YOUNG FARMERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 43, 22 April 1942, Page 5

YOUNG FARMERS

DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETS

CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW

In presenting his report to: the fourth annual meeting of the Eastern Bay of Plenty District Committee of Young Farmers Clubs which took place at Edgecumbc last evening, the chairman, Mr W. A. McCracken, stated as under:—-

Club Membership: The Young Faimers' Club movement in this district is experiencing a most difficult period in that individual members, who are still "keeping the home fires burning," question the worthwhilencss\ of trying tot keep up club activities. With so many members on

active service and in camp a mere handful is left to decide this vital question. Members writing from overseas look forward to the time when they will come back amongst us and find their clubs intact and carrying on. For the sake of these who are sacrificing so much will we not earnestly strive to do so?

With Edgecumbe and Waimana Clubs still active the Y.F.C. movement has been kept going in this area. Importance of New Members Both clubs have enrolled a few new members and it is to these that we now look for their interest and enthusiasm to keep alive the traditions of the movement. The question of new members, opens up an avenue whereby the whole movement mav find the secret of its success

in weathering present and future difficulties. Those of us who are older should encourage these younger members all w T e can. It is: very heartening to know that the Waimana Club has resolved to keep going. Edgecumbe Club has been experiencing great difficulty in keeping up interest amongst its members, no doubt largely due to being sadly depleted in numbers. It is very pleasing to see a new club starting in the Whakatane District High School. The results of such a club should be far-reaching, and we wish it every success. Social Activities: As in the 1 past, there continues to be good support given toi this side of the club's activities. Socials and dances have been held from time to time with great success. Debating Contests: During the year little has been done about in-ter-club debates. Edgecumbe Club was unable to compete against Walrnana for the honour of representing this, district in its; defence of the Shield against the Western district. On September 20th at Paengaroa the Waimana team debated against Te Puke (representing Western District) but were unsuccessful in a closed contested debate. The Waimana team of young debaters was to be congratulated on the splendid effort it made despite the fact that none of the team had debated In public before. Stock Judging Competition; On the same day as the debate at Paengaroa the Waimana team represented that district in defending the Wright Stephenson Cup. Here again our representatives were slightly behind in points and the Cup went to the Western District.

Inter-Club Courts: At the Whakatane Winter Show last year Edgecumbe and Wimana Clubs entered for the court competition. Edgecumbe was placed first Avith Waimana a close second, in a most interesting display. Our thanks are due to the Winter Show Executive, for their generosity in making available liberal prize money and facilities.

Auckland Council Meetings: Of all the council meetings held, our committee has had good representation at only two, namely Hamilton (annual meeting in May last year) and Tauranga in February this year. Labour shortage has been the main reason for our not being able to spend more than one day for a council meeting. This meant that Ave were unable to attend at centres further away than Hamilton. Advantage has been taken of sending younger members, as well as the usual delegates, in order that they may have an insight into the working of a council meeting.

Organising Secretary: In November last we had the pleasure ol' having Mr S. Freeman, Organising Secretary, visiting the two active clubs, as well as being present at our District Committee meeting. The clubs nppreciated the visit very much and voiced their appreciation of the films shown. We as a committee benefited greftly by his visit and it ran safely be . v aid that it paved the way for the starting of a club in the local District High School. (Continued in noxt column)