YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 71, Issue 2, 15 August 1945, Page 203

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

Annual General Meeting of Y.F.C. Federation

THE eleventh annual general meeting. of the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (Inc.), held in the Toorak Hall, Hamilton, on Monday and Tuesday, June 25 and 26, was most successful and was attended by about 70 delegates from North Auckland, Auckland, Waikato, King Country, Bay of Plenty, Northern and Southern Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Marlborough, North and South Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. , • A short meeting of the Dominion Executive Committee took place prior to the main meeting, which was officially opened by Mr. Caro, the Mayor of Hamilton, who expressed his sympathies towards the farming community and the Young Farmers’ Clubs movement in particular. A vote of thanks to the Mayor was moved by Mr. S. G. Avery (Vice-president of the federation) and seconded by Mr. K. G. Hargest (Otago-Southland Council). The retiring President, Mr. T. E. Streeter, of Motukarara, Canterbury, paid a tribute to the memory of the late Squadron Leader E. W. Barnett (a former Dominion Y.F.C. President), coupled with the names of all • members who had died on active . service the meeting stood in, silence for a few moments in their honour. In his annual report (which was published in last month’s issue) Mr. Streeter reviewed the work of the past year, and gave ample evidence that the Y.F.C. movement was definitely “on the up-grade” so far as number of clubs and memberships were concerned. The clubs had increased from 70 to 104 during the year, and the memberships generally were greater and showed a bigger proportion of younger members. Both club and district activities were' increasing, and, despite transport and other difficulties, it was certain that the coming year would be one of progress. He appealed to all associated with the movement to pull together and do their utmost to re-establish the organisation ,on its prewar basis. The number of clubs was now double the figure to which it had dropped

during the darkest days of the war, but was still only half way to complete recovery. By concerted effort only, could the movement be

rebuilt and extended; it had shown its value and demonstrated its capabilities during the war. In the peace to come it had a definite part to play in reconstruction and rehabilitation. Officers Elected The election of officers resulted as follows: Grand Patron, Mr. L. J. Wild, Feilding (reelected) ; Dominion President, Mr. F. S. Atchison, Clevedon, Auckland; Vice-president, Mr. Jas. Barclay, Waimate, South Canterbury; representative on National Council of Primary Production, Mr. D. S. Ross, Te Puke (a former President); representative on Dominion Executive of N.Z. Farmers’ - Union, Mr. Jas. Barclay; hon. treasurer, Mr. C. H. Schwass; hon. auditor, Mr. O. G. Thomas. The Dominion Organising Secretary, Mr. S. Freeman, gave a comprehensive report dealing with the position of the movement in every district throughout the Dominion, pointing out the progress or otherwise of the organisation, and its prospects. He stressed the importance of the District Committees, and the need for enrolling younger members in the clubs. The report on cultural and aesthetic values, prepared by the sub-committee set up by the Otago-Southland Council at the request of the Dominion Executive Committee, had- received wide publicity through the Press, and the sub-committee was congratulated on its useful work. '. Arrangements were made for adequate distribution of Y.F.C. literature and propaganda. The publication of a Y.F.C. year book was given consideration. The secretary said that the Government Studios at Miramar would be willing to take film shots from time to time of outstanding Y.F.C. activities for featuring in the Government Publicity newsreels, and it was agreed that every advantage should be taken of this opportunity. Memorial Schemes z

Recommendations submitted by the Y.F.C. memorial sub-committee were mainly along the lines of scholarships to Y.F.C. members who

had served, overseas and their relatives,' It was decided to ask all units of the federation for further suggestions as to the form that the memorial should take in ; the meantime authority was given for the clubs and other units to commence collecting funds. Quotas had already been arranged in the Auckland Council area, and the sum of £259 had been collected in the Bay of Plenty. A total objective of £lO,OOO was suggested by the subcommittee, to be collected over a period of five years. Land settlement, rehabilitation, and a scheme for the sponsoring of a “sister” organisation

for rural young women, along the lines of the Y.F.C., were discussed. The last-named matter had already been referred to representatives of women’s organisations at a meeting held in Wellington, and would come up for discussion at the annual conferences of the W.D.F.U. and Women’s Institutes. A number, of remits were considered, among them being a recommendation that clubs should plant not less than 12 trees each, to mark the outstanding achievements of the

British and Allied Forces in Europe. A motion encouraging the development of sports and athletic events as a part of club activities was also carried. An exhibition of film-strips was given by Mr. A. G. Sparrow, and arrangements made for such film-strips to be available to clubs for lecture purposes, the purchase of the special film-strip projectors to be gone into by the Dominion Executive Committee. On the evening of the first day the visiting delegates attended an excellent concert as the guests of the Auckland Y.F.C. Council, and on the day following the conclusion of the meeting a party of the visitors was shown over the Ruakura Animal Research Station. The very evident keenness and enthusiasm of all who attended the meeting augur well for the future of the organisation.

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ AGRICULTURAL CLUBS. A HISTORY of the origin and establishment /*. of the Boys’ the Girls’ Agricultural Club of the Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Club movement in Taranaki and of the movement to form a- Nature Lovers’ or Co-operative Citizenship League has been embodied in an attractive booklet by Mr. G. H. Buckeridge. It is an interesting survey of the expansion of a movement whose value to the children and to the country in creating interest in agriculture and stock-raising cannot be overemphasised. Copies of the booklet are obtainable from Mr. Buckeridge at 10 Fairview Crescent, Wellington, W.l.

Dominion President

MR. F. S. ATCHISON

MR. F. S. Atchison, the newly-elected Y.F.C. Dominion President, has been an enthusiastic Y.F.C. supporter over a lengthy period. He was born at Clevedon, South Auckland district, in 1915, and is the younger son of a well-known farming family. He was educated at King’s College, Auckland, and is now farming his late father’s property, “Burn Brae,” situated at Clevedon.

' He was the first chairman of the Clevedon Young Farmers’ Clubs, formed in 1939, and held office as Chairman of the Auckland Y.F.C. District Committee, later being elected chairman of the Auckland Y.F.C. Council. He has been a member of the Dominion Executive Committee for a number of years. He is an executive member of the Franklin A. and P. Association, aid of the Franklin Veterinary Club, and an active member of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. In addition he has served on a number of local committees in various connections.

Fred Atchison, as he is popularly known, is a keen sportsman. He is a well-known rider in the Auckland show ring and hunting circles, having hunted and jumped horses in open company since childhood. He is a keen polo player, being a member of . the Clevedon Polo Club. At football he represented Manukau Rugby Union as half-back ■ and five-eighths, and at cricket he represented the Manukau Cricket Association as opening batsman and spin bowler. Besides taking an active part in sport he has interested himself in the administrative and executive side and has served on the committees of many sporting bodies over a number of years.

As a farmer, principally . dairying, Mr. Atchison has proved himself to be ' both efficient and up-to-date. As a Y.F.C. member his keenness and enthusiasm leave little to be desired, and at meetings he has shown himself to be a strong and capable chairman.

Reports on Club Activities

WESTERN SOUTHLAND Drummond. Discussion on proposed basketball tournament to be held at Invercargill. Lecture by Mr. W. Harris, of Invercargill, on “How to Conduct a Meeting”; Mr. Harris, who has had much to do with Y.F.C. affairs, explained fully the duties of the various club officers, etc. There was an attendance ■of 12 members out of ' a total of 16. Tokanui.— General business. Discussion on remit submitted to the District Committee by the Wyndham Y.F.C. Also discussions on the proposed inter-club basketball and football tournaments; it was decided to form a Tokanui Y.F.C. football club. Twenty members present out of 21. ■ Wyndham— Talk by Mr. T. L. McDonald,. M.P., on “Jewish Farm Settlements in Palestine.” Twenty members present out of a total of 21. EASTERN SOUTHLAND Five Rivers— General business; discussion on banking of funds, etc. Last year’s balance sheet reviewed. Arrangements for a debate at next meeting. Talks by members as follows: T. Muir (“The Grass Grub”), and D. Muir (“Stud . and Stock Breeding”). Ten members present out of 18. At the previous meeting P. Drummond gave a talk on “Internal Combustion Engines.” ■ SOUTH OTAGO Clinton.— Request to be made for the provision of a sheep section for Y.F.C. members only at the local show. Interesting address and demonstration on “Stud Rams” by the Mosley Bros., using one of Mr. H. Bell’s rams to illustrate the points. Eleven members present out of 14. ’ Officers elected at the annual meeting: Advisory president, Mr. J. Murney; chairman, E. Roseveare; secretary and treasurer, W. Roy. Clutha Valley.— to plant trees in memory of members killed on active service. Arrangements for club ball. Workers’ Edu-

cational Assn, papers introduced by Mr. A. Pannett; after discussion these were rejected because they were too advanced for the younger members. Full muster of 19 members present. Milton General business. Address by Mr. S. J. Ottrey on ‘-‘Fat Lamb Marking.” Ten members present out of 31. Warepa Arrangements for c’ub ball; debate to be held with the Clinton Y.F.C. Interesting talk by C. Kerr, a member of the club, on his experiences in the Pacific, where he served in the Air Force: he illustrated his talk with photos curios, etc. There were 25 members present out of 33. DUNEDIN Mosgie! S.— Visit to the Dominion Fertiliser Co.’s Works at Ravensbourne. The club members were conducted round the works by members of the firm’s staff, who explained and demonstrated the various stages of manufacture of . the fertilisers, sulphuric acid, etc.; the visitors were also shown over the laboratory, where the test for soil acidity was demonstrated. Forty-six members attended out of 50. A visit was also paid at a previous date to Mr. Heenan’s dairy farm at Mungatua, where Mr. Buxton (dairy inspector) demonstrated bn the construction of a modern cow byre a”d milk house, and cleanliness of milking plant, etc. Mr. Buxton concluded his talk with a brief resume of the main diseases that are liable to attack a herd. A talk was also given by Mr. Heenan , on his own farming experiences. • Mr. Young’s farm at Allanton was visited on another occasion, the main interest. being the header harvester. A debate has been arranged between teams from the Mosgiel club and the newly-formed club at the R.N.Z.A.F. Station, Taieri, the subject being “That the co-operative ownership of the heavier and more expensive types of farm implements by three or four neighbouring farmers (who can work co-operatively) would result in the better economic development of a great deal of the agricultural land in New Zealand.”

NORTH OTAGO

Enfield.— Letter to be sent to Messrs. W. and D. Malcolm thanking them for their generous competition prize donations. Arrangements for club dance. One new member enrolled. Talks by returned members, B. Helliwell, W. Anderson, and R. Anderson, on their experiences in the-Pacific. Sixteen members present out of 20. At previous meetings, talks were given by Mr. J. B. Chapman (“Tobacco-growing and its encouragement in North Otago”), and Mr. T. A. Sellwood, Department of Agriculture (“The Reviving of the Y.F.C. Movement . throughout North Otago”).

Five Forks This club has been recently revived after being over three years in recess. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. M. W. Austin; chairman, E. F. Ruddenklau; secretary and treasurer, J. F. Wilson. Twelve members present. We wish this club every success, and hope that its example will be speedily followed by the other clubs in the district that are still inactive.

SOUTH CANTERBURY

Geraldine made for a club reunion. Arrangements for a dance. Two debates held: (1) “That the Fertiliser Rationing is a Blessing in Disguise”; speakers, T. Greenall, M. Goodwin, M. Crotty (affirmative); J. Sheed, W. Nelson, B. Padget (negative). The negative team gained the award by 112 points to 102. (2) “Shou'd Small Farms be encouraged in New Zealand?”; speakers, E. AVorner, C. Kelman, M. Hughes (affirmative); P. Temple, K. Goodwine, I. Sheed (negative). The negative won this debate by 122 points to 120. There was an attendance of 24 members out of 35. At the previous meeting a donation of £4 4s. was received from Mr. and Mrs. Hibbs for a debating cup in memory of their son, Kingsley Hibbs.

Pleasant Point. Arrangements for selecting a club debating team. The next meeting to be devoted to debates and impromptu speeches. Report on annual ball, net profits of which amounted to £l6. Address by Ft. Lt. 0. R. Chapman, D.F.C., on his experiences overseas. Ft. Lt. Chapman, an ex-member of the club, intimated that he was very pleased to see that the club had been able to keep going and had such a satisfactory membership. There were 36 . members present out of 44.

Waihaorunga. Lecture by Mr. G. Barclay on “Bee Keeping.” Eighteen present out of 35. At the previous meeting a programme of lectures for the year was discussed. Officers elected at the annual meeting: Advisory members, Messrs. G. Barclay and A. Bakie: chairman, I. Hurst; vice-chairman, W. Burnie; secretary, R. E. Rickman; treasurer, A. Armstrong.

MID-CANTERBURY

Hinds. General business. Interesting and humorous lecture given by Mr. L. A. Charles, president of the Ashburton Rotary Club. Ten members present out of 19.

Methven. Stevens appointed delegate to the Farmers’ Union. It was decided that the club should join the Ashburton Debating Union. The speeches for the Dunkley Cup were held, the subject being “Should N.Z. Manpower be further overtaxed when Primary Production is Urgently Required?”; results, G. Limbrick, 1; W. Sterns, 2; R. Mangin, 3. Twenty-six members present out of 80.

Wakanui— Club newly formed, with an initial membership of 14. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. A. Amos; chairman, L. Hyland; secretary, S. Watson; treasurer, R. Amos. The prospects of an increase in membership appear very bright, and we wish this club the best of success.

CHRISTCHURCH

Ellesmere Two new members enrolled. Invitation from Darfleld Club to a football match. Mr. L. W. McCaskill to be asked to lecture on “Rural Education.” Challenge issued to Farmers’ Union to a ' debate. A chib debate was held, the teams being as follows: D. Burford, G. W. Angus G. Prosser, I. Anderson, A. S. Ford (affirmative): H. G. Stephens, A. Anderson, L. Tod, J. Withell, N.

D. Lambie (negative). Mr. Clarke kindly acted as judge, and gave the decision ‘to the affirmative by the close margin of 345 points to 342. Twenty-nine present out of 55.

NORTH CANTERBURY

Amberley.— Members stood in silence to the memory of two fellow-members, ■ Colin Ashworth and Lawrence Croft, killed in action. Donations gratefully received from vice-presi-dents Messrs. C. Ashworth and A. Ashworth. Instructive address by Mr. E. G. Smith, Department of Agriculture, on “The Sowingdown of Pastures”; the speaker also gave his experiences with different grasses, and dealt with Hl short-rotation ryegrass. There were nine members present out of 19.

— Address by Mr. J. Rankin, of Messrs. Wright Stephenson’s, on “Seed Cleaning.” There were 23 present out of 26.

Hawarden-Waikari Club recently resumed activities after being in recess for about three years. Officers' elected: Advisory president, Mr. J. W. Earl; chairman, K. Costello; secretary, J. M. McMillan; treasurer, D. A. Black. Twenty-two members present. At subsequent meetings Messrs. E. G. Smith and Withell, of the Department of Agriculture, delivered addresses. Preparations are under way for a club ploughing competition. We wish this club every success.

MARLBOROUGH

Flaxbourne. — Address by Mr. Brian Trolove, a well-known local stud sheep breeder, on “Show Sheep Judging and the Selection of Rams.” The speaker stressed the importance of a good body and pleasing look of a sheep, and warned his audience against over-emphasis oh wool. He also touched on the world 1 wool situation.- At the previous meeting, which was better attended, debating teams were selected. An address was given by Mr. J. Ropert, B.V.Sc., veterinarian, touching on contagious abortion and its prevention, . and artificial insemination and its possibilities. He also spoke at length on refresher courses for young farmers and farmers generally. There was an attendance of 15 out of 28. *

NELSON

Maruia Successful sports day held; axemen’s chops, greasy pole, horse events, tilting ' in the ring, rescuing the dummy, etc. There was also a football match, Maruia Y.F.C. ,v. Murchison Y.F.C., which was won by Murchison. A dance at night concluded a very successful day, and it is understood that the local Patriotic Funds will benefit substantially from the proceeds. There was a total attendance of 88, which included 25 visiting members and 45 local farmers and friends.

Murchison.— Annual meeting. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. Chas. Lynch; chairman, C. Peacock; secretary and treasurer, W. Rouse. Eighteen members present.

HOROWHENUA

Levin.— Arrangements for “post mortem” field day. Dance to be held. Address by Mr. P. Prouse on “Farm Trees and Commercial Forestry.” . Fifteen members present out of 27.

MANAWATU

Ap — Two new members, K. Stanley and F. Viles, enrolled. Talk by Mr. Geo. Watkins on “Butter-making and Testing of Cream.” Fifteen members present out of 35.

Bunnythorpe ßeference made to the death of Squadron Leader E. W. Barnett; members stood in silence as a mark of respect. Lecture by Mr. R. P. Gilder, Government veterinarian, on “Seasonal Diseases in , Stock.” Fourteen members present out . of a total of 19; in addition 17 local farmers were present by invitation.

Feilding— The club is staging an agricultural show at Feilding; in November next, on behalf of the Manawatu District Committee; a special meeting was held, at which delegates from surrounding clubs were present, ' and a tentative schedule was drawn up. Classes to be as follows Horsesworking horses, hacks, ponies; ’cattleMilking Shorthorns, Friesians, Ayrshires, Jerseys, cross-bred dairy cattle;

sheepßomney Marsh and Southdown (in both open and natural condition classes), flock classes for unregistered Romneys, fat lambs and pet lambs; pigs—Berkshires, . Tamworths, Large Black, Large White, and porker and baconer classes. Officers for the show were elected: Patron, Mr. W. H. Henson; chairman, Mr. L. E. Hansen; organiser, Mr. Earl Beazer; secretary, Mr. Guy; assistant secretary, Mr. D. Griffin; chief stewards, Messrs. H. D. Brewster (horses), N. Wilson (cattle), R. 0. Gloyn (sheep), L. E. Hansen (pigs). It is anticipated that the show to be held this coming November will be one of the highlights of V.F.C. activities in the Manawatu. The Feilding Club is to be congratulated on its venture. The following talks, etc., have been given at recent meetings of the club: Major D. N. Ferguson, B.Ag., gave an interesting talk on Fiji, illustrated by exhibits from the Islands, etc.; Mr. A. C. Buist, advisory president, gave an address on How to run a Successful Young Farmers’ Club”; Mr. Buist stressed the point that enthusiasm was absolutely necessary, and gave some useful hints on the work required to be done ' by the various club officials. Fourteen members present. Kairanga Arrangements for three club members to give a short talk each at every meeting, on subjects of their own choice. Address by Mr. A. V. Lithgow, Department of Agriculture, on the Y.F.C. radio session from 2ZA, and on the revival of clubs. Attendance of 30 out of 36 members. At the previous meeting a football team was selected. A visit was paid by club members to the Longburn Freezing Works, where they were shown the processes and complete running of the works; 17 were present, including three farmer friends . . - Ora Downs.— Visit to Longburn Freezing Works arranged. Report by advisory president on the recent meeting of the Manawatu District Committee. Report and balance of Y.F.C. ball read and ‘discussed. Two new members enrolled. Interesting lantern lecture by Mr. E. Bruce Levy, Director of Grasslands Division, on “Grasslands.” Twenty-eight members present out of 29; in addition a number of local farmers attended by invitation. Pohangina Valley. McDonald elected vicechairman in place of R. J. Moar, who has joined the Air Force. Arrangements ■ for field day at Massey College. Address by Mr. A. A. Johnson, Massey College, on “Britain’s Agriculture during Wartime”; the speaker dealt

with Britain’s achievements, and made comparisons with New Zealand. Mr. Johnson is one of the party of N.Z. experts recently returned from the United Kingdom. There was an attendance of 22 out of 31. At the previous meeting Mr. J. Dawson, a local farmer, gave an instructive talk on “Leather,” dealing with the processing and curing of hides. Rongotea Field day at Massey College; the Principal, Professor Peren, outlined the part le college was playing in the rehabilitation of ex-servicemen; Mr. Webster gave an interesting talk on the prevention and treatment of animal diseases; Mr. Holland described the farming practices and fodder conservation methods. The last hour was spent with Mr. Gorman at the Grasslands Division. The field day was organised by. Mr. G. A. Barrett, o j Massey College, who was also responsible for the luncheon arrangements. Twenty-three members were present out of 41. . Whakarongo.— Debate to be held against Pohangina Valley Y.F.C.; subject to be That Modern Mechanisation is Detrimental to armnB-” Address by Dr. J. S. Yeates, Massey College, on Pasture Weeds,’ illustrated by colour slides. Nineteen present out of 26. At the previous meeting a talk was given by Mr. I. E. Vautier on “Experiences with N.Z. Division.” The speakers for the talks were D. Lynch (“The’ Feeding of lodine to Dairy Cattle”), and J. McLeavey (“Liquid Manure”). Twenty-two present. WANGANUI \ , Bulls. Chairman thanked members for their efforts at the recent successful annual dance; interim report showed profit of £lB. Arrangements for field day on the making of concrete posts, followed by demonstrations on pampas grass, pigs, and the setting of a plough. Dismission regarding the staging of a dog trial; h e id over till a more opportune time. Arrangements made for the radio session, the subject matter to be based on the pilot release demonstration staged at Ohakea. Teams selected for the district debating contest, Football match against Ohakea Y.F.C. cancelled on account of latter being unable to ra j se a team. P. Anderson appointed delegate to the Farmers’ Federation. Occasional meetIngs to be held at Sanson,, in order to stimulate interest in that locality. Discussion regarding 5-acre plot for lupin trial. Chairman extended a welcome to S. H. Last Harris, who has just returned after serving overseas for a considerable time; Mr. Harris has been

both chairman and secretary of the club. Address by Mr. Geo. McDonald, veterinarian, Rata, on , “Diseases we can Prevent” the speaker dealt very fully with his subject, and at the conclusion answered a number of questions. Sixteen members present.

— Discussion regarding the club’s memorial to members killed overseas; suggested that the club should build a small hall. Discussion adjourned till next meeting. A practice debate was held for the district debating contest. Ten members present out of 17. A further practice debate was held the following week, eight members being present.

Marton The report of the annual meeting was inadvertently omitted from this section in the June issue. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. H. G. Stewart; chairman, M. M. Marshall; vice-chairman, G. E. Gordon; secretary, Malcolm F. Gray; assistant secretary, A. L. Vile; treasurer, A. W. Dickey. There were 20 members present.

WAIRARAPA

Carterton.— Report on the recent meeting of the District Committee and of the Wellington Council, by H. McKenzie. Report on annual danceproceeds amounting to £B. One new member enrolled. Talk by Mr. D. L. Taverner, on “Legal Matters,” including gift and death duties, the administering of an estate, etc. Fifteen members present out of 25. ,

SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY

Ballance.— Two teams selected to judge at the forthcoming field day at Woodville. Arrangements for a club debate prior to the district contest. Mr. C. H. Wilton, a local stud breeder, gave a very instructive lecture on the best type of Romney sheep to breed for the overseas fat lamb market. Twelve members present out of 19.

Dannevirke. —J. L. Sunderland, who is leaving the district, tendered his resignation as hon. secretary; G. R. Redward was appointed in his place. Mr. Sunderland’s resignation was regretfully accepted, and many present paid tribute to the ■ services he had rendered to the club, among them being Messrs. K. J. Holyoake, M.P., K. Tait (vice-chairman), S. K. Carswell, L. Feierabend (advisory members), and F. J. S. Holden (district secretary). Mr. Sunderland was' congratulated on his appointment as chairman of the Wellington Y.F.C. ~ Council. Short talks by club members: M. Simmons (“Soil Erosion in America”); J. McNaught (“Pure Milk Production”). Mr. F. J. S. Holden, Department of Agriculture, gave a lecture on “Mole Drainage.” Twenty-five members present.

NORTHERN HAWKE’S BAY

Meeanee -Annual meeting. Officers . elected: Advisory president, Mr. J. N. Guthrie; chairman, W. J. Dooney; secretary, J. A. Hale; treasurer, W. J. Puddle. Eight members present out of 15. .

Wairoa— With the donation of three books by Mr. B. Teague, of Wairoa, a start made to form a club library. Appreciation expressed to Mrs. Lister and family, of Awamate, for the successful Y.F.C. dance held at their homestead recently; the takings amounted to £7. Appreciation of the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey Bayley : in connection with the field day. Raffle to be drawn at next meeting. Mr. E. Thompson, of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, gave a very interesting and instructive lecture on ."First-Aid.” Twenty members present. (

WAIKATO

Hamilton Technical High School.— This club has been recently formed with an initial membership of 64. Officers were elected as follows: Advisory president, Mr. A. W. Greer; chairman, T. Houghton; secretary, W. Mahood; treasurer, D. Buick. This club appears -to have excellent prospects, and should act as a “feeder” to the clubs in the Waikato. We wish the club every success.

Te Awamutu. General business. Address by the Rev. Warren, “To ■ what extent is Socialisation inevitable in New Zealand?” Twentyfour members present out of 38.

WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY Omokoroa.— Final arrangements for a concert, to be held to raise money for the Y.F.C. Memorial Fund. Talk on “Pampas Grass” by Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture. Twelve members present out of 22. Paengaroa General business. One new member enrolled. Arrangements for a combined dance and card party to raise funds for the Hall Society. W. Wilson, a new member, gave an interesting talk on “Impressions and Experiences in India.” Twenty-three members present out of 65. • Pukehina— General business. Talk by Mr, Carr on “Mastitis”; address by Mr. Mclndoe, veterinarian, on “T.B. in Cattle.” Nine members present out of 21. . Tauranga. Arrangements for the forthcom-ing-ball. Report on dance held last month. Mr. A. F. Barwell, Supervisor, District Pig Council, gave an interesting lecture on “Pig Husbandry,” and demonstrated his points with scale models. He pointed out the advantages of sawdust concrete in the sleeping quarters, and showed a number of drawings explaining the evolution of the modern bacon pig. Eighteen members attended out of 34. Welcome Chairman reported on the dance held at Papamoa Hall, and extended special thanks to the members of the Women’s Institute and the Bachelor .Girls for their assistance; also to Bill Stewart who presented a dressed duck for a competition. J. R. Wright appointed delegate to the Tauranga A. and P. Association. Only one entry received in the ensilage competition. Very interesting film display given .by Mr. Briggs, of a prewar trip from New Zealand to Java, via Australia; another film showed the Centennial Exhibition in Wellington, 1940, and also many views of the North Island. There were 14 members present out of 26. EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY Opotiki District High School.— This club has recently been formed. Full particulars of officers elected, etc., will be published in next issue; in the meantime we wish this new club the best of success. AUCKLAND Clevedon Report of the , ; annual general meeting of the federation was given by Mr. F. S. Atchison. The meeting congratulated him on' his appointment as Dominion Y.F.C. President. A sub-committee was appointed to arrange for the planting of trees in the main street of Clevedon. Mr. D. Renton, Ness Valley, gave a very interesting account of his travels while in the Merchant Navy. Fifteen members present out of 21.

East — Report by L. W. Gubb on the recent Auckland Council meeting. W. Landon elected as deputy chairman. One new member enrolled. A practical demonstration was given by Mr. Bleakley, woodwork instructor, Otahuhu Technical High School, on the “Care and Sharpening of Saws, Chisels, and Planes.” Twenty-two present out of 33. - A field day was held at the Puketutu Island ' Stud Farm, 16 members attending. The visitors were shown a fine display of pedigree Ayrshire and Black Poll cattle; interest was also taken in a recently imported Romney ram, and in the pedigree Southdown flock. Franklin.— Delegates reported on the recent meeting of the district committee. Final arrangements for a barn dance, to be held in the Rama Rama Hall. Impromptu speeches on farming topics by club members. Many members showed unsuspected ability, and some valuable information was given in respect to various farm practices. Twenty-two members present out of 30. Harrisville. — General business. Discussion regarding a dance. Impromptu speeches by club members. Ten members present out of 16. - Pukekawa Club asked to run a sports programme in conjunction with the forthcoming school jubilee; decided to stage a seven-a-side football match and some other athletic events. Arrangements for club football matches.' Debate to be held at next meeting. Mr. .F. Hook described the piggeries at Messrs. Lange and Tambour’s property, Waimauku, for the benefit of those who were unable to attend the field day held there recently. Mr. A. D. Mercer, Department of Agriculture, addressed the meeting on "The Progress of English Agriculture.” Fourteen members present out of 20. Pukekohe East.— club, recently formed. It is hoped to supply details of officers elected, etc., in the ■ next issue. Best of luck to the new club. 'NORTH AUCKLAND —Arrangements for a town field day, this being a seasonal practice of the club. Films to be exhibited by Mr. G. H. Dawick, secretary of the N.Z. Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association, at a future meeting. Two new members enrolled. Discussion on subject matter for a radio talk from IYA, Auckland. A very interesting and educative address was given by Mr. Brandon Clarke, 8.A., on the international auxiliary language “Esperanto.” The membership of this club is now 48.

Auckland District Field Day

(By L. W. Gubb, chairman, East Tamaki Young Farmers* Club). AVERY interesting field day was held at Messrs. Lange and Tambour’s model piggery, Waimauku. There was a good attendance from all clubs in the Auckland district. Special thanks are due ■, to Mr. Clark, of' the Auckland Pig Council, and Mr. Kelly, of the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Co., for their help in organising the day and also in making transport available. The general layout on this farm, although used for large numbers of pigs, could be used with advantage on ordinary farms, its 1 simplicity and convenience being outstanding. The feeding and cleaning of the farrowing houses are simplified by having them all in one unit in the centre,. with the drainage running on either side of a central race and the grass ' pens : running out on either side. Each farrowing house is compact, with con-, Crete floor in front and wooden sleeping quarters, with the provision of a creep in front for the young pigs. Full use has been made of concrete for flooring, drains, races, and troughs. The high standard of health in the pigs, together with very low fatalities—-

the number of pigs reared averages 8 per litter for the 50 sows— attributed to warm, . well-ventilated quarters, which are cleaned out ; daily, and a'*- good balanced diet. ■ The breed of pigs used is Tamworth boar 1 and Berkshire sows, giving an excellent bacon : carcass. The general system used on this farm was for the sows to be brought in shortly - before farrowing; they are then bedded down ! with a small amount of straw for farrowing, " after which sawdust is used. The sows are 1 allowed out into the grass runs only in fine weather, but the suckers are out at all times i unless the weather is most unsuitable. After I weaning the pigs are put out in paddocks on grass and then brought in as large stores to • the finishing houses, which are of similar de--1 sign to the - farrowing houses, with wood and i concrete floors. They are in one long line, s instead of one in front of the other as in I the farrowing pens, and sectioned off for each to carry about 10 pigs. Mr. Lange advised a greater study of the ; food values in supplementary foods and rei commended the mixing of the .farmers’ own i meals. , Mr. F. S. Atchison thanked Messrs. Lange i and Tambour for the most interesting and enjoyable day.