CALF AND LAMB REARING

Chronicle (Levin), 25 November 1946, Page 2

CALF AND LAMB REARING

OTAKI SCHOOL BESUETS There was a large attendance of parents and children at the annual preliminary judging of calves in the Horowhenua Boys' and Girls' Agricultural Club competitions, which took place at the Otaki School on Wednesday last. Before calling upon the judge to commence his duties, Mr. Harold Taylor, chairman of the School Committee, referred to the sad passing of the district agricultural instructor, Mr. J. J. Stevenson. The progress of the club was due to Mr. Stevenson's energy and popularity, and the district, parents and children had lost a friend. The results of the judging were as follows: — Senior. — Care and attention: Veda Jepson's "Susan" 1, Michaei Southcombe's "Dairymaid 2, Brian Bills' "Strawberry" 3. Best dairy type and best all round calf: Michaei Southcombe's "•Dairymaid." Junior. — Care and attention: Ashley Fogden's "Peach" 1, Valerie Edwards' "Trixie" 2, Shirley Edwards' "Polly". 3. Dairy type: Valerie Edwards' "Trixie." Lamb. — Arthur Bills' "Peter" 1. Consolation prizes. — Sally Southcombe's "Peggy," Vivienne Fogden's "Velvet," Peter Lumley's "Mischief," Marie Macdonald's "Topsy," Murray Dittmer's "Princess," Beverley Edwards' "Blssom" and Roycc Edwards' "Tiny." Mr. James, headmaster, on bchalf of the school, thanked thc parents for attcnding, the children for the manner in which they had carried out their calf projects, the Rahui Supplicrs and Hodder and Tolley for their very liberal donations, Mr. H. Taylor for bringing a cow along to the school, and Miss Keddell and the lady members of the staff for the afternoon tea arrangements. Mr. James thanked the judge, Mr. B. R. Robinson, and his associate, Mr. Horne, Jnr., for the able way in which they had carried out thefr duties. There was ' no doubt that the competitors had been fully satisfied v/ith the results. Mr. -W. Hesse, the senior agricultural instructor, was welcomed by the headmaster who hoped he would have an enjoyable day at Otaki. Mr. James also thanked Mr. Herrikson for organising the outside activity. Mr. Harold Taylor, chairman of the school committee, thanked those responsible- for a very successful day. The calves were becoming harder to judge each ,y£ft£, apd those., 43yough±,vr^pi?w^rd this year were a credit to all. Tt was pleasing to see how satisfied the competitors were with the judge's placings. The committee thanked Mr. Robinson and Mr. Horn for their interest in the club. Mr. D. Blake, the supervisor for Otaki, was thanked for his splendid work. It v/as also pleasing to welcome Mr. W. Hesse back to Otaki again. Mr. Hesse, senior agricultural instructor, said he was very pleased to attend the Otaki judging once more. It was a pleasure to see the way in which the children had carried out their calf projects. The club was now 20 years old, and it spoke well for ihe parents and children to note the progress that had been made. On congratulating the winners, he also praised the competitors who had completed their projects. The judge, Mr. B. R. Robinson, thanked the spe&kers for their remarks and stated that he was very pleased with the manner in which the calves had been turned out. Although the team was a little unbalanced, he had no doubt that at the final judging at Levin in December the Otaki calves would do well.

Mr. D. Blake gave the boys and girls advice on how to prepare their calves. It was essential that the supervisor be advlsed immediately the calf was born in order to have it marked. Mr. Blake said that he had enjoyed the work and was willing to give advice at any time. Mr. Townrow, on behalf of the staff, thanked the parents for attending the school function. Such contacts were very valuable to parents and the school alike, he said. Michaei Southcombe and Murray Dittmer thanked the visitors for attending and congratulated the winners. During the afternoon Mr. James Thorn spoke on behalf of Mr. L. G. Lowry, M.P. Mr. Lowry had taken a keen interest in the club and the speakcr was sure that all wished him a speedy and complete reeovery. Mr. Thorn mentioned that apart from the valuable lessons to be taught in the care of and kinduess to animals, the club was doing a wonderful job for the Dominion as a whole. The competitors were congratulated on the keeness displayed, and the speaker was sure that the judge had carried out a most difficult task to the satisfaction of all.