N.Z. Federation of Young- Farmers’ Clubs

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 61, Issue 6, 16 December 1940, Page 458

N.Z. Federation of Young- Farmers’ Clubs

I Edited by llllllllllllllllllllllllHlllllllltlllllltll

S. Freeman,

x | Dominion Organizing Secretary | '. • I 1111111111111111■i■11111 iii i*11■11■11111111111■i■11111111a■i■i■111<11111■111i111 k ia 1111 iilllllllllalll■lllllllfi■llisa iii tais

Dovedale Y.F.C. Annual Field Day

By D. MERRY,

District Secretary, Nelson.

THE Dovedale Y.F.C. have a worthy reputation for the success of any club undertaking, and this year, as in the past, the annual field day held on Mr. N. A. Win’s property was a further laurel to club successes. The afternoon was well attended by farmers from the surrounding district and club members. The opening proceedings began at about 1.30 p.m., when, under the title of “Sheep Skinning Demonstration,” Messrs. I. S. Win and W. G. Kenyon showed the audience just how quickly a sheep’s skin could be parted from' its body. Mr. R. W. Skinner, Inspector of Stock, Nelson, then dealt with the remains in his post-mortem examination. Mr. Skinner described the functioning of the internal organs and the pathological symptoms associated with common infections. The Instructor in Agriculture, Mr. D. Merry, followed with a talk on how the more common pasture plants could be readily identified and their suitability when compounded into pasture seeds mixtures. An inspection was then made of a Departmental manurial \ trial, and the efficiency of the basic slag applications for that type of country was noted. At this juncture the ladies served afternoon tea. A demonstration of the possibilities of the electric fence for retaining pigs was then staged by a local, firm. Several visitors who received the “kick” from a charged fence wire were much impressed with the apparatus. Following this, a move was made to the model cowshed belonging to ' Mr. Win, where Mr. C. W. Smith, Farm Dairy Instructor, spoke on the management of a farm dairy, stressing the necessity of scrupulous cleanliness and' efficient drainage. A description of

the working of the modern milking machine was provided by a representative of a local agency. Jersey cows were the subject of a stock judging competition, and the result was:Junior Young Farmers: H. A. Win, 1; C. Davies, 2. Senior Young Farmers: I. S. Win, 1; W. G. Kenyon, 2. Farmers’ Union: Mr. S. Win, 1; Mr. J. F. Black, 2.

At the conclusion of the afternoon, Mr. W. G. Kenyon, club chairman, thanked the lecturers and demonstrators for all that had been done by them, and also thanked those present for coming along. Mr. S. Win, president of the Dovedale Farmers’ Union, suitably replied. , A collection was taken during the afternoon and donated to patriotic funds.

Western Bay of Plenty Ensilage Competition

By A. V. ALLO, District Secretary, Western Bay of Plenty.

DURING the past winter a Y.F.C. ensilage competition was held for clubs in the Western Bay of Plenty. Mr. F. W. Doidge, M.P., presented a handsome, cup for competition, and there were 28 entries. . The writer acted as judge, and results were as follows:• < H. Allan, Omokoroa Y.F.C., 84 points' 1 P. Voltz, Paengaroa Y.F.C., 83 points 2 J. Plummer, . Omokoroa Y.F.C., 82| points ' 3 In general, the standard of the entries was very good, and revealed that entrants had a good knowledge of silage-making. A common fault ’ was that the material was cut too late, thus being too stalky. There - was also too

much waste with many of the entries, mainly because the earth covering had not been carried out right to the edges of the pit or stack. A little more care in building could also have meant less waste. Many entries were too dark and sweet because of excess fermentation at too high a temperature. The winner had a useful suggestion to offer: he always puts one or two sweep loads of hay at the bottom of the pit before adding the green material. He claims that' the hay will absorb any moisture draining out' of the silage and thus help to avoid loss of valuable food materials. It is hoped to continue the competition next year.

Mid-Canterbury District Field Day

By R. INCH, District Secretary, Ashburton.

ABOUT 70 members of the MidCanterbury clubs took advantage of the generous invitation of Mr. J. H. Grigg to visit his property at “Longbeach” for the Annual Y.F.C. District Field Day, and to inspect his pastures and stock. The party’s first visit was to the dairy, where the milking machines were inspected. Mr. Grigg explained that, in his opinion, the particular type of machine gave the nearest approach to hand milking. A fine Holstein bull in the yard created great interest, Longbeach Holsteins being famous throughout the Dominion. The original members of the stud were imported from Holland 56 years ago. and the present members of the herd have no other blood in them, having been line-bred from the original stock. The

short-legged cows, showing every evidence of high production, were also very much admired .and made a very favourable impression on the visitors. Mr. Grigg’s talk on breeding was followed with great interest, and many points were discussed. In the woolshed both stud and flock Corriedale and Southdown sheep were exhibited, and here . again Mr. Grigg gave a demonstration of the various points. The Corriedales, in particular, were a source of admiration, being, to quote a well-known authority, the “low-legged type, with good bodies, straight top-line, square. front and back, and open faces.” During the luncheon interval the party wandered through the grounds, where large old trees and flowering shrubs have formed a living memorial

to the pioneer, John Grigg, who, taking up the land in 1864, made a beautiful home out of what was originally classed as an impenetrable swamp. After lunch, pastures on different parts of the farm were inspected with interest. Black barley is largely used for autumn and winter green-feed, and a greater use of this was advocated. Fields of subterranean clover, which Mr. Grigg favours for spring and early summer feed, and ryegrass pastures, many ’ of them 10 and others up to 30 years old, were a practical demonstration of good management. Mr. J. Fleming, Chairman of the Mid-Canterbury Y.F.C. Executive Committee, expressed the party’s appreciation to Mr. Grigg, and an enjoyable and instructive day was brought to a close.

Woiraropa District Essay Competition By N. LAMONT, District Secretary, Masterton.

ENTRIES in this year’s essay competition were maintained at last year’s figure, and some very interesting entries were received. The subject, which dealt with the development of soils of various types in the Wairarapa, was one that demanded a good deal of thought and knowledge on the part of competitors, who are to be congratulated on the general excellence cf their efforts. x We are indebted to Sir William Perry for his interest in the contest, and for his donation of three prizes, £2, £l, and 10s. The awards were: A. Cruickshank, Masterton, 1; M. Knutson, Carterton, 2; D. McGregor, Masterton, 3; A. Heckler, Alfredton,. 4. The' following is the first prize essay:—

"The Development of the Flat Farming Lands of the W'airarapa." By A. CRUICKSIIANK, Masterton. THE flat farming lands of the Wai- £ rarapa, being of a highly diversified nature, the development of each type is therefore an entirely different

process. The many types are proved by the fact that all classes of farming are carried out in this district. The first type of land to be considered is the heavy clay land. This type of land, probably requires the most work to bring it into. production, but. when in production makes ideal dairying land. The thing of paramount importance is drainage. By efficient tile and mole draining the wettest of paddocks can be kept quite dry all the year round. Mole draining, done on a constant slope (to ensure the drains not scouring) will last from 15 up to 25 years, so compared to the price of tile draining all the paddocks it is well worth it. The big rushes, if subsisting in any quantity, are best dug out and stacked in heaps where they can be burnt when dry. The smaller rushes can easily be turned in with a swamp plough. l When the paddock has been worked down (after ploughing) a crop of rape could be sown, the comparatively heavy stocking which the rape could take would be beneficial to the soil. The next spring grass could be sown down. The following would be a very suitable mixture: Perennial rye, 301 b; sub. clover, lib; Montgomery red

clover, 21b; white clover, 41b; crested dogstail, 21b. The next autumn a ton of burnt lime per acre should be applied. The grass will need careful management and any sign of “yellowness” in the pasture is a sign that the drains are not functioning properly. The soil will still be inclined to be acidy, so to turn it to an alkaline soil lime must be applied regularly. When this land is in production topdressing and winter grass harrowing is always a paying proposition. The next type of land is the shingle and light clay loam. This type, if it had been neglected for a few years, would be growing a mixture of danthonia, browntop, and an occasional ryegrass plant. The land should be ploughed in the spring before it gets too dry. One discing and harrowing should suffice to keep the weeds down and keep the moisture in till just before Christmas, when the paddock should be worked down preparatory to taking a crop of swedes. Between Christmas and New Year is quite early enough for swedes in the Wairarapa, as the plants

have too much leaf on when the usual dry spell comes, when sown earlier. The comparatively heavy stocking during the winter will improve the nitrogen content of the soil.

In the spring after a fairly early ploughing the paddock should be got ready for the grass mixture as follows:Perennial rye, 301 b; sub. clover, 41b; crested dogstail, 21b.

It must be stressed that cheap' seeds are the dearest in the long run. The certified seeds which are for sale today are tested for germination and purity. The extra money spent on the best seed is many times repaid in later years.

Subterranean clover is the clover which has increased the carrying capacity of light ground tremendously. It comes away in the spring and. for six months provides an abundance of feed. It seeds about November and then when the autumn rains come it germinates. Although not growing so speedily as in the spring, it provides a moderate amount of feed well into the winter when it lies dormant till the spring. The Mount Barker strain seems to be best suited to Wairarapa conditions. These light loam and shingly soils usually have a low carrying capacity. If the soil could be increased in fertility the carrying capacity could be improved a great deal. It is very noticeable where a temporary sheep yard has been put up on a second-class pasture. The droppings from the stock, concentrated on a small area, benefits the pasture materially. That is why sub. clover is so valuable on light class land. The sub. grows and besides providing feed for a heavy carrying capacity (the heavy stocking building up the soil), it in turn, being a legume, returns Initrogren to the soil. Of course, liming must be carried out regularly, besides keeping the ground sweet, it also improves the bone of stock grazing on it. • The third type to consider is the deep loamy river flats. It is a very valuable type as it does not burn up in the driest of summers and provides feed when it is scarcest. Before being developed this type of land was probably covered with “cutty” grass. The level of the ground is probably fairly rough and if so would be better ploughed with - a swamp plough. The land is usually full of weed seeds which, when turned to the light, germinate. It is, therefore, advisable to cultivate and leave it then cultivate again until the land is reasonably clean of weeds. On this type of land any winter ■ crop could be sown, swedes would be very suitable. About 12oz per acre would be quite enough seed. Next spring rape and grass would be a good crop to sow. A seed mixture of the following would be suitable: — Perennial rye, 301 b; white clover, 41b; sub. clover, 21b; cowgrass, 21b. Liming in the autumn has a marked improvement on the grass.

The fourth type of land to consider is the' bush-cleared land which has been burnt'. The land . growing bush is generally very fertile, as scrub takes charge of the infertile land. It is

therefore well worth stumping. When stumped and ploughed the paddock would need to lie fallow- for a while, as nothing but weeds would grow where it had been burnt if the ground was cultivated. When worked up it should be left for a while while the weeds germinate and then cultivated again till the ground is reasonably clean. A crop of kale could be sown which would provide t good feed- for hoggets. The following spring, after ploughing, peas and grass would be a good crop to sow, as peas return nitrogen to the ground. Depending on whether the ground was light clay or more inclined to be a heavy clay the following grass mixture would suffice: Rye, 301 b; Montgomery red clover, 41b; white clover, 41b; dogstail, 21b. If the land is light clay, 41b of sub. clover could be substituted for the Montgomery red clover.

In conclusion, it must be said that all grasses must be looked after and narrowed when they appear to pe getting tufty and weedy, especially if cattle are running on them. The light land, always the first to, dry up. in the dry spell, will not be so apt to do so if a good sole of grass is kept on them till well after Christmas to protect the actual grass “crown” from the sun. ■

Rongotea Field Day

By G. PEARSON,

Hon. Secretary, Rongotea Y.F.C. THE Rongotea Y.F.C. held a successful field day recently on the property of Mr. J. C. Gibbons, Carnarvon. In spite of unfavourable weather conditions there was a good attendance of members. Shearing tuition was carried out all day under the capable

guidance of Mr. H. Voss. Sixteen members participated, practically all of them being beginners. Judging in the various classes was carried out, and the results and judges were as follows: Dairy Cattle (Mr. H. Mai, Glen Oroua). —R. Hill, 1; D. Lind, 2. Romney Sheep (N. P. Nielsen, Kairanga).—R. Gloyn, 1; J. Gibbons, 2; J. Gloyn and R. Hill, 3, equal. Southdowns (Mr. Mumford, Shannon). —R. Gloyn, 1; J. Gibbon, 2; J. Gloyn, 3. Baconer Pigs (Mr. Johnson, Palmerston North).— P. Gloyn, 1; H. Hunt, 2; M. Lind, 3. Among those present were the President and Secretary of the Rongotea Branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union (Messrs. L. Burne and J. C. Gibbons), Mr. H. de O. Chamberlain, district Y.F.C. Secretary, and Mr. W. J. Croucher, Palmerston North.

Among the Clubs: Reports on Activities

Western Southland. Woodlands. on club’s dance presented. The possibility of shearing classes being held was fully discussed. Mr. Thomas, of the Otago Farmers' Union Mutual Fire Insurance, Ltd., was the speaker for the evening. Eastern Southland. Balfour. Accepted Gore A. and P. Association’s invitation for club members to act as stewards at the forthcoming show. The speaker for the evening, Mr. G. R. Herron, gave a talk on “The Future Activities of Young Farmers’ Clubs.” Mr, Herron also showed several films on “Farming in Southland.” Crookston. General. Mr. R. G. Buchan, Department of Agriculture, spoke on “The Meat Act,” and answered numerous questions on the subject put to him by the meeting. The W.b.F.U. supplied supper at the conclusion of the evening’s programme. Five Rivers. — General business. Talks were given by members. At a previously unreported meeting Mr. D. M. Mallock spoke on “Farm Accountancy,” and Mr. A. Lange gave an interesting account of his travels abroad. Dtama. General business. A talk on “The Production of Swede Seed” was given by Mr. W. Faithful, Department of Agriculture. This speaker also covered a few points on general farming topics. South Otago. », Clinton.— General. Mr. Stewart, Chairman of the South Otago District Committee, lectured on “The Y.F.C.’s Part in the War Effort.” A talk was given on “Wool Classing” by Mr. J. Dodds, Warepa. Mr. Dodds brought with him a number of samples of wool, and used these to illustrate points in his address. Clutha Valley. The debate set down for this meeting was postponed to a later date, the evening being spent on impromptu speeches from several members. Warepa.— Short course at Lincoln College discussed. The speaker for the evening, Mr. W. F. Ashman, spoke on “Asphyxia.” At

the conclusion of the address all members present attempted practical demonstrations of artificial respiration. Central Otago. — General. One new member enrolled. General discussion took place on various farming topics. Dunedin. Palmerston. — General. A talk on “Beekeeping” was given by D. Clearwater, a club member. West Taieri. — An inter-club debate held recently was won by the South Taieri Club by the narrow margin of nine points. Mr. A. Salmond, of Dunedin, addressed the meeting on “Architecture.” North Otago. — General club business. Mr. C. J. Cowan gave a talk on “Dairy Farming in the Early Days.” This lecture was followed by a general discussion on "Present Day Farming,” in which both the members and Mr. Cowan took part. Five Forks. Mr. B. B. Blackmore demonstrated to the meeting various types of common weeds. South Canterbury. -Cave.— Field , day to be held. Mr. E. J. Robertson, Department of Agriculture, lectured on “The Stock Acts,” and Mr. Baker gave a short address ‘on “The Home Guard.” Geraldine. — Arrangements for club dance. Proposed shearing course discussed. A talk on “Lucerne” and a sound film on the same topic were given by Mr. C. C. Leitch, Department of Agriculture. A field day was held recently, when some 20 members visited the Temuka P.W.D., where the Machinery Depart-, ment and Research Laboratory were inspected under the supervision of Mr. Todd, the district engineer. The party was also shown movie films depicting various public works machines. Milford.— An open meeting was held. Mr. S. Freeman, Dominion Organising Secretary, showed a number of talkie films, and ad-

dressed the meeting on “The Policy of the Young Farmers’ Clubs during the . War Period." Mid-Canterbury. Hinds. — General. Mr. H. C. B. Withell addressed the meeting on “The Points to Look for in Judging Sheep.” Meth ven.— General. An interesting talk was given by Mr. Colin . How, of the N.Z. Dairy Board, on “The Government Dairy Herd Improvement Plan.” Christchurch. Darfield. — sum of £25 13s. 2d. was realised from the recent annual club ball. Of this, £l2 12s. was handed to the local Red Cross Society. Arranged to hold a barn dance in November to raise funds for Patriotic purposes. Ellesmere.— General. An address was given by the Rev. Mr. McMaster on “Places I have seen and People I have met.” Arrangements for field day. Dr. Weston, of Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, spoke on “Farm Accountancy.” North Canterbury. — General. Films were shown on "Caterpillar Tractors” by Mr. J. Buckley, representing Gough, Gough, and Hamer. Scargill-Omihi. lt was decided that members endeavour to arouse interest in checking of the nasella tussock which is likely to become a menace if allowed to spread. Impromptu speeches by members. Wairarapa. Alfredton. — The following ' debating team was . selected to represent this club against Carterton Y.F.C.: — Shirtcliffe, A. Heckler, and S. Ross. General discussion took place on various agricultural topics. At a previous meeting a debate was held with the Masterton Club, and Alfredton were declared the winners by 295 points to 291. Mr. P. Page, Eketahuna, was the adjudicator. Horowhenua. 'j Otaki Te — General discussion on varigous farming topics and also on “The Home [Guard.” ■ Shannon.— Business meeting.

Manawatu. . Apiti.—Shearing and stock judging competitions discussed. The speaker for the evening was Mr. C. J. Hamblyn, Department of Agriculture, his subject being “Silage Making.” Bunnythorpe.— General. Films of agricultural interest were exhibited by Mr. H. de 0. Chamberlain, Department of Agriculture'. At a previous meeting R. C. Clevely, a club member, spoke on “My Recent Australian Trip.” Colyton. Field day held on Mr. R. Linklater’s property. Messrs. L. Thomas, J. Humphrey, and J. Lind gave demonstrations of shearing. Feilding.— selected for Manawatu Stock Judging Competitions. Two teams nominated for the Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Club’s Judging Competition. Team entered for Wellington Council’s Shearing Competition. .Club’s annual dinner to be held. Club debate, “That Country Life is Preferable to Town Life,” was won by the negative. Kairanga.— Mr. H. de 0. Chamberlain, Department of Agriculture, gave lantern lectures on “Sugar Beet,” “Fordson Tractors,” and “Pig Development.” Kimbolton Kiwitea.Shearing day to be held. A talk entitled “The Future Policy of Grassland Farming” was given by Mr. C. J. Hamblyn, Department of Agriculture. Opiki.— Club to donate 10s to District Committee ' funds. Mr. V. Lewis, Chairman of District Committee, spoke on “Club Activities.” Oroua — General business. Mr. J. Gloyn, Rongotea, gave a lecture on “Potatoes.” At a previous- meeting an interesting address on “Mammitis and Abortion in Dairy Stock” was give by Mr. R. P. Gilder, Department of Agriculture. Pohangina Valley.—A lecture was given by Mr. J. Hill Motion, B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., on “Animal Diseases and Their Control.” He also discussed with members various common stock complaints. At a previous meeting Mr. H. de 0. Chamberlain, Department of Agriculture, gave a talk entitled “Crops and Cropping.” A field day was held at Messrs. Moar Bros.’ property. There was an attendance of 52, half of whom were members of the general public. The demonstrations ' included “Preparing a Wool Clip for War Time Conditions” (Mr. R. Mowatt, Wool Expert of N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Co.), “Shearing and Shearing Gear” (A. Roberts), “Shearing” (R. and V. Smart). Waituna.—General business. Club debate held, the subject being “That Modern Science is a Menace to. Humanity.” Whakarongo.— Cup donated by Mr. R. G. Scott, jldvisory President, as a trophy for stock judging at the coming field day. Two teams entered in Jersey Cow Stock Judging Competition at Manawatu Spring Show. A talk was given by Mr. L. Burton on “Electric Fencing.” Wanganui. Bulls. —Selection of team for stock judging competitions. An address was given by Mr. R. Mackay, solicitor, on. “The Land Transfer and Fencing Acts.” . At a previous meeting a talk entitled “Increased Production through Disease Control” was given by Mr. J. Hill Motion, M.R.C.V.S. Mangaweka.— for the collection of scrap metal. Donation of £2 Is. to Red Cross Fund. - Informal social evening held. . Taihape.—Business meeting. South Taranaki. Eltham. — General business. Roll of Honour to be kept. New secretary appointed in place of original secretary now on military service. Hawera.— sum of £4 was donated to the Patriotic Funds. Mr. S. Freeman,. Dominion Organising Secretary, and Flying Officer

E. W. Barnett, Dominion President, spoke on “The Y.B.C. Movement,” and Mr. Freeman then exhibited a number of talkie films on agricultural subjects. Kaponga.—General. Euchre tournament held, the winner being N. Platt. Central Taranaki. Cardiff.—Entered four teams for pig judging competitions at Stratford Show. Mr. T. Brunton spoke on “Farming in the Waikato.” A short debate on “Cow Shed Management" was also held. Pukengahu.—General business. Mr. G. A. Blake, Department of Agriculture, addressed the meeting on ‘The Pageant to be Staged by Y.F. Clubs at the Stratford A. and P. Show.” Toko. —Euchre party and dance arranged. Mr. H. Kyle, Huinga, lectured on “The Judging of a Jersey Cow." Three new members were enrolled. Mr. G. A. Blake, Department of Agriculture, gave a talk on “Cropping.” North Taranaki. Hillsboroush-Tarurutangi.— J. Sorensen, Supervisor, Taranaki District Pig Council, gave an address on “Pig Husbandry,” in which he covered such phases asi the development of the industry, the planning of pig layout, and breeding and management. Inglewood. General. The sum of £lO 10s. was raised from a Patriotic Dan'ce held recently. Karawaka. new member elected. A talk entitled “The Selection of a Herd Sire” was given by Mr. F. L. Knowles, consulting officer of the Herd Improvement Association. —General business. Mr. V. C. Davies, of Messrs. Duncan and Davies, New Plymouth, lectured on “The Ideal Way to Plant and Lay out Shelter Belts on a Farm.” Southern Hawke’s Bay. Ballance. —Shearing classes to be held. A talk was given by Mr. F. J. S. Holden, Department of Agriculture, on “How to Increase Primary Production.” Mangatainoka.Dance to be held in aid of Aeroplane Bund. An interesting debate was held with the Woodville Club, “That the Best Nett Returns are obtained by Eliminating the Plough.” Woodville won by 363 points to 336. . Woodville.Discussions held on collection of waste metals, stock judging at Palmerston North Show, and shearing competitions at Eeilding.

Central Hawke’s Bay. Hastings. Report on club dance. Arrangements for debate with Wairoa Y.F.C. Impromptu speeches. Takapau.Field day held in Mr. De Stacpoole’s woolshed. Mr. A. S. Aldrich, jun., gave a demonstration of “How to Shear a Sheep,” and Mr. W. Asher demonstrated “Skirting and Classing a Fleece.” Northern Hawke’s Bay. Meeanee.—General business. Mr. S. Freeman, Dominion Organising Secretary, addressed the meeting on “The Work of the Y.F.C. Movement.” Nuhaka.—General. Mr. R. P. Hill, Department of Agriculture, spoke on “Sugar Beet and its Value as a Stock Food.” Te Kuiti. Mokauiti. —General. Talks were given by club members as follows “Rearing of Calves” (B. Blundell), “Mammitis” (B. Riley), “Shelter Trees” (N. Aldridge), ‘The Sheep Shearing Course at Ruakura” (J. N. Law). At a previous meeting Mr. H. Woodyear Smith spoke on the' following subjects, which he illustrated by films :—“Wheat to Bread,” “Captured Sunshine,” “Root Crops," “Australia and the Farming Community.” The following talks were also given—“ Clearing of Swamp” (D.

Law), ''Shelter Trees” (P. Alcock), and “Bridges and Culverts” (D. Kirk). Otorohanga.—Club debate held, the subject being: “That Sheep Farming in New Zealand is Better than Dairy Farming.” D. Robertson, A. Horneman. J. Mark, and J. McDowell took the affirmative, and H. Murphy, D. Brightwell, M. Shields, and P. Evans spoke for the negative. The latter team gained the decision. At a previous meeting Mr. H. Woodyear Smith showed a number of moving pictures. The club also held a dance recently. Eastern Bay of Plenty. Edgecumbe.— Impromptu debate on the subject that “In the Achievement of Happiness, Apart from Material Gain, the Worker on the Land has much Greater Prospects than his City Friend.” • « Waimana.Arrangements for club’s fourth birthday and for a land valuing field day. Debate held, “That Town Life is Better than Country Life.” The negative team, consisting of J. Cranswick, B. White, D. Woolfield, and D. White, gained 340 points as against 328 points by the affirmative side, P. Clark, D. Cain, T. Savage, and R. Sinclair. Mr. L. Macdonald acted as judge. Western Bay of Plenty. ' Te Puna.General business. Mr. Washer showed a number of films on “Travel.” Te —Three new members enrolled. Lecture by Mr. J. R. Reenberg, Supervisor of Pig Clubs, on “Pig Raising in Denmark.” Waikato. Cambridge. Decided to donate £3 10s. 6d. to “London Air Raid Relief Fund.” Debate that “New Zealand should Support its Secondary Industries.” Affirmative speakers, A. Gascoigne and R. Giles; negative, F. Turkington and F. Searle. Tahuna.Business meeting. Auckland. Clevedon.— selected for inter-club debate. A club debate was held, "Cropping v. Non-cropping.” Mr. J. E. Bell, Department of Agriculture, acted as adjudicator, and gave his decision as a draw. Harrisville.General. Mr. H. Woodyear Smith acted as adjudicator in the club debate, “The Young Farmer of Today has Greater Opportunities than His Grandfather.” The negative team won. > ■ Hunua.Arrangements for baconer pjg competition. Warkworth. Kaukapakapa.—General business. Mr, P. S. Syme, Department of Agriculture, gave a talk on “Pastures for Production.” Whangarei. Maungatapere.— Talk, “Spring Diseases in Stock,” by Mr. T. H. Hankin, Department, of Agriculture. Dargaville. Arapohue.—A lantern lecture was given by Mr. E. H. Arnold, Department of 1 Agriculture, on “Breaking in and Grassing Virgin North Land.” At a previous meeting prepared speeches were heard, for which Mr. Mazengarb, of Dargaville, donated 10s. as prize money. The subject was, “How Members of Young Farmers’ Clubs can aid Primary Production.” Mr. C. H. King acted as judge, and awarded his decision to N. A. Vallance and S. F. Beckers. Kaitaia. Oruru. —General. Mr. Frew read a lecture which he had attended at Ruakura College on “Farm Management.”