YOUNG FARMERS AS PRISONERS

Southland Times, Issue 24835, 29 August 1942, Page 3

YOUNG FARMERS AS PRISONERS

Club Formed Among Internees Life in a prisoner-of-war camp in Italy or Germany need not be a life of drudgery or despair. Many instances of profitable discussions, lectures and lessons on many subjects have come under notice in recent months, but it would appear that pride of place for enthusiasm and organization must be given to the many New Zealand young farmers who have had the misfortune to be taken prisoners of war and are at present in Italy. A card received by the secretary of the Dominion Council of the Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs from Private R. G. Montgomery, formerly of Hawke’s Bay, and a member of the council, speaks for itself. With blanks filled in the card reads:— “I gathered a few New Zealanders to- : gether and formed, a Young Farmers’ Club, with instructional classes. They became so popular that we had to open them up to South Africans, Australians and Englishmen. Now there are five classes a week, with an average attendance of more than 200. We have classes on sheep, dairying, pigs, bees, fruit and agriculture and lectures on farming and conditions in many countries. W. J. Woods, formerly of Darfield, is secretary and I am organizer and president. The lads are keen and are keeping their chins up. If possible please send details of any soldiers’ settlement scheme.”