. Jarman, R. Fechney, and. J. Gallagher (affirmative) and the Farmers’ Union —Messrs. G. H. Buttle, F. Crompton, M. Jenkins, and V. T. Cullen. The judge, Mr. F. A. Ball, awarded the decision to the Club team. Ellesmere. — Field day to be held at the Rangitata irrigation scheme. The _ following members were congratulated on their success in the South Island Y.F.C. Stock Judging Championships held recently at Lincoln : —D. Hurford (Ist in horses, Ist in Shorthorn cattle) and M. Brooks (3rd in Romneys). ■ Lecture by Mr. P. G. Stevens, Lincoln College, on “Animal Husbandry.” The speaker dealt particularly with the fat lamb and bacon trade from a carcass point of view. Teddington. Address on "National Defence” by Major Livingstone. Field day held at N.Z. Breweries, Ltd., and Wigram Aerodrome. North Canterbury. Amberley.— by Mr. E. L. Siddall, Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, entitled “Ewe ■ Management ■ and Lambing Troubles.” Cusft. Addresses on “Hydatids Control” and “Tour of Australia” by Dr. Marshall and Mr. T. Stevenson, respectively. Westland. Murchison.— of cinematograph films by Mr. A. D. Mercer, Department of Agriculture, entitled “Hog Production in U.S.A.”, “Land Clearing,” “Our Daily Bread,” and “Salt of the Earth.” ’ Nelson. Mo'fcupi'kO'.— Club debate held, the subject being “Horses v. Tractor.” M out ere. Business meeting. Lantern lecture by Mr. D. M. Merry, Department of Agriculture, on “Lime and its Benefits.” Marlborough. Blenheim. talk on “National Defence” was given by Major Horton and Sergeant Wilson gave demonstration of the working of the Bren gun. At a previous meeting a debate was held between club members, the subject being: "Is Compulsory Military Training More Beneficial to the Defence of New Zealand than Voluntary Training.” Mr. Ryan, Farm Dairy Instructor, Department of Agriculture, gave a lecture on “Dairying.” A mock court by club members was held. The officials were: — R. Wilkie (prosecuting counsel) ; R. Litchfield (defendant’s (counsel) ;A. W. Rose (judge) ; T. M. Walsh (court orderly). — Arrangements for annual dance. Discussion and suggestions . for Y.F.C. show parade. Address by Mr. F. W. Sharpe on “The Training of Sheep-dogs.” Wairarapa. Alfredton. by Mr. E. Bruce Levy, Director, Grasslands Division, Plant Research Station, on “Hill Grasslands Some Aspects of Grassing Management” and “Secondary Growth Control.” At a previous meeting a question evening was held on “Lambing Troubles.” Mr. Armstrong, Veterinarian, was present.

Carterton. 'Lecture “Pasture Development and Management on the More Difficult Soil Types” by Mr. E. B. Levy, Director, Grasslands Division. Greytown.— Question evening on “Lucerne.” - Martin borough. Lecture . by Mr. E. Bruce Levy, Director, Grasslands Division, on “Pasture Development and Management on the More Difficult Soil Types.” Masterton. — , on annual dance showing a profit of £27 12s Bd. Lantern lecture by Mr. E. Bruce Levy, Director, Grasslands Division, on a comparison of Pasture Development and Management in New Zealand and Overseas. Manawatu. Apiti.— Lecture by Mr. K. Kramna on “Geology in Relation to Oil Surveys." The speaker dealt with the rock strata, illustrating his talk with photographs. Bunnythorpe. Guests of Kairanga Club at an address by Dr. McMeehan on his travels overseas. Lecture by Mr. H. de 0. Chamberlain, Department of Agriculture, on “Potato Diseases and Potato Grading.” Fitzherbert. on recent dance, showing a profit of £3 14s 3d. Halcombe.—Discussions by members on the following subjects : —“Rope Splicing," “Lambing Malpresentation,” “Internal Marketing of Farm Produce,” and "Mole Draining Procedure.” Levin. — Talk on “Y.F.C. Activities” by Mr. S. Freeman, Organising Secretary. Exhibition of sound films of general interest by Mr.. Freeman. Opiki. Lecture by Mr. L. Earl, Department of Agriculture, entitled “Control of Grasslands.” Oroua Downs.— display by Mr. F. J. S. Holden, Department of Agriculture, on ' subjects of agricultural interest. Otaki-Te Horo.— Lecture by Mr. D. H. Le Souef, Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, entitled “Veterinary Science.” Pohangina Valley. Addresses as follows: “Flying" (Mr. H. Linklater) ; “Electric Fences” (Mr. J. Linklater) ; “Rotational Grazing” (Mr. J. Linklater). Rongotea.— by Mr. H. J. Lancaster on “A Trip to Australia.” Shannon. Business meeting. Tokomaru. — Business meeting. Report on club dance. Waiftuna. — debate on subjects selected for Viles Debating Shield ' Competition. .Whakarongo.— lmpromptu talks. Address by Mr. J. J. Stevenson “Farming in Australia.” At a previous meeting arrangements were made for a field day. Club debate "That Hay Baling is Superior to- Hay Stacking.” Teams : —l. Tabor, B. Dickson, and K. Sly (affirmative) and R. Berry, G. Spall, and J. Spall (negative). Woodville.— Address by Mr. D. M. Murray on “Ensilage Making.” Wanganui. Mangaweka. Arrangements , for dance. Club debate “That Dairy is Better than Sheepfarming” which was won by the affirmative team. Marton.— Address by Mr. D. S. Hart, of Feilding Agricultural High School on “Lambing—lts Troubles and Their Prevention.” South Taranaki. Hawera. Account of annual meeting of the Federation by W. Phillips. Talk by Mr. J. C. Findlater on “World Affairs —The Problem of the Pacific.” . Kaponga.— discussion on current topics. Talk on “The Australian Tour” by J. Phillips. North Taranaki. Cardiff— Talk by R. Smith on his trip to Australia. Inglewood.— Debate held, the subject being: “That Hay and Root Crops. are Preferable to

Hay and Ensilage.” The speakers were A. B. Blackbourn, E. Rowan, and J. Evans (affirmative) and M. Sutton, D. Klenner, and J. Kublinski (negative). The judge gave his decision in favour of the negative team. Karawaka.Report on . club dance and euchre party. Discussion regarding future activities of the club. Lecture by Mr. G. A. Blake, Department of Agriculture, on “Hay and Ensilage.' ’A debate held with the pupils of the Lepperton School, the subject being “That in New Zealand Greater Emphasis Should be Placed on the primary rather than secondary industries.” The teams consisted of:—School, H. Wallace, R. Portway, R. Crowe, and F. Snowball (negative) ; club, K. Lattimer, L. Oliver, I. Julian, and M. Loveridge. The judge, Mr. D. Mackay, Senior Inspector, Taranaki Education Board, awarded the decision in favour of the school team by 64% points to 63%. Two field days held, one on the property of Mr. A. Turnbull, Huirangi, the other on Mr. J. Cloke’s property, Lepperton. Mangorei.—Addresses as follows‘Sheep” (Mr. Addenbrook) ; “Rearing of the Jersey Calf” (Mr. Pearce) ; “Run Cattle” (Mr. Jackson). Tikorangi.—Discussion on card evenings. Talk on the educational week at Hastings by two club members. Southern Hawke’s Bay. Norsewood.lmpromput speeches by club members. Onga Onga.— by Mr. E. S. Bibley on “Farm Gardens.” ■ « . .Takapau. Discussion on Centennial Memorial tree-planting scheme. Address by Mr. C. J. Bell entitled “The Farmers’ Place in the Community.” Poverty Bay. Matawai.Address on “The Work and Activities of the Y.F.C. Movement Throughout

New Zealand," given by Mr. S. Freeman, Organising Secretary. Te Kuiti. Otorohanga.Address by Mr. D. V. Bryant on his recent experiences abroad. Visit to Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Co., Ltd., Horotui works to witness killing and handling of bobby calves for freezing and export. Field day at Mr. K. M. Montgomery’s residence for a pruning demonstration by Mr. J. W. Whealn, Orchardist, Department of Agriculture.

Eastern Bay of Plenty. — Addresses as follows: —“Past and Future of Y.F. Clubs” (Mr. H. White) ; “Birds and Their Uses” (Mr. W. Macdonald); “The Magpie" (Mr. D. O'Kane). Western Hawke’s Bay. Katikati.— lecture by Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture, entitled “Lucerne Growing.” , Paengaroa.Field day held on the properties of Messrs. Hewison and Viles. Demonstrations included the following:— and Docking of Lambs” (Mr. Viles); “Farm Management” (Mr. Mitchell) ; “Drenching” (Mr. Viles) ; “Mothering of Lambs” (Mr. Hewison). Lecture by Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture, Tauranga, .on “Lucerne." Te Arrangements for club dance. Discussion on radio sessions. —Arrangements for club dance. Talk by Mr. H. Chester on the Northern tour. Waikato. Te Awamutu.— Field day held at Mr. Lee’s slaughter yards. Mr. G. B. Melrose, Inspector of Stock, conducted a post-mortem on a cow, and lectured on “Seasonal Diseases.” Te Kowhai.— Business meeting. Auckland. Clevedon. by Mr. Cook, the subject being “The International Situation." Harrisville. club debates held, the subjects being (1) “Horses v. Tractor” and (2) “Pigs in Stys v. Pigs in Small Buns." Mangaftawhirl.— Lecture and display of cinematograph films by Mr. H. M. Pierson, Extension Officer, Swine Husbandry, Department of Agriculture. Warkworth. Kaukapakapa.— Moving picture programme by Messrs. P. S. Syme and E. B. Glanville, Department of Agriculture. Port Albert. Moving picture display by Mr. Bundal. Dargaville. Arapohue.— Lecture by Mr. E. H. Arnold, Department of Agriculture, on "Principles Underlying Breeding of Animals and Plants.” —Arrangements for dance. Address by Mr. K. Fergus on “A Tour of the ' South Island.” Appointment of representatives to district committee. A talk by Mr. J. M. Smith, Department of Agriculture, the subject being “Otago and Southland.", Tangiteroria.— Display of cinematograph films by Mr. ,E. B. Glanville, Department of Agriculture.

Because of the shortage of cyclostyling paper it is impossible to send out the usual notice to club secretaries and district committees. Information regarding major activities will therefore appear in this section until further notice, and secretaries are requested to bring any advice of importance before their club members. —Organising Secretary.