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development of a further block of coastal sand country totalling 220 acres, which has provided excellent experience in such operations as land clearing, cultivation, pasture establishment, fencing, top-dressing, and building. This is the commencement of a much larger land-improvement programme which has become possible by the completion of a new road through the sand country on the Station. The property is at present carrying 7,004 ewes, 1,323 cattle (including 85 milking-cows), and 111 pigs. During the year crops such as wheat, oats, potatoes, maize, and most types of forage crops were grown. A large number of experiments on crops and pastures were also carried out on the farm. Young Farmers' Clubs Further progress has been made in the Young Farmers' Clubs movement during, the year. The number of clubs has increased by 20, the total now being 330 with an active membership of about 9,900 : in addition there is an honorary and advisory membership of about 1,500. The numbers of clubs in the four council areas in the past three years were Council. 1947-48. 1948-49. 1949-50. Auckland .. .. .. .. 108 115 125 Wellington .. .. .. .. 97 95 97 Canterbury .. .. .. 54 53 58 Otago-Southland .. .. 47 47 50 306 310 330 Considerable progress continues to be made in the Auckland Council area, where the pre-war total of 53 clubs has now been increased to 125. There is still scope for expansion in all districts, as the present membership of the clubs is only about half the potential membership. The usual club activities of lectures, debates, discussions, field-days, &c., generally have been well organized and attended. Parties of young farmers have travelled to see farming in other districts and during the year twenty-two tours were arranged, including those of two parties which visited Australia. A national ploughing match was held at Waimate, South Canterbury, and the contest drew competitors from North Canterbury and Southland as well as local entrants. Shearing contests have again been conducted on a district scale and on a council scale in Wellington. These contests are proving of value in interesting young men to become proficient shearers. The usual debating and stock-judging competitions were again held on a national scale. A national miniature-rifle competition was conducted by means of a postal shoot and was competed for by over 140 club teams. The leadership courses instituted last year were held again this year. The Wellington and Canterbury Councils held conferences lasting several days at Massey and Lincoln Colleges respectively, and each course was attended by 50 to 60 club delegates. Unfortunately, through lack of accommodation, a similar course in the Otago-Southland Council area had to be abandoned, but will probably be held next year. The Auckland Council followed its former course by holding a series of one- and two-day conferences, on a district scale. The Country Girls' Clubs movement sponsored by the Y.F.C. Federation is making progress and has now 24 affiliated clubs. The movement has achieved greatest success in Canterbury, but clubs have been formed from North Auckland to South Otago. The Rural Sociology Section of the Division has given assistance to the movement and field officers have given lectures and demonstrations to clubs and provided a secretarial service.

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