YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 69, Issue 6, 15 December 1944, Page 602

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

Meeting of Dominion Executive Committee

A MEETING of the Dominion Executive Committee was held in the Farmers’ Union Rooms, Johnston Street, Wellington, on Friday, October 20. Those present included Messrs. T. E. Streeter (Dominion President), S. G. Avery (Dominion Vice-President), D. S. Ross (Immediate Past President), P. W. Smallfield (Director of the Fields Division, Department of Agriculture), J. M. Smith (Department of Agriculture), D. E. Waide (Auckland Council), M. Donald, J. L. Sunderland, A. D. Young (Wellington Council), J. Barclay, S. A. La Roche (Canterbury Council), W. A. Jacques (Massey College), A. P. O’Shea (N.Z. Farmers’ Union), and S. Freeman (Dominion Organising Secretary). Apologies were received from Messrs. C. H. Schwass (hon. treasurer), A. S. Trotter (chairman, Otago-Southland Council), F. S. Atcheson (chairman, Auckland Council), R. W. Wightman (chairman, Canterbury Council), G. Spratt (Auckland Council), B. J. Collerton (Wellington Council), I. Gibb (Canterbury Council) , W. King, E. Rabbidge, S. R. Whyte (Otago-Southland Council), and J. H. Bremner (N.Z. Farmers’ Union). The forthcoming Education Conference at Christchurch was discussed. The Vice-President, Mr. S. G. Avery, had been appointed as the federation’s delegate, and would be attending the conference the whole of the following week. It was apparent that he had given the matter a great deal of thought and study, and was well qualified to represent the federation. The sub-committee appointed at the annual general meeting had forwarded recommendations on rural education, and these had been incorporated in a pamphlet issued with the agenda of the conference. The recommendations were approved by the meeting, and confidence in Mr. Avery was expressed. The Hon. C. F. Skinner, Minister of Rehabilitation, had consented to address the meeting, but was unavoidably detained; Mr. E. L. Cullen, M.P., a member of the Rehabilitation Council, attended in his place, and gave some interesting facts and figures connected with rehabilitation. He outlined the complete set-up of the Rehabilitation Council, Board, and local committees, and at the conclusion of his address answered a number of questions.

Department's Full Support After lunch Mr. J. M. Smith (Department of Agriculture) apologised for Mr. P. W. Smallfield (Director of the Fields Division), who had been prevented from returning to the meeting. Mr. Smith, on behalf of Mr. Smallfield, assured the meeting that the Department was wholeheartedly behind the Young Farmers’ Clubs movement. During the war period, on account of staff shortages and other handicaps directly connected with the war effort, it had been extremely difficult for the Department’s instructors to give much support to individual clubs or to district committees. Quite a few instructors were overseas — or three in England— 33 had been engaged on special work —linen flax and Services Vegetable Production. The position was, however, much brighter, and with the gradual closing down of the vegetable projects, a number t of instructors were being released for normal duties. The staff was being built up, and there was also a cadet scheme in operation, all of which would mean that very shortly the Department would again be in a position

to extend its full assistance to the Y.F.C. movement. Referring to the “New Zealand Journal of Agriculture,” Mr. Smith said it was the Department’s intention to make the “Journal” an even more valuable farming periodical, and constructive criticism and suggestions for the improvement of the Y.F.C. section would be welcomed. He expressed his pleasure at being able to attend the meeting and to be once more associated with the Y.F.C. movement.

The President thanked Mr. Smith, and asked him to convey the federation’s appreciation to Mr. Smallfield for the Department’s help in the past and the promise of further assistance in the future. He felt sure that the Y.F.C. movement, with the improved outlook and the help of all those associated with it, would from now on forge ahead. The President expressed regret that there was not a better attendance — unfortunately a number of South Island delegates had been unable to secure accommodation on the ferry, which accounted for there being no representation from Otago-Southland. He was glad, however, to see good representation from other councils. He referred to his recent visits, since the annual general meeting, to Invercargill and the Bay of Plenty; he had attended a meeting of the OtagoSouthland Council at Invercargill, followed by a field day and a debate at night, and at Tauranga he had taken part in a meeting of the Auckland Council and attended a combined club

meeting and also a debate at Paengaroa. He was impressed by the very evident enthusiasm displayed in both of these centres. Since the annual general meeting in July a further 18 clubs had been added to the total mostly clubs revived, and some newly formed. Considering that we were still at war, this was certainly an achievement, and a good sign for future progress.

Reports were received from the various sub-committees dealing with the Y.F.C. memorial, cultural and aesthetic values, rehabilitation, and increased production. The last-named occasioned considerable discussion, and finally a policy was evolved from the recommendations submitted from both islands. This will be published in circular form and forwarded to all units of the organisation.

The meeting was addressed by Mr. Smithell, Superintendent of Physical Education, Education Department, on the County Badge Scheme. A remit had been forwarded by the Canterbury Council urging the adoption of some such scheme among Y.F.C. members in New Zealand. Mr. Smithell outlined the scheme in operation in England. It was decided that no action in the matter would be taken until the scheme had been submitted to the four councils for their comments and recommendations. A remit from the Canterbury Council, dealing with the urgency of the problem relating to the spread of nasella tussock, was discussed; on . the information that steps were being taken for the eradication of the pest, the remit was carried pro forma. Other remits, in connection with Y.F.C. scholarships and the inter-changing of representatives of clubs during the slack period, were carried. Post-war Goal The Organising Secretary said there was a very definite improvement in the position of the movement throughout the Dominion, and a number of clubs had been already revived, besides new ones formed. The outlook for the coming year looked very bright; he urged that all units undertake a campaign in the autumn for the re-establishment of the movement on its pre-war basis. With increased assistance from the Department of Agriculture, and the return of many members from overseas, together with ■the younger generation growing up in the rural community, he was confident that much could be done. He set the post-war goal at 25,000 members in 800 clubs, and considered that this was by no . means impossible within the next few years. Many districts had hardly been touched before the war, so far as thorough organisation was concern-

ed; the field was there, and it was waiting to be exploited. In connection with the Y.F.C. section of the “Journal,” he urged that clubs and district committees should send in regular reports of their activities, which were not only of value to other units, but were, in themselves excellent propaganda. He deplored the fact that with over 90 clubs at present active and holding regular meetings, he was receiving reports monthly from barely one-third. Policy was discussed at length, and it was resolved that every effort should

be made to revive clubs in recess and to establish new ones. In connection with the “Journal of Agriculture” it was decided to ask the councils to set up -committees to consider ways and means to improve the Y.F.C. section and to bring down recommendations at the next meeting of the Executive Committee. It was considered that, with the increasing volume of business, the usual one day of the annual general meeting did not allow sufficient time for complete discussion, and it was decided to place the matter on the agenda for the next meeting.

Y.F.C. Policy to Aid Food Production

'T'HE following points were decided upon at the recent meeting of the Y.F.C. Dominion Executive Committee: — 1. The Y.F.C. Federation, realising the . urgent need for increased production of foodstuffs to maintain the . existing scale of rationing in Great Britain, and to assist in feeding the starving populations of liberated countries, appeals to all units of its organisation to consider ways and means whereby practical assistance can be rendered. 2. All units of the federation should frame their policy to provide every assistance to Y.F.C. members to increase primary production. To that end the following recommendations are made: (a) That all members endeavour to develop their unit, to enable it to carry out to the fullest extent the aims and objects of the Y.F.C. movement. (b) That all clubs endeavour to hold regular meetings, at which lectures, instruction, and discussion can be arranged with a direct bearing on increased production. (c) That every consideration be given to the holding of field days with a view to providing practical instruction on subjects relative to production. (d) That all district committees and councils conduct a survey of available talent in the way of lecturers and demonstrators in their respective areas, and advise the various units to'which such lecturers, etc., are available. (e) That all district committees give consideration to the fostering of inter-club competitions and field days to the fullest extent that prevailing conditions will permit. (f) That all members make every possible effort to avail themselves of

the facilities afforded by the Y.F.C. to expand their knowledge, in order that they may improve their farming practice and increase production generally. A close study of the material in the monthly issues of the “Journal of Agriculture” is strongly recommended; members should also take the fullest advantage of the services offered by the Department. 3. In order that the recommendations embodied in (2) may be implemented, councils should undertake a survey of the units within their areas, with the idea of improving the link between clubs, district committees, and councils, and to obtain more complete representation at meetings. 4. That councils investigate the financial position of each of its district committees, and endeavour to ensure that they are not curbed in any activity they may-wish to undertake, such-as field days, organised lecture tours, competitions, etc.; and that councils consider the expenditure, if necessary, of funds in order to promote activities having a direct bearing on increased production, such as the sponsoring of series of instructive talks over the radioin the form of a Y.F.C. session if possibleand the payment of travelling expenses of lecturers and demonstrators to various centres when necessary.

Western Southland Field Day and Debates

rpHE annual combined field day of the Western Southland . District Young Farmers’ Club was held recently, when an interesting and instructive programme was carried out for the benefit of a large party of club members. The first visit was to the city gasworks, and this was followed by inspections of a city pumping station,

a concrete products works, the carpentry and engineering workshops of the Southland Technical College, and the factory of the Disabled Soldiers’ Products. At this stage the party was given afternoon tea in the U.F.S. Hall, and then a short series of educational films was shown by the courtesy of the Automobile Association of Southland. As a meeting of the Otago-Southland Y.F.C. Council was held during the morning the size of the party was considerably larger in the afternoon. In the evening the annual inter-club debates were held, and it was generally conceded that the debating was better and brighter than at any of the previous annual fixtures. Four teams, from the Wyndham, Woodlands, Orepuki, and Technical College Clubs, entered the contest, and the high light of the evening was the splendid performance of the youthful members of the college club. The judge, Mr. J. C. Prain, awarded the winning points to the Southland Technical College team, and congratulated them on their performance. This club will now hold for the ensuing year the cup presented by the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union.

Obituary

Mr. H. J. Lancaster THE death was announced recently of Mr. H. J. Lancaster, Glen Oroua, aged 67. Mr. Lancaster was well known in Jersey cattle circles as one of New Zealand’s most prominent stud breeders. He was for a number of years an accredited classifier of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association, and carried out some fine work throughout the Dominion in that connection. Up to the time of his death Mr. Lancaster took an active part in the Y.F.C. movement, and contributed considerably to the progress of the organisation, both in his own district and throughout the Wellington Council area. In addition to being Advisory President of the Rongotea Y.F.C., one of the pioneer clubs in the Manawatu, from its formation in 1935, he was also a member of the Wellington Y.F.C. Council since its inception in 1938, and attended various Dominion Executive Committee and annual general meetings of the federation over a number of years. He was most unselfish in his assistance to all units of the Y.F.C. organisation, travelling long distances on many occasions to demonstrate and judge at club and district field days, and his kindness and hospitality to visiting members was well known. The Rongotea Club has lost a leader and a friend, who will be sadly missed by the Y.F.C. movement generally. On behalf of all Y.F.C. members we extend the most heartfelt sympathy to his relatives.

Wanganui District Debating Contest

(By Malcolm F. Gray, Hon. Secretary, Marton Y.F.C.) A LTHOUGH rather late in the season, it was decided by the Wanganui District Committee, which met in Mangaweka early in July, to hold the contest this year in both senior and junior sections; it was last held three years ago. Because of travelling difficulties the district was divided into two zones, the northern comprising the Taihape, Taihape D.H.S., and Mangaweka Clubs, and the southern the Marton, Bulls, and Onakea Clubs. In the northern zone Mangaweka was the only club to enter a team senior one— so they did no debating until the final. The position was very different down in the south; Bulls entered two senior and two junior teams and Marton two senior and one junior. Ohakea were unable to raise a team, and at the last minute Bulls had to withdraw one of their junior teams. The standard of debating was high all through the contest, and congratulations go to the Marton senior A team in winning the senior trophy for their club and to the Bulls juniors for winning the junior trophy. The first round was run in two sections, the first being- held in Clifton Hall, Bulls, on Wednesday evening, August 23. The subject, which was the same for the whole of the first round, was: “That the Practical Farmer Has Contributed More Towards the Advancement of Agriculture than Has the Scientist.” For the senior A division, Marton (M. F. Gray, H. R. Miller, and K. G. Coles) opposed the motion and had a comfortable win over Bulls (S. G. Avery, C. Palmer, and C. Mullin). H. R. Miller was adjudged the best speaker, and S. G. Avery was particularly praised for his criticism in his reply, which “tore the negative to pieces.” After supper had been served the junior. contest was held. Marton (G. E. Gordon, A. I. Morrison, and A. L. Vile) supported the motion, and were narrowly defeated by Bulls (F. Jurgens, K. Stewart, and D. Mitchell). Mr. A. D. Young was chairman and timekeeper, and Mr. K. W. Dalrymple the adjudicator. The second section ,was held in the Marton Jockey Club’s rooms on Wednesday, August 30, when the senior B teams from both clubs met. Bulls (R. I. Jamieson, F. Thorby, and H. Clark) opposed the motion and defeated Marton (G. R. Gower, K. H. Smith, and G. O. Mayer) by the narrow margin of 31 points. The teams were never slow

to support their contentions and many spirited arguments developed, which caused no little amusement to the rest of the meeting. Mr. K. G. Coles was chairman and timekeeper and the adjudicator, Mr. K. A. Williams, judged R. I. Jamieson and F. Thorby the best speakers. His criticism of the speakers and advice on debating generally were very much. appreciated. Supper was arranged by the Marton Club. All the teams in this round, with the possible exception of the Bulls juniors, found that the subject was one where it -was very easy to find too much to say in the time allotted. This is quite understandable, for agricultural research covers a very wide field and many aspects of it were brought up. The second round, which was the final in the southern zone and the semi-final for the district, was held in Clifton Hall, Bulls, on Wednesday, September 20. The subject was “That Straight-out Grassland Farming is More Economic than Grassland Farming Supplemented with Cropping.” Marton Senior A (M. F. Gray, K. G. Coles, and H. R. Miller) again drew the negative and defeated Bulls senior B (R. I. Jamieson, H. Clark, and F. Thorby); the points were: Marton 279, Bulls 265. Here again speakers were troubled with too much to say and not sufficient time .in which to say it. After a comparatively tame start interjections flowed freely towards the finish, and considerable laughter showed the friendly spirit of rivalry which existed. Mr. P. Anderson was in the chair and Mr. S. G. Avery timekeeper. Mr. F. T. Harper adjudged F. Thorby the best speaker, and after he had announced his decision and criticised the speakers, he gave a very good summary of the subject as well as many suggestions to the Bulls team on how they might have handled the subject with considerable advantage. Supper provided by the Bulls Club brought a most enjoyable evening to a close. The final was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, Marton, on Friday, October 27, between Marton and Mangaweka. The subject on this occasion was one which has probably not previously been debated in a Y.F.C. contest—“ That Environment is of Greater Importance to the Individual Animal than is Heredity.” For the first time in the contest the Marton team drew the affirmative, and, after a very good debate in which there was little to choose between the teams, won by the margin of 23 points. Marton (M. F. Gray, H. R. Miller, and K. G. Coles) scored 290 points out of a possible 400, and Mangaweka (P. Green, J. R. Dalrymple, and N. Weston) 267. In spite of the

highly ■Controversial nature of the subject, interjections were not frequent, due possibly to the fact that the speakers were not altogether sure of the ground on which they were treading. Many interesting points were raised by both sides, and at the conclusion the general opinion was that feeding and breeding go hand in hand; you cannot have one without the other. Mr. A. C. Birch was chairman and Mr. F. T. Harper timekeeper. Mr, K. A. Williams was the judge and congratulated M. F. Gray on his closing speech, which practically won the debate, for until the summaries only 11 points separated the teams. Marton thus got some of their own back after their “slathering” at the hands of S. G. Avery in the first round. Supper, served by the Marton Club, concluded an enjoyable and enlightening evening. The subjects have been most instructive and the teams concerned have all learnt more about various aspects of farming than they knew before, and for this reason, if for no other, such debates deserve all the encouragement possible. The chief difficulty usually experienced is to make members sufficiently interested to take part; it is hoped that it will be possible to hold the contest each year in future, as was the case before the war. In that case debating should gain much wider publicity among club members in general.

Reports on Club Activities

WESTERN SOUTHLAND. . Dipton.— Business meeting. Arrangements made for operating of bank account. Accounts passed for payment- General discussion regarding the prices received by the farmer for his produce. Attendance of eight members out of a total of 16. ' Orepuki. Lectures at recent meetings included an address by Gunner G. Stuck on his “Experiences in the Pacific,” and a lecture by Mr. A. S. Helm, of Riverton, on “Insurance.” Attendances of 14 and 18 out of a total of 35. Southland Technical College.— Short prepared talks by club members as follows: —W. Hall (“Linnaeus”), J. Bennett (“Feeding and Rearing Calves”), F. Hamill (“Poisonous Plants on the Farm”), G. Cooney (“Arthritis in Lambs”), R. Sycamore (“Soldering”), D. Stronach (“Blue Lupin for Fattening Lambs”), C. Beker (“Development of Third-class Land in Southland”), K. Chalmers (“Breaking in Horses”). Sixty members present out of 78. Fifty-six members attended a field day consisting of a visit to Seaward Bush; during the day a short lecture on the botany of the bush was given by Mr. McKinnon. EASTERN SOUTHLAND. Five Rivers. — Two new members enrolled. Talks on the field days at Gore and Invercargill were given by D. Muir, R. W. Muir, and P. E. Muir. D. Muir also spoke on the Southland Technical College workshop. Eleven members present out of 23. SOUTH OTAGO. Warepa. Decided to procure a drum of weedkiller to use on the weeds in the Warepa cemetery. Memorial trees planted to commemorate two members killed on active service. Talk by Mr. S. Taylor on “The Maintenance of a Motor-car Engine.” Eighteen present out of 28. DUNEDIN. Mosgiel District High School.— Decided to hold a social. A social committee appointed consisting of L. Robertson, P. Jackson, E. Webb, and M. Pickering. P. Jackson was elected to the position of club secretary, which had become vacant. Discussion took place on the Lincoln College Old Students’' Association scholarship. A visit to the Mosgiel Woollen Mills to be arranged. Fourteen members present out of 17. West Taieri.— General business. Impromptu speeches by club members. Six present out of a total membership of 17. NORTH OTAGO. Enfield. — Welcome to W. Hellewell and J. Bullock, members returned from the Pacific area. The chairman wished the best of luck to the seven members who had been accepted for the Roxburgh Shearing School. Committee appointed to make arrangements for a picnic and dance on Boxing Day. A very interesting talk was given by Mr. W. Smedley on “Fallow and Red Deer”; the speaker, who had worked for two years as a Government” deer ' culler, dealt in detail with the whole growing life of the deer, and also described the correct methods of stalking deer. Eighteen members present out of 20. SOUTH CANTERBURY. Geraldine. One new member enrolled. Cricket matches to be held against Geraldine Cricket Club and also against the High School. Talk on “Sawmilling on the West Coast” by Mr. Z. O. Sherratt. Seventeen members present out of 36. MID-CANTERBURY. Ashburton District High School. Report given by the secretary on the recent meeting of

the Mid-Canterbury District Y.F.C. Committee. Interesting talk on “Diseases of Sheep,” by Mr. J. Gibson, Department of Agriculture.

Decided that at next meeting each member should give a five-minute talk on any subject of interest. Hinds. Report by secretary on the recent Mid-Canterbury District Committee. Arrangements made for members to attend the annual district inter-club stock-judging competition. Decided to hold another dance. Lecture on “Plant Genetics,” by Mr. G. K. McPherson, Department of Agriculture; he also gave a display of seeds under the microscope and answered many questions. Seventeen members present out of 20. Methven. — new member enrolled. Reports of the recent meetings of the MidCanterbury District Y.F.C. Committee and the Methven Farmers’ Union given respectively' by R. Wightman and A. McKay. Presentations to two members going overseas. Decided to invite someone to give a talk at the next meeting on “Pasture Judging.” A mock meeting was held during the evening, the club acting as the “Methven Beautifying Association,” with G. Limbrick as chairman and J. Dixon as secretary. A very interesting lecture was also given by Mr. M. C. Milne entitled “Farming in South Otago”; the speaker dealt very fully with his subject, and answered a number of questions. There were 12 members present out of a total of 70. NORTH CANTERBURY. Scargiil-Omihi.— Field day on Mr. D. S. McKenzie’s property, “Happy Valley.” Demonstrations were given on the black poll stud herd and the Romney stud flock by Messrs. C. and W. McKenzie respectively; both gentlemen later explained the Munro topdresser, and inspections were made of the machinery generally. Some time was also profitably spent in examining the pastures, and the lime works were visited. There was an attendance of 20 club members and approximately 30 older farmers and others interested. MARLBOROUGH. — Lincoln College Old Students’ scholarship discussed. Decided to hold a field day and shearing competition; committee appointed, as follows, to make full arrangements : N. Gee, M. Casey, K. Dysart, and H. Gluyas. Club dance to be held. Lecture by Mr. E. Reid on “Nasella Tussock”; the speaker exhibited pieces of the tussock, and

explained, among other things, that grubbing is the best method of eradication, burning having little effect, unless it is carried out every three weeks. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Reid by a very attentive audience. There was an attendance of 17 members out of 26, as well as 30 interested nonmembers. WAIRARAPA. Carterton. — letter expressing appreciation of the gifts forwarded by the club was received from H. Staples, a member overseas. Two returned members, B. Swinn and M. Knutson, related some of their experiences in the Pacific. Pinal arrangements for the < debate to be held against Masterton Y.F.C. ; teams selected : Senior, B. L. Brassell, P. Gates, and B. McKenzie; junior, D. Bassett, P. Fell, and J. Jones. M. Knutson, P. Swinn, and M. A. Fisher elected honorary members. B. Card appointed as club librarian. There was an attendance of 19 members. — Arrangements for the club’s annual ball. Member nominated for the Lincoln College Old Students’ scholarship. The evening was concluded in a very interesting manner, constructive criticism being given to both the senior and junior debating teams. There was an attendance of 33 out of a total of 70. MANAWATU. Bunnythorpe. to stage a section at the Women’s Institute Show ■ in February, and to invite members of the Whakarongo Club to take part; the following classes to be exhibited —Potatoes (Sutton’s Supreme), peas, marrows, carrots (Early Horn), parsnips, tomatoes, turnips, and beetroot (one variety of each). Prize money to be Bs. in each class; a special prize of ss. was donated by Messrs. J. Wood and T. Hyde for the Y.F.C. member gaining most points in the show. An attendance of six members. Pohangina Valley.— nominated for the Lincoln College Old Students’ scholarship. Mr. J. Linklater reported that the club’s gymnasium equipment had been destroyed by fire. Lecture by Mr. J. A. McDonell on the subject of “Bookkeeping.” Nineteen members present out of 22. Rongotea.— One new member enrolled. Final arrangements for dance. The members attended an address given by Mr. B. V. Cooksley on “The Farmers’ Federation.” Eighteen members present out of 23. At the previous meeting a social committee was set up, and Ron. Hill was nominated to . attend the district com-

mittee meeting. A lecture entitled “The Home Garden and Orchard” was given by Mr. A., J. Cederman, Department of Agriculture. Twenty members attended this meeting. Whakarongo.— lt was decided that members should write to fellow-members overseas, sending them Christmas greetings. Arrangements for the speaker for the next meeting. Address by Mr. J. Linklater on “The Conduct of Meetings” and “Parliamentary Procedure.” Nineteen members attended out of a total of 20. WANGANUI. Bulls.—A report on the recent meeting of the Wanganui district committee was given by the secretary, I. Jamieson, who also drew attention to the final of the district debating contest between Marton and Mangaweka Clubs, to be held at Marton; it was considered desirable that members should make an effort to be present. Discussion regarding the Lincoln College Old Students’ scholarship. A very interesting talk was given by Pilot Officer R. _ G. Dunford on his experiences abroad whilst serving with the R.N.Z.A.F. His travel talk included the Pacific Lslands, Canada, U.S.A., Scotland, and England, and operational duty with Bomber Command over occupied country. Twelve members present. — Report on annual —profit of £3 17s. Report on final of district debating contest; votes of thanks accorded to Messrs. C. Amadio, K. A. Williams, F. T. Harper, and G. McDonald for help given to debating teams. Decided to send Christmas parcels to all members serving overseas. Field day to be held early in January in order to select teams for stock-judging competition to be scheduled at the Marton A. and P. Show. Also decided to approach the Hunterville Club regarding the possibility of holding a sports meeting. Three new members enrolled. Address entitled “The Care and Maintenance of Farm Machinery” given by Mr. V. W. Fullerton-Smith, of Marton. Twenty-three members present out of 37. SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. Dannevirke. Discussion on Lincoln College Old Students’ scholarship. A. and P. Association to be asked to again include the Y.F.C. classes in its show schedule for February. The secretary, J. L. Sunderland, gave a short report on the recent meeting of the Wellington Council. Mr. L. Feierabend reported briefly on the activities of the Farmers’ Union gift stock committee. Short talk given by G. Crosse on “Sleeping Sickness in Sheep.” The next meeting to be the final of the short talks, and an outside judge to be present. Mr. R. J. MacDonald gave an interesting talk on “Sheep Dogs”; he outlined the breeding, rearing, training, feeding, and working of dogs. There was an attendance of 21 members. Mangatainoka. day to be arranged. Member nominated for the Lincoln College Old Students’ scholarship. One new member enrolled. A lecture on “Seeds and Grasses” was given by Mr. T. Richardson. Ten members attended out of a total of 18; a large number of visitors were also present. NORTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. Meeanee. — regarding Wellington Council meeting. Discussion on Lincoln College Old Students’ scholarship. Informal talks delivered by members occupied the rest of the evening. Nine members present out of 20. At the previous meeting one new member was enrolled. Talk by Mr. F. J. Steele on the work done by the Hastings Primary Production Council. Eight members present. Wairoa. — by Mr. F. Mardon, of Messrs. Swift’s (N.Z.), Ltd., on the subject of “Fat Lambs." Mr. Mardon has inaugurated the first fat lamb competition for Y.F.C. members, each member to be allowed to enter two pens of three lambs each. Messrs. Swift’s have kindly donated the prize-money, and the Government grader will lecture members on points connected with picking lambs. It is considered that at least 20 pens of lambs will be entered. Mr. G. F. S. Hudson, inspector of stock, Wai-

roa, gave a talk on “The Vaccination of Calves Against Abortion,” and answered, many questions. At the Close of Mr. Hudson’s address

the chairman, on behalf of the club, congratulated him on his promotion, and wished him success; he also thanked him for all that he had done for the club in the past. Mr. Hudson, who has been a vice-president of the Wairoa Club since 1937, suitably replied. There were 23 members present. TE KUITI. Otorohanga.— Final arrangements for field day and for birthday dance. Interesting and lively discussion on the Lincoln College Old Students’ Association scholarship; it was found that there were no members present who could avail themselves of the opportunity just now'. Two members gave reports of their visit _to Ruakura Animal Research Station, artificial insemination being their main interest. There were 20 members present at the meeting, out of a total of 27. Paewhenua. General business. Prepared talks by all members present. Attendance of 15 out of 21. Te Anga Central. are pleased to record that this club has now resumed activities, with a membership of 15. It is hoped to be able to give more news of its activities next month. WAIKATO. Cambridge. chairman reported on the lecture recently given by Dr. McMeekan on “Artificial Insemination and Herd Improvement” to a combined gathering of over 100 club members and local farmers. It was decided to hold a New Year’s Eve dance again this year. Address by Mr. W. Perrot on “Poultry Keeping as a Sideline.” Twenty members present out of 60. Te — Committee appointed in connection with a debate to be held at the next meeting. A general committee was also set up to discuss the proposed memorial to members who have given their lives overseas. A very interesting address was given by Mr. S. Wanklyn, local manager of the Bank of New Zealand, on “Farm Finance”; much information was obtained and many questions were answered. There was an attendance of 32 members out of 57. At the previous meeting it was decided to donate a £lO war bond to the local branch of the W.D.F.U. in appreciation of the _ great assistance rendered by them on the occasion of the recent Y.F.C. dance. It was moved that copies of the “Journal of Agriculture” be sent to members overseas. Mr. S. Smith, of Paterangi, gave a very interesting address on “Grassland Development,” and passed on a great deal of information gained by him during a lifetime of practical farming. Twenty-nine members present. Te Pahu. Discussion on the possibilities of a field day at Ruakura Animal Research Station. A sports committee and a social committee were set up. Arrangements made for a dance. An address on “How to Conduct a Meeting” was delivered by Mr. Kelp; the speaker gave the meeting some very inteersting information on the subject, and it is understood that members profited greatly by his talk. This young club is making good progress, and we wish it every success. There were 16 members present out of a total of 23. BAY OF PLENTY. Kati Kati. — General business. Prepared speeches by all members present, a very high standard being attained. Decided to hold a dance in the near future. One new member enrolled. Seven members present out of 25. Paengaroa.— Arrangements finalised for the annual dance. General discussion on points of interest to all club members. An interesting and instructive talk on “Calf Rearing” was given by Mr. I. W. Rowe. Attendance of 13 members out of 46. Te Puke. T. Diprose elected chairman for the remainder of the year. Arrangements for a field day. Mr. Bathgate, a taxation specialist, gave a very Interesting and instructive talk on “Taxation.” Fourteen members present out of 24. Welcome Bay.— This club, the inauguration of which was reported in last month’s notes, was fortunate at its second meeting to have present Messrs. D. S. Ross (Immediate Past

President of the Y.P.C. Federation), P. Nichol, and G. Spratt, chairman and secretary respectively of the Western Bay of Plenty District Committee, who were welcomed by the club chairman, J. R. Wright. After the general business of the meeting Mr. Ross addressed members on the Y.P.C. movement throughout the Dominion, and Mr. Nichol spoke on the activities of the clubs in the Western Bay of Plenty district. • They were accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr. Hammond, of Papamoa, was appointed as advisory president to the club. . Arrangements for a dance in the near future. Three new members enrolled. We wish this new club the same amount of success that has attended the efforts of all other clubs in the Bay. Whakatane District High School.— Hubbard, advisory president, gave an interesting talk on “The Science of Bee-raising,” and answered many questions. As the coming school certificate examinations would prevent R. Law from carrying out his secretarial duties for the next few weeks, A. Mundy was appointed acting secretary. Six members were selected to take part in the debate, “Baling v. Stacking,” to be held at the next, meeting. Thirty-one members in attendance. AUCKLAND. East Tamaki. — Social committee appointed. Arrangements for a field day to consist of a visit to Mac Ewen’s and Booth MacDonald’s factories. Address by Mr. W. Alexander on “Grassland Management,” followed by questions and general discussion. Twenty-nine members present out of 33. Rukekawa. Decided to present the School Calf Club with two consolation prizes to the value of £2. An open meeting to be held during the month on the occasion of a lecture by Dr. Segar on “Veterinary Work.” Mr. L. Cathcart gave an interesting talk on “The Handling of a Young Horse.” Nineteen members present out of 23. A field day was held on Mr. E. Morrison’s property; Mr. Jones, of Pukekohe, lectured and demonstrated on the points of a dairy cow, and on the care and getting up of a calf for Calf Club day. There was a large attendance of club members, visitors, and school children. NORTH AUCKLAND. Kaukapakapa.— Arrangements for a field day on Mr. J. B. Hooper’s property. A Y.P.C. decorated float to be exhibited at the Helensville A. and P. Show. Address by Mr. F. S. Atcheson, chairman of the Auckland Y.P.C. Council, on “The Aims and Objects of the Y.F.C. Movement.”, Attendance of 16 members out of a total of 50. Whlrinaki.A basket social held to raise funds for the requirements of the club; the sum of £l7 16s raised, bringing the total amount in hand to £36 6s 6d. The club’s experimental plot was planted with the following: (1) Black Valentine beans; (2) carrots; (3) parsnips; (4) leeks; (5) . four rows of potatoes (Inverness Favourite, Arran Chief, Majestic, and Arran Banner) ; (6) sugar beet. The crops were sown with three treatments — super, -potash, , and no manure as a control. CORRECTION. The name of the contributor of the first article in last month’s Y.F.C. notes, “How a Young Farmers’ Club was Revived,” appeared, through a typographical error, as Mr. I. G. Taylor. Mr. I. G. Tabor was the author, and apology is made for the mistake in printing his name. LIME REQUIREMENTS OF SOIL. The principles underlying the determination of the lime requirements of soils are discussed in an article by Dr. E. B. Davies appearing on page 529 of this issue. Young farmers should find much of interest in the author’s treatment of a subject of first importance in the agricultural welfare of this country.