Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 63, Issue 4, 15 October 1941, Page 348

Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs

Meeting of Canterbury Y.F.C. Council

GENERAL policy and inter-district activities were discussed at a meeting' of the Canterbnrv VFC Council held at the Canterbury Chamcouncil neia at me cameroury cnam ber of Commerce, Christchurch, on August 27. t Reporting on the inter-district debating competition held at Ashburton on August 21, in which club teams from South North and Mid-Canter-from bout , JNorin, a a 1 a can X bury took part, the chairman announced that the competition was won nounced that the competition was won by the Methven Club team, with Waihaorunga second, followed by Darfield and Cannington. It was decided to invite th© winning Otago-Southland Club team to compete against the Methven team at a competition to be held in South Canterbury on September 27. Arrangements for the interdistrict stock judging competition to be held at Winchester on the same date were well under way, and it was

expected that good support would be forthcoming. . . An interesting discussion on stock judging systems took Place + in which the poin system, the Federation’s sysem , oral system were reviewed. Points arising out of this discussion were: the necessity for providing ade- < l ua^e pen space for stock, that too r any . competitors should not be alJ? wed to ■•udge in a .PP n a any one time, and the desirably o f parading stoek that comnetitors set everv opportunity of competitors ger every opportunity of seeing the stock properly. It was decided to suggest to the South Canterbury District Committee, which is organising the interdistrict competition to be held in WinChester, that oral questions might be asked competitors who place their stock in good order. Various ■ means of maintaining interest among the clubs were discussed, and among these the formation of discussion groups in which a group of

club members would meet at some convenient centre within their district o discuss a project of some kind, w hi c h would later be discussed at the nll , pnn qidereH likelv io club meeting was considered likely m pro y e of § reat value and well worth a triaL . It was decided to send a copy of the minutes of the meeting and also of the annua i meeting of the Federation to th * t chairman of the Council Ml '- tile past cn airman or tne council, ivn. D Coleman, who is at present serving + . .’ nVf , r c Pa(l wltil the ±orces overse s - The following were present at the meeting:—Messrs. A. D. Talbot, chairman, Alan Grant, J. Barclay (South Canterbury), H. L. Chisnail (Mid-Can-ter bury), F. A. Sheat (North Canterbury), J. W. Calder, J. W. Stewart, H. G. Stephens, T. E. Streeter, L. W. Blackmore, Secretary (Christchurch), and R. J. Low and S. Freeman, Dominion Organising Secretary. -

Horowhenua District Field Day

By G. F. GIMBLETT, Levin Y.F.C.

A SUCCESSFUL field day was held recently on Mr. H. J. Lancaster’s property.. “Fairfield,” Levin, under the auspices of the Horowhenua Y.F.C. District Committee. The programme consisted of stock-judging competitions, demonstrations, and lectures. There was a large and representative attendance, including members from the Levin, Shannon, Opiki, and Tokomaru Clubs, and the Dominion Organising Secretary, Mr. S. Freeman, was present. The first event, a dairy cow judging competition, began at 10.45 a.m., Mr. I. D. Parsons being the supervising judge. This was run on the usual lines, the three animals being paraded in a ring for . five minutes and then lined up for handling by the competitors for 25 minutes. The cards giving the placing and the reasons had also to be filled in during this time. This was followed by a demonstration on a dairy cow by Mr. Lancaster. In a general outline, Mr. Lancaster said that conformation was the first thing to look for in a dairy animal, whether she were for dairying or breeding purposes. Constitution came next. He

then went on to describe the triple wedge-shaped body of a good cow, the. points to look for in a good head, and how a good udder should be well caught up both before and behind. Other points mentioned were the pin bones, the tail setting, and the back line, all of which combined to make the perfect animal. . . . The winners of this competition were: —A. Horn (Levin), 1; N. Liggins (Tokomaru) and R. Vile (Opiki), equal, 2; A. Moody (Tokomaru), 4. The sheep judging competition was something new in the judging line. Mr. S. B. Mexted was the supervising judge. Three Southdown rams and three Romney 1 ewes were separately penned, and had to be placed by the competitors in pairs as they' thought most suitable for fat lamb' production. Mr. Mexted then gave his placing and a short demonstration. He pointed out that most people would agree that a big-framed sheep with fine dense wool, a sheep standing square on its legs, with a short neck and with a minimum of wool on the head, was most suitable for fat lamb production.

The winners of this competition were:B. Bartholomew, 1; P. Carter, 2; R. Speedy and O. Candy, equal, 3. Mr. V. C. Lewis, chairman of the district committee, presented a cup for a teams competition, and this was won by Messrs. A. Horn and B. Stewart, of the Levin Club. After lunch had been served by Mrs. Lancaster, the afternoon’s programme opened with an address by Mr. E. Bruce Levy, Director of the Grasslands Division, Palmerston North, on “Recent Grassland Developments.” Mr. Levy stressed the importance of certified seed, and contended that really permanent pastures on ploughable land should be restricted to firstclass land on which it was possible to carry one cow or six to eight ewes per acre. , Stock manure should be used to the greatest possible extent, especially with restricted phosphate supplies. On land carrying one cow to the acre their residue was worth £2 per acre. Early cutting of silage was of great importance if full productive value was to be obtained from this supplementary feed.

The next address was by Mr. J. HillMotion, B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., on “Common Diseases of Stock.” He estimated that 75 per cent, of stock diseases were due to malnutrition, and specially mentioned milk fever, staggers, sterility, and sleepy sickness. Quoting many examples, he said that many cases had been improved by topdressing with lime. In milk fever it was generally the best cows which were troubled. In 1906, when the average production per cow was about 1201 b. butterfat per

year, milk fever was practically unheard of, compared with today . when the average production is 2401 b. of butterfat per cow. Mr. Hill-Motion gave valuable instructions as to how the farmer can assist in the recovery of the stock once they have contracted the various troubles. ' While afternoon tea was in progress Mr. S. Freeman gave a short talk on the Young Farmers’ Club movement. The war had been a severe setback, he said, but membership was keeping up remarkably well. ' .

At the' conclusion of the day Mr. R. M. Law, jun., who was chairman of the day’s activities, thanked Mr. Lancaster for the use of his property and Mrs. Lancaster and her. assistants for dispensing the refreshments. In reply, Mr. Lancaster stated that he was only too pleased to assist the Young Farmers in every possible way. He concluded by' thanking the judges, Messrs. Parsons and Mexted, and the speakers, Messrs. Bruce Levy and HillMotion, for their co-operation in making the field day such a success.

Wairarapa District Stock Judging

By N. LAMONT, District, Secretary, Masterton.

r T"’HE Masterton Young Farmers’ THE Masterton congratulated on Club is to be congratulated on winning the “Point Blank” Challenge Cup for stock judging in. the Wairarapa district for the fifth year in succession. This very .fine record is the result of consistent, solid teamwork on the part of all members of the club.' The youngest club in the Wairarapa, Alfredton, which gained second place, also merits congratulation on its excellent performance. This year, for the first time, a junior and a schoolboys’ section were introduced into the contest, and although more Young Farmers should have competed in the junior section, it was pleasing to note that ‘ a considerable number of schoolboys availed themselves of the opportunity. It is to these boys that the clubs have to look for future, membership, and their participation in Y.F.C. activities is welcomed. The results were as follows: — Point Blank Masterton, 1586 points, 1; Alfredton, 1489 points, 2; Carterton, 1150 points, 3. Class Results. iSouthdowns. —Senior: Masterton B. 328 points, 1; Masterton A, 289 points, 2; Greytown, 231 points, 3. Junior: Alfredton, 236 points, 1; Masterton, 223 points, 2; Carterton, 131 points, 3. Romneys.:Senior: Masterton A, 250 points, 1; Masterton B, 210 points, 2; Carterton, 155 . points, 3. Junior: Masterton, 125 points, 1; Carterton, 70 points, 2; Alfredton, 54 points, 3. Pigs. Senior: Alfredton, 242 points, 1; Grey town, 235 points, 2; Featherston, 220 points, 3. Junior: Alfredton, 195 points, 1; Masterton,' 170 points, 2; Carterton, 120 points, 3. ~ \ ; Friesians.— Featherston, 251 points, 1; Alfredton, 225 points, 2; Greytown, 220 points, 3. Junior:' Alfredton, 194 points, 1; Masterton, 174 points, 2; Carterton, 141 points, 3. s "

Individual Results. Southdowns. G. Buick, Masterton B, 173 points; A. Cruickshank, Masterton B, 155 points; N. Wyeth, Masterton A, 153 points. Junior: W. D. Buick, Masterton, 128 points; B. Napier, Alfredton, 126 points; F. McDonald, Alfredton, 110 points. Schoolboys: J. Madden, Masterton, 108 points; R. Boyne, Masterton, 103 points. , Romneys.Senior: G. Blatchford, Masterton A, 145 points; J. McKay, Masterton B, 125 points; A. Southey, Masterton A, 105 points. Junior: P. Evans, Masterton, 80 points; W. Cruickshank, Masterton, 45 points; H. Staples, Carterton, 40 points. Schoolboys: J. Madden, Masterton, 81 points; M. Hoar, Masterton, 63 points; D. Fell, Masterton, 61 points. Pigs.: Senior: R. Ingley, Greytown, 135 points; J. Warrington, Featherston, 130 points; S. Smith, Alfredton, 127 points. Junior: F. McDonald, Alfredton, 115 points; S. Donald, Masterton, 95 points; J. Hercock, Carterton, 80 points. Schoolboys: P. G. Evans, Wairarapa College, 140 points; R. Dagg, Wairarapa College, 110 points; C. Richardson, Wairarapa College, 95 points. Friesians.Senior: A. Heckler, Alfredton, 165 points; A. Weatherstone, Featherston, 160 points; H. Miller, Masterton B, and H. McKenzie, Carterton, 140 points, equal. Junior: R. Seymour, Alfredton, 110 points; F. Mcßae,. Masterton, 95 points; J. Hull, Alfredton, 84 points. Schoolboys: A. R. Parker, Masterton, P. Easthope, Masterton, and C. Richardson, Masterton, 100 points, equal; C. Griffin, Masterton, and D. Fell, 89 points, equal. The clubs gave a good account of themselves generally, although Featherston and Greytown were badly handicapped by not entering junior teams. Had only senior teams been considered, these two clubs would have

been placed second and third respectively to Masterton. - The experiment of introducing junior sections appears fully justified, and should serve as further encouragement to the younger members,.on whom the strength of the - Y.F.C. . movement so much depends. .

Wangauni District Debating Contest By A. R. DINGWALL, District Y.F.C. Secretary, Wanganui.

THE final of this year’s Senior .j. .Section of the Wanganui District Annual Inter-club Debating Contest was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, Marton, on Thursday, September 11. The trophy,' a challenge cup donated by Sergeant Pilot H. Kimpton (former secretary of the Marton, Club, and club representative on the District Committee), was won in 1940 by the Manga Club. This year’s final debate was contested by teams representing the Bulls and Taihape Clubs, the subject being: “That a College Education is of More Value Than Practical Farming Experience.” The teams were as folTaihape- (affirmative): P. J. Bird (leader), J. Gilbert, R. D. Gordon. Bulls (negative): C. B. Anderson (leader), S. Last-Harris, W. Jurgens. Messrs. R. M. S. Jones, Hunterville, and ,T. C. Kincaid, Taihape, acted as adjudicators. The District Secretary, Mr. A. R. Dingwall, presided. Welcomes were extended to the teams and their supporters, ! and also to the adjudicators, by the District Chairman, Mr. J. Gilbert, and by the District Secretary. The debate was opened strongly by the affirmative, but the advocates of practical farming experience were soon offering some keen competition. Serious . argument was frequently relieved with, humour by all speakers, and a high standard of debating was maintained throughout. The personnel of both teams .combined well in their team work, a fact which was favourably commented upon by the-judges at the conclusion of the debate. The judges’ award placed the affirmative as the winners by 337 points to 259, and the Taihape Club thereby gained the honour of having provided the champion club debating team for .1941. The adjudicators gave a summary of their impressions gained throughout the contest, and both commented favourably upon the standard achieved by all speakers and the improvement that had taken place. in

Y.F.C. debating since . the inauguration of the district contest. The trophy was presented to Mr. P. J. Bird, leader of the winning team,' by the chairman, who congratulated the team upon its success and upon the high standard of debating evidenced. He, also congratulated the Bulls team on the very. stout effort put up against such strong opposition. Mr. Bird in reply thanked the chairman

for his remarks, and expressed the team's pleasure in being able to carry off the award. He also expressed thanks to the Bulls team for its worthy contribution to what had . proved a pleasant and interesting debate. The Taihape team was congratulated by Mr. C. B. Anderson, leader of the Bulls team, and by Mr. R. O. Dalrymple, advisory president of the Bulls Club. The chairman conveyed the thanks of both teams, and of all Y.F.C. members present, to Messrs. Jones and Kincaid for their making their services available, and for the very capable, manner in , which they had adjudicated.

Barfield Club's Field Day By L. P. McLAUGHLIN, Hon. Secretary, Darfield Y.F.C.

MEMBERS of the Darfield Y.F.C. held a successful field day on the property of Mr. R. S. Gunn, Racecourse Hill, recently. The weather was favourable, and despite the busy period of the year the attendance was, good. The field day took the form of judging competitions on Clydesdale horses, dairy cattle,, Corriedale and Southdown sheep. The- judges in the various classes were: — Clydesdales, Mr. M. E. Jenkins, well known in Canterbury, show-rings; dairy cattle, Mr. L. D. Adams, known throughout Canterbury as a prominent Jersey breeder; sheep, Messrs. R. S.

Gunn and C. O. Redfern, also wellknown breeders of Border Leicester and Corriedale sheep respectively. , Awards were made -as follows: Clydesdale Horses. Archie McLachlan, 1; Frank Jarman, 2; Roland Reed, 3. - Dairy Cattle.—Colin Green, 1; Charles Buttle, 2; Keith Jarman, 3. Corriedale Ewe Hogget.— Jenkins, 1. ■ Southdown Ram —James Duncan, 1; Graham Gunn, 2. Afternoon 7 tea was .served by Mrs. R. -S. Gunn, the wife of y one of the. advisory members.

Among the Clubs: Reports on Activities

WESTERN SOUTHLAND. ■ Drummond. Films exhibited by Mr. A. Stuart, Department of Agriculture, on “Linen Flax” and “Farming in Wales.” Mr. Stuart spoke on the growing of linen flax in New Zealand. At the previous meeting there was a general discussion on radio talks, and Mr. , J. Kincaid spoke on “The Duties of a Chairman.” , .

EASTERN SOUTHLAND. Five Rivers. —Lectures on “The Early History of the Five Rivers.,District”, by J. Earl, and T. Reidy. At the previous meeting talks were; given by Messrs. Andrews and Elder on “Corriedale . Sheep” and “Common. Sheep Diseases” respectively. ' . . . ' : Otama.— Discussion on letter from district secretary concerning proposed combined club meeting at Otama, and challenge from Western

Southland to an inter-district .debate. , Movie films exhibited by Mr. S. Mackay. SOUTH OTAGO. Clutha Valley. Three new members enrolled. Discussion on Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme. Address by Mr. Mcßae, Puketi, ' on “The Working Sheep Dog.” ■■■■■ . Lawrence. —Mr. J. G. Richards; Department of Agriculture, gave an address on the Y.F.C.

Experimental Scheme; three members agreed to undertake trials.: , Warepa.— J. G. Richards, Department of Agriculture, gave an address on the Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme. • At the previous meeting representatives of the South Otago Freezing Company addressed the meeting as. follows;Mr. W. W. Luke (manager) spoke on the works generally ; Mr. Weir ,on types of castration' and the appearance on a carcass; Mr. A. W. Mayne (meat inspector) on diseases found in a carcass; and Mr. I. Watt (yardman) onthe handling of stock. CENTRAL OTAGO. i Upper Clutha. — Lecture by Mr. S. H. Saxby, Department of Agriculture, on “The Identification of Grasses.” At the previous meeting Mr. R. J. Reid, of the Otago-Southland Council, gave a report on the annual general meeting of the federation held ,at Hamilton. Mr. G. G. Calder, Department of Agriculture, discussed the. Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme, and four members agreed to undertake trials. . DUNEDIN. West Taieri.— by Mr.. George Bathgate on “Scientific Dairy Farming.” . NORTH OTAGO. Enfield. T. A. Sellwood, Department of Agriculture, gave an address on the Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme. Arrangements were made for a radio talk by a club member from 4YA. At the previous meeting arrangements for a club : concert were finalised. ■ • ■ Hampden.— Radio lecture to be prepared by members for broadcast over 4YA. Mr. J. W. Woodcock (Fields Superintendent, Department of Agriculture, Dunedin) outlined the Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme, stressing various important aspects; a general discussion followed, and a number of members showed a keen interest in the project. The District Y.F.C. Secretary, Mr. T. A. Sellwood (Department of Agriculture ) was also present. SOUTH CANTERBURY. Address by Mr. J. D. Wraight entitled “A Trip Through Victoria.” — Arrangements for. dance. Entries accepted for inter-club stock-judging compettition at Winchester; 12 members to compete. Talk by Mr. A. J. Blackiston on “The Early History of Orari Gorge Station” ; the speaker gave his own experiences 40 and 50 years ago on the station. At the previous meeting Mr. Z. 0. Sherratt spoke on “The Oil Field Control of the World.” , Mangati.— Business meeting. Arrangements for Christmas parcels to be sent to members overseas. Proceeds of hare-drive to be given to local Red Cross. At the previous meeting a discussion took place on stock judging; members were nominated to assist the judge at the A. and P. Show; Mr. C. C. Leitch, Department of Agriculture, outlined the Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme, and took . the names of , several members willing to undertake trials. 1 - Milford. Report on recent district meeting; final arrangements for stock for inter-district stock-judging competitions to be held at Winchester. General discussion on matters of club interest. Pleasant — Several members offered to'undertake trials in connection with the Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme.- Short talks given by members as follows: —W. Skinner, (“Draining the Land”), D. M. France (“Experiences in Wool Buying”), J. Olliver (“Oil Products”), D. Talbot (“Growing of Rape Seed”), R. Talbot (“How and Where Manures are Made”), E. Chittock (“Subterranean Clover”), F. Jackson (“A Tour of the West Coast of Nelson”). MID-CANTERBURY. Hinds.—Six members ■ selected to take part in inter-district stock judging at Winchester.' Sound films, dealing with, “Farm Machinery,” exhibited by Massey Harris Co. ven.—Club debate, “That New Zealand’s Future Depends on the Extensive. Development of Her Secondary Industries.” Speakers: C. Wightman, 11. Poff, J. McKendry (negative);

R. Penny, R. Wightman, A. McKay. The judge, Mr. J. Fleming, gave his award to the affirmative team. ' .’ : ' CHRISTCHURCH. Darfield.Debate with a team representing the x Farmers’ Union; subject, “That Farming

in New Zealand should gradually come tinder State Control.”, Speakers: G. C. Warren, J. H. Buttle, M. B. Gounge, J. H. Syme, J.' R. Cullen (Farmers’ Union) ; J. W. Stewart, J. M. Duncan, C. Green, K. Jarman, H. Bedford (Y.F.C.).' The judge, Mr. D. O’Connell, gave his decision in favour, of the Farmers’ Union team. Mr. W. W.

Mulholland, Dominion president , of the New Zealand Farmers’ ‘/Union, Spoke to the meeting. / Ellesmere.- General discussion on ways and means of improving club work and getting memberS ' more interested in discussions/ and debates. ' ’ \ ? ' . ; • ' / . . ' • Springston. - lecture, on “Linen Flax,” by Mr? M. Black, Agronomy Division, Lincoln, and Mr. L. W. Blackmore, Department of Agriculture. . NORTH CANTERBURY. - Amuri.— Members selected to speak at next meeting. Lecture on “Subterranean Clover” by Mr. J. P. Beggs, Department of Agriculture. Cheviot. Discussion on Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme. Proceeds from ball, amounting to £5, donated to Patriotic Fund. Two club debates were held: “That Breeding Our Own Stock is Preferable to Buying,” and “Arable Farming v. Sheep, Farming.” Oxford.— Debate with the Youth Branch of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union on “Do Women Hold More Importance in the World Today than Men?” The Y.F.C. team, which took the negative side of the debate, gained the decision. A short social followed the debate. ’ Scargill-Omihi. Report on annual ball; profits to be utilised in sending Christmas parcels to members overseas. Short prepared speeches were given by members. / MARLBOROUGH. Blenheim.— -Decided to assist / the Junior W.D.F.U. with its annual dance: Motion of sympathy extended to D. Kinzett, a club member, on the death of his father. Presentation to A. Rose, a member who was on “final leave” before going overseas. Address by Mr. G. D. Shand on “Seasonal Animal Troubles.” Flaxbourne. — Addresses as follows:. “The Need for Lime on Certain Types of Land” (Mr. D. R. Wilkie, Department of Agriculture), “The Plans of the New Flaxbourne Lime Works” (Mr. A. Gunn), and “The New Flaxbourne Lime Company, Its Origin and Future” (Mr. W. Kennington). NELSON. ■ ■ . , i Moutere. — Challenge accepted to a debate with the Dovedale Club; subject, “That Farmyard Manures Are .Superior to Artificial Manures.” Lecture by Mr. R. W. Skinner, Inspector of Stock, on “The Stock Act and Branding." At a previous meeting Mr., Jeffries , spoke on “Soil Fertility.” . . ? / ,; Murchison. — Discussion on stock judging competition. Lecture by Mr. D. Merry, Department of Agriculture, .on “Pasture , Improvement.” HOROWHENUA. Levin.— Arrangements for dance in conjunction with Junior- Division of W.D.F.U. Mr. W. Kernohan exhibited films of general interest, including one taken at a recent Territorial camp. This was a particularly good meeting, 32 members attending. . WAIRARAPA. Carterton. by Mr. M. C. Armstrong, Government Veterinarian, on “Calving Troubles.” At the previous meeting a discussion took place On the Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme, and a lantern lecture on “Wool" was given by Mr. J. E. Duncan, Department of Agriculture. MANAWATU. Apiti. Discussion on Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme. Lecture by Mr. R. D. N. Hill, Inspector of Stock, on “Common Ailments of Stock.” Bunnythorpe.—- Lecture by Dr. Geates, Massey College, on “The Planning and Planting of Shelter Trees”; the lecture was illustrated by pictures. Kimbolton-Kiwitea.— Address by Mr. F. H. Billing on “Insurance.” / Oroua Downs. Delegates elected to Feilding stock judging committee. Address on “The Forming of Pig Clubs,” by Mr. L. . Marsden. Supervisor, Wellington, Pig Council. ' Results of the Anderson and Mitchell Challenge Cup contest, for field dog stock judging, J. L. Marsden and F. Shailer, equal, first.

— Business meeting; arrangements for Patriotic Ball. Rongotea.— Talks by Mr. L. H. Garrall (“Personal Adventures as a Youth in Australia and North ; America”) . and Mr. H. J. Lancaster (“Tour of Australia”). At the previous meeting, -Mr. H. A. .Bayley, Inspector of Stock, gave an address on “Diseases of Cows/’ illustrating his talk with specimens. Waituna. Discussion on Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme. Address by. Mr. J. Williamson on his tour, of the Argentine. WANGANUI. Bulls. — Business meeting. Discussion on district essay competitionten members to - compete, seven senior and three junior. Copies of bulletin, “Mole Drainage in New Zealand,” distributed to members. Account for goods for overseas parcels passed for payment._ C. B. Anderson reported on the recent district committee meeting, and S. G. Avery reported on . the annual general meeting of the Federation. Junior and senior teams to compete with the Taihape . Club : in the final of the district debate. Secretary instructed to write a letter of sympathy ■to parents of Private A. Harte, . a club - members overseas, now reported missing. Discussion . on Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme; eight members agreed to undertake 12 trials in all. At a meeting of the club committee, held previously; it was decided to act upon the various recommendations of the annual general meeting of the Federation, such as the encouragement of junior classes in all activities, the formation of a Women’s Auxiliary, and the appointment of road organisers. : ' . /, ' Mangaweka.— to be held in aid of Home Guard. Lantern, lecture by Mr. E. P. Neilsen, Consulting Officer, N.Z. Dairy Board, on “Animal Feeding and. Genetics.” , NORTH TARANAKI. Inglewood.- Dance to be held in conjunction with Junior Division W.D.F.U. Address on “Bull Survey Work” by Mr. F. L. Knowles, Consulting Officer, N.Z. Dairy Board. Mangorei. Mr. F. L. Knowles, • Consulting' Officer, N.Z. Dairy Board, addressed the meeting on “The Selection of the Herd Sire.” SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. Dannevirke. —K. Bateman, club secretary, granted leave of absence for the duration of the war; R. F. Galyer appointed secretary in Mr. Bateman’s absence. Arrangements made to inspect the club’s centennial tree plantation. One new member elected. Short talks by Mr. S. K. Carswell on “The Treatment of Fractures in Dogs,” “The Selection of Seed Potatoes,” and “Choosing Good Grass Seed.” Address by Mr. Combe, Central Hawke’s Bay Power Board, on “The Use of the Ultra Violet Ray”; the speaker's demonstrations on a varied selection of materials opened up wide possibilities. CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY. Onga — The meeting took the form of a social evening in which members and friends took part. Supper was served by members of the club. * ~ NORTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. Matapiro.— by Mr. R. P. Hill, Department of Agriculture, on “Various Topics of Farming Interest.” At the previous meeting, two debates were held, as follows: —(1) “That Motor Vehicles be Restricted to 40 Miles per Hour”; speakers, H. Pearce, I. Lancaster, W. Farquhar (affirmative), I. Dillon, G. Clarke, G. Algie (negative). (2) “That Picture Theatres be Closed on Saturday Afternoons”; speakers, J. Farquhar, T. Lamont, S. Lothian (affirmative), J.. O’Neill, A. Whyte (negative). * Meeanee. Business meeting. Secretary directed to write to Mr. J. D. Laing, Government Veterinarian, expressing appreciation of his past services to the club and to wish him success in his new appointment. Dance to be held. Three new members elected. POVERTY BAY. Gisborne. Discussion on shearing competition at forthcoming A. and P. Show. Two new members elected. Talk by Mr. T. G. Johns on “Hereditary in Breeding.”

Te Karaka. — Social evening. , TE KUITI. Mokauiti.— -Business meeting; W. Tatham elected. as hon. secretary to replace J. W. Law, who is going into camp, At the previous meeting a debate was held on “Dairy Farming v. Sheep Farming.” WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY. Kati ' Kati. Business meeting. Report on annual ball; profits amounted to £l4-10-0. » Te Puke. lmpromptu speech contest, in which 11 members took part; one minute allowed each contestant to study subject, two minutes for speech. The winner, K. Fetch, was presented with a book. Te Puna.— Officers elected at annual meeting' .Advisory President, Mr. S. G. Williams; chairman, K. I’Anso; secretary, D. Foster; treasurer, F. Roberts. . EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY. Edgecumbe.— Business meeting. J. Sumnei elected as acting chairman, while ‘G. Robins is in Territorial Camp. Farewell presentation to be made to Mr. C. R. Taylor, district secretary. The secretary was instructed ,to enclose a letter of appreciation. v Waimana. Presentation, to be made to the district secretary, . Mr. C. R. Taylor,, who is being transferred to the Rotorua district. Impromptu speeches were given by members as an aid to the selection of a debating team. WAIKATO. Kakepuku.— lnter-club debate with Te Awamutu Y.F.C.; subject, “That the Modern World is Degenerative.” The affirmative was taken by the Kakepuku'team. Speakers, P. Scriven, J. Donaldson, R. Madeno (Te Awamutu), W. Neill, P. Ray, B. McVerry (Kakepuku). Rev. Martin Sullivan, acted as adjudicator, and gave the decision to the Te Awamutu team (negative), 243 points to 230. Members of the general public were present by invitation. Te Awamutu. Report on club dance. Football match with Kakepuku Club to be held. School children to be invited to attend field days and suitable lectures. Address by Mr. A. J. Ward, Technical Officer, N.Z. Dairy Board, on "Animal Genetics” the speaker dealt with in-breeding, line-breeding, cross-breeding, mating, disease, etc., and answered many questions. . / AUCKLAND. Harrisville.— Arrangements for card party. Presentation to G. Hewitt, a member recently married. Talks by club members as follows : “Stripping or : Non-stripping” (H. W. Barnaby), “Weaning of Heifer Calves” (N. G. Barrett), “Economy in Wartime” (A. Martich), “Dairy and Beef Type” (G. A. Barrett), “The Wairarapa Plains” , (E. D. Williams). Hunua. lmpromptu debate, “Electric Fencing v. Ordinary Fencing.” Speakers, D. Sleeth,. J. Seaton, W. Chamberlain, K. Pollock (electric fencing) ; W. A. Wellacott, J. Redman, R. Pilkington, I. Bradstreet (ordinary fencing). The supporters of ordinary fencing gained the decision. — Dance to be held in aid of Red Cross funds. ' General discussion among members on “Stock Diseases.” WARKWORTH. Kaukapakapa. Mr. R. Taylor, Consulting Officer, N.Z. Dairy Board, addressed the meeting on “The Work of the Herd Improvement Association.” A field day was held on the Y.F.C. Centennial Memorial Reserve; approximate!/ 200 trees of various native species and 100 eucalypts (comprising nine different varieties) were planted. There was an attendance of 45, including a number of local farmers. WHANGAREI. . Matarau. Officers elected at annual meeting: Advisory president, Mr. H. H. Wilsher; chairman, W. A. Rusbworth; secretary, I. D. Bodie.