YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 71, Issue 4, 15 October 1945, Page 423

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

Saving Aircrews' Lives

What would you do if an aircraft crashed on your farm? Could you, with a reasonable degree of skill and confidence, go about extricating the pilot, if he was injured?

IT was with a view to learning the answer to these questions that the Bulls Young Farmers’ Club recently visited R.N.Z.A.F. Station, Ohakea. The advice received so impressed members that it was suggested that some of the hints be published for the benefit of all Young Farmers’ Clubs in New Zealand.

It is difficult to lay down fixed -rules for the rescuing of crashed pilots, because there are many types of aircraft and ; many types of crashes. . Obviously, the would-be rescuer’s first task is to extricate those in the crashed machine.

All the canopy tops on aircraft used in New Zealand slide backwards. This can be taken as a general rule. To release the canopy there is always an external button or lever which is clearly labelled. However, a crash might make the catch . unserviceable. If the ; canopy will not slide backwards, the rescuer must break his way into the aircraft.

It is a waste of time trying to break the windscreen on the front of a modern operational aircraft. The windscreen is made of bullet-proof glass and will withstand a lot of punishment. The perspex side of the canopy is more vulnerable and can be kicked through, but the rescuer must take care not to injure the person inside. When the perspex is broken it has jagged edges,- and to give a safe clearance a large opening has to be made.

Releasing the Pilot

The pilot of a fighter or training aircraft will be strapped into his seat by a harness, which can all be undone by one pin or lever, but the very simplicity of the contraptions

tends to make them appear complicated. ' One type of harness commonly used in New Zealand aircraft Corsairs are an example—has a short metal lever which, if pulled over, will release all the straps. Another type is called the Sutton safety harness. It is to be found in aircraft of the Tiger Moth type. The harness can be released merely by pulling out a triangular wire clip, which holds a pin securing the straps together. Even after a pilot has been released from his seat his parachute pack might make it impossible to remove him from the aircraft, Again, the rescuer might be confused by the apparent complicated nature of the straps, But parachutes, like seat harness, are made so that the wearer can get clear of them quickly. The large round metal disc which appears on the chest of the wearer in the illustration has to be turned clockwise and then pressed in. These directions appear on the disc itself. If the occupants of an aircraft have been injured, they should be taken at least 40 yards from the scene of the crash and covered with coats to keep them warm. The petrol tanks or oxygen cylinders might explode. If the aircraft is not already on fire, the danger is still present. No naked flame should be taken anywhere near the scene of the accident. This definitely applies to the striking of

matches.- Water should not be put on a petrol fire. Fire extinguishers are standard equipment in aircraft.

Harmless Bullets

Contrary to general belief, the. explosion of live ammunition in a burning aircraft is not very dangerous. Bullets blown from the cartridge cases have very little velocity or powers of penetration. Often the ' cases explode with the bullets still attached. However, it is important not to get in front of the aircraft in case some of the guns are loaded. Bullets from the guns -do have velocity and powers of penetration. Compared with the number of aircraft in the air, the R.N.Z.A.F. has very few crashes and accidents. The low proportion can stand favourable comparison with any other air force in the world. But an occasional accident does happen, and there is always the chance that a member of the general public might have the opportunity of rescuing the pilot. And—because a pilot in trouble will automatically make for open country—the chances are more than even that the rescuer may be a farmer., One farmer, at least, has performed such a rescue. He is Mr. M. L. Holden, who received the George Medal for rescuing a pilot from a burning aircraft which crashed on his property. Remember—go for the pilot first (and, : of ■„ course, passengers, if any). If the canopy will not open, attack the side panels of perspex. Look for the release clips where the straps of the harnesses come together. Then get the pilot away from the aircraft. In other words, your actions will simply be dictated by common sense, which has often been a deciding factor in saving lives.

Maori Y.F.C. Visits Waikato

ATRIP to the Waikato to visit the Ruakura Farm and to study farming methods - ~ ...... , . x ■ ... . in the district, where intensive dairying is carried on, was recently arranged for members of the Whirinaki Young Maori Farmers’ Club. At Frankton the party was met by Mr. Findlay, of the Native Department, Hamilton, who had arranged accommodation at the Maori Hostel at Frankton. On the way to Karapiro, via Cambridge, inspections were made of some crops of chou moellier with turnips, being fed off as a supplementary feed for winter use, many types of shelter ’ trees, and the hydro-electric works at Karapiro. ' - . ■ Ruakura Experiment ./ 1 At the Ruakura Farm the officer in charge fully explained an experiment in farming two identical areas of land with exactly similar types of stock in two waysA, correct and proper methods of farm management; B, bad farming.; methods. The actual results of animal husbandry and pasture management shown had to be seen to be realised. The results in figures of actual returns have yet to be seev, but it is evident that there will be no douot of the result. In A the area was well-subdivided and the pastures harrowed regularly; in B the place was ii. five large paddocks, and harrowed say once a year, just as the badly-managed farm is. The result was astonishing. A had abundance of young green feed of even quality and evenly palatable. On B the growth was uneven, bare in some places, and rank in others, showing very clearly that where the droppings are not harrowed the growth is rank and unpalatable, thus restricting; the feeding value and content of that area. The feeding methods and the results were outstanding. The stock on. each area are divided into three groups— heifers; 18month heifers coming to profit; and cows, The weaners, 40 in each group,'were all the

result of artificial insemination, a process w ¥ ch was explained to the party. The A calves are fed on new milk, each in a separate y n j n a stall; this individual feeding is done until the calf is weaned off milk altogether, when the calves are put into the paddocks ahead of the cows, which enables them to get the pick of the feed and maintain their growth without interfering with the feed for the cows which follow in two or three days’ time. The calf, therefore, coming off a part diet of milk does not suffer a check, and its growth and constitution are not in any way impaired. The calves on B section get the treatment meted out to calves on most farms: Fed from troughs- or tins until ready to wean, and then put out of the way somewhere on he farm to fend for themselves. The result is remarkable. The A calves are strong, healthy, with good constitution, while the B calves ' are weak, with poor constitution, and it is obvious which are going to . make the best cows. The 18-month heifers, too, showed remarkable evidence of the difference in method. The A heifers were in a 4-acre paddock of feed up to their knees and were fenced off by an electric fence into a halfacre area in which they remained one day, being moved into the next half-acre strip next day, where they were fed hay and silage. They were let out into a run off area at night, In this way they made use of all the available growth in that area and did not run over and foul the whole area. When this 4-acre area is finished they are moved into a further area which is treated in the same way, and the one just used is harrowed, and is again ready in. a short time. These heifers are a well-grown, good-constitutioned lot, and will certainly have ; a high rate of production, The B . heifers, on the other hand, had the treatment found on most farms in that they had no rotational grazing, but were fed on hay and silage. They were not in good condition and would take a long time to reach high production after calving. The A and B mature cows were given the same treatment

as the heifers, and the results in each case were the same. , Practical Lessons Seing these actual practical results did more to impress members with the benefits of good methods than all the talking in the world, and the visit will have beneficial results. The making of silage and its feeding value were fully demonstrated and explained, _ and it is intended to make silage in Whirinaki this year. The methods of artificial insemination were fully explained and demonstrated. The Pukemoremore Scheme was inspected, and the method of dealing with gorse, manuka, and scrub was pointed out by Mr. Findlay. The area of good workable land available was

very impressive, compared with the districts in the north, and it would appear that, given economic areas in that district, the units could not help doing well. At Ngaruawahia the party was shown the house and cowshed covered with bags,. a method which looks impressive but too simple to be permanent. If the fabric of the bags last under this treatment, it would simplify the construction of some farm outbuildings. As a result of the trip preparation for winter feeding' will receive a great deal of attention in the Whirinaki area, and the general attention to stock will be improved, '• —G. WYNYARD, Hon. Sec., Whirinaki Y.F.C.

Field Days

Hunterville Club DESPITE the wet weather, the Hunterville Y.F.C. held a most successful field day recently on the property of Mr. A. H. Rhodes, “Matainui,” Rata. Sixty young and older farmers from the surrounding districts attended. . In a demonstration on mole draining by Mr. Rhodes in , wet ground the drains were soon carrying a full bore of water to the creek. Mr. Rhodes showed how to draw to plan by mathematical instruments the layout of each tile drain on the farm, and explained the advantage of sowing down with pedigree strains of grasses. After lunch Mr. W. F. K. England spoke on how to bring up and train a sheep dog. Mr. J. Goodwin then demonstrated with his dogs, while Mr. England commented on their performances. . The breaking in of a young horse was demonstrated by Mr. Goodwin, who showed how the ropes were secured for the throwing process, and also indicated good and bad points of a horse and the method of ascertaining its age. - The most popular demonstration of the day was the making of concrete posts, by Mr. Rhodes, who made four posts and gave all the details of the making of a first-grade post. An inspection of the piggeries, which were a credit.- to the owner, also proved very interesting, as they , had every modern convenience necessary. \ J. Bartlett thanked all who had given lectures and demonstrations and Mr. Rhodes for the use of his farm for the field day. He also thanked Mrs. and Miss Rhodes for providing lunch and afternoon tea. Mr. Rhodes said he was pleased to help the club, and that at any time a young farmer wanted help he would be pleased to give it. —G. W. BARTLETT, Chairman, Hunterville Y.F.C.

Amuri Club AFIELD day was ■ held recently on the property of Mr. L. J. Iverach, Waiau, by the Amuri Young Farmers’ Club. Members proceeded to the site of the proposed limeworks, where Mr. Ferguson addressed the party. He said the capital required was £20,000. The rock > contains over 90 per cent, carbonate of lime. The limeworks , will be situated 11 miles from the Waiau railway station, and lEOft. above the station. The limestone will be conveyed to the station, where the crusher is to be, by an aerial bucket system. Experts estimate there is about.. 3 million tons of limestone on the surface alone/ Mr. Iverach later conducted the party round his property, paying particular attention to the results of liming. Members could still see where the topdresser had missed, although it had been 4 years since sowing. The grass and clover plants on the limed portion had stooled out, while on -the pasture . not limed

the drill marks could still be seen. The woolshed was next inspected, and a judging .competition held, which was won by N. McIntosh. After the judging Mr. Iverach gave a very interesting talk on the main points of sheep. ■ A short meeting was held after tea. The club chairman, W. P. Belton, thanked Mr. and Mrs. . Iverach for their hospitality. —G. H. ANDERSON, Hon. Sec., Amuri Y.F.C.

Mosgiel Club A VISIT was paid by the club recently to Mr. A. Murray’s property on the Taieri. Mr. Murray is a well-known breeder of stud Romneys, and in a talk on their breeding and keeping he said that the Romney type was the most numerous in the country today. Though* they were a hardy type of sheep, that did not mean they could survive or make a payable return on high, cold country; they were raised and bred on the plains or low hills. Most of the sheep were bred from the old English Romneys, but New Zealand types show many advantages over their ancestors. , , Members were shown the finer points connected with perfect conformation. • The amount of wool on the face had been increased by many experiments in breeding for thicker wool, till at the present time some of the highlybred sheep show more than is required, and

the Romney breeders are now endeavouring toreduce this excessive amount. This, he said,, was just one example of the many mistakes made when attempting to improve the breed. He' illustrated, on a Tam, the various points, such as square backs and bellies, with the wool on the bellies low down. A very . full description was given of all points from the nose, along the back, and by the belly back, to the head. Using this ram. he also illustrated the quality of the wool, showing how the wool should open cleanly and be of an even grade all over, with no patches of coarse fibre on the breech and belly. Showing four more rams, he illustrated many differences in wool texture and crimp, and also pointed out in some of them their really good points. The first ram to be exhibited was worth about £lBO, while the others were also fairly valuable. Mr. Murray thanked, the boys for the keen, interest they had taken in his demonstration, and presented to the club a booklet dealing: with Romneys in New Zealand. Mr. Cumberbeach thanked Mr. Murray for placing his. knowledge and experience at the club’s disposal. —P. A. McClenaghan, Chairman, Mosgiel District High School Y.F.C.

Omokoroa Club's Concert THE Omokoroa Y.F.C. held a concert and dance recently at the Te Puna Hall in aid of the Y.F.C. Memorial Fund, and Mr. G. Faulkner, who organised the concert, is tobe congratulated on a worthwhile effort. The programme was as follows: —Miss D. Lauder, pianoforte solo; Mr. A. Davis, humorous sketch; Mrs. W. Francis, song; Mr. Peterson, violin; Mr. Hartman, humorous monologue ; Mr. D. Bothwell and Miss Belvie, tap dances; Mr. J. Hunter, songs; sketch, “The Better Bet,” G. Steward, H. Boyes, .A. Barnett, and M. Boyes; Mr. Searell, musical monologue; Mr. Brown, song; Mr. Peterson,, violin; Mr. J. R. Wright, songs; playette, “Do Manners Influence People?” Mr. and Mrs.. H. B. Allan; Reg.'and Harold Boyes, songs; Mr. D. Bothwell and Miss L. Belvie, tap' dances; Mrs. W. Francis, songs. Dancing took place after supper, and theevening showed a profit of £26. —O. A. STEWARD, Chairman,. Omokoroa Y.F.C.

Western Bay of Plenty Sports

THE Western Bay of Plenty District held its first annual athletic meeting recently. There was a large number of competitors representing the Paengaroa, Pukehina, Te Puke, Welcome Bay, Tauranga High School, Te Puna, . Tauranga, Omokoroa, and Katikati Clubs.

Hume, of Katikati, was the outstanding athlete of the day, winning the long jump, 100 yards junior event, 220 yards junior race, dead-heating with Robinson of Tauranga High School in the junior high jump and being placed third in the senior high jump and 220 yards hurdles. He compiled 19| of his side’s total of 32| points. Holmes, of Katikati, put up a good performance in winning the 3-mile event from I. Spratt, of Paengaroa, who provided determined opposition, leading the field for the first seven laps.

In the competition for the I’Anson Shield Katikati came first with 321 points, Paengaroa second with 19|, Tauranga and Te Puke deadheating for third place with 16| points.

The chairman of the district committee, Mr. W. P. Nichol, said the meeting had proved that in the ranks of the young farmers there were many promising athletes, and hoped that the meeting was the forerunner of many more. He presented the shield to the secretary of the Katikati Club (Mr. Hume) and congratulated the club on its fine win.

Results were:Three miles: Holmes (Katikati) 1; I. Spratt (Paengaroa) 2; >B. Vant (Paengaroa) 3. Senior relay: Katikati 1; Te Puke 2; Paengaroa 3. Long . jump: Hume, 16ft. Win. (Katikati), 1; G. Rowlandson (Tauranga) 2; Norris (Tauranga High) 3. High jump, senior: Stratton (Paengaroa) 1; Fulton (Pukehina). 2; Hume (Katikati) 3. Shot put: Phipps . (Te Puna), 32ft. Ilin., 1; Ron and Stratton (Paengaroa), dead heat, 2. Mile: Pye (Katikati) 1; Bayliss (Katikati) 2; Melton (Te Puke and Vant (Paengaroa) 3. 880 yards senior: Nettingham (Katikati) 1; Crampton (Te Puke) 2; Nichol (Te Puke) 3. < 100 yards senior: Cameron (Pukehina) 1; R. Emmett (Tauranga) 2; Walker (Paengaroa) 3. 440 yards senior: H. Walker (Paengaroa) 1; T. Crampton (Te Puke) 2; Nettingham (Katikati) 3. 880 yards junior: G. Rowlandson (Tauranga) 1; Pye (Katikati) 2; D. Hunter (Te Puke) 3. 220 yards junior: Hume (Katikati) 1; Hunter (Te Puke) 2; G. Rowlandson (Tauranga) 3. 220 yards hurdles: I. Spratt (Paengaroa) 1; R. Emmett (Tauranga) 2; Hume (Katikati) 3. Discus throw: J. Reid (Pukehina), 60ft., 1; D. Ross (Paengaroa) 2; D. McNaughton (Welcome Bay) 3. Junior high jump: Hume (Katikati) and Robinson (Tauranga) dead heat 1; G. Rowlandson (Tauranga) 2. Junior relay: Tauranga 1; Tauranga

High 2; Te Puke 3. 100 yards junior: Hume (Katikati) 1; Hunter (Te . Puke) 2; Kappely (Tauranga High) 3. Hop, step, and jump: Hunter (Te Puke), 36ft. Win., 1; McCracken (Katikati) 2; Bayliss (Katikati) 3.

Mid-Canterbury Debating

' I ’HE annual district debate for the Rotary THE annual district debate for the Rotary 1 Cup was held recently in the Ashburton Technical School Hall before a record attendance. Mr. E. Rhodes was chairman and Mr. A. Amos timekeeper.

In the junior debate, “That the Standard of Farming in Canterbury has Improved during the Last Decade,” the representatives of the Ashburton Technical School Club, F. Amos, H. Bennett, and F. Greenslade, won from the Ashburton High , School Club, 217 to 198.

In the senior debate Hinds, Methven, and Wakanui competed for the cup, and a team from the Catholic Club completed the quartet. The debate resulted as follows:Hinds (W. Taylor, K. McConnell, and A. McKenzie) 221 pts.; Wakanui (H. L. Hyland, S. Watson, and B. Hyland) 210 pts.; Methven (G. Limbrick, M. Poff, and W. Stevens) 168 pts. The judge, Mr. L. A. Charles, presented the cup and congratulated . the winning team. Supper was served by Miss E. Vesty and helpers. R. INCH, District Y.F.C. Secretary, Ashburton,

Methven Club's Stock Judging

THE annual stock-judging, competition of : .the Methven Young Farmers’ Club was held recently on the property of Mr. R. J. Low, Mr. Low and Mr. S. Leask judging. Before the judging Mr. Low gave a demonstration on how to judge, the benefits of which were reflected in the day’s results. Sheep judged were English Leicesters .and Southdowns. The results of the English Leicester section were: B. Anderson, 71 points, 1; C. Grigg, 67 points, 2; R. Mangin, 64 points, 3. Southdown section W. Hart, 75 points, 1; G. Hobson, 74 points, '2; C. Grigg, 73 points, 3. The competition for the cup for the best judge resulted: C. Grigg, 140 points, 1; R. Mangin, 134 points, 2; W. Hart, 127 points, 3. Afternoon tea was served by Mrs. Low, Mrs. McKay, Mrs. .Harris, and Mrs. Callaghan. Mr. Low pointed out some of the mistakes made by competitors in judging, and congratulated members on the successful day. —S. CALLAGHAN, Hon. Sec., Methven Y.F.C.

Reports on Club Activities

WESTERN SOUTHLAND Seaward Downs. — Discussion on Y.F.C. memorial scheme. Applications received for associate judges in the cattle section at the A. and P. Show. Lincoln College Old Students’ Association Scholarship discussed. A practice debate was held, the subject being “Which is the More Popular in the Home—the Newspaper or the Radio?” H. Martyn spoke on the former and C. Sellars on the latter; H. Martyn was adjudged the winner on the vote of the meeting. EASTERN SOUTHLAND Maitland— Discussions on the Lincoln College Scholarship and the Y.F.C. land settlement scheme. Address by Mr. W. Peirson, veterinarian, Gore, on “The Care ,of Ewes Before and During Lambing.” At the previous meeting a return debate with the Merino Downs Debating Society was discussed. L. A. Charlston gave a talk on “The Sheep Dog.”

SOUTH OTAGO Milton. A. B. Stewart, advisory president, who is an Otago-Southland Council delegate, spoke to members on the annual general meeting of the Y.F.C. Federation at Hamilton. Warepa— General business. "Working bee” at the cemetery arranged. Report on recent club ballprofit £4 Bs. Two debates were held during the evening with members of the Clinton Club. (1) “Tractors v. Horses”; Clinton took the tractor side and won the debate by 25 points to 24. (2) "Collective Farming v. Private Enterprise”; Clinton debated the side of collective farming and Warepa took private enterprise, the result being a draw. The Warepa speakers were as follows: Ist debate, G. Houliston, G. McKenzie, and D. Milne; 2nd debate, J. Shanks and G. McKenzie. DUNEDIN Dunback.— Newly-formed club. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. E. McLew; chairman,

F. Pile; secretary, T. Stanley; treasurer, C. Frater; advisory members, Messrs. E. McD. Stevenson and F. G. Glover. One of the first Young Farmers’ Clubs in New Zealand was formed in this district in 1934. The present members are young and keen, and the club has every chance of proving a success. /

Mosgiel D.H.S.— Discussion of proposed district bays at the Dunedin Winter Show. A debate was held, three speakers on each side, the subject being “That the Pooling of Heavy Farm Machinery would be Advantageous.” Mr. J. H. Cumberbeach gave the award to the affirmative team with the narrow margin of 202 points to 196. At a later meeting impromptu two-minute talks were given by all members present, the subjects being drawn from a hat. New member enrolled.

NORTH OTAGO

Enfield General business. Discussion on club finance. An interesting competition was held, members being asked to give their ideas on the “best dressing for boots.” .

Five Forks.— Two new members enrolled. Honours board nearly completed. Plans for a field day submitted by the special committee; a dance .to be held in the evening. A committee of three was set up to arrange for the dance. The district secretary and the members of the Enfield club to be invited to the field day and dance. An extract from the “Journal of Agriculture” was read by the chairman, and freely discussed. Talk on the porina moth given by Mr. M. W. Austin, advisory president. Impromptu speeches by W. Simpson (“Tree-planting”) and S. Bryant (“Weather Forecasts”).

Herbert.— Newly-formed club. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. A. N. Woods; chairman, P. Marshall; . secretary, W. M. McMillan; treasurer, I. S. Beckinsale. Mr. .T. A. Sellwood, district Y.F.C. secretary, gave an address on the aims and objects of the Y.F.C. movement, and conducted a discussion on the activities of the organisation.

SOUTH CANTERBURY

'Pleasant Point.— Football team selected to play Geraldine Y.F.C. Donation made to the Pleasant Point District High School Memorial Bursary. Discussion on Y.F.C. memorial scheme; two suggestions to be forwarded to headquarters. Mr. R. S. France congratulated the debating team, which had won the district debating contest; the team comprised J. W. Crombie, A. France, and W. Skinner. An address was given by Ft/Lt. S. F. Jackson, D.F.C., on farming conditions in Canada, U.S.A., and the British Isles, and the social life of those countries.

Waihaorunga. on Y.F.C. memorial scheme. Some film-strips on “Soil Erosion” were exhibited.

MID-CANTERBURY

Ashburton— Officers elected at annual meeting: Chairman, H. Bennett; secretary, N. White; treasurer. F. Greenslade.

Ashburton D.H.S— Lecture by Mr. R. Inch, Department of Agriculture, on the various common weeds and small seeds. Bottles containing samples of seeds were handed around for identification, and specimens of weeds were also exhibited.

Hinds— The impromptu speech contest for the Simmons’ Cup was held, the winner being W. Taylor. The judge, Mr. D. M. Bruce, donated a trophy for 1 the most-improved speaker, won by W. Keeley. Mr. H. L. Chisnall presented the trophies and congratulated the club on winning the Rotary Cup in the final of the inter-club debating contest. The winning team comprised W. Taylor, A. McKenzie, and K. McConnell.

— Reports on meetings of the A. and P. Association and the Farmers’ Union by C. Wilson and W. Stevens respectively. J. Dixon appointed club reporter. I. Mangin and T. Callaghen elected as junior representatives on the A. and P. Association. Inspector of stock to be approached about the club making a brand and ear-mark book. Mr. G. J. Forman gave an address on the working of dogs both on the farm and at trials.

Newly-formed club. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. R. Amos; chairman, L. H. Hyland; secretary, S. Watson. A programme was arranged up to the end of the year, as follows: August, lecture on “Lambing Troubles”; September, “Pasture Management’.’; October, demonstration on stock; No-, vember, debate and prepared speeches; December, lecture on “Maintenance of Farm Machinery.” Mr. Amos offered a trophy for competition among members in ' stock-judging, pasture-judging, prepared speeches, and essays.

NORTH CANTERBURY

Amuri. General business. Discussions on the memorial scheme and the land settlement scheme. ■.

. Cheviot.—Arrangements for a ball and a field day. Two debates to be held at next meeting. Two-minute talks given by members.

Hawarden-Waikari.—Memorial scheme and land settlement scheme discussed. Y.F.C. ploughing match postponed until next year. Committee set up to arrange for annual ball, proceeds to be devoted to the memorial fund. Films to be screened at next meeting. Mr. J. W. Earl, chairman of the Nasella Tussock Committee, reported progress so far made by the committee in combating nasella tussock.

MARLBOROUGH

Blenheim.— club was revived some months ago after being in recess for three years. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. J. B. Laidlaw; chairman, A. Middlemiss; secretary and treasurer, M. W. Bishell. Membership has increased to 31. Fortnightly meetings are held. At the last meeting arrangements . for a dance were finalised, and it was decided to hold a card evening; Seddon Club to be approached regarding a football match. At previous meetings impromptu speeches were given by the following: Mr. Ropert, veterinarian; Mr. •H. Bigham (“Malting of Barley”); Mr. A. Hood (“Milling of Wheat”); Mr. W. G. G. Cudden (Films on Farm Machinery) ; Mr. Paton, formerly of Lincoln College (“Lincoln College Scholarships”). The immediate past president of the federation, Mr. T. E. Streeter, was present at one meeting, and spoke on Y.F.C. affairs. The Marlborough Y.F.C. District Committee has since met and elected the following officers: Chairman, Mr. W. Walsh (Blenheim Y.F.C.); vice-chairman, Mr. E. Jackson (Flaxbourne Y.F.C.); district secretary, Mr. D. R. Wilkie (Department of Agriculture); representatives of all three clubs in the district, Blenheim, Flaxbourne, and Seddon, are included bn the committee.

Flaxbourne. — Jackson’s resignation as vice-chairman was regretfully accepted, and F. Rudd elected to fill the vacancy. Decided to donate prizes to local school pupils for calf and lamb competitions. Roy Tombs nominated as the club’s candidate for the N.Z. Refrigerating Co.’s scholarship at Lincoln College for Marlborough members. Discussion on Y.F.C. memorial scheme and sub-committee appointed to collect funds. Club to affiliate with the South Island Sheep Dog Association. At a meeting held a fortnight previous the Y.F.C. land settlement scheme was discussed, and also the Refrigerating Co.’s scholarship. A talk was given by Mr. J. Western on “Running Dogs at Trials” the speaker made some helpful suggestions to improve the management of the club’s dog trials. Mr. T. Sheehan, secretary of the Awatere Collie Club, explained the advantages of affiliation with the South Island Sheep Dog Association.

NELSON

Murchison. — Business meeting. Discussion on the Y.F.C. memorial scheme, speakers being C. Rait, J. Horner, J. Thurlow, and C. Peacock.

WESTLAND

Kokatahi-Koiterangi.— new club, the Y.F.C movement breaking fresh ground in this district. It is hoped that it will be the forerunner of many more clubs in Westland. The club secretary is L. J. Mitchell, Koiterangi, Hokitika.

HOROWHENUA

— New member enrolled. Decided to appoint a club reporter at next meeting. Social evening to be held. Mr. N. Thomson, recently returned from overseas, gave a talk on the . peoples of Egypt, Italy, and India,

MANAWATU

. — Discussions on Y.F.C. memorial scheme and the Feilding Y.F.C. Stock Show. Address on Norfolk Island by Mr. H. Brewster, of Feilding. The secretary of this newlyrevived club is M. J. Ferguson, Mt. Biggs, Feilding.

Kairanga.— on Y.F.C. memorial scheme. Mr. G. H. Dawick, secretary, N.Z. Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association, exhibited films on prize cattle, etc., at the previous meeting. A talk to be broadcast in the Y.F.C. session .from 2ZA, Palmerston North, was discussed. It was left to the committee to select a subject and arrange for the talk to be written up. A. Neilsen elected captain of the football team to play a return match with Rongotea Club. Arrangements for a dance. Two members gave four-minute talks: B. Devine (“Pampas Grass”) and T. Zurcher (“Handling a Young Sheep Dog”). Address by Mr. A. A. Johnson, of Massey College, on “Farming in Great Britain.”

Pohangina.— Beckett appointed associate judge of school calf competitions. Parents’ and friends’ evening to be held. Lecture by Mr. P. W. A. Balmer on “Faults and Blemishes to Look for when Purchasing a Horse.” Mr. J. E. Bell, Department of Agriculture, Wellington, gave a talk on “Regional Planning”; Messrs., A. V. Lithgow (hon. secretary, Wellington Council) and S. Freeman (Dominion Organising Secretary) assisted Mr. Bell in instructing members how to fill in the details on survey maps from the point of view of stock and production statistics.

Whakaronga.New member enrolled. Five members appointed associate judges in Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs’ calf-judging. Debate against Pohangina Club, “That Modern Mechanisation is Detrimental to . Farming.” Speakers: Pohangina (affirmative), J. Howell, A. Macdonald, J. Leamy, and C. Gavin; Whdkarongo (negative), I. Tabor, J. Spall, I. Vautier, and T. Wilson. Mr. Mills awarded the decision to Whakarongo by 438 points to 401.

WANGANUI

Hunterville.—Discussion on the Y.F.C. memorial scheme and Lincoln College scholarship. Dance to be held to raise funds for the memorial. Mr. R. Pickfors’, a foundation member of the club, and a returned prisoner of war, spoke on farms and farming methods in Canada, England, and Germany.

Marton — Discussion on urgent circulars from Dominion Organising Secretary dealing with Y.F.C. memorial and land settlement schemes; copies of the questions in the latter circular distributed to members. Sub-committee appointed to purchase books for the club library. Congratulations passed to the senior A debating team on winning its way to the final in the district debating contest. Election of J. M. C. Shield as treasurer in place of W. Dickey. Letter received from a past chairman of the club, F/Sgt. W. B. Gray, now with the R.N.Z.A.F. in England, thanking the club for his Christmas parcel. An address on “Noxious Weeds and Methods of Eradication” by Mr. John Robinson, weeds inspector, Rangitikei County Council, who said that in most cases sodium chlorate spray was the most effective and simplest. The chlorate is not dangerous; a tablespoonful of common salt to each pound of chlorate will ensure safety. The speaker considered that young farmers have to undo the damage done by their forbears ; weed control was a distasteful job, but one in which he hoped they would cooperate. . At a club field day at Massey. College the party was received by Prof. G. S. Peren, Principal of the college, and conducted round by Mr. L. A. G. Barrett, literary and publicity officer, assisted by Mr. Rae, lecturer in animal husbandry.

Waimarino.—Report on annual dance held at Ohakune. Lecture by Mr. A. R. Dingwall,

Department of Agriculture, on "The Casting and Other Worms.” A field day was held on Mr. D. J. Barry’s property, the owner giving a demonstration on his Southdowns.

CENTRAL TARANAKI

Toko— This club has recently resumed activities, after nearly four years’ recess. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. T. T. Murray; chairman, R. Anderson; secretary, Hec. Milne; treasurer, C. Walter.

WAIRARAPA

Carterton.Teams selected for . the interclub debating contest: Junior, D. Bassett, F. Playle, J. Jones; senior, N. Meek, R. McKenzie, R. A. Card. These teams will hold a practice debate 'at the next club meeting. The Y.F.C. land settlement and Y.F.C. memorial schemes were discussed. Talk by B. Brassel on “The 1 History and Development of the Atomic Bomb.”

SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY

Ballance.General business. Address by Mr. Rankin, dairy inspector, on “Some : Aspects of Dairying.”

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

Waipukurau.— This club has recently resumed activities after over three years’ recess. The first meeting was addressed by Messrs. J. L. Sunderland (chairman, Wellington Y.F.C. Council), V. W. Stratford (president, Waipukurau branch of the Federated Farmers), and F. J. S. Holden (Department of Agriculture, Dannevirke). ' The following officers were elected: Advisory president, Mr. J. W. Harding; chairman, J. Mackie; vice-chairman, P. Mills; secretary and treasurer, A. H. Wilson.

NORTHERN HAWKE’S BAY

— Business meeting. Discussion on Y.F.C. memorial scheme. A member selected as the club’s applicant for the Lincoln College Old Students’ Association scholarship. . Fiftyone members of this club have served 5, in the overseas forces, 5 being killed, 6 wounded, 1 missing, and 3 prisoners of war.

TE KUITI

Te Anga Central General business. Talk by Mr. G. , A. Davey on soldiering and his experiences as a prisoner of . war.

KING COUNTRY

Taumarunui. Election of ' committee, etc. Discussions on the Y.F.C. memorial and land settlement schemes. A talk on the past activities and the aims and objects of the Y.F.C. movement was given by Mr. F. Duncan.

WAIKATO

Okoroire.—Discussion on future lectures and activities. Address by Mr. Schofield, a solicitor from Matamata, on “The Legal Aspects of Farming.”

.Te Pahu.—General business. Sum of £5 to be donated to. the Waikato District Committee. A. E. G. Pearson elected as a delegate to the district committee. The club secretary (A. Pearson) gave a talk on “Cheques.” Officers elected at the annual meeting: Advisory president, Mr. F. Whittaker; chairman, J. Anderson; secretary, A. E. G. Pearson; treasurers, P. Nicol and F. Smith.

WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY

Katikath— business. Mr. H. B. Capamagian, advisory president, gave an interesting account of his experiences in the Crete campaign. Omokoroa. — meeting. Four new members enrolled. Te Puke Stock-judging competition to be held on Mr. L. Ashe’s property, Te Matai Road. Concert to be arranged by the Omokoroa Club in the Paengaroa Hall, profits for the Y.F.C. memorial fund. Lantern lecture by Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture, on “Feed Flavours in Cream.” Tauranga.—Three new members enrolled. Club birthday party to be held. . Discussion

on rules for a maize-growing competition. Dance to be held in the Oropi Hall. Address by .Mr. Winters on “Stock Ailments and their Treatment.” Te Puna.— Arrangements for a pasture competition. Address by Mr. Voss on “Farming Overseas.” , Welcome Bay -Suggestions in discussion on the Y.F.C. memorial scheme to be brought up at a special meeting in Tauranga to stimulate more interest in the Y.F.C. movement. Two’ new members enrolled. Special committees set up to arrange a dance and a birthday social. EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY Opotiki. Gaskill appointed representative on A. and P. Association. R. Fisher reported on recent meeting of the district committee. Resolved to resuscitate the Opotiki Y.F.C. Pig Club. Stock-judging field ■ day to be held in near future. Special committee set up to make arrangements for a dance. Ten members to give impromptu speeches at next meeting. Challenge issued to Tablelands debating team. Debate to be held with Woodlands debating team, subject to be “That Films at Present Distributed in New Zealand are not in the Best National Interest.”

Messrs. K. Grant and D. Sherson spoke on “Debating.” Waimana— Discussion on Y.F.C. memorial scheme. Debate . with Nukuhou; subject, “That the Guaranteed Price Scheme is of Benefit to Farmers.” Both teams scored 313 points. Mr. Heather acted as judge. At the previous, meeting delegates from the Waimana and Nukuhou Schools reported on rules for school calf competition tor . which the Waimana Y.F.C.- has presented a trophy. Talk by Mr. R. Addison, jun., on “Belts and Pulleys.” At a field day on Mr. G. Hewitt’s property, Waimana, Mr. Hewitt demonstrated on a dairy cow. The field day was held primarily for the purpose of selecting a team to represent the club in district stock-judging contests. AUCKLAND Clevedon Three new members enrolled. Report on meeting of district committee held recently at Runciman. Lecture by Mr. H. W. Carbury, Department of Agriculture, on “Veterinary Matters.” • ■ East Tamaki.— member enrolled. Discussion on the Y.F.C. memorial scheme. Address by Mr. P. Martin Smith on “The Conflict Between Town and Country.” The speaker

considered that industries should be dispersed throughout the country and so tend to arrest the drift towards the towns; . each industry should house its own workers in homes centred-' around the factory. Fifteen members visited the factories of N.Z. Plywood and the N.Z. Forest Products. Members saw the manufacture of plywood from the tree trunk to the finished article at the N.Z. Plywood Factory, Penrose; at N.Z. - Forests Products factory the chipping and pulping of pinus logs,, together with the pressing and cutting by ’an automatic cutter, and also the ■drying process, created much interest. — General business. Impromptu speeches by members. Mr. E. Aldridge lectured on “Public Speaking.” The secretary was instructed to circularise other clubs' about a proposed junior inter-club debate. Decided to build a club room as a memorial to members who had died on active service; objective to be £250 by Christmas; this to be entirely separate from the national Y.F.C. memorial scheme, which the club will z support to the fullest. A special meeting of the club was held, members of the St. John Ambulance and of the staff of Auckland, hospital being present to take blood donations from club members and several local residents who had volunteered. The doctor in charge expressed great satisfaction at the ' amount collected— 2> gallonsand thanked the donors for assisting. Harrisville.— new members enrolled. Lecture on “Bee Keeping” to be given at next meeting. An address on “Debating” was given by Mr. Wily, of Puni. Pukekawa— Business meeting. Report on the recent victory dance; profit of £7 Is. Discussions on the Y.F.C. memorial and . land settlement schemes. Decided to form a club reference library. Preparatory arrangements made for the club’s annual concert. Discussion on debating and the age limits for junior contestants.

' Pukekohe East. Field day held at the Pukekohe East School. The demonstrations included the following: Dairy cow (Mr. R. T. Lewis) ; baconer and breeding pigs (Mr. C. Hawke). Membership has increased to 30. The officers are as follows: Advisory president, Mr. J. W. Morgan; chairman, S. L. Denize; secretary, C. J. Morgan; treasurer, B. D. Wright.

NORTH AUCKLAND

Kaukapakapa Mr. K. A. Sneddon, solicitor, Helensvilie, willing to address the club at a future date on “Legal Aspects of Farming.” Flying Officer F. E. H. Millar, a member of the club, recently awarded the D.F.C. Mr. G. H. Dawick, secretary, N.Z. Jersey Breeders’ Association, accepted an invitation ■to address the club. . Letter from Mr. Storby, B.Sc., Hamilton, asking the club’s opinion regarding the future use of human manure for agricultural purposes. Six films from the Auckland Education Board exhibited at the meeting.

Whiri-iaki Arrangements for a visit by an apiary instructor. Address on “The Working of a County Council and a Hospital Board” by. Mr. Rae Cox, member of Hokianga County Council, chairman of the Hokianga Hospital Board, and also chairman of the Hokianga Coop. Dairy Co.

HOW TO BECOME A SHEARER.

Although it is only by practical experience that one can ever become a shearer, the main essentials to be mastered are clearly given in Bulletin No. 246, “Shearing.” In addition to a detailed description, the bulletin contains 27 large illustrations showing the correct cuts and method of holding the sheep from start to finish. The bulletin is available from the Department of Agriculture offices at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Price 6d.