item details
Overview
This poster advertises a ball organised by the Kaitangata Young Farmer’s Club in about 1954. Young Farmers’ Clubs were established throughout New Zealand with the aim of developing the spirit of leadership among the youth of the community, carrying out educational work, and promoting an interest among young farmers in ‘the well-being and advancement of farming’ (McLintock). A companion organisation, the Country Girls’ Club, ran along much the same lines, and in 1972 the two clubs merged to form a Federation of Rural Youth.
For young people in rural areas, dances were an important social event, and the country hall acted as a community hub. Although dances were a relatively frequent occurrence in most communities, formal balls such as the one advertised here were special events that usually called for decorations and evening dress. As suggested, special foods (not just the ordinary supper) were also supplied. The young people no doubt looked forward to the ball with great anticipation, and as was the norm, probably danced into the wee small hours of the morning.
References
- 'Country Girls' Clubs: The Dominion Federation'. 1966. From An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/farmers-organisations/page-3
- Phillips, Jock. 2008. 'Rural recreation - Country halls, 1890–1960'. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. https://teara.govt.nz/en/rural-recreation/page-4
- Smith, Willie and Steven Kelly. 2008. 'Farmer and grower organisations - Young farmers'. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. https://teara.govt.nz/en/farmer-and-grower-organisations/page-6
- 'Young Farmers' Clubs: The Dominion Federation'. 1966. From An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/farmers-organisations/page-2