YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 72, Issue 2, 15 February 1946, Page 197

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS

R. W. WIGHTMAN,

THE Y.F.C. Federation is indebted to the interest and' generosity of the Old Students’ Association of Canterbury ' Agricultural College in making available to Y.F.C. members an annual scholarship tenable at Lincoln College. For some years this took the form of a half-scholarship available to Y.F.C. members in the South Island only, but last year it was increased to a full scholarship, to the value of £55, arid made available annually to active members of Young Farmers’ Clubs in both islands. This year it has been won by Robert Wilson Wightman, of Methven. ; ,

From this“ year an old student is giving an annual donation of £5, which the Old Students’ Association has decided to award to the Y.F.C. scholarship-holder for the purchase of approved books. \

The scholarship' is tenable "at Lincoln College in any one of the following courses:—(a) The College Diploma course; (b) the Intensive Eight Months’ course; (c) the Rural Valuation and Farm Management course.

Applications for the scholarship were called, each club being allowed one nomination through its 7 local District Committee. District Committees were asked to make one selection each from the. club applications, and to forward them to headquarters for final, selection by a committee set up by the federation. The selection committee consists of Messrs. L. J. Wild (Grand Patron of the Y.F.C. Federation), A. C. Cameron (Dunedin), and S. Freeman (Dominion Organising Secretary).

It was disappointing that only six applications . were received last year, but general gratification was expressed that both the value and scope of the scholarship had been ' extended. A number of clubs • wrote regretting that the amount of work on most farms at that time prevented members from seeking to take advantage of the opportunity offered, and signified their intention to keep the matter in nnnd for the future.

Methven, 1946 Winner,

Thirteen . applications were received for this year’s scholarship from the following District Committees —Auckland, Waikato, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Manawatu, Southern Hawke’s Bay, Northern Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough, North Canterbury, Mid-Canterbury, South Canterbury, Eastern Southland, and Western Southland. Members of the selection committee were impressed with the general standard of the nominations arid expressed the hope that more members would ■ apply in future, so that every District Committee would put forward a candidate./ .

Winner’s Fine Record

The successful applicant for this year’s scholarship, Robert Wightman, is a member of the Methven Y.F.C., • Mid-Canterbury. He is the son of Mr.' and Mrs. R. W. Wightman, Rangitira, Barrhill. He was born at Tiinaru and educated at Methven District High School. He took part in tennis, swimming, and. ice skating, arid represented his high school at football.

The Methven Young Farmers’ Club, of which Robert Wightman has been a member since 1936, was formed in 1935. Robert . Wightman became one of the most enthusiastic members, and took part in all club and district activities. He was a keen debater, representing his club on many occasions in interclub, inter-district, and inter-council contests. He won the Dunkley Cup for impromptu speaking in 1942. He was treasurer of the club for two years, and was chairman in 1942 and 1943. In 1944 he was appointed chairman of the Mid-Canterbury Y.F.C. District Committee, which office he held for two years, and in 1943 he was elected chairman of the Canter-

Lincoln Old Students' Scholarship

Feeding & District's Enterprise

bury Y.F.C. Council. He entered the Air Force in January, 1945, and acted for a time as secretary to the Young Farmers’ Chib, established at the R.N.Z.A.F. Station, Nelson.

Robert Wightman has attended the annual general meetings of the federation for a number of years, and has proved a very useful delegate to his District Committee,, to his council, and on the Dominion Executive Committee. Being also a member of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union he has been able to assist in establishing a valuable relationship between

that body and the Y.F.C. in Mid-Canterbury. He is taking up. the Intensive Eight Months’ course . at Lincoln College, and members throughout the Dominion will congratulate him on gaining the scholarship.

The runner-up for the scholarship was David Gilmore Muir, of Five Rivers Y.F.C., Eastern Southland. A half-scholarship (to the value of £25) has been awarded to him by the Southland Frozen Meat Co., and he also will now be attending, Lincoln.

Y.F.C. Holds A. & P. Show

UNDER the auspices of the Feilding YIF.C., a very successful A. and P. Show was held on the Feilding Show Grounds on November 27. With the co-operation of surroundingclubs, and backed by the Manawatu District Council, there was an outstanding exhibition in all classes. The inclusion of the ManawatuOroua Boys’ a d Girls’ Calf Club championships and the Feilding A. and P. Association’s fat lamb competition, . sponsored by the N.Z. Meat Producers’ Board and Messrs. T. Borthwick and Sons, gave added interest to the show. Valuable assistance was • given by the president, secretary, and committeemen of the Feilding A. and P. Association, which, together with the Feilding Racing Club, had placed their grounds and equipment at the disposal of the Y.F.C. show executive.

Apart from the calf clubs and the fat lamb competitions, there were 511 entries for the show from 96 competitors. The calf clubs had 80 entries and the fat lambs 153, a total of 744 entries in the show. A good attendance of the public encouraged the Y.F.C. venture, and in opening the show the patron, Mr. W. H. Henson, congratulated the Feilding Club' and the other clubs who hadi generously cooperated with them. . A Government publicity film was' taken at the show for exhibition in picture theatres. Much credit for the success of the gathering is due to the following execu-

five officers: Chairman/ L. E. Hansen ; organ iser, Erl Beazer; secretary, G. J. Gray assistant secretary, Dr J. 7 Griffin. .

■ Hacks and 7 ponies predominated in the horse classes, and there was a good entry of working horses. In the cattle sections Shorthorns and Friesians were well represented, but Ayrshires and Jerseys provided the largest classes, and there were good entries in the crossbred dairy cattle sections. Southdowns rind Romneys comprised the bulk of the entries in the sheep classes. In. the pig classes Berkshires were in the majority, with moderate entries of Tamworths, Large Blacks, and Large Whites. The porker and bacon classes were ' keenly contested. A feature of the show was the Boys’ and Girls’ Calf Club entry, the efficient care and ringcraft displayed by these young competitors being reflected in the excellent quality of the animals. The district fat lamb open competition and the class for ‘ Y.F.C. members', aroused widespread interest among older farmers as well as the young men. Judging was performed by outstanding breeders in each class, to whom the Y.F.C., is grateful for . efficient services freely given to encourage the younger breeders. ' ■ ■ ’

Handyman's Farm Inspected

Te Awamutu Club's Field Day

ONE of • the most interesting things ■ about farming is that to be really successful the man on the land has to be a jack-of-all-trades. The high degree of versatility , that can be attained was very ably illustrated to members of the Te Awamutu Y.F.C. when they recently attended a field day on Mr. E. J. Krippner’s farm, Te Rore. This 100-acre dairy farm could very aptly be termed a “conjurer’s box of tricks,” the strangest part of which is that every one of its gadgets and labour-saving devices has been-thought out and assembled by one man in his spare time.

The property, facing nicely into the sun, has a fair proportion of flat land, the balance being gently rolling.' Approximately 50 Shorthorn cows are milked and all the calves are Reared. No pigs are kept, as, apart from animal droppings, the balance of the .skimmilk not fed to the ■ calves is the only topdressing the land receives. The steer calves, generally sold about March, are a. very profitable sideline, although, if the feed were Available, Mr. Krippner would prefer to winter them and sell them in the spring when they would command a better price.

..Each paddock is harrowed about once every •4 years' with a type of harrow which is something like a spring-tooth cultivator cum rotary hoe. This implement, not unlike disc harrows i.i its: set-up, is drawn by a tractor homemade from a truck, three such vehicles being employed on the property. A hay elevator, complete with its own engine and mobile hay racks which need filling only once every 2 or 3 days/are other labour-saving devices. The racks can be placed bn steep faces or other unproductive areas, where the droppings and trampling that takes place' around them improve the sward.

A steam steriliser which is kept alight with a small quantity, of wood and can., produce boiling water in a few seconds merely by directing a nozzle into a bucket of: cold water is a feature of the milking shed. The yard and gateways are all bricked instead of concreted, as bricks, being porous,, absorb moisture and prevent mud. '

. Everywhere club members went they met labour- and time-saving devices, many of which would undoubtedly be of use to them on their own farms. Three windmills, each with its own benzine motor in case of calm weather, were placed in - view of the homestead with ■ their own indicators, so that the water content of the reservoirs could be ascertained at a glance. These indicators consisted of rods with a floating metal ball on one end in the water and a white metal disc on the other.

A very instructive day concluded with afternoon tea provided by Mrs. Krippner, and members went home with the realisation that a little brain work on the farm can eliminate much of . its drudgery. —F. E. TURNER, lion. Sec., Te Awarnutu Y.F.C'.

Apiti Shearing Competition

A SUCCESSFUL shearing competition was held by the Apiti Y.F.C. in Mr. Len Martin’s shed on Saturday, November 10. About 50 were present, 24 of them competitors, including members of the Rangiwahia, Waituna West, and Kimbolton Clubs, the visitors filling the places in all the events.

Winners of the classes were:Learners: N. Thompson, Rangiwahia, 1; J. Small, Waituna West, 2. Intermediate: N. Shannon, Waituna West, 1; J. .Shannon, Waituna West, 2. Championship: L. Gerkg, Kimbolton. “Fleeco” competition: V. Thompson, Rangiwahia, 1; F. Sowerby, Waituna West, 2.

Messrs. A. McMurtrie, Table Flat, and L. Martin, Apiti, were the shearing judges, and Mr. H. 11. Jensen, Table Flat, judged the “fleeco” competition.

The _ chairman, I. Old, thanked the. judges and visitors, Mr. Martin for the use of his shed, and Messrs. J. Mclntyre and L. Martin for the loan of the sheep.

Mr. McMurtrie said it was very pleasing to see the number of young men taking on shearing and the good job they were making of it, as there was. a growing need for younger shearers. • ...

R. L. NICHOLSON, Hon. Sec., Apiti Y.F.C.

Flaxbourne Club's Social Evening

AVERY enjoyable social evening was recently held by the Flaxbourne Y.F.C. to bring together members and friends of the three Marlborough clubs—Blenheim, Seddon, and Flaxbourne. Invitations were sent to those who had lectured to the club during the year, to several others who had helped with dog trials, etc., and to .all Marlborough members and advisory members. The attendance of 45 was considered quite good for a cold, wet night. Among the guests were several young men from Clarence Bridge who are interested in the work of the Y.F.C. movement and who are contemplating forming a club ,iu their own district. '

The club chairman, J. Forsyth, proposed the toast of “The King,” and the advisory president, Mr. W. S. Morrin, proposed the toast of “Our Grand Patron.” A toast to the Y.F.C. Federation was proposed by Mr. A. Wooding, one of the older members, and the club’s first chairman in 1938, who spoke on the federation’s progress and its value to the Dominion, and referred to the first five years of the club’s existence. This toast was replied to by a former advisory president, Mr. A. Loe. Between toasts there was community singing, with' N. Gee, a member of the Seddon Club, at the piano.

Appreciation of the help given to the club by lecturers and others was expressed by Mr. E. Loe. J. Parsons, a member recently returned from overseas, proposed the toast “Our Absent Friends.” A “home-made” supper was provided by Flaxbourne members. The toast “Our Friends from Blenheim, Seddon, and Clarence Bridge,” proposed by the secretary and replied to by Messrs. B. Walsh,. H. Glewis, and D. Muddleton, terminated a very successful and entertaining evening. ■ —E. F. RUDD, Hon. Sec., Flaxbourne Y.F.C.

Five Forks Field Day at Hakatdramea

EIGHTEEN members of the Five Forks Young Farmers’ Club recently visited Messrs. McCaw Bros.’ properties at Hakataramea.

During morning tea Mr. F. McCaw handed round photographs of sweet clover at various ■stages of growth and being ploughed under when it was nearly 7ft. high. Members then inspected the ploughs, a four- and a fivefurrow, both pulled by one tractor, which plough as much in an hour (3J acres) as a team of horses and a double-furrow plough can do in a good day’s work.

The party, then saw wheat being sown with two tractors cultivating and another drilling. The big tractor pulling two cultivators covered 23ft. at a time.

A paddock of wheat about 2in. high near the homestead was then examined; Half of

this paddock was ploughed and worked the usual way;-on the other half the "Plowman’s Folly” method was used. It will be interesting to compare yields under the two methods. In the afternoon, on the way to Mr. J. McCaw’s property, a method of attaching two rollers to. use together was 1 demonstrated, and a huge one-way set of disc harrows was also inspected. The party were . very interested in the workshop and its contents, particularly a very useful type of endless chain.

An English Penfriend

THE following letter has been received, through the National Federation of Young Farmers) Clubs in 'Great Britain, from a young farmer in England.

“I would very much like to write to a farm worker in New Zealand or Canada, as I am very interested in both these countries, and I want to know more about them, their progress during and after the war, and what sort of crops, cattle, and methods they use, as you can never learn enough about farming. I feel that getting to know someone from overseas helps to broaden one’s ideas in many ways. “1 am very keen on farming. .'. l am 18 years old. “Hoping that you will not disappoint me.

(Signed) Peter Longhurst, Cackets Farm, Cackets Lane,

Cudham, Kent, , England.”

y.f.C. members are invited to correspond with Peter Longhurst. There is much to be gained by the exchange of ideas in this way, and such relations should be encouraged, as they go far towards promoting a greater understanding between peoples and countries.

The five headers on the property were all fitted with various improvements, the main one being two sets :of wheels underneath to keep the header on an even keel going through: a dip. A number of other implements seen ■carried improvements.

The club chairman (E. F. Ruddenklau) thanked Messrs. McCaw Bros, and Mrs. J. McCaw for the trouble , they had taken to make the field day such a success.

—J. F. WILSON, Hon. Sec., Five Forks Y.F.C.

Profits From Trees on Waste Areas

OXFORD CLUB AT HOMEBUSH

HOW thousands of acres of apparently useless gorse- or scrub-covered areas, steep terraces, old water-courses, and ground that is periodically under water could be made profitable by the planting of exotic trees was demonstrated to members ■of the Oxford -Y.F.C, last year when they visited Mr. J. Deans’s property at Homebush, in northern Mid-Canterbury, approximately I,oooft. above sea-level. -

Mr. Deans showed how gorse up to Bft. high had been completely killed by the use of Douglas fir, which forms a very thick canopy, and is a very quick, grower. The trees are planted at intervals of 7ft. and gradually thinned to 18ft. apart. The approximate yield of a hundred thousand feet per acre would return about £350 to £4OO per acre, an annual return over 60 years of £6 10s. an acre.

Mr. Deans has a very fine grove of redwoods, up to 130 ft. high, growing on ground

which is under water periodically, He pointed out how Nature prunes trees grown under forest conditions, the periodical heavy snowfalls breaking off the lower branches that are weakened for want of sunlight, resulting sometimes in perfectly clean trunks of 70 or 80ft. Oaks growing among other tall-growing trees had clean straight trunks over 100 ft. ' high. Mr. Deans also has many species of rhododendron.

DUNEDIN

Palmerston. day to be held on Bushey Park Estate and on Mr. Ivan Smith’s property at Bushey. Mr. P. B. Gow gave full details of the Young Farmers’’ Clubs’ bays at the Otago Winter Show, Dunedin; several members of the Dunback Club were present, as this matter concerned their club also. Attendance of eight members out of total of 31.

NORTH OTAGO

■ — Arrangements for a field day to be held on several farms in the Hakataramea Valley. Club picnic to be held on Boxing Day. Sixteen members present out of 25.

MID-CANTERBURY

Ashburton.—F. Amos appointed club reporter. The club’s' pasture competition to be held on Mr. Langdon's farm, near Ashburton; prize of 10/6 for the winner donated by Mr. Cameron. Attendance of- 21 members out of 27.

' Wakanui.Motion of sympathy to Mr. M. D. McDowell on the death of • his mother. Lecture on "The Tractor and Header Harvester" by Mr. W. Hay, of Andrews and Beaven; Mr. Hay'outlined the . necessary points ■to check and observe when starting a new tractor, and gave advice on simple repairs that could be -effected to machinery on the farm. Eleven members present out of 16. Previously unreported meetings: Members who attended the field day at Lincoln College congratulated on winning all four sections of the inter-club pasture competition. • Annual prepared speech contest: L. ~ Hyland (“Deterioration of Rural Life”), 75 points, 1; 8. Watson (“Age of Machinery”),. 71 pts., 2; B. Hyland (“Soil Erosion”), 68 pts., 3; Mr. R. G. Ross acted as judge and Mr. A. Amos as chairman and timekeeper. Seven members were selected to take part in the inter-club stock-judging at Longbeach, and a demonstration on Corriedale sheep was given by Mr. R. J. Martin, who also, gave hints about the breed to the members taking part in the competition. Attendances of nine and 14 at the respective meetings, i The club pasture competition was held on Mr. A. Amos’s property. Mr. G. K. McPherson, Department of Agriculture, outlined the rules and points awarded in the contest. The results were: L. Corbett, 75 points, 1; S. Watson, 68 points, 2; K. Butterick, 63 points, 3.

CHRISTCHURCH

Ellesmere.— One new member enrolled. Address by Colonel Stafford on the origin and uses ■of sulphanilamide, penicillin, and D.D.T. Twenty-six members present out of 60.

NORTH CANTERBURY

Amuri.—The club recently sponsored a very successful concert in the Waiau Hall, the Excelsior Piano Accordion Band and leading Christchurch artists supplying entertainment to a large crowd. After the concert a very enjoyable dance was held, music being supplied by the Excelsior Piano Accordion Band. The club donated half the proceeds to the Amuri U.S.A.

One exceptional tree in a Pinus . insignit plantation up. to 80 years old was 150 ft. high and estimated to mill 5,000 ft. of timber. Other trees inspected were horse chestnuts, cherry trees, . larches, spruce, ash, macrocarpa, black poplars, gums, and cedars. The party was entertained at afternoon tea by Mr. and Mrs. Deans, who were thanked for a most instructive and enjoyable day., K. G. FRAMPTON, Reporting Secretary, Oxford Y.F.C.

Cheviot. Field day at Spotswood. Demonstrations and lectures included the following: Southdown cross lambs (Mr. J. Beckett) ; “Establishment of Pastures,” etc. (Mr. E. G. Smith, Department of Agriculture) ; Certified ryegrass, white clover, etc. (Mr. J. B. Stevenson) ; Montgomery red clover, etc. (Mr. A. E. Page) ; Waiau River erosion (Mr. P. A. Barnes); pick-up baler (Mr. W. J. Elliott). Lunch and afternoon tea were provided at Spotswood Hall. The attendance of over 30 included 10 older farmers and friends. The club has a membership of 33.

Hawarden-Waikari.—Application to be made to Cawthron Institute for supplies of the parasite for the diamond-back moth. An address on “Australian Rural Life and Farming” was given by Mr. R. O. McGillivray. Twenty members present' out of 35.

Reports on Club Activities

Oxford. Field day on Mr. J. Deans’s property, Homebush. Seventeen members attended out of 30. NELSON■ . Murchison. Visit by the Dominion Organising Secretary, Mr. S. Freeman, accompanied by the District Y.F.C. Secretary, Mr. D. Merry. Mr. Freeman • addressed the meeting on Y.F.C. matters generally, and exhibited sound films. Attendance of 20 members out of 46. Tapawera.— Hodgkinson and H. Fenimor (active members), and Mr. F. A. Eden (advisory member) . appointed delegates' to Nelson District Y.F.C. - Committee. Transport for a field day at the freezing works discussed., Mr. Thompson, of the Riwaka Tobacco Research Station, exhibited film strips “Tobacco Growing in Canada and U.S.A.” Full attendanceof 13 members. - MANAWATU Colyton.— Report on club field day and Y.F.C. Show - at Feilding. Discussion on further field day. Mr. Jamieson, of Messrs. Hodder and Tolley, Feilding, gave an address on “Grass Seeds,” and dealt also with their -growing and harvesting at the Pure Seed

Station, Lincoln. Eighteen members present out . of total of 22. ( Feilding.— The final meeting for the year took the form of a dinner at the Community Centre, Feilding. The chair was taken by Lou Hansen, .in the absence through sickness of Erl Beazer, club chairman. A comprehensive toast list was honoured, the following being the speakers and responders: “The Feilding Y.F.C./’ proposed by Mr. W. H. Henson (president, Feilding A. and P. Assn.), and responded , to by lan Colquhoun; “Our Returned Services Members,” proposed by his Worship the Mayor (Mr. T. L. Seddon), and replied to by ex-service members D. Ferguson, D. Colquhoun, H. Brewster, and L. Beazer; “The Department of Agriculture and the Lecturers,” proposed by Mr. L. J. Wild, and responded to by Messrs. H. deO. Chamberlain and A. V. Lithgow; “The Y.F.C. , Federation and District Committees,” proposed by Mr. H. C. D. Somerset, and replied to by Messrs. S. Freeman (Dominion Y.F.C. Secretary) ,and McGregor Donald (chairman, Manawatu District Committee) ; “The Speakers and Caterers,” proposed by Mr. A. C. Buist (advisory president)', and responded to by Mr. P. Harford. Mr. Somerset gave an address on the cultural and commercial opportunities afforded by farming. Topical sound films were

exhibited by Mr. Freeman. There was an attendance of 47 members and friends. Kairanga.—Discussion on club’s progress generally. Drawing of club' raffle left to committee to arrange. Nineteen present out of 40. Kimbolton-Kiwitea.— issued to the Kimbolton Cricket Club to a cricket match; committee of three appointed to select a team. Talk by lan .Lyon, a club member, on “Weather Forecasting.” Attendance of 16 out of 24. At a previous meeting a talk was given by K. Spelman on his experiences overseas, 18 being present. Te Arakura.— Arrangements for future lecturers. Address by Mr. Hodson, of Massey College, on “The Feeding of Dairy Cows.” A talk was also given by H. Oppatt, a club member, on “Treating Cows for Bloat.” Attendance of 13 out of 17. Whakarongo. One: new member enrolled. The chairman congratulated members who won prizes at the . Feildlng Y.F.C. Show, and also in ’ the fat lamb competition at Longburn. A five-minute talk was given by I. Vant, a club member, on, “Farm Bookkeeping.” D. Robertson gave a talk on “Experiences in a Fighter Squadron on Bougainville.” Twenty-four members present out of 28. WAIRARAPA

Carterton. — exhibition of calves . and yearlings to be held; prizes, 30/-, 20/-, 10/-, for each class. Mr. O. A. Cadwallader to be asked to "judge. There will also be demonstrations and a judging competition. Lecture by Dr. C. V. Gomez on “Handling and Breaking in a Young Horse”; the speaker also answered a number of veterinary questions. Fifteen members present out of 35.

SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY

Ballance.Lantern lecture by Mr. F. J. S. Holden, Department of Agriculture, on “Liquid Manure on the Farm.” Fifteen present out of 26. '

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

Hastings.—This club has recently resumed activities. Officers elected: Chairman, R. Baddeley; secretary, C. D. Goldstone; treasurer, D. Murley. The appointment of an advisory president was left over for the next meeting. There was an attendance of nine at the initial meeting, and it is understood that there are a numoer of prospective members. '

Otane. Newly-formed club. Officers elected Advisory president, Mr. J. Cooper; chairman, J. L. Sunderland; secretary and treasurer, E. T. Williams. At two meetings ’ held : ince the inauguration Mr. R. P. Hill, Department of Agriculture, gave an address on “The Ramifications of the Certification System for Grasses and Clovers,” and talks were given by members as follows: J. L. Sunderland (“Shearing”); E. White (“Ploughing”) ; J. Williams (“Erosion”). The membership has increased to 13. - '

NORTHERN HAWKE’S BAY

. Wairoa. — Address by Mr. J. Hole on “The Care and Maintenance of Electrical Equipment”; the speaker dealt with household and general heavy equipment, and answered a number of questions. At the previous meeting 14 new members were enrolled, 13 of these being trainees of the Huramua Native Scheme. The membership of the club is now 84. Discussion on roll of honour plaque, the design submitted by Mr. G. Winter being approved. Nine members volunteered as associate judges for the Nuhaka A. and 'P. Show. Mr. A. Allan gave a talk and demonstration on “Farm and Station Stitching,” dealing with the preparation and use of threads for leather sewing; members were given the opportunity to try out the various methods. Attendance of 25 members.

WANGANUI

Marton.Substitute delegate appointed to attend forthcoming District Committee meeting. Advice received from Dannevirke A. and P. Association on Y.F.C. classes at show in February. Approval of the holding of a gymkhana on Mr. K. McK. Duncan’s property.

Upper Tutaenui, to raise funds for the Y.F.C. memorial. Dance to be held in the evening. Further selection of judges’ assistants and class stewards for the - Marton A. and P. Show. Report on club ■ library books ordered from England. Two new members enrolled. Mr. S. G. Avery, of San. on, gave a talk and demonstration on “Soldering.” x Talk by Flt./Sgt. W. B. Gray, a returned member, on some of his experiences overseas. Attendance of 24 members out of 40.

Hunterville.—-Copies of Y.F.C. . literature distributed among members. Discussion on ways, and means of raising' money for the Y.F.C. memorial fund; decided to hold a series of dances. Address by Mr. V. W. FullertonSmith on “The Care and Maintenance of Farm Machinery.” Twenty-four members present out of 31.

CENTRAL TARANAKI

Bird Road.— Final arrangements for a dance to be held in Stratford Town Hall. General discussion on future activities of the ■ club decided to draw up a syllabus at next meeting. Fifteen present out of 18.

NORTH TARANAKI

Karawaka.—Address by Mr. V. C. Davies, of New .Plymouth, on “Shelter and Fruit Trees for the Farm and Home.” At the previous meeting a report was submitted by delegates on the recent District Committee meeting.. One new member elected. Address by Mr. F. L. Knowles, consulting officer to the Taranaki Herd Improvement Association, on “Dairy Herd Improvement by . the Selection of a Herd Sire.” Out of 15 members, 9 and 11 were present at the two meetings respectively.

Mangorei.— on recent District Committee meeting. Address by Mr. Taylor, Department of Agriculture, on “Fruit Trees for the Farm Home.” Nine members present out of 11.

Tikorangi.— by. Mr. A. C. Burgess, Department of Agriculture, on “Taranaki Soils and Fertilisers.” Attendance of eight members out of 12.

Urenui. — Programme of future activities discussed ; to be further discussed .at next meeting. Circular on Y.F.C. land settlement read and discussed. . The district -secretary, Mr. A. C. Burgess, read an article dealing with land settlement. A general discussion followed on various types of tenure and the classes of country suitable for development. Twenty members attended. This club, which was recently revived, now has a membership of 20.

TE KUITI

Te Anga Central.— Arrangements finalised for a dance to'raise funds for the club. Discussion on general activities. Eleven members present out of 23. ' < .

WAIKATO

Hamilton Technical College.— Presentation of a wristlet watch to Mr. A. W. Green, the club’s advisory president and teacher of animal husbandry at the college, who is retiring. Lantern lecture by Mr. T. Rodda, Department of Agriculture, on “Silage Making.” -' Attendance of ,55 members out of 62. Field day on Mr. N. Peacock’s farm; Mr. Peacock demonstrated his irrigation scheme, and showed members around his dairy herd, sheds, and pastures. Fifty-six members were present. /

— Statement of finance. Address by Mr. Wallace, supervisor of the Waikato PigCouncil, on “The Selection, Care, and Feeding of Pigs”; a suitable layout for a piggery was also discussed. Nineteen members present. This club, formed a few months ago, has increased its membership to 24.

Springdale.— Address by Mr. . J. Singers on “The Classification of Dairy Cows”; this was preparatory to the forthcoming visit by members to Mr. Singers’s farm to see the official classification carried out. Fifteen members present. Officers elected at the initial meeting of this recently-formed club (previously unreported) : Advi'ory president, Mr. J. Singers; chairman, R. Ladd; secretary, G. G. Roberts; treasurer. S. Old. The membership has increased to 17.

THAMES

Ngatea.—Newly-formed club. Officers elected: Advisory president, Mr. C. W. Schultz; chairman, G. Williamson; secretary, R. Cole; treasurer, W. Grime,. Initial membership of 16 is expected to grow rapidly, as keen interest is being displayed by leading farmers in the' district. ;

WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY

Omokoroa.— Two debating teams to _be selected. The club decided to assist with the sideshows at ' the A. and P. Show.; A shooting Contest to be arranged. Lantern lecture by Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture, on “Silage and Hay.” Eighteen members present out of 24. .. At. a previous meeting one new member was enrolled, and Pte. R. J. Steward, a returned member, gave a talk on ills experiences on active service.

Paengaroa. Chairman reported on recent meeting of Auckland Council held at Hamilton. Report by B. Vant on District Committee meeting. Suggestions received from members regarding the time and itinerary of the propo ed District Y.F.C. tour. Committee appointed to deal with club shooting contest. Report from tree-planting committee; permission has been granted the club to plant trees in the hall section as a memorial. Discussion on proposed agricultural high school in the South Auckland district. , Address on “Pigs” by Mr. Barwell, supervisor . of the Bay of Plenty Pig Council, who also exhibited a scale model of the Preston piggery. Attendance of 24 members out of 69.

'Te Puna. — Demonstration on rope splicing by Mr. N. Heard, a local farmer; members present carried out the actual splicing, etc., under Mr. Heard’s instructions. Eleven present out of . 24.

EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

Thornton. Lantern lecture by Mr. E. R. Marry Department of Agriculture, on “Feed Flavours in Milk and Cream and Their Control.” Attendance of 29 out of total of 39.

AUCKLAND

East Tamaki.—Lecture by Mr. A. D. Mercer, Department of Agriculture, on “Supplementary Feeding”; the speaker stressed the benefits in feeding a balanced diet, particularly during the winter . months. Fifteen members present out 'Of 41. .

Franklin. — by the secretary on the meeting of the committee set up to finalise the farm-planning competition, which is to take the following form: Each member to be given a plan of a 100-acre dairy farm, with natural features marked; the farm is in grass and ring-fenced, but otherwise bare. List of materials and prices attached. Members are to develop the farm for cream supply, and compute the cost. Decided that Mr. P. S. Syme, Department of Agriculture, be asked to judge the competition. , Arrangements for a club concert to be held at Papakura. A dance to be held at Rama Rama. Messrs. R. Thoms and L. Paul were added to . the social committee. Decided to hold a special debating practice; six teams were selected and subjects chosen. Twenty-five members present out of 40. The debating practice was held the fol- . lowing week, 27 members attending; members of the Pukekohe Ea t and newly-formed Karaka Clubs were present by invitation. The debates were as follows: (1) “That the Town Youth has Greater Opportunities for Advancement than the Country Youth”; affirmative, L. Aldridge, R. Clarke, and M. Lorrenz; negative, C. C. Upton, A. Holmes, and E. Black. Won by affirmative. (2) “That Cream Supply is More Profitable than Town Milk Supply”; affirmative, H. Kirton, .S. L. Shaw, and S. Adeane; negative, R. Legg, L. G. Shaw, and J. Bryden. Won by affirmative. (3) “That Air Travel will Supersede Land Travel”; affirmative, A. Dunn, R. Thoms, and D. Iles; negative, I. Downs, W. Kirkwood, and J. Bratley. Won by affirmative. Mr. Aldridge acted as judge, and gave some very helpful critici m ‘•at the conclusion of each debate. The chairman of the Pukekohe East Club, congratulated the Franklin Club on being

•%S£jrV*£ Et rs^”’th n .S S

Franklin Club, and particularly its chairman, R. Legg, for the assistance given in the

formation of the Karaka Club. Mr. R. W. Franke, advisory president, acted as timekeeper and chairman for the' evening.

Karaka.Report by Chairman on a meeting of the combined Auckland District clubs, held at Rama Rama, at which the Dominion Organising Secretary was pre ent. Report by secretary on the recent meeting of the District Committee. Arrangements for a dance. Address by Mr. J. Kidd on “Experiences. Overseas, and Farming in the Middie East.” Sixteen members present out of 19.

Pukekawa.Reports on the following: District Committee and Auckland Council meeting;, and vi. it of Dominion Organising Secretary to the district. One new member enrolled. Report on successful hard-up and fancy dress dance. The ' forthcoming district pig competition was outlined to members. Several remits for the District Committee discussed, mainly dealing with inter-club activitie . Endeavour to be made to encourage younger members to speak at meetings, in order to gain confidence for future debates. Members discussed their entries in the farmplanning competition. Attendance of 17 out of 26.

Pukekohe East. —Exhibition of films dealing with “Modern Pig-keeping”; loaned to the club by the N.Z. . Co-op. Pig Marketing Association.' Attendance of 24 members out of total of 47.

NORTH AUCKLAND

Whirinaki.— Exhibition of films by Mr. E. H. Arnold, Department of Agriculture, Whangarei. Arrangements for club members to visit the demonstration farm at Dargaville in the near future, under Mr. Arnold’s guidance. Fishing trip in . Hokianga Harbour to be arranged. Twelve members present out of total of 18.

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.