N.Z. Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 60, Issue 3, 15 March 1940, Page 233

N.Z. Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs

Edited by

5. Freeman,

Dominion Organizing Secretary

Visit of West Australian Junior Farmers' Club Members

BEFORE the outbreak of war the Federation extended invitations to Young Farmers’ Clubs and similar organisations throughout the Empire to send representatives to New Zealand to be the . guests of the New Zealand Young Farmers’ organisation for about six weeks during the Centennial celebrations. The invitation was sent to organisations in the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, and it was anticipated that a party of between 20 or 30 overseas visitors would avail themselves of the invitation. With the outbreak of war, however, the various organisations concerned regretfully declined, with the exception of the Western Australian organisation, which body accepted, sending only two members, instead of the four included in the invitation. The two visitors, Messrs. A. H. Chappel and P. Marshall, both members of the Lake Grace Junior Farmers’ Club, Perth, arrived in Wellington by the Awatea on Friday, February 2, and after spending a few days sight-seeing and visiting the Centennial Exhibition, set off on a tour of the Dominion. Because of the petrol restrictions it was necessary to send them from district to district by rail instead of relying on district committees, etc., for transport by car, as was originally intended. The. Federation has been considerably assisted in this connection by the kindness of the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs, who made , railway passes available over both Islands for the period of the tour. This has made it possible for the itinerary to be extended in order to give the visitors a more comprehensive idea of our Dominion’s resources, and better opportunity for contact with members of our own organisation.

Billetting has been made available in most of the centres through the kindness and hospitality of club members and others interested. The itinerary arranged at the time of going to press is given below, although a few* minor alterations will probably be necessary during the tour.

Itinerary

North Island. February 2nd (Friday): Arrive Wellington per Awatea, 8 a.m. Day in Wellington. 3rd (Saturday): Wellington. Exhibition, etc. 4th (Sunday): Wellington. Sightseeing. sth (Monday): Wellington. Leave 6.13 p.m. per railcar, arrive Masterton 9 p.m. 6th (Tuesday): Masterton. Visits, etc. 7th (Wednesday): Masterton. Leave 11.23 p.m. train, arrive Hastings 4.29 p.m. Bth (Thursday) Hastings. Visits, etc. 9th (Friday): Hastings. Leave 5 p.m. train, arrive Palmerston North 9.20 p.m. 10th (Saturday): Palmerston North. Massey College, etc. 11th (Sunday): Palmerston North. Sightseeing. Leave on Limited express 9.51 p.m. 12th (Monday): Arrive Auckland 9.30 a.m. Sightseeing, etc. - z 13th (Tuesday): Auckland. , Fertiliser works, etc. 14th (Wednesday): Auckland. Leave 8.40 ' a.m. express, arrive Whangarei 2.15 p.m. 15th (Thursday): Whangarei. Visits, etc. 16th (Friday): Whangarei. Leave 11.38 a.m. express, arrive Auckland 5.29 p.m. Leave Auckland 7.15 p.m. express, arrive Frankton 9.29 p.m.

17th (Saturday): Frankton-Hamilton. Ruakura Farm. Leave Hamilton 1.40 p.m. express, arrive Rotorua 4.15 p.m. 18th (Sunday): Rotorua. Sight-see-ing. 19th (Monday): Rotorua. Leave 1.20 p.m. bus, arrive Tauranga 3.40 p.m. 20th (Tuesday): Tauranga. Visits, etc. 21st (Wednesday): Tauranga. Leave 10.47 a.m. express; arrive Frankton 3.8 p.m. Leave Frankton 4 p.m. train, arrive Otorohanga 5.39 p.m. 22nd (Thursday): Otorohanga. Waitomo Caves, etc. Leave Otorohanga 11.28 p.m. express. 23rd (Friday): Arrive New Plymouth 7.19 a.m. Visits, etc. 24th (Saturday): New Plymouth. Visits, etc. 25th (Sunday): New Plymouth. Sightseeing. 26th (Monday): New Plymouth. Leave 8.25 a.m. express, arrive Hawera 10.9, a.m. 27th (Tuesday): Hawera. Visits, etc. Leave 10.14 a.m. express, arrive Wellington 6 p.m. 28th (Wednesday): Wellington. Free day. Leave per inter-island steamer express 7.30 p.m. South Island. 29th (Thursday): Arrive Christchurch. Leave , 8.35 a.m. express, arrive Dunedin 4.18 p.m. March 1 (Friday): Dunedin. Visits, etc. 2nd (Saturday): Queenstown. . Sightseeing, etc. 4th (Monday): Queenstown. Sightseeing. sth (Tuesday) Leave Queenstown 9.25 a.m. by service car for Invercargill. arriving 2.50 p.m. 6th (Wednesday) : Invercargill. Visits, etc. 7th (Thursday): Leave Invercargill 7 a.m., express, arrive Oamaru 2.37 p.m.

Bth (Friday): Oamaru. Leave 3 p.m. express, arrive Timaru 4.28 p.m. 9th (Saturday): Timaru. Visits, etc. 10th (Sunday): Timaru. Sightseeing, etc. Leave 5.47 p.m. Sunday excursion train, arrive Christchurch 8.53 p.m. 11th (Monday): Christchurch. Lincoln College, Wheat Research Institute, etc.

12th (Tuesday): Christchurch. Sightseeing. 13th (Wednesday): Christchurch. Leave 8.20 a.m. train to Parnassus; road motor to Blenheim, arrive 5.30 p.m. 14th (Thursday): Blenheim. Leave 4.30 p.m. service car, arrive Nelson 7.30 p.m.

15th (Friday): Nelson. Cawthron Institute, etc. 16th (Saturday): Nelson. Sight-seeing. Leave per steamer, 7 p.m. 17th (Sunday): Arrive Wellington 6 a.m. Free day. 18th (Monday): Wellington. Exhibition, etc. t 19th (Tuesday) or 20th (Wednesday): Sail for Sydney per Awatea or Wanganella (exact date uncertain).

Wanganui Y.F.C. District Essay Competition

AN essay competition was recently held under the auspices of the Wanganui District Committee, the subject being “My Idea of the Young Farmers’ Club Movement.” Mr. Holgerson, of the staff of the Wanganui Technical College, acted as adjudicator. The competition was open to financial active members of clubs throughout the Wanganui district area, the essays not to exceed ’ 1000 words, and to 'be the efforts of individual members and not teams. A prize of £1 Is was voted by the Wanganui District Committee. .. Only four entries were received, the winning essay being submitted by C. B. Anderson, Bulls Club. Commenting on the entries, the judge stated that, on the whole, the essays were fairly even. In making the awards he allowed marks under the following headings:Subject matter, (70 marks); style, (20 marks); general impression, (10 marks); the winning essay received the following marks under the various headings: 60, 16 and 8, a total of 84 out of a possible 100 marks. In concluding his report the judge stated: “It is pleasing to note the wide influence of the Y.F.C. movement as evidenced by the field traversed by the competitors in this competition. ,1 should like to express my pleasure at being able to assist the clubs in this small way, and trust that the awards will meet with the approval of your officers and the .competitors.” The winning essay is published below. .... " "My Idea of the Y.F.C?' by > C. B. Anderson, Bulls Club. rpO my mind this wonderful ■ organi- ■ sation will be responsible for the greatest revitalising effect ; on our farming industry in New Zealand since the innovation of cool storage.

Since the establishment of that great milestone ,in the ’nineties, the rural areasin fact, the whole of New Zealand—have rapidly leaped ahead, and I will venture to . suggest that “progress” has, in many ways, outpaced many who hold a right to its virtue, Farming is essentially a business, but, in the main, has rarely been regarded as such. In this respect the Y.F.C. movement is out to achieve the greatest honours. When the idea of forming a club was first mooted in my locality I found myself very much in ignorance, but nevertheless keenly interested. The attempt to form the club was being made by the local branch of the Farmers’ Union and, determined to be- . come at least enlightened, I presented myself at the meeting. Apparently the idea had not made a very deep im-

pression, as only three other young men came along. After being, told a little about the aims and objects of the movement it was duly resolved to do something about the matter, and, armed with the responsibility of a worthy objective, the four sallied forth. This resulted in a meeting of 13 prospective members and the formation of a club, and from that day onward continual enlightenment has replaced my wondering, and I can say with confidence and pride that I shall never regret my association with this great movement. Let me take you back to an address delivered by Mr. A. C. Cameron (then president) at the annual meeting of the Federation in 1937. In this address, he says: “Statistics show (and my informant is a leading New Zealand educationalist) that 75 per cent, of the

young fellows going on to farms today have no secondary school education, Of that 75 per cent., a great many have not in the past qualified for the sixth standard proficiency examination.” Even allowing for an improvement in these conditions it must still appear an outstanding fact that many boys have a definite handicap in their work and the opportunities of life. The work of the movement is both spiritual and material, cultural and practical, and, in effect, will be responsible for the re-habitation of the land. lt ' improves the mind and the body, and, as a result, an improvement in farm management, the breeding of stock and other matters relating to farming is to be expected. A better community must arise, and this is a monument we can justly be proud of. As- for the popularity of the movement, one is not left doubting. Ever since the first efforts were made in the South Island about six years ago a steady growth rate in the membership figures has been maintaineda sure indication. Today, the record is close on 200 clubs and 6,000 memberstruly fitting appreciation of the work done by the founders of the movement. Club work is most interesting, and one of the greatest handicaps being gradually overcome is the inability of persons “to say what they think.” It is common knowledge that much has been lost in the past through people being unable to express themselves in words. The organisation is our own, being controlled by the members themselves —a virtue indeed. In the various capacities of office, an experience which in many cases would never otherwise occur in a lifetime, falls the lot of perhaps outstanding talent. This hidden ability immediately accepts the chailenge of opportunity, and another leader enters the field. One of the

objectives of the movement is to develop leadership, and so, early in the history of the society, it is apparent that “finds” are, literally, being unearthed in profusion. The officebearers naturally have the greatest opportunity to show these qualities, but the main objective is to develop the interest and capabilities of the whole club, and for members, in fitting themselves for the advancements which offer, there is ample interesting material. By no means the least are the rules governing a well-conducted meeting, Again, a chance offers itself with a short speech or debating, and at question time when a speaker is present or practically at any time. In the field, stock judging and demonstrations are of great importance, and open up an extensive branch of study, while cropping, pastures and many other things come in for consideration, the importance of any particular subjects, of course, depending on the individual. Away from club meetings, field days hold pride of place. What important affairs they are — rightly so, too. Everyone is striving to make this one the best ever, arranging for everything in detail, having some special attractions, and seeing that everyone is well catered for. This is how the young fellows tackle their work, and, in addition, it is interesting to note the way they regard their society an honcurable and dignified institution and referred to at all times with the great- <- est of pride. Another opportunity which presents itself to the ability of the Young Farmer is election to the , District Committee, and from there on to one of the four Councils, and lastly to merit a seat on the Dominion Executive, possibly as Dominion President. With this great movement it is imminent that many with outstanding

ability will become specialists in this great industry, but, in the main, it will give the average chap a new avenue of thought and a chance to spend his leisure time more profitably. For the young man on the farm isolation is now a thing of the past, and a renewed thing of life has fallen to his lot. From a cultural point of view, sportjng and social events play a very important part in our work, and they have resulted in the building of friendships, many of which will be life long. In my own club I am now ,intimately associated with several whom previously I knew only well enough to say good-day to. From this aspect alone I feel a great service is being rendered. j am bound to say that our movement is receiving the greatest assistance from farmers and others interested , n the land, and ft s obvious the y.F.C. movement will not fail through i ac k O f sup p O rt from this direction, Also, one must refer to the assistance being rendered by the Fields Division o f the Department of Agriculture. As district secretaries, the officers of this Department are doing excellent serv ce> being both efficient and willing to help all they can. Officers of other Departments often offer their services f O r our benefit, and the help they give j s appreciated.’ z , . . fne movement is doing a great servlce , t 0 tae r V ral community and the country, and is not to be underrated. ls deserving of the respect of eve . men, young °r old, w o has any intelfes;( tae ,8,,, at a 1 and may 1 hasn t. The spade work has been done. The organisation has consolidated, and, with the experience of the past and the backing at our disposal, we can confidently face the future as we march—ONWARD!

AFIELD day organised by the Poverty Bay District Committee was held at the Gisborne A. and P. Showgrounds on December 9. Although the attendance was very good, many Y.F.C. members were unable to attend due to the busy time of the year. The proceedings began in' the morning with a thatching demonstration given by Mr. Huia , Cooper, ; a member of the Gisborne Young Farmers’ Club, and was f wed. in the

Poverty Bay District Field Day J. L. MUNRO, Chairman, Poverty Bay District Committee.

afternoon by various ' stock judging competitions, and dog trials. A postmortem examination on a diseased cow was conducted by Mr. E. R. Alexander, Government Veterinarian, together with Mr. F. R. Bould, Stock Inspector and members of the Livestock Division, Department of Agriculture. . “At the close of the stock judging competitions the judges placed the animals, giving their reasons for doing so, and answering numerous, questions.

During the afternoon tea , interval Mr. J. L. Munro, chairman of the District Committee, thanked the judges and all who had lent stock for the occasion, and expressed appreciation of the asistance given by the Poverty Bay A. and P. Association and members of the Department of Agriculture. Mr. E. M. Bates, District Secretary,’ congratulated the Young Farmers on their successful field day. Luncheon, morning and afternoon tea were provided by the Gisborne

Y.F.C., which also held a dance in the evening. . n . .. The wmers of the judging competitions received challenge cups and miniatures. The challenge cups were kindly donated by the following: Beef Cattle.—Gisborne Young Farmers’ Club. Dairy cattle: Kia Ora Cooperative Dairy Co., Ltd. Romney sheep: Mr. R. D. Dymock. Pigs: Gisborne Branch, Women’s Division of Farmers’ Union. Fat lambs: Mr. Ronald Graham.

J? esu lt§ o f Events ' txesuus uj events

Results of the events were as follows: _ - Trials (Jud e Mr D Crans _ wick) —B H Smith’s “Bill” 1- P. Livingston’s “Tweed,” 2. ’ ’ Aberdeen Angus Beef Cattle Judging (Judge,- Mr. G. V. Smith).—S. Smith (Tolaga Bay), 1; J. Tietjen (Gisborne), 2; I. Sutherland (Gisborne), 3. .Dairy Cattle Judging (Judge, Mr. N. Burrows).— Dymock (Te Karara), 1; G. W. Smith (Gisborne), 2.

Romney Sheep Judging (Judge, Mr. E - R. Black).—J. Dymock (Te Karaka), 1; w. Sutherland (Gisborne), 2; P. Livingston (Gisborne), 3. Baconer Pigs Judging (Judge, Mr. H. A Hopkins).- Smith (Tolaga Bay), 118 points, 1; G. W. Smith (Gisborne), points, 2; G. H Cooper (Gisborne), Fat Lamb Judging ( Judge , Mr. F g air ) D. Lange ° (Gisborne), 125 points, 1; J. Dymock (Te Karaka), 120 points’ 2; R| W. Smith (Gisborne)’ 100 points, 3; K. W. Cooper (Gisborne), 90 points, 4. .

ATTENTION is further directed to the article which appeared in the Y.F.C. section of the November , . + . « T , „ .■ , number of the Journal of Agriculture,” pages 448 and 449. The article dealt specifically with the Y.F.C. treeninntinX cphATno and secretaries are re planting scheme, and secretaries are requested, if they have not already done so, to bring this matter before their clubs.

National Centennial Y.F.C. Tree Planting Scheme

It is necessary to have information, at an earl y date > as to which clubs are entering into the ■ scheme, and what thev * re oared to undertake- an . ae P re P arect to undertake, an indication of the number of trees reQuired will also be pessary. Individual clubs should decide as soon as possible what they will be matter and then com muncate with their Distr f c t Secretary (Instructor in Agriculture), who will forward the details with the orders for

trees to the respective councils, who will pass them on to headquarters. Aithniwh nl an finer cpacon not Although the Planting season is not for severa i months yet, it will be realised that orders for trees must be sen t without delay so that some idea reouirements mav be estimated Full 0± requirements may oe estimated, r uii details of the work being undertaken should accompany the order, which, as mentioned above, should- be sent in through District Secretaries.

Owing to the fact that most of the South Island clubs have been in recess during the summer months, largely on account of seasonal work, etc., very few reports of meetings are available. Benzine restrictions and war conditions as a whole have had an effect on many of the activities of the organisation, but during this month, when the annual meetings of the clubs will be held, it is expected that a stimulus will be given to the movement generally, particularly when it is realised how great a part the clubs and members themselves can play in the maintenance of production. In connection with reports of meetings, club secretaries are requested to send these in to their district secretaries as soon as possible after each meeting in order that there may be no delay in their publication in these pages. Western Southland. Dipton.— business followed by a discussion on ways and means of increasing , the club’s membership. Dunedin, South — Discussion on matters of general club interest. South Canterbury. Geraldine. The decision made to take part in the Centennial Tree Planting scheme. A combined Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union and Young Farmers’ Club Picnic to be held at an early date. Westland. Murchison. Silver Challenge Cup presented by Murchison,Dairy Co. for Pasture Improvement Competitions. Trees to be planted in

Dairy Company’s grounds as a Centetnnial Memorial. Messrs. Gough, Gough, and Hamer, Ltd., arranged for a lantern lecture to be given on “Farmig Machinery.” At a previously unreported meeting a discussion took place as to the best way to maintain production during the war, and a lecture entitled “First Aid on the Farm” was delivered by Dr. Dicker. Wairarapa. Carterton.-Welcome extended to the two West Australian Junior Farmers at present visiting the Dominion. Talks were given as follows: — “Synthetic Wool” (Mr. W. A. lorns), “The Tour to Date” (Australian Junior Farmers), “Rambling Through America and Europe” (Mr. W. A. lorns). At a previous meeting Mr. A. McKenzie spoke on “Royal Show Judging.” Masterton. General business. A talk, entitled “My Recent Trip to England” was given by Mr. James Andrew. Manawatu. Levin. General. An interesting account of his recent trip abroad was given by Mr. M. C. Holmes. — Report read .showing a good profit on the recent raffle. Decided to enter for some events at the Centennial Sports Meeting to be held shortly. Major B. A. Norman gave a lecture entitled “Life in the Army.” Oroua Downs. — E. A. Madden, of the Plant Research Bureau, gave an address on “Pasture Establishment.”

Among the Clubs: Reports on Activities

Pohangina Valley.A talk on '‘Top-dressing” was given by Mr. H. de 0. Chamberlain, Department of Agriculture. Rongotea. Decided to hold another church parade. A committee . (F. Dear, J. Gibbons, and R. Gloyn) met the delegates from Rongotea Horticultural Society in order to arrange special Y.F.C. Toot classes. (Presentation made to Mr. R. Brown, a foundation member, on his leaving the district. Mr. A. J. Galpin spoke to the meeting on the Y.F.C. athletic meeting to be held at Palmerston North. A moving picture display was presented by Mr. L. Earl, Department of Agriculture. Whakarongo.— a team to represent the club in the district tug-of-war competition. Mr. H. de 0. Chamberlain, Department of Agriculture, gave a talk on “Pastures.” South Canterbury. Alton. —Mr. A. Taylor reported on the District committee meeting held recently. At a special club meeting it was decided that each member contribute a minimum of Is weekly towards a . fund formed to help the local members of the Special Overseas Force. Talk by Mr. Brown describing the experiences of his brother and himself on a cycling trip from Wellington to Auckland. Hawera.Mr. J. E. Davies, Department of Agriculture, outlined a plan in connection with the war effort to be carried out by the South Taranaki Y.F.C. North Taranaki. Inglewood. Donation of £1 Is was made to the Patriotic Fund. Propose to enter three

teams in the Stock Judging competitions at the New Plymouth A. and P. Show. Invitation received from Inglewood Jersey Cattle Club to attend their annual Show and Field Day. Mr. J. Mclntyre spoke on “The Most Interesting Features of the Courts at the Centennial Exhibition.” Midhirst.— talk on "Pampas Grass” was given by Mr. G. A. Blake, Department of Agriculture. Omata.—Arrangements made for Club dance. Tennis challenge accepted. Mr. Bell gave an interesting account of his recent tour abroad. Rahotu. — General business. A talk entitled “My Tour Through Great Britain and Europe” was given by Mr. H. J. Kelly. Tikorangi.—- General business. Mr. P. Davidson, a Club member, gave an interesting address, his subject being “Goldmining at-Waihl.” — Arranged . for three stock judging teams to attend the New Plymouth A. and P. Show. Fixed a date for the Club’s annual sports. Mr. R. Anderson, of Toko, spoke on his tour of Scotland and Canada. Urenui. — teams were chosen to represent the club, in the Stock Judging Competitions at the New-Plymouth Show. Ararngements made for cricket matches with neighbouring clubs. Southern Hawke’s Bay. — Donation of £2 2s made to the Dannevirke District Committee. Northern Hawke’s Bay. Wairoa. — Decided to enter a team at the Hawke’s Bay Championship Rodeo at Napier if unable to compete at the Athletic Championships at Palmerston North. Mr. J. O’Grady

spoke on “The Control of Blackberry by the Use of Goats.” This proved to be a most instructive address, as Mr. O’Grady has proved most successful in his attempt to control the pest. Eastern Bay of Plenty. Taneatua. Business meeting. — Discussion on Bay of Plenty Winter Show. Mrs. N. Clark gave a talk on her trip to Europe. Western Bay of Plenty. Kati Kati. — Decided to hold a club dance, the proceeds of which are to be donated to the Red Cross. The Club is ,to prepare a paper on some farm subject. Paengaroa.Donation of £2 to A. and P. Show and of a similar sum to Patriotic Fund. Arrangements for Annual Sports gathering. Accepted challenge from Pukehina Club to a cricket match. Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture, spoke on “Feed Flavours” dealing in particular with > the experiments now being conducted to control flavours in this district. An account of his trip to the Royal Show at Invercargill was given by Mr. C. Riddell. Pukehina.— General business. Arrangements made for Club Dance. Field day held on Mr. W. Riddell’s property, Paengaroa. Opening speech was made by Mr. T. Cammock. Mr. W. Riddell gave a demonstration •of “Judging a Dairy Cow.” Te Discussion on Farm Schools and Land Settlement schemes. Debating rules were also considered. Waikato. Hauraki. members were asked to speak on “Keeping up Production in Time of War.”

The speakers all tackled the subject very well. Most of them pointing out that although farmers were helping their country in joining up they were also- doing their part by remaining to manage farms. A problem section has been started. Fifteen minutes to be allowed at each meeting. The problem for this meeting was “Is a Heifer’s Calf Worth Keeping?” . Te Awamutu. — by Mr. Splnley on his tour over Europe. At previous meetings talks were given as follows—" Acts in Regard to Stock and Farms” (Mr. G. B. Melrose), "Original Farming Ideas” (Messrs. B. Walker and K. Fraser, Ist equal, and C. Nicholas 3rd). A debate held" That Sheepfarming Takes More Management Than Dairy Farming.” The affirmative ■ won by 49 points. Field day held at Te Awamutu Pig Farm. Mr. R. Mandeno made the opening speech of the day, following which Mr. Webber conducted the party over the farm. > Auckland. Harrisville.— Business meeting. Report of club dance showed a profit of £8 5s 4d. — Discussed baconer competition 'at forthcoming Waikato Winter Show. Arrangements for Field Day and a Social Evening. Warkworth. Kaukapakapa. Election of new Treasurer. Arrangements for a Field Day to be held. Talks were given as follows: “Manurial Problems- in North Auckland” (Mr. P. S. Syme, Department of Agriculture), "Fat-Lamb Competition at Southdown Freezing Works” (Mr. R. Drinson), and “Observations at Field Day Held at Southdown Freezing Works” (Mr. B. Hooper).

Tobacco Notes Curing Kiln-dried Tobacco

TO lay down any hard and fast rule for the curing of kiln - dried cigarette tobacco is hardly feasible, as so much depends on the variety grown, the soil in which it is grown, and the climatic conditions before and during the ripening period of the crop. Furthermore, two growers’ kilns are seldom alike, either in size, ventilation, or heating arrangements. In the early part of a normal season, with an average-sized kiln filled with leaf of an even ripeness, if the curing chart compiled by the Department of Agriculture is followed reasonably closely good results should be obtained. These charts may be obtained on request. An American author, dealing with the important subject of curing, states that one can only become a good curer by practical experience, and that every “new chum” grower must expect to spoil one or two kilns of leaf at least before gaining this knowledge. Unfortunately, there is a lot of truth in this statement.

Experience Necessary In New Zealand an average-sized kiln contains approximately 900 lb., of cured (dried) leaf, worth anything from £SO to £BO, according to quality and market demand. If a beginner is going to spoil two kilns before becoming experienced, he is going to buy his experience dearly. Therefore, it is advisable for a grower about to put a cure through for the first time to obtain the assistance of a thoroughly experienced neighbour handling the same variety of leaf until such time as he knows the danger signals to watch for and the various tricks of the, kiln. The main points to remember in curing are: — ’ (1) To pick and load a kiln in the one day. (2) To fill the kiln with leaf of the one variety and even ripeness. (3) Not to overload. If the leaf is too tightly packed in the racks, when the temperature is raised to fix the colour and dry out the web of the leaf, quick evaporation is not

possible and sponging invariably follows. (4) Watch the temperature closely throughout the cure and prevent fluctuations of more than a degree or so for any period over 15 minutes once the ventilators have been opened, and until such time as the temperature has remained at 160 deg. for at least two hours. (5) Always crack the top ventilators four to six hours or more before the bottom ones. When cracking alternate bottom vents and top vents should be . open approximately 6 inches, and opened from then on in the usual way. When artificial humidity is required, sacks saturated with water and placed over the kiln flue is the safest and most reliable method. The flooding of the kiln floor, whether of concrete or earth, should never be adopted except in cases where reconditioning of already cured and dry , leaf .is necessary. —U. A. YELDHAM, Dept, of Agriculture, Wellington,