U—29

Sheep.—'The flock comprised 5,330 ewes, 1,000 of which were two-tooths. Lambing percentage was 101 per cent. Breeding-ewes are being increased to 5,700. Fat lambs disposed of were 2,412. Cattle. —Two hundred and eighty-five run cattle produced 232 calves, a percentage of 81. A total of 272 cattle was sold during the year, 120 of these being prime bullocks. Dairy Herd. —The dairy herd of 100 head produced a total of 28,847 lb. of butterfat. Testing for tuberculosis was continued, there being two reactors, both.of which were disposed of. Pigs.—A total of 145 pigs was disposed of during the year. No carcasses we're condemned for tuberculosis. Cropping.—The usual crops of wheat, oats, peas, potatoes, sugar-beet, carrots, swedes, rape, and chou moellier were grown. General.—The comprehensive scheme of flood protection has proved satisfactory, although no unduly heavy floods were experienced. Building maintenance has got in arrears during the war and considerable leeway will require to be made up over the next few years. Young Farmers' Clubs At this stage a review of the movement during the past few years ig of interest. The pre-war total of 203 clubs, with a membership of 6,000, had fallen in 1943 to the low figure of 62 clubs, with a membership of less than 1,000. These latter figures are somewhat misleading, however, because, while there were nominally 62 clubs operating, in actual fact a number of them were comparatively inactive, many of them holding meetings at very infrequent intervals, and some merely holding an annual meeting for the election of officers. In spite of pressure both from without and within the movement to close down the whole organization for the period of the war, the optimism displayed by the few enthusiasts at this difficult time was, in the light of subsequent progress, fully justified.. The forward movement commenced in 1944, when a better tone prevailed generally and prospects for the future appeared brighter. By the close of 1944-45 a number of the old clubs in recess had resumed activities and a few new ones had been formed, bringing the total up to 104 clubs, with a membership of approximately 2,000. To date there are 184 clubs functioning, with a membership approaching 5,000. The figures below, indicating the position of the clubs in the various Council areas, give interesting comparisons :

With the exception of certain districts, the movement is now very active throughout the Dominion, and there are excellent prospects for further progress during the coming season. Figures for the individual districts are illuminating :

55

Council. Pre-war. 1943. i Present Date. Otago-Southland 35 12 27 Canterbury 38 17 36 WeUington 77 18 61 Auckland .. . - 53 15 60 Totals .. 203 62 184

Clubs still in Recess. Old Clubs Active (including recently Revived). New Clubs. Total Active. Otago-Southland Canterbury Wellington Auckland 18 17 27 21 17 21 50 31 10 15 11 29 27 36 61 60 Grand totals 83 119 | 65 184