YOUNG FARMERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 September 1938, Page 7

YOUNG FARMERS

NEW ZEALAND FEDERATION CONFERENCE GREAT GROWTH OF MOVEMENT The annual report of the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers, presented at the fourth annual general meeting of the federation in Christchurch on Thursday, disclosed a very successful year, both for increased membership and the activities that had been carried out during the year. The number of clubs now functioning throughout the Dominion is 160, with a total membership of 4500 young farmers. The gathering was very representative, delegates attending from the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago-Southland council areas. The chaii' was taken by Mr A. C. Cameron, vice-president in the absence of the president, Mr W. F. McLaren, Masterton, who is recovering from illness. The age limit for active membership (formerly 14 to 25) was extended to 30 years of age, with a recommendation that executive positions in the clubs be, as far as possible, held by members between the ages of 18 and 25. The club membership fee of 2s 6d was raised" to 3s 6d, the extra Is to include the cost of the Journal of Agriculture, which will be posted direct to members, ensuring that every member becomes a subscriber and receives the journal regularly. Members expressed their appreciation of the journal, and commented freely on the service rendered by the department in supplying it to the clubs at concession rates. The meeting considered suggestions for inviting overseas club delegates to New Zealand during the Centennial celebrations in 1940, and the possible holding of a camp near Wellington during the exhibition period. Dominion young farmers’ club shearing championship is to be held in Palmerston North at the A. and P. show in November, and will be arranged by the Manawatu district committee. Stok-judging competitions for North Island championships will be held at the Royal Show, Hamilton, and for the South Island at Lincoln College. Districts will hold debating contests in preparation for inter-island and Dominion championship debates, which it is hoped to hold early in the New Year. The suggestion, tha-t organised visits from one district *tb another might be a possible alternative to the more expensive tours, and would in some cases provide more interest, was approved. An appreciation of the work done by the Department of Agriculture was expressed by the meeting, members paying a tribute to the individual officers closely associated with the organisation. The director of the fields division, Mr R. B. Tennent, in replying, said that the department was prepared to give all assistance within its power, as it recognised tne real worth of the movement. Mr Alan Grant, Waimate, was elected president for the ensuing year, and Mr D. S. Ross, Bay of Plenty, vicepresident. The meeting placed on record its appreciation of the splendid work done for the organisation by the retiring resident, Mr W. F. McLaren, and expressed the hope that he would soon be restored to health. \