YOUNG FARMERS CLUBS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 100, 21 October 1938, Page 3

YOUNG FARMERS CLUBS

DEBATING CONTEST FINAL Y WAIMANA WINS SHIELD (Published by request-) The final debate between the premier teams of the Western and juistern Zones oil; the Blny of Plenty Young banners’ Clubs to decide me shiekliiolders for lb’3B, was held in the Thornton Hall on Monday evening lielore an enthusiastic- audience of supporters of the movement numbering upproixmately 150, many of whom had travelled from boybiul YVaimana in the east and Taurungrt in the west. 'The ehairman, -Mr. It. lteid (a meinher of the. To Puke Chib), opened the proceedings by suitably welcoming and thanking all present for the tangible evidence of their support of the young farmers’ movement and by introducing the members of the competing teams. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Mead, of Taneatmi, who had kindly consented to undertake the onerous duties of judge.

The chairman then called upon Mr. \\ . A. McCracken, Mdgeciimbe, chairman of the district committee of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Young Farmers’ Club, to say a few words. Mr. McCracken very, ably outlined the principal aims and objects of the movement and concluded by urging all farmers and other well-wishers to get solidly behind, the movement and give it all possible support, for the sake of the young men wh<> are destined to become the country’s primary producers in the very near future. A special appeal was made to those farmers who employ outside, young men between the ages of 10 and 30 to do their best to encourage them to join up with the chili in their district as, by so doing, they would not only he helping a very worthy cause hut would actually benefit themselves by reason of the keener interest the young men would take in their farming activities. The subject debated “That modern civilisation is a failure,” was spiritedly contested by Messrs. B. \\ oolficld (leader), B. White, L- M'acdonakl and 11. White, Waimana Club, who took the affirmative side, and Messrs. Walter (leader), Pinkoi, Benner and Hickson, Paengaroa Club, for the negative side. C lose on two hours was occupied by the debate which concluded bv the judge awarding the decision to the Waimana team by 81 points to CD. In commenting on tin* debate Air. Mead said that the quality of the debating ability displayed by the teams and of the individual members was of a very high standard indeed, and had improved immeasurably since lie had first become interested: in this phase ol (lie •,Young Farmers’ Movement. He then briefly but, effectually commented upon the efforts of each speaker pointing out. just, how points had been gained or lost. Tin- speakers gaining the highest number of points were: Mr. Macdonald, for Waimana, 23 points; and Mr. Pinker for Paengaroa, 21

points, out of a possible of 25. Mr. D. S. Boss, Te Puke, chairman, of the Auckland Council, Young Farmers’ (Hubs, after congratulating the teams upon the able manner in which they had handled the subject of tindebate then presented .the trophy to the leader of the winning team (Wnimana) who suitably replied. Mr- Boss also supported the remarks of Mr. McCracken when, earlier in the evening, lie had dealt with the objects of the movement. Supper was then served hv the ladies of the district for which due appreciation was shown and later dancing and other items ol entertainment brought a very enjoyable and educational evening to a close.