YOUNG FARMERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 August 1939, Page 8

YOUNG FARMERS

INTER-CLUB DEBATING CONTEST. MASTERTON v. MANGATAINOKA. The debate between the Masterton and Mangatainoka Young Farmers” clubs in the semi-finals of the Wairarapa Young Farmers’ Clubs’ debating competition took place on Thursday evening, the subject being “That a dairy farm requires more managing than a sheep farm." Mangatainoka took the affirmative and were represented by Messrs G. Cotter (leader), I. Algie and K. Prycle. Masterton had for speakers Messrs G. Blatchford (leader), J. S. McKay and D. McGregor. The judge was Mr J. A. Walsh and Mr J. Bryant took the chair. The debate was of a high standard, especially as far as the two leaders were concerned, and some sound arguments were advanced by both sides. The Masterton team were declared the winners, receiving 121 points to Mangatainoka’s 112. Marks were awarded as follow: — Matter, including accuracy, 20; marshalling of facts, reply, mode of attack, 15; qualities of speech, pronunciation. enunciation, delivery, gram®£ matical accuracy, 15. The leader of the visiting team received the highest number of marks, 4G, while the Mangatainoka leader was awarded 44 points. The judge made a criticism of each speaker’s address. He stated that Mr Blatchford. the Masterton leader, "had an excellent grasp of his subject. He| spoke quietly and impressively; has a very pleasing style and a very good delivery. He possesses a well modulated voice and made little or no reference to his notes. He was easily the most fluent speaker of the evening." Regarding the Mangatainoka leader (Mr G. Cotter), the judge said that "Mr Cotter dealt with his subject in a calm and confident manner. His deportment is good. His arguments indicated that he had given a good deal of thought to the subject. Like his opponent, Mr Blatchford, he has a particularly pleasing manner. Mr Cotter shows evidence of much promise as a speaker."

The visitors were afterwards entertained at supper and heartily congratulated by the leader of the local team on their success, Mr Cotter remarking that he was in perfect agreement with the judge’s decision. Mr Blatchford replied on behalf of the Masterton speakers and remarked that the judge's criticisms were most helpful. He added that he was much impressed with the system of awarding points. Votes of thanks for the judge and chairman were carried by acclamation. BALLANCE CLUB. SEASONAL TROUBLES IN DAIRY COWS. The Ballance Young Farmers’ Club held its usual monthly meeting recently. Mr J. F. Brcmner presided over a good attendance of members. Arrangements wore finalised for the forthcoming annual ball, which is to be hold tonight. The lecturer for the evening was Mr Elpick. Government Veterinarian of Palmerston North. His subject was "Seasonal Troubles in Dairy Cows." Mr Elpick stressed that many of the troubles among dairy cows arose in the winter period. There was need for better feeding of cows during this period and many of the spring troubles could be prevented by a more balanced ration. Faulty feeding led to a reduction in the animal’s resistance and made it more prone to seasonal troubles. Mr Elpick also dealt with the treatment of milk fever, grass staggers and several other common spring complaints in cows. Several questions were answered by Mr Elpick. A vote of thanks was passed to the | speaker for a very interesting lecture