Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 63, Issue 3, 15 September 1941, Page 251

Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs

Report of Annual General Meeting

THE seventh annual general meet- ~ A ing of the N.Z. Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (Inc.) was held this year at Hamilton, following the decision to hold meetings in turn at the four Council centres. . The meeting next year will be at Dunedin. The attendance this year was . a record, more than 70 delegates and members being present, and, all Councils were well . represented. Pilot Officer ' E. W. Barnett, who has been Dominion President for the past two years, presided. Opening the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. J. G. Barclay, referred to the difficulties confronting farmers at the present time, and gave an indication of the manner in which some of the! problems were being handled. He also paid a tribute to the progress and activities of the Y.F.C.- movement, and stated, that the Government was again, making a grant of £5OO to the Federation, and expressed the hope that the organisation would be able to carry bn and do good work after the war. ' The president’s annual report gave a clear indication of the position of the movement to date, and for the information of readers the report was published in the August issue. A report read by the secretary dealt with the major difficulties and handicaps experienced during the year, and made suggestions by , which organisation could be . strengthened. Figures were also given dealing with the recently inaugurated Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme, indicating that, with the inclusion of trials already laid down and those , for which definite arrangements had been made, more than 340 trials would be undertaken by the clubs throughout the Dominion during the current year. In addition, the report stated that arrangements had been made for active co-operation between' clubs and district high schools in the laying down of trials under the scheme.

Election of Officers

. The election of officers was as follows: ■ •• . ■ .. Grand Patron: Sir Andrew Russell. Patrons: Sir /Robert Anderson, Sir Heaton Rhodes, Sir Wm. Perry, Sir Theodore Rigg, Sir Albert Ellis, the Minister of Agriculture, the Dominion President of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union,

the President of the Royal Agricultural Society, Mr. William Goodfellow, Professor E. R. Hudson (Lincoln College), Professor G. S. Peren (Massey College). Dominion President: Mr. D. S. Ross (Chairman, Auckland Council). Dominion Vice-President: Mr. W. R. Harris (Chairman, Otago-Southland Council).. / Hon. Treasurer: Mr. C. H. Schwass. Hon. Auditor: Mr. A. P. O’Shea. Mr. W. F. McLaren was. re-elected as the Y.F.C. representative on the National Council of Primary Production. On . the motion of the. Canterbury Council, a resolution was passed amending clause C section (b) of the Constitution, to permit that, in the election, of Dominion President and Vice-President, any member of the four Councils be eligible. A resolution embodying representation of the fruitgrowing industry on the Y.F.C. Dominion Executive Committee was lost, , the meeting considering , that the purpose could best be served by representation on Councils , where needed.

Y.F.C. Policy

The policy of the Federation was discussed at length, and it was decided to . reaffirm the policy laid down by the Federation at the previous annual meeting, as follows: “That every effort be made to maintain the Y.F.C. organisation, and that to that end an appeal be made to individual members (1) to attend as many club meetings as possible; (2) to strive to acquire knowledge at club meetings and field days in order, to fit them to assist materially in increasing production; (3) to assist . all ' other bodies possible in the furtherance of the war effort; and (4) that it be urged upon all clubs the absolute necessity to enrol younger members.” In addition, it was resolved that all Councils, >■; District Committees, and Clubs should be urged to co-operate more fully with secondary schools, district high schools, and rural schools generally in their activities as they relate to agricultural education, as. it was realised that these institutions are the natural recruiting ground of the Y.F.C.

Remits

The following motions arising out of remits were carried:— That the “Journal of Agriculture” continue to publish rainfall , records for the various districts. As this feature was greatly appreciated when it was included previously, it was considered that farmers . would still find the information useful (Auckland Council). ' - ' That clubs going into recess for the war period should hand over all books, funds, and vouchers to their district committee, to be held .in trust until such time as the clubs are resuscitated; that the ■ affiliation fees of all such clubs" be held in abeyance; and that members of such clubs . wishing to retain full privileges of . membership should pay their . club membership subscriptions to their district' committee, the balance, after “Journal” subscriptions have been deducted, to be placed to the. credit ..of club funds so held in trust. (Auckland.)

That it be a recommendation to clubs to keep a roll of all members, similar to a school roll, together with a record of attendances. (Auckland.) That clubs be urged to arrange club and. inter-club debates for ’ members under the age of 19 years; (Auckland.) That it be recommended to district committees and clubs that all clubs shall at their next meeting and at all subsequent annual meetings appoint “road organisers” to be responsible for the attendance at all meetings of the members along their road, and to arrange transport facilities, such “road organisers” to be responsible also for contacting all young men eligible for enrolment as club members. (Wellington.) That cyclostyled forms be made available by headquarters to clubs for notifying members of their subscriptions due. , (Wellington.) That a Roll of Honour be published in the Y.F.C. section of the “Journal of Agriculture,” giving the names of members killed or wounded, as well as those who have been decorated. (Otago-Southland.) Remits from Auckland, Wellington, and Otago-Southland Councils dealing with the much-debated question of “girl members” were discussed together, and the following resolution was carried: — “That the principle of having some form of Women’s Auxiliary be approved by the Y.F.C. Movement.” , A remit from the Otago-Southland Council was passed, dealing with Y.F.C. representation on senior rural organisations and bodies such as the National, Provincial, and District Coun-

cils of Primary Production, the N.Z. Farmers’ Union, . N.Z. Sheepowners’ Federation,, the Royal Agricultural Society, the Metropolitan and District A. and P. Societies, the Provincial Pig Councils, etc. A motion was also passed recommending councils to appoint a mem-

ber to act as publicity officer, to collect material for the “Journal” and to co-ordinate radio talks. A motion of sympathy to the relatives of all Y.F.C. members who had been killed overseas was also carried, and it was arranged that a message of greeting be sent to members overseas.

New Dominion President

MR. D. S. ROSS, Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, who has been elected Dominion President, has been associated with the Young Farmers’ Clubs movement since its inception in the Bay of Plenty district. He is Chairman of the Auckland Y.F.C. Council, Immediate Past Chairman of the Western Bay of Plenty District Y.F.C. Executive Committee, and Advisory President of the Te Puke Young Farmers’ Club. Mr. Ross is also a member of the Northern District Council of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand, a Past President of the Te Puke Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a member of the Executive. . He is President of the Te Puke Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs, and has taken an interest in that movement since ' its inception. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the National Pig Industry Council, and President of the Bay of Plenty Pig Council, and also Chairman of the Tauranga Primary Production Council.

Y.F.C. Visit to Ruakura Animal Research Station

ONE of the high-lights of the annual general meeting and conference of the Federation at Hamilton was the entertainment provided by the Auckland Council for the visiting delegates on Thursday, August 31, the day following the meeting. The party left Hamilton by bus at 9 a.m. for the Ruakura Animal Research Station, where they were met by the Superintendent, Mr. P. W. Smallfield, who extended a welcome to the visitors. The laboratories were first inspected, and then the quarters where young farmers’ attending short courses are accommodated. The visitors were shown a flock of Southdown sheep on which trial work is being conducted on hereditary tendencies towards facial eczema. The piggeries were then

visited, where Mr. J. Hitchcock conducted the party over the area, and described the various experiments that had been completed and those which were still under way. Mr. J. P. James described the work being carried out in connection with artificial insemination, and also gave an actual demonstration of the work. Mr. Smallfield then conducted the visitors to the grass-drier and explained the various points of the machine. He pointed out that the drier had been installed in order that certain important experimental work in connection with facial eczema might be carried out. Mr. Smallfield and the members of his staff were thanked for the trouble they had taken and for the information they had given. The party returned to Hamilton for lunch, and then proceeded to the New

Zealand Co-operative Dairy Co.’s factory at Frankton. After extending a welcome, Mr. Cague conducted the visitors over the butter factory, the box factory, and the factory where the tins and containers for dried milk are made. A short tour was then made through some of the dairying country of the Waikato, a stop being made at Cambridge for afternoon tea. At several points along the route the bus was stopped and Mr. J. F. Shepherd, Fields Instructor of the Department of Agriculture, pointed out items of interest regarding the topography, soil types, farming, etc., of the different areas. The party returned to Hamilton at about 5.15 p.m. after having spent a most interesting and instructive day.

Address on Youth Movements Overseas

ONE of the features of the annual een-ral meetins and conference general meeting and coniere ce held at Hamilton was an address during the evening by Mr. L. W. McCaskill, entitled “Youth Movements Overseas: Some Lessons for New Zealand.” Mr. McCaskill is one of the foundation members of the Y.F.C. in Canterbury, and recently visited America and Great Britain in connection with the study of adult education. Mr. McCaskill dealt graphically with the work of the various youth movements which he had investigated during his tour, and gave the following information, which was of particular interest to his audience:(1) Young Farmers’ Clubs in England and Scotland. — are two distinct organisations, working under their own national, associations, and each having its own organising secretary.. The'age. of the members is from 10 to 21 years in both cases. While open to both sexes, the membership is- predominantly male. The activities are very similar to those of the Y.F.C. in New Zealand, stock judging being one of the important features. ’ (2) 4-H Clubs in U.S.A. — These clubs are a part of the national agricultural extension system, and are organised from the State agricultural colleges, The age is from 10 to 20 years, and

the < movement is open to both sexes, Membership involves the carrying out Qf one Qr more pro j ec t s each yea r. The pro j ec t s vary from canning vegetables to dressmaking, building in concrete planting trees, raising corn, etc Th emblem o the clubs is a r _ieaf clover with the letter H on each leaf the device standing for the mo ' “Head, Hands, Heart, and jjealth.” ’ - ■ ’ ■ / . . <2- The Future , Farmers of America. ”T movement is open to boys atten mg voca xonal agncu c asses ™ o U t gme crop Members stockcarry " ect on T7aSL Motto: ; to Do; Doing to Srn; Earm ino , to Live.” The general work and organisation" is similar to our own yF.C. except that certain grades of o^Ce ’’ are recognised as in a lodge, achievement of the individual being , tbe s j s o f • advancement from rank to rank ' . . (4) Young Farmers’ Associations. These are American associations which cater for boys on farms who have left school, the age limit being from 19 to about 30 years., ■ (5) C.C.C. — This is the American Civilian Conservation Corps, which was started in 1933 by President Roosevelt in the depths of the depression in an

attempt to save the unemployed youths of America by placing them in camps and giving them work connected with the conservation of soil and forests, They were well paid, but had to send the greater part of their wages home, They were fed and clothed free of charge, and were encouraged to join all kinds of educational classes, also provided free. The camps are now a permanent feature, with a normal population of 300,000 youths, each working at a job and being educated at the same time. 'The outstanding conclusions that could be drawn from Mr. McCaskill’s address were, firstly, that in spite of depression in agriculture both in Great Britain and America, rural youth organisations had faith in the future and faith in the land as a way of life, Secondly, that the virility of youth organisations appeared to depend on the quality of their educational programmes, and that this' quality depended rather on- the amount of “study” than on the number of leetures. And finally, that an essential par O f youth’s education is working a a j ob The speaker answered a number of questions at the conclusion of his address, and was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks. The Dominion Y.F.C. President, Mr. D. S. Ross, presided.

Auckland Y.F.C. District Courts Competition

By

J. G. RICHARDS,

Hon. Secretary, Auckland Y.F.C. Council.

THE annual district court competition for the Kempthome Prosser 'Challenge Shield was again held at the Waikato Winter Show, and despite many obvious drawbacks to such activities at the present time, four districts were able to stage displays. The districts were Western -Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Waikato, and Northern King Country. The courts, as the . points indicate (see “Journal” for October, 1940, for previous year’s results), showed an improvement on those previously staged, and were very favourably commented upon by the general public. We were fortunate this year in obtaining a position for the courts on the ground floor and near the centre of the Bledisloe Hall. This allowed club members to use their initiative to greater advantage, and focused the attention of the public on the display. Nevertheless,

position alone does not make a display, and the club members who were associated with the courts are to be congratulated on their efforts. . The judges, Messrs. J. Ballard and D. E. Waide, took some time to analyse the various features of the courts and to make their decisions, and although there would appear to be a big . disparity. between the courts judging by the figures awarded, the actual differences to the casual observer not analysing them under the score card were not very great. The Western Bay of Plenty were again the winners, with Waikato and Northern King Country equal second, and Auckland fourth. This was Auckland’s first attempt, and although beaten they were by no means disgraced. Details of awards are as follows:—|

Methven Club Dog Trials

By

C. A. WATSON,

Hon. Secretary,

Methven Y.F.C.

METHVEN Club held their dog trials recently on Mr. Low’s property. There was a good* attendance of 23 members, besides other spectators. Fifteen members entered dogs

in the competition, which was run. in two classes, (a) long head and pull, and (b) driving. . ' x. The results were as follows: Class (a).- —D. McLaughlin’s “Mick,” 44 points, 1; C. Wightman’s “Nip,” 43 points, 2; H. Poff’s “Glen,” 42 points, 3. Class (b). —C. Wightman’s “Nip,” 21 points, 1; A. Molloy’s “Tip,” 19 points, 2; C. Wright’s “Mac,” 14 points, 3.

Among the Clubs : Reports on Activities

WESTERN SOUTHLAND. Drummond. Talk by Mr.. G. R. Herron, on “Tractors and' Trailers,” illustrated by films. Thornbury.— Lantern lecture by Mr. W. R. Harris, Chairman Otago-Southland Y.F.C. Council. ' ;' . ' . ■,' Woodlands.— Selection of teams for debating contest:— team. K. Hargest, W. Barron. A. S. Trotter; B team, A. Campbell, M. Barron. J. Findlay. Mr. W. R. Harris, Chairman Otago-Southland Council, addressed the meeting on the annual Y.F.C. conference held re-

cently at Hamilton. At the previous meeting prepared papers were read by, the following:— Hugh McKenzie, L. Middlemiss, H. Clay, A. Campbell, Ken Hargest, and A. S. Trotter. Wyndham. Arrangements for attendance at field day at Winton. Three members to prepare and give radio broadcast. SOUTH OTAGO. Clinton. Lecture by Mr. J. McHaffie on “The Evolution of the Horse.” The club held a successful community sing on July 19, led

by . Messrs. Dreaver and Laing, the proceeds being devoted to patriotic purposes. At the previous meeting impromptu speeches were given by members. Clutha Valley. Talk by Mr. J. . G. Richards. Department of Agriculture, on the Y.F.C. experimental scheme. : ' Lawrence.— by Mr. C. A. Greig, Manager Bank of New South Wales. Lawrence, on "The Business Side of Banking.” — Arrangements for annual ball. Messrs. Hill and Passmore, of the Otago A.A.,

addressed the meeting. Mr. Hill drew attention to the fine points of driving in his talk “Rules of the Road”; a discussion followed. At other previously unreported meetings Mr. Reid (Department of Agriculture) spoke on “Strangles in Horses” and “Red Water in' Cattle,” and Mr. S. Mosley, of Clydevale, spoke on "Sheep,” and demonstrated on a Border Leicester ram belonging to Mr. L. Christie. CENTRAL OTAGO. Upper Clutha.— by Mr. W. A. Scaife on "Minerals and Their Importance in Animal Nutrition.” At the previous meeting impromptu speeches were given b\ 7 (members. DUNEDIN. ■ Palmerston. of > new chairman. Mr. S. H. Saxby, Department of Agriculture, explained the Y.F.C. experimental scheme. South Taieri.— Arrangements for future lectures as follows :—“Drains and Draining,” “Stock Ailments at Breeding Time,” and “Oil Boring in New Zealand.” Mr. S. H. Saxby, Department of Agriculture, explained the Y.F.C. experimental scheme. Club members undertook to lay down 14 trials. NORTH OTAGO. Enfield. Talk by Rev. J. Fordyce on '"Printing.” The speaker illustrated his talk with a display of printing materials, which were closely examined by members. SOUTH CANTERBURY. Amo.— Debate to be held with Waihaorunga Club. Address by Mr. C. C. Leitch, Department of Agriculture, on the Y.F.C. experimental scheme. At the previous meeting a lecture on “Stud Sheep of N.Z.” was given by Mr: Alan Grant, Waimate. — Presentation of stock judging cup by Mr. Crotty, advisory president, to G. Speed. The cup is open for competition among clubs in the Geraldine County. Arrangements for debate with Cannington-Cave Y.F.C. Club debate held, “That the Tendency towards Mechanised Farming tends ,to affect adversely the position of the Farm Labourer.” k Milford.— lnter-club debate with Geraldine Y.F.C. Subject: “That Grassland Farming Pays Better than ' Ploughing and Cropping.” Speakers: Geraldine > (negative), J. Thatcher, C. Kedman, H. Hibbs: Milford (affirmative), N. Palmer, G. Dale, R. Palmer. The judge, Mr. C. Deeming, of Temuka, gave the decision to Geraldine, with 245 points, as against Milford, with 220 points, and named C. Kelman (Geraldine) as the best speaker. The judge gave some very helpful criticism of each speaker, and stated that he considered the subject to be rather ambiguous, placing the affirmative side at a disadvantage. The debate was well attended, 32 being present. Pleasant Point/ — to be sent to members serving overseas. Talk on “Russia” by Mr. D. W. Osenam, B.A. MID-CANTERBURY. Ashburton. Debate with Catholic Club team, the subject being “That the Irrigation of MidCanterbury is in the best interests of the Farmer.” Speakers: Catholic Club (affirmative), M. Brennan, J. McDonnell, L. Fox; Ashburton Y.F.C. (negative), S. Watson, E. McLelland, A. Davidson. [ The judge, Mr. Werry, gave the decision to the Ashburton team. A talk on “River Control” was given by J. Cairns. , Discussion on Y.F.C. experimental scheme; three members .decided to undertake trials. Address by Mr.,, C. H. Signal on "Farm Dairy Construction.” Methven. Discussion on Y.F.C. experimental scheme. Talk by Mr. D. Moore, Ashburton, on “The Wheat Industry.” ■ ; CHRISTCHURCH. — Arrangements for annual ball. Meeting to be called for co-operation with agricultural clubs. Ellesmere. Donation of £1 Is to A. - and P. Association. .Lecture by Prof. McMeekin, Lincoln College, on “Farming Overseas,” illustrated by movie* films. Springston.— on “Fertilisers,” by Dr. Burns, of Lincoln College.

" NORTH CANTERBURY. i . . „ Arrangements for annual ball. Short talks by club members. — Report on annual ball. Arrangements for future lectures. Two club debates held: (1) “That the present-day Farmer has

greater opportunities than his Grandfather,” and (2) “Tractors v. Horses." Proceeds from hare shoot £6 10s donated to Red Cross Fund. Films exhibited by Massey Harris Co. Members of Farmers’ Union and Women’s Divisions were present by Invitation.

Scargill-Omihi.— -Arrangements for annual ball. Presentation of wedding gift to club chairman, I. F. Munro. Club debate, “That Large-scale Co-operative Farming is in the Best Interests of the Country.” MARLBOROUGH. Blenheim.— Address by Mr. D. R. Wilkie, Department of Agriculture, on “The Position Regarding the Manure Situation.” At the previous meeting the chairman arranged a “knowledge quiz,” dealing with prominent people and events of the day; this was carried out as a competition, which was won by F. Lucas. Congratulations were extended to Pilot Officer W. G. D. Thurston (a club member) on gaining his commission in the R.N.Z.A.F. Another member, Campbell Murray, leaving for England to train for the Fleet Air Arm, was farewelled and presented with a money belt. Movie pictures were exhibited by Ross Payne (club member) and included war in France, Dunkirk, King and Queen’s visit to Canada, and also some local features. Flaxbourne. lmpromptu speech contest: J. Parsons, first; G. McNab, second. At the previous meeting a lecture on “Stud Sheep Breeding and the Points of Sheep in General” was given by Mr. B. S. Trolove. NELSON. Dovedale. Club debate, “That Women Should be Allowed to Join the Y.F.C.” W. Kenyon and I. S. Win were leaders for the affirmative and negative respectively. The negative team won by a narrow margin. At the previous meeting lectures were given by club members —C. Davies (“Training and Care of Sheep Dogs”), C. Burnett (“Pig Breeding”). Moutere.— Business meeting. Arrangements for. debate, the subject to be “Is Motor Traction an Advantage over Horses for Agricultural Purposes Murchison.— Discussion on Y.F.C. experimental scheme. Arrangements for calf competition. WAIRARAPA. Alfredton. — Lecture by Mr. J. E. Duncan, Department of Agriculture, on “Wool,” illustrated by sound films. Masterton. — on annual dance. Final results of efficiency contest announced. Certificates for stock judging presented -to the various class winners. Talk on “Mole Draining” by Mr. N. Blatchford: the speaker dealt with the. work of a mole-drain and methods of using a mole-plough. . HOROWHENUA. Levin. — new members elected. Discussion on ihterclub debating. Lecture by Mr. G. S. Robinson, Department of Agricultlre, on “The Utilisation of . Farmyard Manure.” At the previous meeting a club debate was held, “That America should Enter the War on the Side of the Allies.” MANAWATU. Apiti. Discussion on Y.F.C. experimental scheme; decided that members would co-operate. Arrangements for annual dance. Decided to inaugurate a one-minute silence before each meeting in commemoration of Y.F.C. members who have fallen on active service. Feilding.— Three new members elected. Discussion on proposed Y.F.C. stock show in November; committee set up to confer with Feilding A. and P. Association. Trophies presented to winners of stock judging competition in each section as follows:N. Pedersen (dairy cattle), E. Beazer (pigs), D. G. Colquhoun (Romneys), L. Hansen (Southdowns), N. Peder-

sen (points prize). Lecture by Mr. J. Hill-. Motion on “Milking Machines in Relation to Mammitis.” k Kairanga.— Report on annual dance, showing profit of £7 5s 6d. Combined meeting with Kairanga Bull Circle; lecture on “Sterility” by Mr. M. Webster, Massey College. Waituna. — Two debates (1) “That the Tractor Economically Supersedes the Horse i for Farm Work,” was won by the negative by a .small margin of eight points. (2) “That the Development of New Zealand’s Virgin Wastes is of more importance than the Improvement and Regeneration of Land at present being Farmed,” won by the affirmative. Mr. T. L. Seddon acted as adjudicator. A successful dance was held recently, resulting in the sum of £8 10s being handed over to the local Patriotic Committee. WANGANUI. Mangaweka. Business meeting and practice debate. . A field day was held on Mr, -Harding’s property, and took the form of a pruning demonstration by Mr. F. M. Talbot, Orchard Instructor, Department of Agriculture. SOUTH TARANAKI. Alton. — -Balance-sheet of dance presented. Lecture on “Stock Diseases” by Mr. Stewart, Veterinarian. NORTH TARANAKI. Inglewood. General discussion on the feeding of calves and pigs on whey. SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. — Arrangements for dance. Decided that at each club “meeting a small donation will be made, the proceeds to purchase Xmas gifts ■ for members overseas. Mr. H. de 0. Chamberlain, Department of Agriculture, exhibited sound films of agricultural and general interest. Woodville.— Two new members elected. General discussion in connection with mole-drain-ing. c. CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY. Onga Onga.— Club debate, “That the Present Time Offers a Better Opportunity or a Successful Career in Farming.” Speakers: E. S. Bibby, W. Malcolm, K. Halliwell -(affirmative), C. Masters, 0. Bloomfield (negative). The debate was won by . the negative supporters. NORTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. Meeanee. Discussion re Y.F.C. experimental scheme. K Address by Mr. Pease, of the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency, Hastings, on “Wool.” The speaker - dealt with wool in its different stages, the breeding of a class of sheep to obtain the best quality wool; woolclassing in both shed and store, and appraisement and subsequent export overseas. He continued with the arrival of the wool at Bradford, dealing with the scouring, dyeing, tops and yams, etc., and the manufacture of the various goods. At the previous meeting, Mr. W. White gave a lecture on “The Trial Dog,” using his dog Rob for demonstration purposes,. POVERTY BAY. ' Gisborne.— new members elected. De-, cided that the competition for Mr. R. W. Pilmer’s trophy for the best individual debater be conducted over three sections, comprising an open debate, an impromptu speech, and a prepared speech. Address by Mr. T. C. Thompson, Health Inspector, on “Milk —It’s Import- ■ ance and Care.” The speaker dealt with the handling of milk in Europe, the United States of America, and New Zealand.

Te Karaka. — by Mr. R. E. Alexander, Government Veterinarian, on “Horses and their Ailments” and “Parasites.” < TE KUITI. Mokauiti. Report on annual ball; sum of £3 10s from profits, handed over to Farewell Fund. Talks by members as follows:' “The Junior Farm Course at Ruakura” (W. Tatham), “Saddles” (J. W. Law), “A Cycle Tour from Hamilton to Wellington (D. Kirk). The lastnamed speaker very graphically described his journey via Taupo, Napier, and Palmerston North, and the return via Raetihi, where snow compelled him to take the train to Taumarunui; he covered 708 miles at an average speed of 9% miles per hour. Otorohanga.— Arrangements . for a social. Two club debates held: —(1) “That a College Education is of More Value than Practical Farming Experience”; speakers, J. McDowell, S. Smith, D. Robertson (affirmative), D. Brightwell, H. Murphy, W. McCormick (negative) ; affirmative won by a small margin. (2) “That an Immigration Scheme Would Benefit New Zealand,” speakers, S. Tye, H. Rothery, M. Shields (affirmative) ; C. Murphy, T. Shields, T. Jones (negative) ; was won by the affirmative. WAIKATO. Cambridge.— Two new members enrolled. Arrangements for a field day at Ruakura. Sum of £8 2s 6d raised for Red Cross funds by means of club dance. Gifts to be purchased for members going overseas. Club debate: “Should ; Women -be Allowed to Jointhe Y.F.C.” ; speakers, M. Priebe, J. Dunning, P. Shaw (affirmative), G. Goodwin, R. Lang, N. Graney (negative). Mr. G. Walsh (advisory member) acted as judge, awarding the decision to the negative supporters. Mr. Walsh gave some valuable advice on debating and the presentation of the subject for discussion. Kakapuku.— debate, “That Young Women Should Not be 'Admitted to Young Farmers’ Clubs” ; speakers, A. McLeay, M. Neill, M. Haigh (affirmative), M. Hughes, F. Turner, T. Smart (negative). The judge, Mr. A. H. Smith, decided in favour of the negative team. Te Awamutu. Club debate, “Should Capital Punishment be Abolished?” Speakers, D. Harrison, B. Pattison, D. Hope, K. Allcock (affirmative), A. Lashey, M. Kay, K. Fraser, J. Fitzpatrick (negative). The affirmative team won by 14 points. ■ WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY. Kati Lecture on “Silage” by Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture. Paengaroa.— Field day on Mr. W. T. Black’s property, Paengaroa. The field day took the form of a practical demonstration of fruit tree pruning by Mr. Hand, Department of Agriculture. There was a total attendance of 37, including four visiting members of the Te Puke Club and 15 farmers. Te Puke.— member enrolled. Final of the “under 19 years” speech contest. Awards: Two best speeches, K. Fetch; most improved speaker, T. Melton. The winners each received a book donated by Mr. D. S. Ross. Competitors in the final: K. Fetch (calf-rearing), S. Caldwell (photography), D. Caldwell (lime), T. Melton (maize-growing). . EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY. Edgecumbe.— by Mr. I. B. Gow on “Women’s ;Part in Farming Today.” At the previous meeting a discussion took place on the question of women being admitted as 1 clun members, which was approved. AUCKLAND. Hunua. General discussion “That Young Ladies be Allowed to Attend Y.F.C. Meetings.” The meeting was not in favour of this, but decided that the matter be reconsidered at a more opportune. time. WARKWORTH. Kaukapakapa.— day at the Nikau Bacon Factory, Auckland. The party was conducted over the factory by the manager, Mr. Cory.; all stages of bacon-curing were fully explained. The sausage-making plant was also inspected. The party numbered 22, and . included eight visiting club members.

Agric. Products (80) . Farm Crops (50) Originality : of Design (30) Attractiveness (70) Bepres. of other District Activities (20) ‘ Total. Western Bay of | Plenty .. 1 70 40 30 60 10 210 Waikato i 40 10 20 30 • 5 . 105 Northern King Country .. i 20 20 15 30 20 105 Auckland .. 40 0 20 25 5 90