PLOUGHING MATCHES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 August 1939, Page 7

PLOUGHING MATCHES

COMPETITION IN WAIRARAPA INAUGURATION PROPOSED. A. \& P. ASSOCIATION TO CONSIDER MATTER. As the result of a letter received at the annual meeting of the Masterton A. and P. Association yesterday, the incoming committee of that association was instructed to consider the question of inaugurating a ploughing competition. The letter, which was from the Advertising Manager of the “Wairarapa Times-Age" stated:— "The management of the ’Times-Age’ are keen to develop a more corporate spirit among the farmers of the Wairarapa and to that end have discussed the possibility of initiating the competitive element into some aspect of farm work. Taking every aspect of the matter into consideration, the management has come to the conclusion that this could well be done by the inauguration of ploughing matches. "Our suggestion is that your association consider the question from every point of initiating at least one such contest to give a start to the project and then assist in the formation of a' Wairarapa Ploughing Match Association. “The ‘Times-Age’ is willing to assist in every way possible and the management have agreed to donate a challenge trophy for annual competition. Ploughing matches in other districts are extremely popular and valuable. If properly organised such an event should assist considerably in improving this very important farming craft among the young farmers of the district.” “This question opens up a big field. We hear of contests in the South Island and in the Hawke’s Bay and they appear to be very popular,” said Mr W. F. McLaren. “It would certainly be a feather in our caps if this association could do something definite in the matter. The only difficulty seems to be the fact that a considerable amount of ground would be required. It would be an excellent idea to work in conjunction with the Young Farmers Club in an endeavour to get something going,” he said. Mr McLaren moved that the incoming committee be instructed to go full}’ into the position. The motion was seconded and several speakers spoke favourably regarding the proposal. Mr J. M. James considered that the idea was an excellent one. “Years ago there were ploughing matches here and they were indeed popular. In the Hawke's Bay they still have wonderful ploughing matches and I see no reason why they should not be held in the Wairarapa. I consider that this association should get behind the movement and help it in every possible way.” he said. "I feel certain that a ploughing competition would take on well in the Wairarapa,” said Mr N. Blatchford. who did not consider that very much ground would be required in which to stage a competition. He considered that it would be too late this year to do anything, but suggested that about next July would be ideal. Mr Duncan McGregor also strongly supported the proposal. “Good ploughing is very essential,” he said. The motion as stated above was carried.