YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 70, Issue 4, 16 April 1945, Page 427

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

The Importance of Young Farmers' Clubs

This article by Mr. Ivan Tabor, chairman of the Whakarongo Young Farmers’ Club, is based on his recent radio talk in the weekly session from Station 2ZA, Palmerston North.

MY object in writing this is to endeavour to stress the importance of the Young Farmers’ Clubs movement in the future well-being of the farming industry in New Zealand, and also the duty of clubs to the rehabilitated soldier on the land.

Drift to Towns

Among the foremost of the objects in . the constitution of the Young Farmers’ Clubs organisation is “To promote among young farmers interest in the well-being and advancement of farming in New Zealand.” This clause cannot be too strongly emphasised when we consider the alarming drift of the farming population to the town' areas in the past 25 years. Statistics show that for every 27 families at present engaged in farming, 63 families live in the urban areas, while earlier in the century the figures were reversed. This is reason enough why we should take notice; but there is still another example to consider. The total area of New Zealand is 66 million acres; 4 million acres is classed as totally unproductive, leaving over 60 million acres for primary production. Of this 60 million acres approximately 60 per cent, is represented by holdings, of 5000 acres and upwards, while only 14 per cent, is represented by areas under the 1000-acre mark. These figures demonstrate the dire necessity of reviving the rapidlydying interest in the land.

Another factor contributing to this loss of interest is that the man on the laud has been judged for quite a while as a person of only average ability. How often do we come across the following: A man brings his three sons before him and says, “Jim, you’ve matriculatedwe’ll make a doctor of you. Bob, you’re also quite brainy—make a good lawyer. As for you, Dave, you’re the dud of the family—we’ll make a farmer of you!” People fail to realise that the farmer is a man needing brains and application equal to what is required in any other sphere of employment. He is a man running a highly intricate business, which calls for a power of concentration often far

ahead of that needed for the majority of other trades and professions. The figures of 27 families on the farm to 63 families in towns and cities represent a ratio of about 1 to 3. The population of New Zealand being 1,600,000, the farming industry is represented by a little over J- million. In this J million there are over 50,000 young men between the ages of 14 and 30 years— is, young men eligible for Young Farmers’ Clubs membership. With a prospective membership of, say, only half that number, the Young Farmers’ Clubs movement stands as a strong organisation made up from the generation vitally concerned not only with farming problems, but with national problems as well. It is our duty as an organisation to endeavour to instil the interest necessary to enable these problems to be solved. This interest can and must be encouraged by the efforts of the clubs and the members themselves. The advantages and privileges of rural life must be brought forward so that they can be assimilated and acted upon. A great deal can be done through lectures, demonstrations, and field days, introducing at the same time new dis-

coveries and up-to-date farming methods. It’s up to us young farmers to set about instilling the interest so necessary to arrest the decline of our industry.

Rehabilitating Servicemen

In introducing the problem of the rehabilitated soldier I am voicing the thoughts of the majority of people today. A big task lies before us to see that these men are settled securely in various forms of employment. In playing our own part we must realise that no effort should be spared, as these were the men who left our shores prepared to give everything that we might be saved from tyranny and oppression. These men on their return will be experienced soldiers, men who have travelled and seen the greater part of the world. But what do the majority of them know of a civil occupation? Many of them were only just of overseas military age when they went away, and their experience in civil occupation was, in a large percentage of-cases, a maximum of only two years— time to learn the fundamentals of employment. And what of the young soldier entering camp at 18 years of age, and proceeding overseas on nearing his majority; or members of the Navy and Air Force, who commenced their training at 18 years and even younger? They have left school, gone straight into the Services, and consequently have no idea of civil employment. On their return these men will in many instances be about 25 years of age, and will be required to fit themselves into trades and professions that were learnt by us in our late “teens.” Think of

the handicaps that these men will be faced with! . The obligation of Young Farmers’ Clubs to men who are to be rehabilitated on the land is not to be lightly set aside.. The high esteem in which the Y.F.C. movement is held by the soldiers overseas can be indicated by the following: —The formation of a Young Farmers’ Club among our lads in Egypt in 1940, with a membership of about 120; the establishment of a chain of 14 clubs in the Pacific, with, memberships ranging from 40 to well over 100; and eight clubs at present in the Middle East, all with strong memberships. Our soldiers overseas interested in farming wished to keep up their membership and retain contact with the Y.F.C. movement; others, previously in “white collar” ■ jobs before the war, were encouraged to join up to learn something about farming, the job they have come to view as the most interesting and most healthy. On their return it is up to us, as members of the Y.F.C., to see that when arriving to take up their positions on

farms these men are given the assistance they so justly deserve. There are many ways in which we, as an organisation, can play our part. One form of help is the provision at club meetings of lectures beneficial to men who are just entering the farming world. A second form is the arranging of field days and demonstrations introducing the ever-important practical side of farming. The third, and probably the most important, way of extending assistance lies in making these men welcome to our clubs, and providing them with a simple and practical means whereby . they can meet and discuss, on a friendly and helpful basis, their future aims among men of their own age, and therefore men with views similar to their own. By doing this much the Young Farmers’ Clubs movement will be making a big contribution to the welfare and success of the rehabilitated man. Remember, young farmers, too much cannot be done for these men who have done so much for us.

Marton Young Farmers' Club

By Malcolm F. Gray, hon. secretary, Marton Y.F.C. (The following history of the Marton Young Farmers’ . Club is of particular interest at the present time,. when every effort is being made to revive clubs in recess. Mr. Gray has gone to a lot of trouble in looking up the facts in connection with his club and examining the records over a number of years. His example could well be copied by other club secretaries and officials, and we would welcome similar information in connection with other clubs for publication in this section of the “Journal.”) THE Marton Young Farmers’ Club was formed on April 30, 1938, with an inaugural membership of 24. Since then it has had a somewhat chequered existence, as this brief history relates. The following officers were elected for the first year’s activities:Advisory president, Mr. H. G. Stewart. Incidentally, Mr. Stewart still holds this , position. The offices of chairman, secretary, and treasurer were filled by R. S. Shield, A. B. Marshall, and D. G. Gordon respectively, assisted by a committee consisting of L. McLeay, J. M. Cranstone, V. E. S. Smith, D. G. Brice, H. C. Kimpton,.and R. Carter. They were able to lead the club through a most successful opening year. Their advisory members were Messrs. E. -O. Pryce, G. L. Marshall, and J. B. S. Dudding.

Membership Doubled Just how far their efforts were rewarded with success may be gauged

from the following details. In 11 months the membership rose from 24 to 52; eight meetings were held with an average attendance of about 60 per cent.; six were devoted to lectures, one for a debate, and one where five club members gave short talks; one field day was held, embracing a judging competition on Romney sheep, and a demonstration on Hereford cattle; a debate against the Hunterville Club was won by Marton. The year was concluded with a grand gala day, held at Mr. G. Lampp’s property, Tutaenei Road. This was an outstanding success, and consisted of a tractor-driving competition; a lecture and demonstration on Romney sheep; sports, posthole digging, putting the shot, doublehand sawing, 100yds. handicap, sheep weight guessing, chain-stepping, and tug-of-war v. the Farmers’ Union; a tractor-driving exhibition and a demonstration with a weed-burner. The annual meeting was held in the evening and was followed by a dance, a fitting climax to the year’s activities. The club entered a team in the seven-a-side football tournament arranged by the Manawatu District Committee at the National Dairy Show, and the team was successful in winning the “Golden Rooster.” The club secretary gave a broadcast talk on “Culling the Ewe Flock,” from Station 2YA, and the annual dance showed a profit of nearly £9.

War Forces Recess Prospects for the following year appeared to be even more encouraging,

and it is certain that the club would have attained its ambitions in full measure but for the outbreak of war. From then on a large proportion of the members joined the Armed Forces and the club was forced to go into recess in May, 1942, after two lean years, and despite many energetic endeavours to prevent the necessity of such a step.

The officers elected for the second year were:Chairman, A. B. Marshall; secretary, H. C. Kimpton; treasurer, W. Emmett; committee, R. S. Shield, M. H. Morrison, L. McLeay, D. G. Gordon, and G. Lourie. A bank account of over £lO was handed over to the new executive, which proved that the club was on a firm financial footing. Ten meetings were held, , though the average attendance showed a falling off as the year progressed. Seven of these’ were devoted to lectures, one to talks by club members, and one to a round-table discussion on seasonal topics. In the district debating contest the club was forced to default to the Bulls Club. The annual dance showed a profit of £4. A team was selected to play in the seven-a-side football tournament in Palmerston North, but it was then found that the contest was to be confined to the Manawatu district. . Several members went on the South Island tour, and those who represented the club in the provincial sports held in Palmerston North met with considerable success. The second annual meeting was held on March 28, 1940, and the following officers were elected: —Grand patron, Mr. E. B. Gordon, M.P.; patron, Mr. G. J. L. Lampp; advisory president, Mr. H. G. Stewart (re-elected); advisory members, Messrs. A. C. Birch and G. L. Marshall; chairman, D. G. Gordon; secretary, H. C. Kimpton (re-elected); treasurer, M. H. Morrison; committee, G. Lourie, C. Smith, and A. B. Marshall. Meetings were held regularly till August, when it was decided to hold meetings over for a time, aS many members were going into camp. No further meetings were held till the following June. Thus, only four meetings were held; the total membership including those in the forces was still up to 50. Two of these meetings featured lectures, one a talk by members on the South Island tour, and one debating. The secretary, H. C. Kimpton, donated a challenge cup for the district debating contest, and after winning the first two rounds against Hunterville and Bulls the club was narrowly defeated in the final by Mangaweka. In accordance with the wishes of the Dominion Executive, the club co-operated in the Centennial treeplanting scheme, and planted 100 mixed trees in Centennial Park. H. C. Kimpton left during the year to join the R.N.Z.A.F. and A. W. Fitzherbert was elected secretary to fill the vacancy. '

' The next annual meeting was held on June 27, 1941, when the grand patron, patron, advisory president, and advisory members * were all re-ap-pointed. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Chairman, W. B. Gray; sec.-treas., Mr. H. Morrison; committee, A. B. Marshall, D. G. Gordon, K. G. Coles. The club entered for the district debating and efficiency contests. A . senior and a junior team were entered for the debating, but neither was able to win the much-coveted Kimpton Trophy. Only two other meetings were held, both of which were devoted to lectures; attendances were very small. No further meeting was held till May 14, 1942, when only four were present the advisory president, chairman, secretary-treasurer, and one member. The club had no alternative but to go into recess. From the outbreak of war the attendance at meetings steadily decreased; this is less surprising in view of the fact that at least 28 past members of the club are, or have been, on active service. We proudly honour the names of five who have made the supreme sacrificeß. S. Shield, H. R. Marshall, G. M. Marshall, W. Emmett, and L. Moss. At present 11 are serving overseas, four with the R.N.Z.A.F. and the remainder with the Army. ■ Activities Resumed With the growing up ■ round us of another generation and the return of several men from overseas, the club

was revived on June 16, 1944, with an initial membership of 15. The officers elected were as follows:Grand patron, Mr. E. B. Gordon, M.P.; patron, Mr. W. G. Aitken; advisory president, Mr. H. G. Stewart; advisory members, Messrs. A. C. Birch, G. L. Marshall, C. J. Craig, and G. McDonald; chairman, K. G. Coles; secretary, M. F. Gray; treasurer, H. R. Miller; committee, K. H. Smith, A. L. Vile, G. R. Gower, G. O. Meyer, A. W. Morrison, G. E. Lampp, and L. V. McKinnon. Subsequently three more were added —M. M. Marshall, G. E. Gordon, and D. I. Morrison. The club certainly seems to have come into its own again. The membership is now 38; we have entered the district efficiency and debating contestsin the latter the senior A team won the trophy in their section; we have run a successful dance; arranged the catering at a district field day, and also shouldered much of the responsibility for that function. Eight meetings have been held up to the end of the year; six have been devoted to lectures. and the . other two to discussions on various topics inaugurated by club members. A vigorous campaign to enrol members has been staged and a parcel and a newsletter sent to members overseas. Prospects are indeed bright brighter in fact than since the out- . break of war — there is every reason to suppose that our hopes of making a • strong and successful unit of our club will be realised.

OBITUARY

Mr. J. McK. JAMES, Mr. J. Mctx. jam to, Wangaehu, Masterton. ’ T _ death occurred on February 20, HE death occurred on February 20, at the age of 66 years, of Mr. John McKenzie James, one of the Wairarapa’s best-known farmers and breeders. He was associated with Y.F.C. affairs from the inception of the movement in the Wairarapa, and he assisted in the establishment of the Masterton Young Farmers’ Club in December, 1934. He was a member of the first Wairarapa Y.F.C. Provincial Council, set up in September, 1935, and later, under the reorganisation in August, 1936, became a valued member of the Wairarapa Y.F.C. District Committee. He remained actively associated with the Young Farmers’ Clubs movement until recent months, when he was forced by ill health to withdraw from many of his public activities. “Jack” James, as he was familiarly called, was known throughout the Dominion. As a breeder he established his well-known stud of p'u're'b'red

Hereford cattle, and was a discerning judge of stock, being judge at the Royal Agricultural Shows in Hereford and fat cattle classes. He held the office of cattle classes. He held the office of president of the Masterton A. and P. Association from 1922 to 1924, and was chairman of the Masterton branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union for many years. He was a member of the Royal Agricultural Society, and the Wairarapa, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay, and Dannevirke A. and P. Associations. He was a member of the executive of the Wairarapa Sheepowners’ Federation and of the Council of the N.Z. Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Society. He was also president of the Wairarapa Collie Club. A , , „ . T A keen su PP° rte f ? f +^ racing Mr. ames was president of the Masterton and a delegate to the Racing Conference He raced the brilliant sprinter Poutatau with notable success. He was a district representative for some years on the Meat Board electoral committee, and was chairman of the Wairarapa Primary Prddu'c’tib'n Council. During , the de-

pression he was a member of the Masterton Unemployment Committee. “Jack” James will be missed by his many friends and acquaintances in Y.F.C. and farming circles generally, and also in community affairs. The sympathy of all Y.F.C. members is extended to his family.

Mr. W. JAMES,

Upper Plain, Masterton.

FOLLOWING close upon the death of his brother, the late Mr. J. McK. James, came the death on March 4 of Mr. William James, one of the Wairarapa’s most prominent farmers, at the age of 62. “Bill” James will be sadly missed, particularly by his young farmer friends. He was actively associated with the Y.F.C. movement in the Wairarapa, and was a foundation member of the Masterton Young Farmers’ Club. He was chairman of the Wairarapa Y.F.C. District Committee from 1938 to 1943, and remained a member of that body until his death; he was also a member of the .Wellington Y.F.C. Council over a number of years. Mr. James was well known in farming circles; he established the Wai-iti stud Southdown flock, and was most successful with his wool and fat lamb production. His notable successes included winning the Fitter Cup twice for the best lamb for the Home market, and he also won the Argentine Cup for the grand champion pen, all breeds. He was an active member of the Masterton A. and P. Association, and was its president during jubilee year. He was a member of the Southdown Breeders’ Association and the Masterton Racing Club. He was also a director of the Cale-, donian Society and a member of the St. Andrew Society. A keen member of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union, Mr. James was also a member of the Masterton Collie Club. He also took a prominent part in any movement affecting the well-being of the farming community. He was chairman for many years of the Fernridge School Committee, and during the present war was a member of the Primary Production Council. In the Great War Mr. James served with the Rifle Brigade. The sympathy > of all Y.F.C. members is extended to Mrs. James and family. There is one son, Henry Allen James (at present hon. secretary to the Masterton Young Farmers’ Club) . and one daughter, Miss Mary Elizabeth James (Palmerston North Hospital).

The weight of a cubic foot of roots in a clamp or pit is as follows: —Turnips, 331 b.; swedes, 341 b.; mangolds, 351 b.; • carrots, 311 b.; parsnips, 311 b.; potatoes, 421 b.

Visit to Massey College By L. J. Ranford, Club Reporter, Whakarongo Y.F.C. rpHE opportunity to inspect the MasA sey Agricultural College farm and buildings was given recently to members of the Whakarongo Young Farmers’ Club. . The various college activities were outlined by Mr. A. W. Hudson to 25 members and farmer friends, after which the visitors were conducted around the farm sections by Mr. L. A. G. Barrett; the first of these was the experimental sheep farm, where foot-rot has been successfully dealt with during the past two years. Inspections of the mole-draining system and the poultry farm followed. Of particular interest was the ensilagemaking in progress in both pit and stack. Mr. V. C. Goodall, who is in charge of the silage experiments, explained the various types of stacks and how they were treated. It was interesting to learn that stacks finished with coned grass tops have equal results to those with earth to weight them. Experiments were also being made with molasses, sulphuric acid and water sprays, to determine which are the most digestible for

cattle. Each load of green grass was weighed before being stacked to find out how much loss of moisture takes place in the stack or silo. After a quick inspection of the dairy factory the party returned to the college, where lunch was provided. In the afternoon members were shown the wool-classing room, where Mr. Barrett described the different types of wool. At the rear of this building are the carpentry and engineering workshops; here Mr. S. G. Dawe gave an interesting account of the work. The remainder of the afternoon was spent in a lecture room discussing with Mr. J. Hodgson, of the veterinary department, various dairying experiments and means of maintaining food production throughout the winter. Many trials . with calf-rearing have taken place, and it has been proved that calves fed on meal and skim-milk progressed quicker than those fed on skim-milk alone, being fed the same proportions; the meal-fed calves thrived even better when weaned. At the conclusion of a very interesting and instructive day Mr. I. G. Tabor, chairman of the Whakarongo Y.F.C., thanked those who had so generously spared their time for the benefit of the club members.

Reports on Club Activities

EASTERN SOUTHLAND. Five Rivers Business meeting. General discussions. One new member enrolled. Seven members present out of a total of 24. SOUTH OTAGO. Warepa.— Annual meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. G. Ayson; chairman, E. Cook; vice-chairman, G. Houliston; secretary, G. McKenzie; advisory members, Messrs. L. Christie, J. Cook, and A. Ross. Post Office Savings Bank account to be opened, with A. Gordon and G. Shanks as trustees. Arrangements for speaker at next meeting. The matter of supper at meetings was fully discussed and satisfactory arrangements finalised. Two new members enrolled. Ten members present out of 31. DUNEDIN. Mosgiel D.H.S.— Address by Mr. J. H. Cumberbeach on the •club’s activities generally. Forty-seven members present out of 49. MARLBOROUGH. Seddon.— lnvitation received from the Awatere County Council to send a deputation to their next meeting to discuss . the matter of the spread of nasella tussock; the invitation was accepted. During discussion the following suggestions were made: That trees be planted on infested boundaries, and also in the riverbed if possible; that the club arrange for a “window display” and supply all material; that a field day be held on the tussock infested areas. The meeting then took the form of a “quiz” programme, the chairman for the evening being H. Gluyas, of the GrassmereTetley Brook zone. The “quiz” proved very interesting and instructive. Nine members present out of 26. . ’ . '

HOROWHENUA. Levin. Annual meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. H. J. Lancaster; chairman, R. Speedy; secretary-treasurer, S. Lancaster. There was an attendance of 15 active and two advisory members. At meetings previously ' unreported the speakers were as follows: Mr. C. Webb (“Ayrshire Cattle”); Mr. A. J. Galpin (“Post-war Problems of the Y.F.C.”); Mr. P. McGregor (“Veterinary Problems”); Mr. E. Bruce Levy (“Grassland Research”). The attendance at these meetings ranged from 10 members up to 17. A “Hayseeds” Ball was held, the club netting a profit of £23. MANAWATU. Apiti General business. Talk by Mr. Harry Cowan, on “Norfolk Island.” Seventeen members attended out of 37. Bunnythorpe extended to returned members. M. Donald appointed as steward for the Y.F.C. section at the Women’s Institute Show; Mr. H. de 0. Chamberlain (Department of Agriculture) to be asked to act as judge. Address by 2nd Lieut. A. O’Donnell on “Countries I have Visited.’-’ Ten members present out of 14. Oroua Downs Arrangements finalised for the Y.F.C. relay race to be run at the Oroua Downs sports meeting. Films exhibited by Mr. G. H. Dawick, secretary, N.Z. Jersey Cattle-breeders’ Association; the films, which were very interesting, were taken by Mr. Dawick on his classification tours of the Dominion. There was an attendance of 25 members out of 33. Pohangina Valley.— Annual meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. L. J. Linklater; chairman, J. Howell; secretary, R. G. Passey; treasurer, H. McDonald. Twentythree members present out of 30. Rongotea.— Arrangements for a field day at Longburn ' Freezing . Works. ; Four new. mem-'

bei’s enrolled. Talk by Mr. Brown, N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency, Palmerston North, on “First Aid on the Farm.” Twenty-one members in attendance out of 28. Whakarongo— Members asked to compete at the Bunnythorpe Women’s Institute Show; special classes for young farmers, including eight different vegetable exhibits, also a special prize donated by the Bunnythorpe Club for the Y.F.C. member gaining the most points outside the Y.F.C. section. Several members announced their intention of competing. A talk was given by D. Newcombe, a club member, on “Lucerne”; the speaker dealt with the preparation of the land, sowing of the seed, and the care of the crop. An address was given by Mr. A. J. Galpin, of Bunnythorpe; Mr. Galpin spoke on the usefulness of the Y.F.C. movement, and expressed ideas as to how the organisation could benefit the farming community, especially the younger section. He pointed out the danger of “commercialised farming,” and laid stress on the idea that farming is a way of living and not merely a means of making money. Mr. Galpin’s address was greatly appreciated by the meeting. There was, an attendance of 19 out of a total membership of 24. At the annual meeting the following officers were elected: Advisory president, Mr. J. McCool; chairman, I. G. Tabor; vice-chairman, J. Spall; secretary, D. Newcombe; treasurer, B. McCool; club reporter, L. Ranford. The Dominion Organising Secretary, Mr. S. Freeman, was present at the meeting, and spoke on Y.F.C. affairs generally. There : was an attendance of 22 members out of 24.

WANGANUI.

Hunterville. Three new members enrolled. Decided to hold a field day on Mr. Chisholm’s property. An impromptu debate was held, the subject being “Sheep v. Cows”; all members present took part, H. England leading the sheep-farmers and B. Cameron the dairymen. The adjudicator, Mr. Chisholm, gave the decision to the supporters of the dairy-farmer. There were 20 members present out of 27. Mangaweka. discussion on correspondence, etc. Pilot Officer Murphy, recently returned from England, was present at the meeting. A discussion took place on the proposed district stock-judging field day, and it was decided to contact the Taihape Club at an early date regarding the arrangements. A remit was passed for forwarding to the next meeting of the Wanganui District Committee, “That district committee meetings be held alternately at each centre, commencing at the next annual meeting.” It was considered that this would be more fair, to delegates from the various clubs, and would tend to overcome . some of the difficulties of transport. There were seven members present out of 15. Marton Sub-committee appointed to go into the matter of a proposed grant of finance from the district committee. Report on district sports meeting held at Rata. Club to enter a team to compete in the inter-club relay race at Oroua Downs sports. Club field day abandoned temporarily owing to pressure of seasonal work. Decided to hold a social to wind up the year’s activities. The meeting was held at the Huntley School, and the club had obtained a programme of sound films from the Education Department and Educational Sound Films Ltd., using the projector belonging to the school. The programme, which was intensely interesting, consisted of the following films: “Farmall does the Job”; “Seed Production” (Plant Research Station, Aberystwith); “Sheep Dog”; “John Bull”; “Power in the Potato Field”; “This was England”; and - “Harvests for Tomorrow.” There was an attendance of 24 members out of 36.

SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. Ballance.— meeting. Officers elected: Patron, Mr. J. H. Bremner; advisory president, Mr. C. , J. Eising; chairman, Q. Holdaway; secretary, L. A. Sinclair; treasurer, L. Polglase. There were 15 members present out of 20. — Seventeen new members enrolled at the first meeting in the New Year. Hearty.' .welcome to L, .K. ' Carswill (who has

served in the Pacific Forces and is now discharged) by the chairman and the advisory president (Mr. L. Feierabend). Secretary instructed to write to G. Turner, who has left the district, and to B. Ellingham, who has entered the Army. Talk by Mr. L. K. Carswill on “The Vegetation, Farming, and Natives, etc., in the Pacific Islands.” Forty members present. , . Woodville.— Address by Mr. W. Smythe on “The Care and Training of a Young Dog.” Fourteen members present out of 25.

TE KUITI.

Te Anga Central. Arrangements for a field day. Talks given by club members as follows: “Breaking in Hill-country for Sheep” (N. Stokes); “Breaking in Swamp-land” (R. Burt); “Land Development” (G. White). Seventeen members present ■ out of 21.

WAIKATO.

Cambridge.— on New Year Danceprofit of £22 10s. 2d. Dance- to be held in aid of an appeal from the St. John’s Ambulance. Full support to be given to the local A. and P. Show. Arrangements made for a veterinary field day. Mr. A. Myers, who was president of the Y.F.C. among the troops in the Pacific, gave a very interesting talk .on the workings of the Y.F.C. in the 3rd. Div.; following this he spoke on “Farming in Fiji and New Caledonia.” There was an attendance of 22 out of a total membership of 60. Okoroire.— Mr. Martellett appointed to operate the bank account with R. J. Makgill, in succession to Mr. E. Coats who has resigned. The advisory president, Mr. W. B. Hardwick, read a letter from Mr. Weiler, of the Future Farmers of America, a counterpart of the Y.F.C., suggesting that the two organisations had much in common and. could assist one another. It was decided to forward the letter on to the Dominion Organising Secretary. Resignation of W. G. L. Ring, club secretary, accepted with regret; Mr. Ring resigned on account of military duties. Address by Mr. Fitzgerald on “Mendel’s Law of Heredity.” Fifteen members present out of 33. Te Awamutu. — meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. A. S. Wyllie; chairman, C. Eyre; secretary, F. Turner; treasurer, A. Smart. Thirty-five members present. At a previous meeting the chairman, C. Eyre, gave an ’ address on his experiences in the. Middle East; his adventures while attached to the long range desert patrol were particularly interesting. There were 35 members in attendance out of a total of 57. Eighteen members attended a field day held at the Horotiu Freezing Works recently, and took part in judging competitions for pigs, the results being as follows: On hoof—T. W. Ray, first and second; D. R. Hodgson, third; on hooks—T. W. Ray, first and second; L. Sayer, third. Mr. E. Kneebone (chief grading inspector) gave a valuable demonstration, showing members the finer points of pigs that had. been exhibited at the Te Awamutu Show. Te Pahu Business meeting.' Dance to be held. Preparation of a programme of lectures. Eleven members present out of 28.

BAY OF PLENTY.

Kati Arrangements for a dance and an athletic meeting. A practice debate held in preparation for inter-club debates in the coming winter, all members taking part. The subject was “That Tractors have Rendered the use of Horses Unnecessary in New Zealand today.” Fourteen members present out of 29. Paengaroa — One new member enrolled. Arrangements finalised for the annual calf rearing competition and for an athletic meeting to be held to raise money for the Y.F.C. memorial fund. Mr. Brown, the Mayor of Te Puke, gave an address on “Early Days of Te Puke”; the speaker touched on all aspects of.the subject of interest to farmers. Twenty-two members present. At the previous meeting Mr. Gosling, of R. B. Swann and Co., gave an address on "Farm Bookkeeping and Income Tax Statistics”;, this talk proved most interesting and instructive. There were 21 members present.

Pukehina. Business meeting. One new member enrolled. Arrangements in connection with the sports meetings at Te Puke and Tauranga; also discussion regarding means of transport. Discussion on the debating contest. Ten members present out of 24. At a previously unreported meeting a lecture was given by Mr. Austin, Pongakawa State Forest, on “Trees for Shelter; and Atmospheric Conditions.” Twelve members in attendance. Te Puna. Business meeting. One new member enrolled. Committee appointed to make preparations for a proposed concert. Waimana. Address by Mr. C. R. Waimana, the subject being “Experiences Overseas”; Mr. Waimana dealt with, among other matters, farming conditions in both Canada and Great Britain. Welcome Bay.— day to be held on Mr. Bennett’s farm at Papamoa; prizes to be awarded for dairy-cow judging in both junior and senior classes. The meeting was very fortunate in having present Lt. A. J. Voss, D.C.M., M.C., who held the interest of members for about two hours, giving them a most instructive talk on how an infantry company is organised and supported in Italy. Lt. Voss demonstrated many points with the aid of a blackboard, and at the conclusion of his address handed round many souvenirs and

also scrapbooks filled with newspaper clippings, and photos of New Zealanders that appeared in the papers during the lengthy period that he had been overseas. Lt. Voss was formerly chairman (1938) and secretary (1939) of the Tauranga Club, and was a foundation member of that club. There were 17 members present out of a total of 25. AUCKLAND. East Tamaki— Arrangements for a field day to be held at Ambury’s Milk-treating Plant. Team to be entered in the tug-of-war contest at the East Tamaki patriotic sports meeting. Address by Mr. Neal on “General Farming.” Attendance of 18 out of 44. Franklin.— Rama hall committee to be approached in regard to hall-hire charges in the event of the club deciding to change its headquarters. Lecture by Mr. H. W. Carbury, Government Veterinarian, Auckland, on “Veterinary Remedies mat can be applied by the Farmer.” Twenty-one members present out of 26. At the previous meeting a social committee was appointed, and an informal discussion on “Concreting,” led by L. W. Aldridge, promoted lively interest, many worthwhile suggestions being brought forward. At this meeting 26 members were present, being 100 per cent, attendance. ■