Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 63, Issue 5, 15 November 1941, Page 442

Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs

Y.F.C. Dinner to Members Going Overseas

A SUCCESSFUL dinner was held recently in the Central Tea Rooms, Pahiatua, under the auspices of the Mangatainoka Club. The function was arranged primarily in honour of members of the local clubs who are going overseas with the armed . forces. Mr. J. E. Hewitt, patron of the Mangatainoka Club, presided, and referred to the progress that had been made in the Y.F.C. movement and stressed the need for the coming generation of farmers to keep themselves conversant with every new phase of development in farming. He wished the young men going overseas “Godspeed,” and expressed the hope that when they returned they would carry on the good work of the Y.F.C. organisation. The toast list honoured' during the evening was as follows: —Mr. J. E. Hewitt, “The Boys Going Overseas,” responded to by Mr. G. Cotter; Mr, H. Bairstow, “The R.5.A.,” responded to by Mr. M. A. Lawson, president of the Pahiatua R.S.A.; Mr. S. K. Siddells, “Young Farmers’ Clubs,” re-

sponded to by Mr. Ken Mitchell; Mr. J. Aislabie, “Our Lecturers,” responded to by Mr. Carlyon; Mr. Ron Day, “Farmers’ Organisations,” responded to by Mr. J. H. Bremner, president of the Pahiatua Farmers’ Union, and Messrs. F. Anderson and H. Cotter; Mr. Keith Pryde, “Our Patron,” responded to by Mr. J. E. . Hewitt, and Mr. F. Ward, advisory president of the Mangatainoka Club. The various toasts and responses provided opportunity for some very interesting and thoughtful material. Mr. . G. Cotter, of the 1 Mangatainoka Club,' in replying to the toast of “The Boys Going Overseas,” stated that those going away , would always reXnember the Y.F.C. Movement for its. lectures, field days, and the valuable information so gained. He referred to the increased membership throughout the district in the face of present difficulties. Among, other activities he mentioned the support accorded to the many patriotic appeals— to which the clubs had made a ready response. Mr. M. R. Lawson, replying to the toast of “The R.5.A.,” spoke highly of the Y.F.C. Movement as being valuable, not only as a means of imparting practical farming knowledge, but also in . a civic capacity. He hoped that the clubs would be able to carry on in order to be of value to the boys when they came back. The.R.S.A., he stated, was watching carefully the interests of the young men overseas, and it was necessary that every assistance should be given them when they returned.

Proposing the toast of “Young Farmers’ Clubs,” Mr. S. K. . Siddells mentioned the Ballance Club as being one of the first to be formed in the Dominion, and instanced the very fine work done by Mr. Bremner in this connection. He said that upon the youth of the country would devolve the important:tasks after the war, and that every possible training should be carried out. In reply, Mr. Ken Mitchell, of the Woodville Club, referred to the very fine achievement of the Dannevirke Club in raising the sum of over £1,400 for patriotic purposes by means of a stock drive. The Y.F.C. movement was not only valuable from an instructional and educational viewpoint, but also engendered good fellowship among members. He referred to an acquaintance who had remarked that to take an interest in such organisations “cost money”! Mr. Mitchell

agreed with this, but stressed the fact that, with the Y.F.C. movement, good value was definitely obtained for money expended. In proposing the toast “Our Lecturers,” Mr. J. Aislabie, of the Mangatainoka Club, expressed thanks to those who had devoted their time to imparting knowledge and giving members the benefit of their own experience. Mr. Carlyon, in replying, stated that so far as he was concerned, it had been a pleasure ,to lecture to clubs. The Y.F.C. movement provided young men with the opportunity of gaining knowledge in their early years —knowledge that had often only been acquired in mature years by previous generations. z ' Mr. Ron Day, of Ballance Club, expressed the movement’s thanks to “Farmers’ Organisations,” which toast was replied to by Mr. J. H. Bremner, who referred to the need for establishing short-term scholarships for farm training at Massey and Lincoln Colleges. Mr. F. Anderson, who also replied, spoke highly of the value of the Y.F.C. movement, and on behalf of the Farmers’ Union wished “Godspeed” to those members going overseas. Mr. H. Cotter stated that he had been particularly struck with the speeches made by the young farmers present at the function. In his day the young farmers did not have the opportunity to express themselves as they' - did todayin fact, they did not have the nerve! The Y.F.C. movement permitted the study of collective knowledge gained. He also referred to the very capable and courteous manner in which Y.F.C. members had carried out duties in connection with A. and P. Show exhibits, etc. The toast of “Our Patron” was proposed by Mr. Keith Pry de, of Mangatainoka Club, and was replied to by Mr. J. E. Hewitt, patron of the Mangatainoka Club. The name' of Mr. F. Ward, advisory president, Mangatainoka Y.F.C., was coupled with the toast. In rising to reply, Mr. Ward was greeted with a hearty round of applause, indicating his popularity among the farming community. He added his praise to that of previous speakers for the Y.F.C. organisation. The arrangements for the dinner were undertaken and carried out by the Mangatainoka Club, and strong support was given by adjacent clubs to this most successful and interesting function.

Wanganui District Junior Debating Competition

A. R. DINGWALL,

Instructor in Agriculture, Wanganui.

A CONTEST in the Junior Section of the District Debating Competition was held in St. Andrew’s'Hall, Marton, on the evening of Thursday, October 9, the teams competing being representatives of the Bulls and Mangaweka Young Farmers’ Clubs. The District Secretary presided, and Mr. S. G. Laurenson, Marton, acted as adjudicator, and Mr. S. G. V. Avery as timekeeper. The teams were as follows: — Bulls.W. Bowen (leader), and W. Anderson- and P. Anderson. Mangaweka.—J. Murphy (leader), and D. Murphy and N. Weston. The subject for debate was: “That the Young Farmer of Today has Greater Opportunities than his Grandfather.” The Mangaweka team took the affirmative. The chairman, in opening the meeting, extended a welcome to members of teams and their supporters, and intimated that the present function was the first of the activities arranged by rhe District Committee for junior competition only. He pointed out that the District Committee had recently given serious consideration to the need of catering for and fostering, the interests of the younger members of Y.F. clubs, more, especially at the present time, when the maintenance of club membership largely depended upon the support, given by' and the enthusiasm of the younger members. ■, - Credit to Juniors Die debate was opened strongly and confidently by the leader of the affirmative, and his opening address replied to as confidently by the leader of the negative. Thereafter it was soon apparent that, contrary to what might have been expected, in view of the difficulty experienced by most clubs in getting junior members to participate in activities that involve speaking before an audience, the juniors were not lacking in confidence, and were out to acquit themselves in no uncertain manner. Poor old grandfather must have been subjected to a pretty tough and unenviable time in the “good old days,” according to the convincing arguments put forward by the affirmative speakers, and his opportunities appeared to have been conspicuous by their absence.

However, those speakers in support of the negative of the subject were quick to his aid in pointing out the delinquencies of these modern times in comparison with those of a generation or so ago, and in stoutly maintaining

that the rosy picture of modern opportunities as portrayed by the opposition , was not all .that it might have been in comparison with those of earlier times. In fact, it would almost seem that grandad must have had a particularly care-free and prosperous, if not exactly hectic, time with his firestick by which he set his little world

alight, and. by his freedom from all the cares and woes that have followed in the train of ■ so-called amenities of modern life. Further, in vindication of grandfather’s honour, it was adroitly pointed out by one speaker for the negative that “forty” rhymes - more aptly than “ninety” with “naughty.”

■i However, despite all that the advocates of grandfather’s time had to say, the supporters of the present era and its opportunities were not to be outdone, and they proved sufficiently convincing, to carry off the honours of a very closely contested and interesting debate by the narrow margin of two points. The judge’s final summing up accorded a win to the affirmative (Mangaweka team) by 326 points to the 324 points scored by its opponents (Bulls team). -■ / ■ ■ ,"f ■ '■ ■ < ■ w/'X ■ Judge’s Comments In his very constructive comments and criticism of the debate given after the announcement of the results, Mr. Laurenson . congratulated both teams on their manner of debating, and expressed pleasure in finding that the juniors had evidenced a good deal more confidence than had been expected. Both teams had made a good all-round approach to the subject, and had shown equally good teamwork throughout. There had been a little hesitancy on the part of one or two speakers, and both leaders had failed to pay sufficient attention to the point of adequately summarising, the arguments in favour of their respective sides of the debate' when making their closing addresses, though their criticisms of opponents’ arguments had been quite good. The judge concluded by giving some useful guidance on some of the finer points of debating. The chairman congratulated the members of both teams upon the confident, able, and interesting manner -in which they participated in the evening’s event, and expressed the opinion that the standard of debating shown was little, if at all, below that of the recently-held Senior Section finals, on which occasion the judges concerned had both commented most favourably upon the standard shown. On behalf of the .District Committee and the teams and other Y.F. club members present, he conveyed thanks

to Mr. Laurenson for his very muchappreciated assistance in acting as adjudicator and for the very able and constructive criticism given in his summing up of the evening’s event. Thanks were also conveyed to Mr. S. G. V. Avery for his assistance as timekeeper. Cup Presented In presenting to . Mr. J. Murphy, leader of the Mangaweka team, the cup trophy, kindly donated by Mr. J. Bartosh, Taihape, the chairman con-

gr&tulated the team upon its success. Mr. Murphy, in reply, thanked the chairman for his comments and congratulated the Bulls team for the very strong opposition which it had afforded, and thanked its members for the very friendly spirit in which they had conducted their side of the debate. He also expressed thanks to Mr. Laurenson for his very informative summary of the debate. Mr. W. Bowen, leader of the Bulls team, added his team’s congratulations

to the Mangaweka team on its win and the friendly and interesting manner in which it had contested the evening’s debate, and wished the team further success in the future. He also thanked the judge for his summary and constructive criticism of the contest. Mr. P. J. Murphy, Senior, of Mangaweka,' also congratulated the Bulls team upon the very stout effort made, and endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks in praise of Mr. Laurenson’s able adjudication of the contest.

Canterbury Council Stock Judging Competition

THE Canterbury Council Stock judging Competition took place at Winchester recently, and was well supported, seventy-seven members from various clubs throughout Canterbury taking part. Judging was car-, ried out in six classes:Romneys, Southdown and Corriedale sheep, Ayrshire cattle, beef cattle, and pigs. . At the conclusion of the judging interesting talks were given by Professors E. R. Hudson and C. P. McMeekin, of Lincoln College, dealing with the breeding and care of stock. Messrs. Mcßride Bros., of Winchester, addressed members on Shorthorn cattle and the qualities desirable in this breed. The results of the judging were as follow: 1 Romneys.—J. Tait (Hinds), 1; G. D. Crossman (Milford), 2; H. Bennett (Ashburton), 3.

Southdowns. G. H. Worner (Geraldine), 1; S. F. Jackson (Pleasant Point), 2; R. M. Fechney (Darfield), 3. Corriedales.N. E. Palmer (Milford) and E. J. Crossman (Milford) (equal), 1; G. D. Tait (Hinds) and N. Reid (equal), 3. Ayrshires. E. Palmer (Milford), 1; L. P. McLaughlan (Darfield), 2; M. Crawford (Cannington), 3. Pigs.J. Tait (Hinds), 1; G. D. Tait (Hinds), 2; P. Temple (Geraldine), 3. Beef Cattle. J. Crossman (Milford), 1; G. D. Crossman (Milford), 2; N. E. Palmer (Milford), 3. Aggregate Points. J. Crossman (Milford), 744 points, 1; N. E. Palmer (Milford) and G. D. Tait (Hinds), 727 points, 2. The awards were announced by Mr. A. Talbot, chairman of the Canter-

bury Council,' and also : chairman of the South Canterbury District Committee, which body was responsible for the general arrangements and successful carrying out of the activity. Much of the success of the undertaking . can be ascribed to the District Secretary, Mr. C. C. Leitch, and to the work of a committee comprising members of the Milford, Geraldine, and Pleasant Point Clubs. Stock for judging was kindly provided by Messrs. A. Bisdee, T. Lyon, T. McGregor, S. Muff, H. Palmer, and the Mcßride Bros. Catering was carried out by members of the Winchester Sub-Centre of the Red Cross Society, under the direction of the president, Mrs. StoneWigg, and resulted in a very satisfactory sum being raised for local Red Cross funds.

Plantations for Farm Shelter

(Compiled by the Cardiff Young Farmers’ Club.)

PLANTATIONS on a farm are extremely valuable as shelter and timber, and they are necessary for the adequate protection of stock and pastures. The ill-effects of bold winds in the early spring are greatly offset by shelter, while the saving of soil moisture in the drier districts is considerable. Well-sheltered stock require less food for body maintenance, and hence are able to produce more from the available , feed, while for lambing ewes shelter is almost a necessity. In warm weather, shade is a valuable adjunct to successful farming. Cows milk better, lambs reach maturity earlier, and pigs thrive well when ample shade is provided. The cost of posts and battens is rising, and an ample supply can be grown in waste corners of the farm,

or suitable varieties may be , incorporated in the windbreaks for future use. The smaller limbs have a value as firewood, a decreasing commodity. Adequate planting improves the appearance of a farm and its value. In Central Taranaki, especially, where cold mountain winds alternate with hot sunny days, every farmer should plant shade, shelter, and timber plantations. . ■

Varieties to Plant

No hard and fast rule can be laid down about the varieties of trees to plant for shelter. . A farmer should decide upon a plan for planting, and find out which trees are suitable for. his purpose, either by observing the varieties which do well in his district or by consulting any good nursery-

man or the Department of - Agriculture’s fields officer, who will be glad to give advice. Climate, elevation, soil conditions, prevailing winds, and distance from the coast must all be considered, and a type of tree should .be bought suitable for the object, such as - windbreaks, or hedges, or -timber • production. For example, in Taranaki for subdivision hedges African boxthorn makes a good hedge in coastal regions, and barberry (either common or seedless) further inland. Boxthorn grows rapidly, and makes a strong, thorny, stockproof fence, resistant to salt winds. It must be kept well trimmed, however, or it will spread rapidly, . and care must be taken to burn all trimmings so as not to injure the feet of cattle.

For small ornamental hedges around the homestead, escallonia and eleagnus are excellent if kept trimmed, but i stock must be kept away from these varieties or the hedges will be eaten. Lawsoniana is probably the best hedge plant for Central Taranaki conditions, but unfortunately, it requires double fencing, and this considerably increases the cost of establishment and maintenance, whereas the other ; varieties mentioned (boxthorn and barberry) actually protect and lengthen the life of a fence. Lawsoniana may also be used in a windbreak with rows of macrocarpa and pines to the windward. Some farmers prefer to use one or more of the eucalypts (macarthuri or eugenioides) instead of pinus insignis; later on. they use the timber for posts and firewood. Windbreaks For windbreaks, a single row planting cannot be recommended, as this type of shelter opens up at ground level and causes draughts. An authority has quoted the following as a firstclass belt to arrest bad winds: Two rows of pinus muricata planted 4 ft. apart each way on the windward side; two rows of pinus radiata, 6 ft. apart each way; one inner row of Cupressus Lawsoniana or Cupressus Benthami, according to soil, planted 12 ft. from the radiata and 3 ft. apart in the row, and kept trimmed. The pinus radiata, being of quickest growth, soon reaches a fair height, and. should be topped at 20 ft. Attention should be given to ' topping every second year thereafter. For coastal districts subject to salt spray, one or two rows of pinus pinaster should be added to the seaward side. In districts not affected with salt sprays, a cheaper and quite effective, windbreak may be obtained by planting a row of macrocarpa with a hedge of barberry 15 ft. away on the eastern side, but it is. necessary to trim the macrocapra branches so that they do not shade the barberry; otherwise it will become thin and weak, and useless as a draught-arrester. In very wet situations the Lombardy poplar can be used to make an effective windbreak. Plant four rows, allowing 4 ft. between the rows and 4 ft. between the plants or cuttings. When the trees have attained a height

of 15 ft. cut down one of the outside rows, and the following year, cut down the other outside row. If this is done in the early spring, a dense undergrowth will result during the follow-

ing summer, and thus provide an impenetrable wind barrier. The poplar may also be grown in semi-dry areas with a deep, loose soil. • v (To be continued.)

New Club Formed ANEW club has been formed in the Te Kuiti district, and will be known as the Paewhenua Young Farmers’ Club. The club officials are as follow: —Advisory president, Mr. P. D. Crowley; chairman, C. D. Dean; deputy chairman, W. Mexted; secretary, W. N. Oakden; treasurer, W. Dean. Much of the credit for . the

formation of this club is due to the energy and enthusiasm of members of the Otorohanga Club, members of which attended the initial meeting. The Paewhen.ua Club is starting off in a modest way with ten members, but with the support of the Otorohanga Club and the assistance of local farmers and others interested, it is expected that the new club will be able to do good work even in these

difficult times. It is certain that Y.F.C. members throughout the Dominion will wish the new club every success. ■ . / . \ ' ♦ ♦ FOUND. 1 After the inter-district debate at Ashburton: 1 fountain pen. Owner may obtain same by applying to Mr. S. Watson, Hon. Secretary, Ashburton Y.F.C., Wakanui, Ashburton.

Among the Clubs : Reports on Activities

EASTERN SOUTHLAND. Five Rivers.— Talk by Mr. T. Elder, Inspector of Stock, entitled “The Stock Act Explained.” - Otama.— Talk by Mr. A. Dickie on “The Winter Feeding of Stock when the Root Crop is a Failure.” ■ SOUTH OTAGO. Clinton. Mr. J. G. Richards, Department 1 of Agriculture, addressed the meeting on the Y.F.C. Experimental Scheme; two members undertook to carry out trials. Clutha Valley.— lmpromptu speeches by club members. ' ■ ■ ■ Lawrence. — exhibited by Mr. J. G. Richards, Department of Agriculture, including “The Blitz of London” and “The Linen Flax Industry.” ' Warepa.— Talk by Mr. W. F. Ashman, a club member, on “First Aid to the Unconscious.” The speaker dealt with various types of unconsciousness and the suitable remedies. CENTRAL OTAGO. Upper Clutha.—Field day on the A. and P. Showgrounds. Stock were judged and demonstrations given as follows: — (Mr. .. W. Scaife), hoggets (Mr. J. Morrow), Southdown ram (Mr. T. Lynch), Shorthorn bull (Mr. W. Studholme), and seeds (Mr. G. G. Calder). DUNEDIN. West Taieri.— C. Cameron and J, Anderson addressed the meeting on “Angling” ; the speakers described ■ the different kinds of rods and reels, and the numerous varieties of bait and tackle. , NORTH OTAGO. Enfield.— Talks by all members present on selected . subjects. SOUTH CANTERBURY. Arno. Address by Rev. A. H. Acheson, “Farm, Factory, and New Zealand’s Future.” At the previous/meeting a talk on “Road Regulations” was given by Traffic Inspector D. McKay. : ' Geraldine.— Business in connection with stockjudging competitions to be held shortly. Short talks on farm topics by members present. Milford. Business relative to stock-judging competition. Lecture on '“Pruning and Spraying”, by Mr. A. Ward, Department of Agriculture. . ,'■' ' ' . MID-CANTERBURY. Ashburton.— Report ,by, R. Copland of the recent annual general meeting of the Federation at Hamilton. Report on the District , Committee meeting by S. Watson. Interesting talk by L. Driscoll, illustrating the value of irrigation on his farm; mangolds, ■in particular, were three to four times as large as those not irrigated. Short impromptu speeches by S. Watson (“Preparation of the Wool Clip”), B. Lambie (“Linen Flax in Belgium”), and I. Watson (“Flax”).

Hinds.— lmpromptu speeches by , members to be given at the next meeting, to decide the holder, of the cup donated by Mr. B. J. Simmons. The sum of - £25 raised by the club for patriotic purposes. Report by Mr. H. L. Chisnail, advisory president, on the recent annual general meeting at Hamilton. Methven.— Team selected and other arrangements made in connection with the Canterbury Council’s stock judging competitions at Winchester. Presentation to G. Macale, a member recently married. Talk : by Mr. H. Garrett on “The Work of Lincoln College,” illustrated by films depicting activities at ■ the college. z CHRISTCHURCH. Ellesmere. Short talk by the local Post-, master on “National Savings.” Lecture on “Sheep Dips” by Mr. Bruce McLeod, of Lincoln College. Springston.— evening. NORTH CANTERBURY. .. Amuri.- — Deputy chairman ■ elected for remainder of year. Arrangements for next meeting. , Short talks by. club members. Oust. Amount of £6 donated to Red Cross Society. ' A ping-pong tournament was held. Scargill-Omihi.— Films exhibited by Dr. C. P. McMeekan dealing with Great Britain, Europe, and South America. There was a good attendance, 20 members being present (out of a membership of 27) together with 12 members 'of the Farmers’ Union. MARLBOROUGH. Blenheim.— Letter of sympathy to be- sent to G. Millard on the death , of his mother. Discussion re debate with Seddon Club. Address by Captain Noble Campbell; the speaker reviewed the Royal Air Force of the last World War, and dealt with trials and experiments leading up to the growth of various .types of aircraft. Flaxbourne. Films depicting “Farm Machinery” exhibited by Mr. G. G. Cuddon. At the previous meeting an address on “Ante Partum Paralysis and Bearing Trouble in Ewes” was given by Mr. G. D. Shand, Inspector of Stock. — Recent activities'included a social evening, and meetings at which addresses were given as follows: —“Cable and Telephone System” (Mr. G. Gamble) ; “Linen Flax” (Messrs. Buick and D. R. Wilkie) ; "How to Conduct a Meeting” (Mr. Lochart) ; “Petrol Engines” (Mr. R. Stretch) ; “Wool, Preparation for Markets, etc.” (Mr. Holdsworth) ; an exhibition of films was given at the last meeting by Mr. G. Cuddon. ' . ■ ; NELSON. ■ Moutere.— Three members to act' as junior stewards at' : Motueka A. and • P. .Show: G. . Kemp . (Jersey cows) ; T. Beuke (sheep) ;- and J. Drummond (pigs). New member _ elected. Debate with • the Dovedale Club, the .subject being “That : Farmyard Manures are Superior to Artificial . Manures.” The Dovedale team, led by- W. Kenyon, took the affirmative, the Moutere team being led by C. Heine. ; Mr.

Dowd acted as adjudicator, and gave his decision in favour of the affirmative. MANAWATU. , — Appointment of a ' new committee member in place of P. Galyer, who has gone overseas. Arrangements for a field day and the laying down of experimental plots. Talk by Mr. G. Watkins on “Flavours and Grading of Cream.” ■ Feilding. Reports of meetings in connection with forthcoming Y.F.C. Show. Raffle in . aid of club finance and activities, realised £2O; the dinner set was won by R. Beazer. Lecture by Mr. A. M. Lascelles on “America.” Rongotea. New, member elected. Letter read from member overseas.. Invitation received for two members to attend the W.D.F.U. birthday anniversary. Delegates to be sent to Feeding Y.F.C. Show Committee meeting. Next club meeting to be a Parents’ and Friends' Evening. Mr. L. H. . Yarrall, Rongotea, gave an interesting talk on his personal experiences and observations while resident in North America, using a large-scale map: he also dealt with Y.F.C. activities there since the inception of the organisation in 1914. — Delegates elected to attend the Feilding,Y.F.C. Show Committee and the Feilding A. and P. Committee meetings. Arrangements for, next meeting. Lecture by Mr. J. Stewart on “Trees for Timber and Shelter Purposes”; the speaker dealt with the raising of trees from seed, methods of establishing and plantation and the - types of trees suited to the district. > ' ' - Whakarongo.—W. Berry, a member overseas, reported missing; decided to send him a parcel' if he is later reported a prisoner of .war. Mr. r G. Cameron (Reid and Gray, Ltd.) exhibited films dealing with “Farm Machinery.” WANGANUI. Mangaweka.— -General business and junior debating practice. - . - ’ NORTH TARANAKI. Mangorei.— Arrangements for next meeting. Club , debate, “Cheese and Butter”; this was evenly contested and resulted in a draw. . SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. Woodville. Debating team selected, consisting of A.'. Campton, A. Arrow, J. Christian, and A. Curry. Lecture by Mr. Blatchford on (‘Sheep Control.” CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY. Onga Onga.— -Ten members ' journeyed to, Takapau to attend a combined meeting of Y.F.C. and Farmers’ Union members, at which Mr. J. W. Palmer, District Secretary, exhibitedsome interesting sound films on. various subjects. including the “Growing of Linen Flax.” ’ POVERTY BAY. ' Gisborne.— Selection, of stewards for forthcoming shearing competition. Arrangements for dance. Eight new members elected. Talk by

Mr. G. F. Barnwell on. "The Dutch East Indies.” - ■ ' ' . '■. ' ’ TE KUITI. Mokauiti.— General business. Short talks by all members present. WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY. Paengaroa. General business. Short talks by seven junior members; part of a series of talks to be given by all members, in a contest for a trophy presented by Mr. Cawte for the most improved speaker in the club. At tire previous meeting arrangement was made for the annual dance, and also for the first debate between Eastern and Western Bay of Plenty teams. A lantern lecture was given by Mr. A. V. Allo. Department of Agriculture, on "Ensilage and its Benefits as a Winter Feed for Livestock.” Te Puke. — Practice debate for final of Bay of Plenty debating contest. The Te Puke team were later successful in this contest against a team from the Waimana Club, the team being P. Nichol, L. Ashe, D. Galdwell; the Dominion President, Mr. D. S. Ross, presented the shield to the winning team. Te Puna.— Travel talk by Mr. Nottage, dealing with voyages to the Cook Islands. At the previous meeting arrangements were made to join with the Women's Auxiliary in running a dance for patriotic purposes. Members each brought a written question dealing with some farming matter; keen discussion resulted. EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY. Edgecumbe.— Arrangements for presentation to Mr. C. R. Taylor, District Secretary, who 'is being transferred to Rotorua. Impromptu speeches by all members present; subjects drawn from hat. AUCKLAND. Harrisville.— of new members. Talk by Mr. W. E. Longath on “Farming Experience and Impressions in U.S.A.” At the previous meeting a report was given on a recent card party, which showed a profit of £3 13s 6d. Discussion on field day. Talk by Mr. Patterson on “Soil Erosion and Manure Distribution”; general. discussion followed. Hunua.— -Talk by Mr. I. Sexton on “Amateur Radio Transmission.” Mauku. — Report on dance, profits amounting to £ll to be handed to Red Cross Society. Donation' of £1 Is to Mauku School Calf Club. Talk by Mr. A. Jenkins on “Udder Complaints and Remedies.” WAIKATO. Kakepuku.— of new members. Arrangements for annual dance. Cup donated by Mr. T. Rushbrooke for calf-rearing competition. Address by Mr. G. Melrose, Inspector of . Stock, on “Stock Ailments.” Te Awamutu.— between three club members and three young ladies, the subject being “That it is not .in the best Interests 1 of the Community for Women to enter Social or Political Life.” The ladies won the debate by a comfortable margin. Dance held to welcome home two club members returned from -overseas, Cyril Eyre and Les Lawry. A field day was held on Mr. C. Bones’ farm at Kaipaki. Mr. Bones gave a demonstration of artificial insemination; he pointed out that its greatest value was that up to 1,000 picked cows . could be fertilised by one proven sire in' a season. Members also inspected Mr. Bones’ modern piggery. WARKWORTH. Kaukapakapa.—- Five new members enrolled. Exhibition of sound films by Mr. J. M. Smith, Department pf Agriculture. A field day was held on the property of Messrs. Berr Bros.; demonstrations, and addresses included “Pampas Grass Species” (Mr. P. S. Syme, Department of Agriculture), “Shelter and Laying Down of Pasture” (Mr. ,T. Berr), and “Sheep-shearing and Skirting of Wool” (Mr. J. Berr).

Roh of Honour It is intended to compile a Y.F.C. Roll of Honour, to be published in the “Journal of Agriculture,” commencing with the December issue, with additions appearing at regular intervals. It is desirable that the Roll should be a complete record, as far as possible, and to that end Club Secretaries are requested to send in at an early date particulars relating to members who are already serving overseas, or are in active training for any of the fighting services. Details and particulars should be given as fully as possible; Regimental Number, Rank, Division, Unit, etc. Should be included. It should also be stated if a member has been “killed in action,” “wounded,” died of wounds,” or is a “prisoner of war,” or “missing.” Any decorations or promotions should also be detailed. The fullest co-operation of clubs is solicited in the compiling’ of this Roll of Honour, and it would be appreciated if the information is sent to me as soon as possible. Further information should be forwarded from time to time as it is available. 5. FREEMAN. Organising Secretary.