Rongotea

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 33, 9 February 1937, Page 4

Rongotea

From Our Own Correspondent Young Farmers’ Club The first meeting of the Young Farm- , ers’ Club for 1937 was held on Friday evening when a large number of members attended. Mr Geprge Burgess was in the chair, assisted by Mr H. J. Lancaster, the president. The secretary, Mr J. Gloyn, read correspondence from tho Department of Agriculture, intimating that the Railway Department would grant a concession of 20 per cent to parties of Club members travelling on business connected with the Club. A proposal to hold stackbuilding competitions was also received, Mr N. R. BOyd, the lecturer for the eveninng, stated that ho Intended giving a homely talk on matters dealing with his daily work as a member of the Farm Dairy Inspection staff. He then gave an account of the remarkable progress made in tho eleven years during which this division had been operating. Prior to this time the local factory’s product had graded from 88 to 91 points. Dut starting with very crude conditions tho Kongotea factory is now classed among the firstclass dairy factories of the Dominon and usually graded 95i. Although milk from a normal healthy cow was perfect, it must bo remembered that the dairy farmer was handling the most sensitive food commodity known, and even though such a high standard had been reached the necessity for even greater effort to reduce the bacterial content of cream delivered to the factory could not be too strongly stressed. Mr Boyd also laid emphasis on the value of personal effort on the part of tho dairy farmer, and said that an extra'quarter of an hour a day, spent in scouring the machines, would accomplish much more than thousands of pounds worth of new equipment. By reducing the bacteria in cream it could bo sterilised at a lower temperature, with the result that butter made from this cream would be superior in aroma and flavour. Appreciation of Mr Boyd’s address was expressed by the chairman. Mr A. N. Morcoin then outlined the requirements for exhibiting in the Young Farmers’ Club farm roots and vegetable section at the forthcoming Horticultural Society’s Show, and these met with the approval of the meeting, and there were promises of. strong competition. Persona! Misses. L., N., and R. Davis, of Jones’ line, Rongotea, left on Saturday for a cycling trip to Auckland and back. They will camp during the journey and aro equipped, with a tent, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, etc. It is hoped to average fifty miles per day, proceeding via Marton and Taihape and to return by the West Const route. Mr and Mrs E. A. Croad, Rongotea, have left; via New Plymouth, on a motor trip to Auckland. Mr and Airs Round have returned to Rongotea after spending a holiday in Wellington. Airs R. W. George, and her children, arb spending, a holiday at New Plymouth. Mrs W. J. Road and her children have returned to Rongotea. Master Noel Croad is visiting his sister, Mrs McGarvie, of Featherston, Aliss Joyce and Master Lyall George have returned from New Plymouth.