AGRICULTURAL CLUBS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 October 1938, Page 9

AGRICULTURAL CLUBS

MOVEMENT ON FIRM FOOTING. FUTURE PROSPECTS GOOD. A meeting of the Wairarapa Boys and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs Association was held in the Greytown District High School on Monday. Mr L. A. Keats presided over a very good attendance representative of the are.a Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Reynolds, Ireland and Webster. Samples of the new diploma and seals for the various competitions were submitted by the secretary on behalf of the sub-committee set up to deal with them. They evoked much commendation and it is felt should stimulate the movement greatly. It was decided to procure similar diplomas and seals for the root-growing and lambrearing competitions. For the information of all concerned, it may be stated that the idea underlying the new production is to do something that will show appreciation to every child participating. To this diploma can be attached seals representing prize positions won'under .'the groups 'and also championships won at the' 1 central judging. Under such a system it would be possible for a pupil who participated from Std 3 to Std 6 to obtain four red (first prize) seals for rearing and handling and four for type with the group competition, and then eight more seals in the championships. This, of course, would be an outstanding, but not impossible, performance. Seals will cover Ist, 2nd and 3rd prize awards and a highly commended seal will be given to all other entrants whose work satisfies the judges that it merits recognition. The diplomas and seals have both been produced by a Wairarapa firm and is a very fine production indeed. It allows of its being framed and will serve as a most remarkable record for children who are genuinely interested in the movement.

The meeting decided to accept further entries in the root-crops competition until October 7 when they are to be sent direct to the secretary (Mr Maloney, Grey town). The secretary undertook to circularise all schools within the area to this effect. The secretary reported on the arrangement he had made for the purchase and distribution of seeds and manures, and said that supplies should reach competitors who have already entered, in a few'days. It was decided that no restrictions be 'placed in regard to the lamb rearing competition this year, but a subcommittee consisting of Messrs Wilton, Brockett and Keats was set up to draw up conditions for future seasons. This, judging by the entries, promises to be one of the most popular innovations made by an enthusiastic committee, entries being beyond expectations. Entries, by the way, for calf-rearing also exceed last year's, this being due chiefly to wonderful support from the Carterton group. It was decided to ask Mr A. W. Henderson to do this year’s calf judging at the championships on December 13, and Mr Keats was authorised to make arrangements for judges for the lamb-rearing competition, Mr F. C. Brockett submitted a report on the past season’s root-crop competitions, the chief prize-winners being: Masterton group: Tom Mannell, Whatman, mangolds, 1; Herbert Dagg, Ihuraua, carrots, 2; Balfour Wilton, Fernridge, carrots, 3. Carterton group: Grace Lukies, Waihakeke, mangolds, 1; Mavis Lukies, Waihakeke, mangolds, 2. Joyce Lukies, Waihakeke, mangolds, 3. Featherston group: Evelyn Hubbard, Kahutara, 1. Martinborough group: Olive Brassell, Martinborough, 1. The highest mangold crop raised was 109 tons 18 cwt 641bs, this being awarded the championship, and having been grown by Grace Lukies. The average yield for mangolds was 67 tons odd. The best carrot return was 33 tons approximately and the average 21 tons approximately. The question arose as to the giving of miniature cups to winners of the championship cups. The committee would be pleased to hear from outsiders any evidence as to whether these have been given in the past. The Agriculture Club movement is now on a very firm footing and prospects for the future are very good indeed. The committee is indebted to the use of the Greytown School Committee for use of rooms.