Farmers' Union.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 352, 5 February 1903, Page 5

Farmers' Union.

A meeting of the Central Otago Branch of the Farmers' Union was held at Ophir last Thursday. There was only a moderate attendance, and the president (Mr.John Wilson) occupied the chair. l The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and confirmed on the motion of Mr Gerkens, seconded by Mr M'Breen. The secretary read a statement of | the finances, showing flie Branch to I have a credit balance of £l2 19s 2d.

The Chairman brought up the question of accident insurance, and said that at first the Commercial Union Company had taken a contract to cover farmers' risks at 5s per cent. The company said that they did not get sufficient business from farmers to pay them, and the rate was now raised to 10s. He thought farmers should comi bine in this matter, and endeavor to get the rate lowered. Another question that required consideration was that of obtaining the services of a veterinary surgeon for the district. There was a lot of,»valuable stock in the district, and he thought an effort should be made to get the services of a properly qualified veterinary surgeon. Many valuable animals had been lost owing to the fact that the services of a skilled man were not available. Mr R. Wilson thought the Agricul tural Department might be approached in the matter. i After a short discussion, in which the speakers agreed that it was highly desirable that the services of a veterinary surgeon should be obtained for Central Otago, further consideration of the matter was deferred. Consideration of a circular from the Farmers' Co-operative Association' was deferred meantime. It seemed to be the opinion of the majority of those present that the Farmers' Co-operative Association should be supported by farmers.

In reference to accident insurance, the chairman said he thought tenders be called for the Union's business. It was resolved that tenders be called for the insurance business of the Branch, and that the Maniototo branch be asked to co-operate. The chairman said he thought the stock agents should be approached, and asked to hold stock sales nearer Ophir than Kough Ridge. It was ridiculous that stock should be driven from the Ophir district to Rough Ridge and then driven back again. He thought at least one sale should be held this season, in the district. Mr R. Wilson said he knew of one lot of stock that went from Moutere to the Rough Ridge yards, and were taken back to Earnsoleugh. Mr Gerkens pointed out that there were good yards at Fisher's, Becks. The chairman said that would be a suitable centre. It was resolved—That the Dunedin Stockbrokers Association be requested to arrange for holding a stock sale at Becks at the end of March or the beginning of April. Mr Jas. M'Arthur, jun., brought up the question of poisioning for small birds. He thought the County Council should be asked to supply phosphorous instead of the poisoned grain now being supplied. The latter was a failure, whereas phosphorised oats were a great success. The . phosphorous should be mixed in about the same proportion as for rabbits. It would be only necessary for the County to supply the phosphorous.

The meeting appeal e ' .»o be unani : mously in favour of Jir M'Arthiir's views, and on the motion of Mr M'Aithur, seconded by Mr R. Wilson, it was resolved—That it be a recommendation to the County Council to supply phosphorous, instead of the present system, as past experience has proved that phosphorous is far superior to strychnine, which is inadequate to cope with the pest. On the motion of Mr Gerkens, seconded by Mr R. Rutherford, it was resolved—That the secretary (Mr T. Duggan) be voted a salary of £S f Sa for the period ending March 31st next. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.