YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 71, Issue 1, 16 July 1945, Page 87

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs

ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT

The eleventh annual report of the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (Inc.) was presented at the annual general meeting held at Hamilton on Monday and Tuesday, June 25 and 26, 1945, by the Dominion President, Mr. T. E. Streeter. . I HAVE : pleasure in presenting to you the eleventh annual report of the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. The year under review has been one of momentous happenings, culminating in the recent victory and peace in Europe. We have now to turn our thoughts and actions towards the serious problems of final victory against Japan and, of equal importance, the feeding of the starving millions in Europe. We realise that the struggle against Japan will be terrific, but we are conscious that with our ever-growing strength and that of our Allies the result is certain and victory only a matter of time. We are truly thankful for the termination of the war in Europe, and are looking forward to that day when our arms shall finally prevail against the forces of evil, and peace shall reign once more throughout the world.' Peace will bring its problems, but if we face them with the same determination and fortitude with which we have undertaken and prosecuted our war efforts, then we shall find ultimate solution—and then, but only then, can we declare that our comrades have not fought and died in vain. Position of Clubs A year ago I drew ' your attention to the very evident movements in the direction of recovery that were taking place in our own organisation. I expressed the hope that dur-

ing the year every unit of the Y.F.C. Federation would do its best to ensure a speedy and complete re-establishment of our movement throughout the Dominion. I appealed to all members, past and present, to do their utmost to assist us in the revival of our organisation, reminding them that they should be proud of their Y.F.C. movement, and of the fact that they had still the foundations and the framework on which to rebuild. I am happy to be able to say that my appeal was not in vain. While perhaps to an outsider our activities may not appear to have shown any very marked increase, we are ourselves aware very definitely that our movement is now well on the high-road to recovery. During the past year we have increased the number of active clubs from 72 to 104, and the memberships of individual clubs have been added to considerably. This is indeed gratifying, and more so, perhaps, when it is realised that there is today, throughout our organisation, a greater proportionate number of younger members than ever before. It is also of particular significance to note that, with clubs resuming their operations after a long period of recess, their memberships are, in nearly all cases, greater than before the war. The following table indicates the position of the clubs throughout the Dominion:— > Pre- July, July, Present war. 1943. 1944. date. Otago-Southland ..35 12 14 20 Canterbury .. 38 17 21 27 Wellington ..77 18 18 29 Auckland .. .. 53 15 19 28 203 62 72 104

“SSStil . Only one club has found it necessary to cease operations during the year; this was a club formed the previous year in a district high school, more or less as a junior branch of a well-established club. While it is regrettable that this club was unable to carry on successfully, there is consolation in the fact that the majority of the members have been absorbed by the original club. There are now 12 of these “junior” clubs established in secondary, technical, and high schools, with memberships ranging from 20 up to 95. In every case these clubs are doing good work, and are a splendid recruiting ground for later membership of the more senior clubs. A club is also being carried on successfully through the Correspondence Branch of the Education Department. The 14 services clubs throughout the Islands of the Pacific were disbanded with the return of the troops from those areas. There are, however, three clubs still functioning in Air Force units in the Pacific, and a very live club among the troops at Bougainville; in the Middle East a number of clubs are active at various bases, and there are some temporary clubs all the time coming and going in localities where the personnel is of a more transient nature. Recently 'a club was formed on a troopship returning from the Middle East. There are also three clubs in operation at _ Air Force .stations within New Zealand. This is a very definite indication of the regard and esteem in which our Y.F.C. movement is held by our comrades in the Armed Forces, and shows to what an extent it has become a part of their lives. During the year a number of our members have returned to New Zealand, and are joining up again with their old clubs. The num-

bers returning will, doubtless, be increasing rapidly in the near future. We feel now more than ever that our efforts to keep the Y.F.C. movement alive have been fully, justified, and we must work wholeheartedly to ensure that our clubs, and indeed all units of our organisation, are of the highest value to the repatriated men. They have endured so ■ much for us, and it is our bounden duty to assist them in every possible way. We are emerging from the war as a country practically unscathed, and we should be in a position to help our own men who have been fighting for us, and at the same time be prepared to increase our production so that we can assist in - supplying the much-needed foodstuffs to the rest of the world. Two-fold Duty Our main endeavour at this stage should be to plan the reconstruction and extension of our Y.F.C. movement. We must remember that we have a two-fold duty before us—to our returned members and to rehabilitated soldiers on the land, and second to the younger generation growing up among us. We have as an organisation the definite task of promoting, amongst the youth of the Dominion the greatest possible interest in farming. Our livelihood as a nation depends on the land, and we must do all within, our power to see to it that our industry prospers. We who are so closely associated with what we can justly claim to be one of the most vital organisations in this Dominion must strive .wholeheartedly to extend our movement, in order that it can assist in solving the many problems that will beset us in the future, and some of which are already presenting themselves. To do this we must be prepared to make individual sacrifices, and accept our responsibilities as young farmers and as New Zealanders. We have it in our power to spread the gospel of better ’farming conditions and increased productionand I may add that such ideas and ideals can be better formulated and implemented from within the farming community than from without. Members returning from overseas are already proving a source of strength to our movement. Rehabilitated soldiers on the land are becoming members. The younger members of the farming community are swelling the memberships of clubs. All units should ensure that their activities are being run on right lines, so that their programmes of work can

cater for all— only with the idea of holding them as members, . but in a genuine endeavour to be of use to them all—and so make them of use to the Y.F.C. movement and to their country. Lectures, demonstrations, and field, days should be of a type and nature introducing the practical side of farming. The aim ' at meetings should be to provide all members with the means whereby they can meet and discuss. their • own problems and their .future aims with those of their own age and ambitions. It is more than ever necessary to ensure that activities, and particularly those of a competitive nature, are undertaken in both junior and senior classes, in an endeavour to improve the knowledge and hold the interest of both the older and the younger members. Our difficulties at the present time are very real, but they must be faced. Transport still presents one of our major problemsthere are still many anomalies in regard to petrol licences and permits, and members attending district meetings and field days still find it hard to arrange transport. The old saying, however, “Where there’s a will there’s a way” still holds good, and many of our club officials and members are to be congratulated on their ingenuity. As the movement becomes stronger by the revival of more of the clubs that have been for so long in recess, it is found that the enthusiasm generally waxes greater. There are still some areas in parts of the Dominion where practically no revival has as yet taken place; these areas are a grave problem and call for very intensive organisation. In many districts, however, an almost complete revival has taken place during the past year, most' of the i old clubs being now re-established, and in some cases new ones formed; and, what is most important, the District Committees are functioning actively once again. District Committees’ Value The important part that the District Committees play in the welfare of our organisation cannot be too strongly emphasised. They represent the link between the clubs and the parent organisation, and comprised as they are mainly of delegates from the individual clubs as units, they act as the voice of the members themselves in making known their demands and ideas, through their councils, to the federation. Jn turn they are able to co-ordinate the work of the parent body and assist in implementing its aims and ideals. It has been particularly noticeable during the war that where the District Committees remained active and . assumed _ their responsibilities the movement is strongest today. Many of the District Committees have been able to hold field days on an inter-club basis during the year, and in most cases these have been responsible for the resuscitation of . clubs within their' areas. These field days have taken the form of stock demonstrations, etc., and in some cases visits have been made to freezing works, woollen mills, and agricultural colleges. Stock-judging competitions and debating contests have been carried on throughout in a few of the districts, and in others they have been successfully revived during the past year. Activities of this nature, have, of course, been limited'by the transport available, but they have been carried out successfully and have proved of great value. Clubs are also paying more attention to field days in an endeavour to foster greater interest in their activities. . Despite the difficulty in obtaining the services of outside lecturers, clubs have made their programmes attractive, and by drawing on farmers and others within their own districts have gained much valuable information and interest. Discussions, short talks, impromptu speeches, and debates have been encouraged in the clubs, the officials of which have shown great resource in, overcoming the handicaps resulting from war conditions. Department’s Assistance That the organisation created by the Department of Agriculture for the Y.F.C. movement has been responsible in the past for much of the success of the movement was brought home to us of recent years. War

conditions and the extra duties imposed upon the department’s instructors who had been acting as district secretaries meant that many of them were able to devote little time to : Y.F.C. work; in some cases their assistance was entirely withdrawn. While many other factors, such as depletion of membership by overseas enlistments, combined to make it extremely difficult for many of the clubs to ' remain active— in some cases were directly responsible for them closing downthere can be no doubt that the support of the department’s officers in the past has been of such great assistance that their withdrawal from Y.F.C.. work had a very serious effect on the movement.. Possibly some of the units, and perhaps some of the District Committees, had come to rely too much upon departmental assistance. Many of the clubs were being “spoon-fed” and will doubtless ultimately profit by having been thrown upon their, own resources. The department is now, however, in a position where it is better able to give support. This has been gradually becoming evident during the past few months; indeed in more than one instance the resumption of duty by the local instructor has already resulted in the re-organisation of the District Committee, followed by the revival of a number of clubs. While we. recognise and appreciate the difficulties under which the department is labouring at the present time in regard to staff, we are eagerly awaiting the time when, in every district in New Zealand, there will be adequate facilities for the intensive and extensive organisation of our movement. The assistance so capably rendered by the department in the past has been of mutual benefit, and we are looking forward again to further co-operation, without which the undertaking of so many of our activities would be impossible. We feel, too, that our movement provides a splendid and a natural avenue for the dissemination of much of the extension work of the department; for this reason, above all, > we are anxious to work with the full support of the whole of the Fields Division and of other divisions of the department. ' - Over the past. two seasons Mr. S. Freeman, the Dominion Organising Secretary, has been acting as secretary to the Wellington Council, and to a number of District Committees also. This has helped the position considerably, and . has enabled the work to be carried on in practically, a normal manner in those areas. With the gradual revival of the movement throughout the Dominion it has become increasingly difficult for Mr. Freeman to carry on with these extra duties, and I am pleased to say that he has lately been relieved of most of them, and will, in the near future, be in a position to * concentrate entirely on the federation’s work of organisation in both the North and South Islands. The Dominion Executive Committee has met three times during the period: in Wellington on October 20; in Christchurch on April 19; , and for a short meeting here in Hamilton this morning. These meetings were well attended, and except at the October meeting all four councils were well represented; in October the Otago-Southland delegates were unable to secure ferry berths. During the year ■ I have made contacts with various districts and have attended a number of council meetings, including lately the annual, meetings of all four. I was also able to deliver radio talks in the special Y.F.C. sessions from Stations IYA, Auckland, and 2ZA, Palmerston North. The council meetings at which I was present were well attended, \ and were responsible for some very good work being carried out. •' , This report would not be complete without a tribute to those of our members who have served, and are serving, overseas. We. are proud of them for what they have done, and. for what they have endured, in the cause of freedom. Many of them will not return; to their relatives we extend our deepest sympathy. I am sure that every one of you will feel that we can offer, no finer memorial to their sacrifice than to rebuild and extend the Young Farmers’ Clubs movement. We have a duty to . those who . are returning, and we must do all that we can to assist them back to their normal lives.

Acknowledgments I wish to thank the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. B. Roberts) for his interest and assistance during the past year. I thank the officers of the Department of Agriculture, who have assisted us under most difficult circumstances. I thank Mr. J. M. Smith, the present Director, and Mr. ■P. W. Smallfield, the past Director of the Fields Division, for their encouragement, assistance, and active sympathy. I thank the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, the A. and P. societies, breed societies, agricultural colleges, and research institutes for their help and encouragement. I also thank the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union and all other bodies and individuals who have assisted our movement during the past year. I also wish to extend my personal thanks to both Mr. Avery, our Dominion Vice-presi-dent, and Mr. D. S. Ross, our Immediate Past President, for the work that they have done, particularly in the North Island, and for their assistance and co-operation. Mr. Avery, as chairman of the Wellington Council, is deserving of further praise for his efforts in the re-establishment of the movement within that area; he is also worthy of special thanks for his capable representation of the Y.F.C. Federation at the Education Conference held at Christchurch last October, and for the comprehensive report of the proceedings that he submitted to the Dominion Executive Committee. Mr. Ross has also represented the federation on the National Council of Primary Production, and, as well as proving a very able delegate, he has contributed much of value to the deliberations of that body. Thanks are also due to Messrs. F. S. Atchison, R. W. Wightman, and A. S. Trotter, the respective chairmen of the Auckland, Canterbury, and Otago-Southland Councils, for their efforts, which have resulted in further progress in those areas. Mr. Jas. Barclay, as the ■federation’s representative on the Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, is also deserving of praise and thanks. To Mr. S. R. Whyte, who has done such good work as hon. secretary to the Otago-Southland Council, I also give my personal thanks for his untiring efforts On behalf of the movement. I especially thank our Dominion < Organising Secretary, Mr. S. Freeman, for his assistance during the period that I have held office; his keenness and enthusiasm are bound up in the progress of the Y.F.C. organisation, and with the additional duties that he has carried out his efforts are all the more valued.

I wish to make a further appeal to all those associated with our movement. We have a great deal upon which to congratulate ourselves when we review the record of the past year, and indeed of the whole of the war period. We entered the war with a strong organisation2o3 clubs and an active membership of over 6,000. We lost ground considerably in the early years of the war, the number of clubs sinking as low as 62. We are now definitely “on the up-grade,” with 104 clubs. Our movement has proved its value before the war, and it has demonstrated its capabilities during the greatest trial the world has ever before faced and endured. Our movement has a part to play in post-war reconstruction, and we must prepare and plan accordingly. I would ask every one of you to do your utmost to ensure the progress of the Y.F.C. movement. We should not rest content with even the complete restoration of our organisation to what it was before the war; we should strive to extend our movement to embrace every farming district of the Dominion, and to enroll in our membership every' available young man in the farming community. We must cultivate a greater appreciation of our heritage, the soil; and in the peacetime that is to come we must plan in the direction of better living and higher ideals, and so do our part in the endeavour to make another war impossible. (Signed) T. E. STREETER, Dominion President, N.Z. Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (Inc.).

Kaukapakapa Club Field Day

(By R. E. V. Seaman, Hon. Secretary, Kaukapakapa Y.F.C.) THE Kaukapakapa Young Farmers’ Club held a very successful field day recently at “Braefields,” the farm of Messrs. H. A. and J. B. • Hooper. . Although at first the weather was unsettled, visitors came from as far afield as Port Albert and Warkworth, and an attendance of 63 ensured the day’s success. The president welcomed the visitors on behalf of the club, and introduced the first speaker, Mr. S. J. Sheaf, manager of the Auckland Herd Improvement Association. Mr. Sheaf had addressed meetings of Young Farmers’ Clubs in the Waikato before the war, and expressed the hope that those clubs in recess would be resuscitated in the near future. He spoke of the labour problems of herd testing, and stressed the valuable work done by lady testing officers, without whom the association would have been forced ,to curtail its activities. However, the association had been able to carry on, and. in sire survey work had been able to. give even better service to its members. He stressed that the herd sire was the main hope of raising the . Dominion herd average. A list of proven bulls is given annually in the herd testing report, which should be a valuable guide to those wishing to purchase bulls of a proven strain. Artificial insemination had been another section of the. association’s activities, and Mr. Sheaf explained how his association had collaborated with the ■ Ruakura Animal Research Station. Mr. J. B. Hooper gave facts and figures to show that the farmer cannot afford not to test. A survey of his own herd, taking the highest and the lowest cows, with the same number of days over a period of 11 years, revealed that the total difference of butterfat was nearly 2,0001 b., which, at 1/- per lb., represented a loss of £IOO had these cows not been culled at the end of each season. Mr. Sheffield, of Helensville, demonstrated the methods used by farmers in inseminating their own cows with semen and apparatus supplied by , Ruakura. Mr. G. Worker, of Wellsford, gave an interesting demonstration on how to judge Jer-

sey cows, remarking that “Most people can recognise lack of type, but not so many can tell what is deficient, and that is the purpose of a demonstration.” After his demonstration his audience had a ' much better conception of type. In all 21 cattle were- penned or tied up, and the scene resembled a show. The field day was completed by a review of the remainder of the herd. Afternoon tea was provided by Mrs. J. B. Hooper, assisted by Mrs. W. Williamson. Mr. J. Reed, of Port Albert, thanked Mr. Hooper on behalf of the visitors, and complimented him on his fine achievement. The president then thanked all those who had assisted in the field day, especially Mr. Sheaf, the demonstrators, and Mrs, J. B. Hooper for her hospitality. Y.F.C. on Returning Troopship AMONG the activities on board the ship bringing the South Island replacement draft home recently there was a very successfully run Young Farmers’ Club under the direction of Sgt. Norman Mahon, a member of the Scargill-Omihi Y.F.C., and of the Lowry Hut Farmers’ Association, a group formed in the 2nd N.Z.E.F. Base in the Middle East. Quite a number of farming specialists were discovered on board, and lectures were given on Clydesdales, poultry, wool, lucerne, artificial insemination, grasslands in India, farming in Scotland and in Palestine, as well as “Points in Picking a Farm.” The enthusiasm and energy of Sgt. Mahon made the group a great success, attendances at meetings being usually over 50. Sgt. Mahon was greatly assisted by members of the committee, Major Anderson and Cpls. Fallow and Martin. Much use was made of text books and pamphlets supplied by E.R.S., and also, in conjunction with this group, a Farm Bookkeeping class was held, which was attended by many of the members.

OBITUARY SQUADRON LEADER E. W. BARNETT, A.F.C. Y.F.C. members in the Dominion will have . learnt with regret of the passing of Squadron-Leader E. W. Barnett, whose, death occurred at Palmerston North on June 11 after a long illness. “Barney,” as he was popularly known, was a foundation member of the Halcombe Young Farmers’ Club, and became chairman of the Manawatu Y.F.C. District Committee, and later chairman of the Wellington Council. Just prior to the war he was elected Dominion President of the Federation, which office he filled capably for two years. At the outbreak of war he enlisted and was accepted in ( the R.N.Z.A.F. as a flying instructor. He attained the rank of Squadron Leader, and was awarded the Air Force Cross. Barney was well known in farming circles as a breeder of Southdown sheep and Polled Hereford cattle. He was keenly interested in the Y.F.C. movement even after he had joined'the Air Force, and he went out of his way to assist wherever possible. He was active in many other organisations, being a member of the council of the Royal Agricultural Society of N.Z., and also chairman of the Western District Council of that organisation. He was also a member of the council of the N.Z. Hereford Cattle ' Breeders’ Association. He held office as vice-president of the Manawatu A. and P. Association and the Marton A. and P. Association, and was a member of the committee of the Feilding A. and P. Association. He was connected also with the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, the Manawatu and Oroua School Committees’ Association, and the Oroua Rabbit Board. Until his enlistment he was a member of the National Council of Primary Production. Prior to the war he took an active part ’ in civil aviation, and on his enlistment he had 175 flying hours to his credit. Barney was a promising young leader of the rural community, and in losing him young farmers throughout New Zealand will feel they have lost a “great chap” and a true friend. The deepest sympathies of all units and members of the Y.F.C. organisation are extended to his family and relatives.

Wanganui District Stock Judging

THE Wanganui Y.F.C. District Committee 'A held a field day recently in the Domain at Taihape. It was devoted to stock-judging and. demonstrations on the following classes: Southdowns, Romneys, dairy cattle, pigs, and beef cattle. The competition. was open to teams of five members, each *to judge one class only, clubs being allowed to enter any number of separate teams in both the junior and senior classes. The fixture unfortunately clashed with a Y.F.C. dog trial class at Taihape, and the local club was unable to raise a team. The bad weather, together with transport difficulties, made it impossible for some of the other clubs to send members, and the competition finally resolved itself into a contest between four senior teams (two each from the Mangaweka and Marton Clubs); 1 a team from Mangaweka was the only entry in the junior competition. Considering the weather, however, the attendance was good, there being approximately 50 members and visitors present. The senior trophy was won by the Marton (A) team, and the Mangaweka. junior team gained the junior trophy without opposition. The individual results in . the various classes were as follows (maximum 180 points):— Southdowns : Senior:. L. Vile, Marton (A), 163 points, 1; G. Lampp, Marton (B), 100 points, 2; J. Robinson, Mangaweka (B), 72 points, 3; K. Green, Mangaweka (A), 63 points, 4. Junior: C. Toms, Mangaweka, 48 points. Romneys:— ' ' Senior: L. McKinnon, Mangaweka (B), 111 points, 1; M. Gardner, Mangaweka (A), 87 points,-2; M. Marshall, Marton (A), 67 points, 3; M. F. Gray, Marton (B), 50 points, 4.

,Junior:. E. J. Thomasen, Mangaweka, ,72 points. Dairy Cattle:— Senior: K. G. Coles, Marton (A), 165 points, 1; G. Gordon, Marton (B), 155 points, 2; J. R. Dalrymple, Mangaweka (B), 110 points, 3; D. Murphy, Mangaweka (A), 50 . points, 4. 1 Junior: M. Ferry, Mangaweka, 150 points. Pigs Senior: H. Millar, Marton (A), 171 points, 1; A. Dickey, Marton (B), and B. Rowley, Mangaweka (A), 170 points, equal 2; T. Green, Mangaweka (B), 145 points, 4. Junior: E. Daphne, Mangaweka, 160 points. Beef Cattle:— Senior: J. Lampp, Marton (B), 148 points, 1; P. Green, Mangaweka (B), 128 points, 2; N. Weston, Mangaweka (A), 124 points, 3; M. Marshall, Marton (A), 118 points, 4. Junior: A. R. Ross, Mangaweka, 86 points. Points for Teams:— Senior: Marton (A) 684 points; Marton (B) 623; Mangaweka (B) 566; Mangaweka (A) 494. Junior: Mangaweka, 516 points. - The judges and demonstrators for the various classes were as follows: » Southdowns: Mr. D. K. Coleman, Taihape. Romneys: Mr. A. L. Wheeler, Leedstown. Dairy cattle: Mr. C. J. Masters, Wanganui. Pigs: Mr. K. G. Coles, Marton. Beef cattle: Mr. L. A. P. Sheriff, Taihape. The arrangements for the field day were in the hands of a committee from the Mangaweka and Taihape Clubs, with Mr. B. J. Collerton, Taihape Y.F.C., as chairman. The Dominion Organising Secretary, Mr. S. Freeman, was present.

Reports on Club Activities

WESTERN SOUTHLAND Lochiel.— This club has just been revived after being in recess for over three years. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. A. Diack; chairman, W. May; secretary, S. Moynihan; treasurer, I. Fleming. The club has started with a membership of 16, and it appears to have good prospects of increasing this number. ' Orepuki. Debate to be held between the club and, the Farmers’ Union; to be followed by a dance. Club debate on the subject “That agriculture offers as good •an opportunity to young men in New Zealand as does any other employment.” The affirmative were given the award after a very interesting debate, the ■decision, being a close one. Seventeen members present out of a total of 35. Tokanui.— This is an entirely new club, formed recently with an initial membership of 15. . Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. T. A. Buckingham; chairman, M. Ericson; secretary, D. Hurle; treasurer, T. Rud•denklau. This club seems to have very good prospects of success. EASTERN SOUTHLAND Maitland This club has recently; been revived after a period of well over three years in recess. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. Jas. Johnston; chairman, B. Johnston; vice-chairman, J. Y. Smail; secretary, H. J. Thayer. The club has' begun with a membership of 11, and intends to hold a . field day in the near future, and to organise a dog trial. ■ SOUTH OTAGO Milton.— Annual meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. A. B. Stewart; chairman, A. T. Allison; vice-chairman, D. J. Allison; secretary, G. E. Cullen; advisory

members, Messrs, C. R. Sheet, A. Tweed, V. R. Clark, Arrangements for a dance. Short lecture by R. Stewart, who described his activities in the Pacific Islands. Eleven members present out of a total of 51. DUNEDIN West Taieri. Talk by Mr. L. Harvey on “How to Conduct a Meeting”; this proved most interesting and was much appreciated. Seven members present out of 15. SOUTH CANTERBURY Pleasant Point. Final arrangements for. annual ball. Lecture by Mr. D. S. Loder on “World Affairs”; this proved very interesting and instructive. Twenty-six members -present out of 35. Officers elected at the -annual meeting:- Advisory president, Mr. V. Wilson; chairman, J. W. Crombie; secretary, •E. L. Esler; treasurer, S. W. Davey. Twenty-three members attended the annual meeting. MID -CANTERBURY Ashburton D.H.S Field day at the Canterbury Roller Flour Mills. Mr. D. Moore, of the company’s staff, showed the’party round, and described the complete process from wheat to' the processed flour, showing the various stages in . manufacture and the removal of impurities. Fourteen members attended. Hinds. Team selected to represent club in the inter-club debate, W. Taylor, R. Cocks, and K. McConnell. The chairman reported on the annual meeting of the District Committee. One new member enrolled. Fourteen present out of 19. Methven Two new .members enrolled. Preliminary arrangements for annual ball. Report on annual meeting of district committee by F. McKay. ‘ A “mock meeting” was held with C. Norton acting as chairman and B. Camp-

heli as secretary. Twenty-three present out of 78. At the previous meeting the winners of stock-judging competition held at Methven Show were announced as follows:—J. Oldfield, 1; A. W. McKay, 2; S. A. Grigg, 3; B. Anderson, 4; W. Stevens, 5. Short talks by members on subjects of farming interest. Twentyeight members present. CHRISTCHURCH Darfield. Five new members enrolled. Debate with Ellesmere Club; subject, “That the Average Standard, of Farming in Canterbury is Poor.” Speakers, A. S. Ford, B. K. Wagner,' A. Anderson (Ellesmere); J. Stewart, A. Mulholland, J. Duncan (Darfield). Ellesmere gained the award by 280 points to 267. Mr. D. O’Connell acted as judge. Seventeen members present out of 35. Officers elected at the annual meeting: Advisory members, Messrs. C. 0. Redfern and R. S. Gunn; chairman, B. E. Jarman; secretary and treasurer, M. R. Black. Twelve members present. Ellesmere. new member elected. Team selected to debate with Darfield Club. Arrangements for dance. Address by Mr. Colin How, consulting officer, N.Z. Dairy Board, on “Mastitis in Cows.” There were 26 members present. NORTH CANTERBURY Amberley.— Discussion on changing name of club to “Kowai”; decided to discuss matter with district secretary. Talks by members as follows: A. H. Topp (“Bokhara Clover”); K. Henderson (“Phalaris Grass”); and F. Wilson (“Lotus Major”). Eight present out of 18. Cheviot.— This club has been recently revived after having been in recess for nearly two years. Officers elected: ■ Advisory president,. Mr. R. S. Morrison; chairman, H. M. Cooper; secretary, R. M. Stevenson; treasurer, C. C. Grey. Seventeen members present at initial meeting. Oxford.— Annual meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. ■J. E. H. McGrath; chairman, T. .H. Thompson ; secretary, L. Irwin; treasurer, R. Reed. Fourteen members present. MARLBOROUGH Flaxbourne. Discussion in regard to formation of a district committee for Marlborough. Local R.S.A. to be challenged to a debate. Each member present spoke for two minutes on the junior subject selected for a debate, “That the Horse will survive the Tractor.” At previously unreported meetings the advisory president, Mr. W. S. Morrin, ' gave a talk on “Land Tenure,” enumerating the various types and explaining their titles. Two-minutes speeches were given by all members on the subject “That the Plough is Obsolete,” with a view to the selection of two teams to debate against Seddon Y.F.C. The attendances at these meetings varied from 12 to 20 out of a total of 28 members. Dog trials were held by the club, and proved very successful, a profit of £lO being gained. Entry was open to the public. Three prizes were given in each event, namely “Head and Hold in Ring” (27 entries), and “Huntaway” (23 entries). In addition three special prizes were awarded to Y.F.C. members. An entry fee of five shillings was charged, and the two events filled in the day comfortably. / Donations totalled £l6. . ’ Seddon.— Annual meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. W. Kington, chairman, H. Gluyas; secretary and treasurer, L. J. Marfell./. Nine members present. NELSON Dovedale.— meeting. Officers elected: Advisory members, Messrs. I. Win and P. J. Burnett; chairman, R. T. Hawkes; secretary and treasurer, R. E. Burnett. Twelve members present. . . ' Maruia.— Annual meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. R. C. Gibbs; chairman, F. J. Douglas; secretary and treasurer, J. D. Gibbs. Seventeen members attended. HOROWHENUA Levin. One new member enrolled. Address by Mr. A. C. Morton, of Massey College, on

“Raising Fat Lambs.” Eleven members present out of 24. MANAWATU Apiti.—l. Old elected chairman in place of P. R. McKay, who is to .go into the Army shortly. Address by Mr. H. H. Jensen on “Trees.” Thirteen present out of 35. Bunnythorpe. Discussion regarding Roll of Honour Plaque. Dance to be held. Congratulations extended to T. Hyde and J. O’Brien on their broadcast from Station 2ZA, Palmerston North, in the Y.F.C. weekly session. Vote of thanks to Messrs. Donald and Galpin for their assistance in compiling the radio script. Sixteen members attended out of 19. Kairanga.— Final arrangements for dance. Field day to be held at Longburn FreezingWorks. Football team to be selected in near future. Twenty-five members present out of total, of 28. Oroua Downs. — Address by Mr. K. Wyness on his experiences in the Pacific. Twenty-two present out of 27. Pohangina Valley J. Beamy to give a talk over the radio at a future date. J. Dawson to address the next meeting on “Curing Hides.” Field day to be held. Debate, “That the Plough is Obsolete”; this was followed by a talk on “Meeting Procedure,” by Mr. J. Linklater. Twenty-one present out of 31. \ Rongotea.— Mr. W. ' Wilson gave a very interesting address, outlining his trip to England. He also acquainted members with the acute food shortage in Britain. Twenty-seven members present out of 41. At the previous meeting arrangements were made for a field day at Massey College, and it was decided to organise a football team. A very interesting field day was held at the Longburn Freezing Works, 20 members being present. The tour of the works commenced at 1 p.m., and lasted for two and a half hours. The party was shown over the works by Mr. Wilson, the works manager; the killing of cattle, sheep and pigs was in progress. At the conclusion of the inspection the party, was entertained at afternoon tea by the Freezing Co. Mr. Wilson gave a short talk to the members, and then introduced Captain Evans, of the U.S. Army, who gave a brief address on “Farming in the United States.” The club also held a very successful dance, the proceeds going to the local patriotic funds. Whakarongo arrangements for dance. Club debate, the subject being “That Haybaling' is superior to Hay-stacking.” Mr. Hall, of Palmerston North Technical School, kindly acted as adjudicator, and gave the award to the negative team. Sixteen members present out of 26. ' WANGANUI Bulls— Questions to be selected dealing with the club’s day of instruction held at Ohakea Air Force Station; these questions to be sent to Ohakea, where an officer and two members of the club would compile a radio script on pilot' release to be broadcast in the Y.F.C. session as a discussion. Members to attend a field day at Massey College. At previous meetings arrangements were made for a field day on Mr. Eglinton’s property. Football team to. be selected to play Ohakea. Addresses by Messrs. E. W. Cowdrey and R. Managh, on “Wheat Growing”; both speakers are practical farmers in the Halcombe district, and grow wheat quite extensively. They were able to pass on much useful knowledge, and both stressed , the urgency for more wheat during the coming .year. At another unreported meeting teams were selected for the district debating contest; the chairman gave a report on the recent District Committee meeting, and a discussion took place on suggested trials in the Bulls district with Sweet Yellow lupin for the Department of Agriculture. Attendances varied from 9 to ,12 members out of a total of 38.

Hunterville.— Field day to be held. P. Rhodes appointed delegate to local branch of Farmers’ Union. The chairman presented certificates to members who won events at the recent athletic sports held at Rata. Final arrangements for dance. Debating teams selected to compete in the district contest. Interesting talk by

Mr. Lloyd Hammond on the newly-formed Federated Farmers. Sixteen members present. At a previous meeting an interesting talk was given by Mr. Geo. McDonald on “The Disadvantages of the Show Ring.” A generous offer was received from Mr. C. J. Craig of a prize to the member who attended the most meetings and who enrolled the most new members. A debate was held between members of the junior W.D.F.U. and the Y.F.C., the subject being, “That Women are Comparatively Better on the Land than Men in the Home.” The debate proved a most amusing one. The speakers were Miss G. Boucher (leader), supported by Misses J. Harre and N. Harvey (affirmative), and M. Henwood (leader), J. Bartlett and H. Harvey (negative). Mr. C. J. Craig acted as chairman, and the Rev. A. Baxter, M.A., as adjudicator. After 1 the leaders had summed up, the chairman declared the debate open, and several of the audience took advantage of this to express their views. The adjudicator gave the decision to the affirmative by 67 points to 60, and in his comments gave some very helpful advice to individual speakers. Miss A. Pickard, president of the junior W.D.F.U., and J. Bartlett, chairman of the Hunterville Y.F.C., expressed thanks to the chairman and adjudicator. A combined meeting was then held, at which a committee was set up to arrange a dance. Mangaweka Arrangements for dance. Demonstration by Mr. W. Brown on the “doing up” of a circular saw. Eighteen members present out of 24. Marton.— Teams selected for district debating contest. Arrangements for annual dance. Suggestions made re supper at meetings, a field day at-Massey College, and a ’dog trial. Working party to clear around the trees planted by the. club in Centennial' Park. Four new members enrolled. A very comprehensive talk was given by. Mr. Lloyd Hammond, of Rata, on “Federated Farmers.” The working of the organisation from the farmer right up to the Dominion Council was explained; Mr. Hammond stressed the importance of young farmers taking an active part in this new organisation. There were 22 members present out of 29. Ohakea.— A very interesting report has been received from the Ohakea Air Force Station Y.F.C., covering the work carried out during the past year, a summary of which follows: — Outside functions: Visits to Plant Research Station, Massey College, ' Mr. C. Vile’s farm, Mr. C. Eglinton’s farm, Y.F.C. Field Day at Marton, wool-classing lecture at Massey College, and club dinner given by Bulls Y.F.C. Lectures were given on Southdown sheep, pigs, beekeeping, diseases of stock, land settlement, mole drainage, legal points for the farmer, mastitis, and vegetables. Mr. E. Bruce Levy gave an address on his tour of Europe, illustrated by lantern slides. Club members and others of the Air Force personnel contributed technicolour films of the Canadian Rockies, talks on such subjects as “Farming in Kenya,” and “Farm Shelter.” A debate was held with the discussion group on the station, the subject being “Collective Farming.” Agricultural films supplied by the A.E.W.S. were also an added interest. The club membership varies owing to “postings”; the present membership is 15. Waimarino This club has just been revived after being in recess for a considerable time. Further news will be available in next month’s issue. WAIRARAPA Carterton.— Arrangements for annual dance. Introduction of new district secretary, Mr. G. S. Robinson. Talk by Mr. Robinson on his experiences in England while on loan from New Zealand to the British Ministry of Agriculture. Ten present out of 35. Masterton Arrangements for a dance. Social to be held in honour of returned members. Address by J. Pointon, a returned club member, on “D” Day. Thirty-seven members present out of 60. At a previous meeting a lecture on “Dog Trials” was given by Mr. H. McGuiness.

Lecture Brevities FEDERATED FARMERS A FEW of the reasons why it had been necessary to form Federated Farmers were given to the Marton Club by Mr. Lloyd Hammond, Rata. He gave the example of the Sheepowners’ Federation , and the Farmers’ Union holding simultaneous conferences , and often passing resolutions diametrically opposed to each other, so about two years ago the suggestion was made to the Farmers’ Union and the Sheepowners’ Federation that they unite and ask all other sections of primary producers to combine to form a single body. Provisional provincial executives are being formed for the purpose of getting the branches and produce sections going. • - The speaker went on to show how the organisation was built up and how the representation was carried from the farmer right up to the Dominion council. The present rules and regulations are only tentative, . and are' subject to ratification or alteration at the first Dominion conference, which will probably be held early next year or possibly before the end of this one. In the meantime the Farmers’ Federationa sort of combined committee of the Farmers’ Union and Sheepowners’ Federation and not to be confused with Federated Farmers—will carry on any important business. All those who belong to any of the old organisations are automatically members of Federated Farmers. Mr. Hammond then stressed the importance of young farmers taking an active part in the new organisation. Farming must be organised, for this is the age of organised industry, and by organisation farming should be able to achieve its aims. Federated Farmers is not party political would be disastrous if it —though it will have to be political, for farming is in the anomalous position of being in a minority, though it produces 95 per cent, of the nation’s wealth. , Members were urged not to sit by and say that we had not the abilitythat there were plenty of other fellows to do the work. That spirit will not get farming anywhere. Mr. Hammond said that some of the best brains in the Farmers’ Union had been men who thought that they had not the ability. The older men had had enough, and were looking to the young farmers especially to supply the new blood urgently needed. “We ' are looking to the Young Farmers’ ' Clubs to back us up,” concluded Mr. Hammond. x —MALCOLM F. GRAY, Hon. Secretary, Marton Y.F.C.

SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY

Dannevirke Welcome extended to I. G. Macdonald, an advisory member. K. Tait reported on the annual meeting of the district committee, giving officers elected, list of lecturers drawn up, and details of field day and debating contest arranged. Discussion on field day and debating contest, and arrangements made for the club to take full part in them. Short talks by members as follows: G. Reisma (“Milk Fever”), J. Lowes (“Disinfection and Disinfectants”), H. Allardice (“Internal 'Parasites in Sheep”), G. Redward (“Making Good Hay”). Mr. R. G. MacDonald spoke on “Horses” as the main talk of the evening. He outlined the points of a good draught, a hack, a cob, and a Shetland pony, explaining their different uses and giving a practical reason for each* point. His talk was very interesting and occasioned many questions. The club’s best wishes were extended by the chairman to V. C. Cammock, who is shortly joining the Air Force. Attendance of 40 members, out of a total of 47.

NORTHERN HAWKE’S BAY Meeanee Arrangements for annual district sports. Informal talks by members. Nine present out of 22. Wairoa.— meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. H. Bayley; chairman, E. Brownlie ; secretary, I. J. Bell; treasurer, F. Lister. Twenty-one members attended. TE KUITI Te Anga Central.— lnteresting talk by Mr. G. A. Burt, advisory president, on “Judging at Dog Trials.” Fifteen present out of 18. WAIKATO Cambridge. by Mr. W. Sage on “Beekeeping.” Fourteen members present out of 35. At the previous meeting arrangements made for a field day; report given on recent dance. Talk by T. Moore, a club member, on the Farm School held recently at Claudelands. Seventeen present. Okoroire Preparations for a dance. Arrangements made for members requiring books from the Adult Education scheme to obtain them through the club. An enjoyable card evening was held, in the absence of the lecturer for the evening. . Twenty members present out of 41. Te Awamutu. day held on Mr. Cowie’s property, Parawera. Mr. Cowie showed the party around his farm, and spoke and demonstrated on fat lamb raising, fattening beef Cattle, and farm, management generally. Ten members of the club were present. BAY OF PLENTY Kati Kati. Dance to be held in near future. Mr. Bayliss coached members in debating as a team. At the previous meeting Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture, gave an address on “Pampas Grass.” Ten members at both meetings, out of total of 29. Omokoroa— entries for the ensilage competition. Team to be entered for the first round of the district debating contest.

Concert to be held to raise funds for the Y.F.C. Memorial Scheme. Four new members enrolled. Eighteen present out of 22. Waimana— by Mr. Barwell, Supervisor, Pig Council, Bay of Plenty, on “Pig Husbandry.’’ Ten members present out of 20. AUCKLAND Clevedon ßeport on dance held in conjunction with Clevedon W.D.F.U.; the club’s share of the profits amounted to £l3 4s. 2d. Lecture by Mr. P. Martin Smith on "Reconstruction and the Rural Areas.” Twelve present out of 21. East Tamaki.—Report by J. Valder on recent district committee meeting at Drury. Entries for inter-club stock-judging at Pukekohe; eight competitors selected, two each to compete in the cattle, horse, sheep, and pig classes. An article on “Mole Drainage” in the “New Zealand Journal of Agriculture,” was read and general discussion took place on this subject. Twenty-two members present out of . a total of 31. Franklin.— Report on dance held at. Ranuhama, which , netted a profit .of £9 10s. ■ Report on the combined field day held at Pukekohe Show Grounds, run by the district committee ; Franklin club came second on points in the stock-judging competition—horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. Lecture by Dr. W. S. Hill on “Grass and Clover Species and their Values.” The speaker explained the characteristics of the different grasses and clovers, and which species to grow in the various types of soil and climate, and also for the different seasonal requirements. After his lecture, Dr. Hill answered numerous questions on general farm topics. Twenty-two present out of 29. Harrisville. Arrangements for future lectures, etc. Address by Mr. F. S. Atchison, chairman of the Auckland Y.F.C. Council, on “The Working of the Y.F.C. Movement.” Six members present out of 16. •

Collection of Bobby Calves WITH the approach of the season for the collection of bobby calves, the following ' extracts from the Calves (Sales for Slaughter) „ Regulations, 1936, are published for the information of farmers' and transport operators. No person, whether as principal or agent, shall sell or offer for sale any bobby calf unless such calf has been properly and sufficiently fed daily from birth and has been so fed not earlier than four hours before the time of its actual removal from his premises in pursuance of a sale or a contract or intended contract of sale. In any proceedings brought against any person for failing properly and sufficiently to feed any calf the burden of proof that such calf has been fed as required by these regulations shall lie on the defendant. No person, whether as principal or agent, shall purchase, drive, or convey any calf which appears to be unfit by reason of weakness or immaturity to be driven or conveyed to the place at which it is intended to be slaughtered for human consumption. Every person who commits a breach of these regulations shall be liable to a fine of £5.