YOUNG FARMERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 August 1939, Page 2

YOUNG FARMERS

DISTRICT ESSAY COMPETITION MOVEMENT’S INTERESTS. SECOND PRIZE CONTRIBUTION. The second prize essay in the Young Farmers’ Club district competition, that of Mr M. Knutson, of the Carterton Club, is as follows, the subject being “Why I am a Young Farmers' Club Member": — Having read with interest several articles in the Press about the Young Farmers' Club movement in the South Island, it was with pleasure that I heard of a meeting being called to form a club in Carterton. With the main object of the movement as the enlargement of the knowledge of farming activities of the younger members of the farming fraternity, the farmers of tomorrow, the movement seemed a convenient and interesting way of amassing such knowledge. A few minutes at this inaugural meeting sufficed to show in what ways the club would benefit its members. With the Department of Agriculture behind it and giving all the aid in its power, as well as most other organisations such as P. and A. societies, Farmers’ Unions, etc., its success was assured. Needless to say, I hesitated no longer—l joined up. Being a foundation member and sole representative of my district, it was, I suppose, only natural that I should be elected to the club committee. This, before long, demonstrated to me more advantages conferred on us by membership. It gave us experience in organising and running different club activities such as field days and visits to different farms and Government institutions. Our club prospered from the start. We had interesting and informative lectures for . our meetings, as well as running a successful field day early in our existence. The latter included such useful demonstrations as how to make a gate, and the cause and control of hydatids. A stock-judging

competition was also held, and attracted large entries of quite a good standard. So you can see that the movement was fulfilling its promises admirably. But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and we soon realised that more than good lectures was necessary to retain the members’ interest. So we soon branched out, and with the aid of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union we commenced holding dances every month or so during the winter months. This proved an excellent idea, for, besides bringing the boys together more, it put the club on a much sounder financial footing. And it was the start of a long and pleasant period of collaboration with the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. As a further diversion the club took part in trips to Massey College and the Wallaceville Laboratory, both of which were interesting and instructive. With the movement growing apace the next logical development was the holding of camps in the various districts. These camps were largely instrumental in showing the townspeople in the different places where they were held that the Young Farmers were genuinely interested in learning all they could of the different activities engaged in and around those centres. And in return the citizens were as a rule lavish in their hospitality. Thus ties between city and country dwellers were strengthened, to the undoubted advantage of both.

The movement’s activities were further extended by the inauguration of district tours covering a certain part of the Dominion each year. This was a definite step forward towards broadening the knowledge of the members. They learned to have more respect for other people’s methods and performances, and, in a number of cases, doubtless made them more satisfied with their district.

So far I have to a certain extent summarised the activities in the district, but this is only to show you why I felt that the movement was doing a great amount of good to myself and other members.

There is no better education than travel. My travels have given me a knowledge of the soil and climatic conditions of the districts I have visited (and that now includes nearly all the North Island and about half the South). They have given me a knowledge of what other farmers can do with land that is in a lot of cases poorer than our own. They have given me a knowledge of many industries connected with farming, such as seed-cleaning, the preparation of artificial fertilisers and kindred industries. \

As far as the social side is concerned I have made contacts with some of the best fellows, young and old, that anyone could wish to meet. And I have I made friendships that I hope will endure for many years. Being connected with the administrative side of my club since its inception, I have gained valuable experience in conducting meetings, and also in speaking in club and interclub debates. And I have participated in judging competitions that have enlarged. These are, I think, a number of ways in which Young Farmers’ Club activities can be enlarged and the interest of the members retained. Some of these are already in common practice. Judging competitions and debates are doing great work in bringing clubs into closer contact and encouraging the competitive spirit. The new judging competition to be run in the “Journal of Agriculture” sponsored by the Levin Young Farmers’ Club is in my opinion a move in the right direction. We have now started an annual inter-change of visits between the Carterton and Masterton clubs in the shape of ping pong' evenings, which have so far proved remarkably successful. This idea could be profitably carried out throughout the Dominion between neighbouring v clubs. ! A further idea that could possibly be developed by district committees is the introduction of field days, including such items as ploughing matches and shearing competitions. Being of a practical nature, and essential accomplishments for the real farmers, these should be of great value. With the world situation as it is today, clubs could encourage members to volunteer for military service. Beside helping the country defend itself, this would bring more public support for the movement which is desirable, indeed, almost essential for its continued survival. Now, at the end of four years’ association with the Young Farmers’ organisation, I can look back with pride and pleasure on activities during that period. For the meagre cost of 3s 6d a year (this includes the •'Journal of Agriculture”) we have the advantage of the help of the Department of Agriculture and many local bodies and public-spirited men. Is the movement in vain? For myself, I say definitely no. I would not change it.