MAKING OF FARMERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1922, Page 6

MAKING OF FARMERS.

TEACHING BOYS'AND GIRLS. VALUE OF THE CLUBS. SUCCESS IN TARANAKI. The distribution of prizes and certificates won by members of the Taranaki Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs took place at the Hygienic tea rooms, New Plymouth, yesterday' afternoon, when an interesting address was given by Dr. C. J. Reakes. Director-General of the Department of Agriculture. In the unavoidable absence of Mr. Washer, (president of the clu'bs), Mr. W’. B. Grant (president of the Taranaki A. and P. Society) presided, and amongst others present were Messrs. O’Connell and Johnson (Education Department), Deem and Glasson (Agricultural Department), G. H. Buckeridge (secretary Farmers’ Union), Mr. P. J. H. White (Taranaki Education Board), J. A. Kurth, W. Hall and H. C. Sampson. Apologies were received from Messrs. Lees (chairman of the Taranaki Education Board), F. Mills and Stratt.

In briefly introducing Dr. Remkes, the chairman remarked that he felt the formation of these agricultural clubs amongst boys and girls would result in more young people going upon the land, and that the work done by them would be of great educational value. Dr. Reakes expressed his pleasure at being present on an occasion which, in his opinion, marked a big step in the advance of agriculture in Taranaki. New Zealand was a country almost preeminent through the world in the extent it depended upon primary products for its prosperity and for the wherewithal to continue its development. He did not suppose the boys and girls present knew very much about the terms primary and secondary industries, but in his opinion the term primary industry was peculiarly fitting in regard to farming, •for his hearers would find as they grew older that it was upon farming, upon the actual production from the soil, that' all industries ultimately depended. HELP TO THE INDUSTRY. He thought the establishment of agricultural clubs throughout the Dominion was going to prove valuable in lifting the industry on to a higher plane, and he congratulated Taranaki in particular upon the enthusiasm shown in organising the clubs, and especially the boys and girls for the way in which they had entered for the competitions. It was most satisfactory to note how the competitions had gone ahead and the large number of competitors. This year no less than 43 schools had competed. In 1920-21 there were only 192 entries, all in South Taranaki, besides 207 entries in the calf clubs of South Taranaki. This was most satisfactory. The more satisfactory work boys and girls did the better the object lesson for them and their associates, and the training should go a long way towards helping them to become successful farmers. Farming was by no means simple. It was the finest means of earning a livelihood, and the more who go on the land the better for the country. In farming, as in all other industries, there • was always something to learn. Boys and girls should always be observant. They should watch* the results of the kind of cultivation adopted, or of the special manures used, and so try to find the best way to farm the particular land thev were occupying. There was no “rule of thumb” about successful farming. The cultivation successful in one place might be no good in another twenty, miles away. There were many farmers merely making a living who should be doing far more. Either from want of knowledge, or of application, or neglecting to take opportunities which exist for getting advice, etc., they are not getting out of the land anything like what they ought to. This was no good to the farmer himself and no good to the country. It was the farmer who takes every opportunity of improving his knowledge who was always the most successful. He could assure the hoys and girls present that if they took every opportunity of improving their knowledge, followed the best advice, and worked hard, they would find farming a successful and pleasant way of making a livelihood, and one which would enable them to make provision for their old age.

EVERYONE CO-OPERATING. He hoped next year to be able to come again and that there would be an even larger number of competitors. He was glad to note there were special prizes being given, as this showed the interest being taken in the clubs, and he hoped next year there would be more special prizes. In this connection he could tell them that the 50 guinea cup donated by Mr. Stewart Wilson for the best agricultural work done by any boy or gir] was open for competition throughout the whole of the Dominion. If this year’s results were any guide he felt sure Taranaki would give the rest of New Zealand a big run for the cup next year.

Mr. P. J. H. White, speaking as a member of the Taranaki Education Board, said the formation of the clubs had given those interested in educational matters a lesson in real government. Everyone had co-operated. The Agricultural and Education Departments. Farmers’ Union, A. and P. Societies. Agricultural and Education Department instructors, the teachers —most of all perhaps—and last, but pot least, the parents, had all helped. On behalf of the Education Board he was pleased to be there and wish the clubs success. He felt that the movement represented by these clubs would grow not only in connection with farming, but with other industries also. True education must necessarily link up theoretical learning to be the guide of practice in the special walk of life adopted. Dr. Reakes then presented the prizes and certificates won, which were as follows; — CHAMPIONSHIPS. CARROTS. • Hazel Phillips (Mimi) 1. Minnie McLeod (Oaonui) 2, Ivan McKenzie (Tikorangi) 3. GROUP WINNERS. Group I. Minnie McLeod (Oaonui) 1. Tom Brophy (Warea) 2, James Graham (Warea) 3. Group 2. Rene Hook (Bell Block) 1, Bert Holmes (BeH Block) 2, George Kenny (Frankley) 3. Group 3. Ken Surrey (Huirangi) 1. Sydney Sampson (Hillsborough) 2, Leslie Rowe p-annftitoa) 3

Group 4. Hazel Philips (Mimi) 1, Ivan McKenzie (Tikorangi) 2, Olive Spurr (Mimi) 3. MANGOLDS. Amy Phillips- (Mimi) 1, Colin Henry (Bell Block) 2, Tom Graham (Waitara) 3. GROUP WINNERS. Group 1. 'Stanley Jury (Omata) 1, Ray Field (Oaonui) 2, Maude Clegg (Oaonui) 3. Group 2. Colin Henry (Bell Block) 1, Francis Therkleson (Vogeltown) 2, Claude Hodges (Vogeltown) 3. Group 3. Tom-Graham (Waitara) 1, H. Ewens (Waitara) 2. Norman Hall (Lepperton) 3. Group 4. Amy Phillips (Mimi) 1, Ivan McKenzie (Tikorangi) 2, James Rumbal (Urenui) 3. A. AND P. SOCIETY PRIZES. (Donated by Mr. W. C. Wee ton) 11.ANGOLDS. Group 1 Garnett Clegg (Oaonui) 1, Stanley Jury (Omata) 2. Group 2. Richard Rowe (Bell Block) 1, Francis Therkleson (Vogeltown) 2. Group 3. Thos. Graham (Waitara) 1, Harry Ewens (Waitara) 2. Group 4. Alf Wedge (Urchin) 1, Allen Wiley (Urenui) 2. CARROTS. Group 1. Thos. Brophy (Warea) 1, Jack McLeod (Oaonui) 2. Group 2. Airini Hook (Bell Block) 1, Jos. Glentworth (Bell Block) 2. Group 3. Leslie Rowe (Lepperton) 1, Sydney Sampson (Hillsborough) 2. Group 4. Harry Rumball (Urenui) 1, C. Wray (Motonui) 2. SPECIAL PRIZE FOR BEST CULTIVATION. Harry Ewens, Waitara. BEST RECORD CHART. Group 1. Ray Field (Oaonui) 1, Thos. Brophy (Warea) 2. Group 2. Airini Hook (Bell Block) 1, Richard Rowe (Bell Block) 2. Group 3. C. Stanley (Hillsborough) 1, Winifred Hall (Hillsborough) 2. Group 4. v E. Free (Wairau) 1, R. Hill (Wairau) 2. CENTRAL DIVISION. Group 2. Hazel Bradford (Toko) 1, E. Chaney (Toko) 2. On the motion of Mr. T. McKenzie a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Dr. Reakes.