INCREASE IN YOUNG FARMERS' CLUBS

Chronicle (Levin), 13 June 1946, Page 3

INCREASE IN YOUNG FARMERS' CLUBS

—Press Association

By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON, June 12.' Coimnenting on the auuual conl'ereiice of the Feileration of Youug Farniers' Clubs opening in Invercargill the Minister of- Agriculture (Mr. Roberts) said that from the wartime Ioav level of 02 clubs, with fewer thau 1000 inembera in 1943, the Young Farmers' Club movement now had 18s clubs and a membersliip approaching 5000. Tho Minister stated that the Government had always been actively interested in the forindtion iind functioning of Young Farmers' Clubs, particularly because of the influence they had . in assuring satisfactory careers for young inen on the land. In outlining the plans for extendmg the movement and widening the range of its activities, Mr. Roberts recalled that the Young Farmers' Club niovement was given a new life with financial assistance by the preseut Government. "The Government 's concern is to bring to cluos the expert knowledge of its agricultural officers so that the members liave the right kina of practical education. The officers of various divisions of the Department or Agriculture are in regular touch witli the clubs, whieh are encouraged to taka t'ull advantage of all the help available. "The present policy is based on experience in the pre-war years, " added the Minister. " It is directed towards the formation of smaller clubs with a membersliip of up to 30 or 40. In tJie aggregate they would cover a wider area. They are preferable to the operalion in each district of a few Iarge clubs wliose membersliip often becomes unwieldy. Some clubs with 80 or 90 members^ are considering dividing into two or m.ore clubs to cover the district more completely. Tliis should iucrease membersliip, assist in solving transport problems, and give added interest by ensuring a majority of members are truly active. The tendency has been for the majority of members of larger clubs to become a mere audience at the main activities, which are being renewed on a districtscale and include district field days, stock judging competitions, and debating contests. "Anotlicr important development is in group travci, which will enable members to get mutually helpful knowledge of the districts concemed, " continued Mr. Roberts. The Minister mentioned that information was being gatliered to assist with the projected Young Farmers' Club land settlement sclieme. Though there were many difficulties, it was considered possibie to work out a method. of assistance to members who wished to take up land. This successful movement for men had uaturaily raised the question of a I siniilar enterprise for women. The men's Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, with the helpful and practical interest of the Women 's Division of Federated Farmers and the Women 's Institutes, was sponsoring the formation of farmers' clubs for young women. , * , ...«■« ■/! J A.yj XJk JWddU