YOUNG FARMERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 May 1939, Page 4

YOUNG FARMERS

ACTIVITIES IN WAIRARAPA STOCK JUDGING AND OTHER COMPETITIONS. J I t c SCOPE FOR CLUB WORK. J Activities of the year are reviewed ‘ as follow in the fourth annual report ; of the Wairarapa District Committee of j the New Zealand Federation of Young ‘ Farmers’ clubs: — Generally the past year’s activities, ‘ with the exception of one or two inno- ' vations, have followea along the lines of those proved to be popular in the ' past. ! Stock Judging Competitions. Owing to slight changes in the date of .the annual meeting two annual dis- ; trict stock judging competitions have been held in the period under review. Last year the Point Blank Cup was won by the Masterton Club for the second time while this year’s results will be available in a few days. As training in stock judging is one of our major activities it is pleasing to note the continued interest that is being taken in this contest. It is considered time, however, that more of the training for these competitions was done by the individual clubs themselves and that the district contest should become more of a trial of strength than an educational activity. It is proposed therefore, that in future the standard at the district contest will be raised and the success of clubs will depend on the preparatory work they have carried out at their own field days. The first Wellington Provincial Competition was held at Masterton this year and, although entries were not very good, a very close contest resulted. Manawatu (414 points) were first, Wanganui (408 second and the Wairarapa + D am (403 points) third. The local team consisted of Messrs G. McLeod, H. McKenzie, G. Blatchford and I. McLaren. Fleece Competition. The fleece competition conducted for the first time last year, attracted 40 entries, which was reasonably good considering the rather late announcement of the venture. We are indebted to the Farmers’ Union who permitted Young Farmers’ Club members to take part in the competition for the Alfred Matthews Memorial trophy and have much pleasure in reporting that this trophy was won by a Young Farmers’ Club member, Mr D. C. Ross, of Carterton. The winner of the other Young,Farmers’ Club class was Mr G. Blatchford, Masterton. Not only does this competition provide a means of furthering members.’ knowledge of wool but it also provides a much needed source of income for the District Committee. We are, therefore, indebted to all who entered for this contest, particularly as many sent in fleeces with the sole object of assisting the committees. I Debating Contest. Although numerous delays occurred as a result of sickness, the majority of clubs participated in this contest and an interesting amounr of talent was revealed. The Tinui Club were the first winners of the Buchanan Shield and are to be congratulated on the keenness and enthusiasm they displayed. In addition to the district contest events, a number of clubs arranged debates with their immediate neighbours and there is no dodbt that these inter-club contests are to their mutual benefit. North Island Tour. The first tour undertaken by members fjom this district, was held last year and proved an outstanding success. Twenty-three members took part and in the course of eleven days covered 1400 miles over a route which proved full of interver. Visitors. A visit of unusual interest was that of the United kingdom Young Farmers’ team who took part in our judging competitions last year and won the special teams contest. The visitors also spent a few days in the district as the guests of local members. In addition parties from other parts of the Dominion—from Canterbury and Taranaki — have visited us. Camps. The camp planned for last year to be held at Hastings was unfortunately cancelled as a result of the floods experienced in Hawke’s Bay but an educational week was held in Wellington City when the Wairarapa district was well represented. District Club Work. There are now eleven clubs functioning in the district, the Alfredton Club coming into being last June and promising to develop into one of the strongest in the district. Probably one of the main weaknesses of clubs has been the inexperience of club officers. This is, however, largely disappearing as time goes on while the more careful planning of activities in advance is overcoming any detrimental effects this factor may have on the strength of a club.. It is felt, too, that in the past rather too much emphasis has been placed on district and provincial activities and, while recognising the importance of these one feels that the strength and vigour of the organisation ultimately depends on the strength and vigour of each individual club. Our attention should, therefore, be given to any matters which will assist individual clubs to make their ordinary monthly meetings more attractive and interesting to members and to render their work generally as effective as possible. In almost all cases there is still plenty of scope for clubs in obtaining ; valuable and interesting lectures while the more extensive use of talking pic- ' tures is proving a popular variation. ■ While all clubs hold at least one field day each year, it is probable that more • could profitably be held even if district activities are reduced to permit ■ this and particularly if an attempt is ' made to exercise more ingenuity and ' originality in the type of demonstration • provided. For instance, many merch- ' ants would be only too ready to pro- : vide informative demonstrations of ’ their various lines. In many cases, it i is obvious that potential club members . are not being canvassed sufficiently in- > tensely or made to realise the privi- ) leges available to club members. The E publication this year of a booklet con--3 taining the programmes of all clubs I should assist in giving publicity to the i movement of the right type and it remains to be seen what effect this will have. It is to be hoped that every club will make a big effort to increase its membership this year as there is no ’ question that the movement definitely has something to offer and members • must be attracted by simply giving t more publicity to the advantages of '> membership. ’ General. Talks by local clubs from Station

2YA have again been given, the Tinui Club being prominent in this activity. AA programme of talks for twelve months ahead is being drawn up ana when this is submitted to clubs they will have an opportunity of selecting and preparing their subjects. The Journal of Agriculture has now been definitely adopted as the official organ oi the movement. Members are now Kept in touch with Y.F.C. activities throughout che Dominion as well as being provided with first-class information on all farming subjects. The district has suffered a very severe loss this year in the death of Mr Campbell Sievers, of Martinborough. Mr Sievers was not only one of the most active members of the Martinborough Club but also had contributed in no small measure to the strength of the movement in the Wairarapa. The resignation from the committee must be recorded of Mr S. A. La Roche who has been transferred to the South Island. His successor is Mr S. Mills who has already rendered valuable assistance to the district in many ways. Future Activities. A very full programme is, again being planned for this season including the debating contest fleece competition, tour of South Island and two camps, one at Hastings and one a. Wanganui. Parties pf visitors from other districts, are expected while twe notable lecturers, iVIr M. J. Scott anc Mr E. Bruce Levy are making lecture lours of district clubs. In addition ar. attempt will be made to provide opportunities for tuition in wool classing and book-keeping while the Dorninion Executive is definitely planning extensive activities during the Centennial Exhibition. Acknowledgments. It is quite impossible to name al. those who have assisted-the organisation in one way or another during the past year and we' can but record otr. gratitude to the various organisations and individuals that'have contributed to our success in the past year. The report is signed by the president. Mr W. James.