GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 69, Issue 7, 2 May 1944, Page 2

GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

EVIDENCES OF PROGRESS BRANCH OF FARMERS' UNION FORMED Interesting information regarding the progress of farming operations on Great Barrier Island was contained in a report on a recent visit by Mr A. T. Dow, Assistant Provincial Secretary of the Auckland Provincial Farmers' Union, at the moating of the Executive on April 10. The formation of a Great Barrier branch of the Union was the principal feature of the report. Mr Dow stated that he had attended meetings of settlers at Port Fitzroy, Kaitoke, Tryphena and Awana. At the Awana meeting, at which Mr W. Sanderson presided, it was formally decided to form the branch, and 27 members had been enrolled. The officers elected wereChairman. Mr Curreen; vice-chair-man, Mr N. 'Warreh; secretary and treasurer. Mr A. C. Mabey; committee, Messrs R. Gibbons. T. Blackwell, J. Mediand, E. Mabey and T. Davis (the last-named representing the Maori sellers); hon. auditor. Mr Eyre. It was also proposed to form a branch of the Women's Division of the Union. A report of the first meeting of the executive of the branch, stated that it had been decided to communicate with the N.Z. Co-operative Dairy Association in respect to the erection of a factory on the island. Another resolution concerned the development of the area of land known as Arundell's Block and other forestry land. it was decided to communicate with the Rehabilitation Department on the subject of taking over these lands for soldier settlement. The need for improved means of transport to and from the. island was mentioned by Mr Dow. He said that all the settlers Avere very thankful for assistance received from the Union they were strongly imbued with the principle of self-help and desired to contribute as much as possible to the furtherance of the forward movement. A proof of the fertility of the land on the island was afforded by the fact that one settler was milking 98 cows on a farm of 100 acres. Various matters, in connection with the new branch was referred to the Provincial Secretary for appropriate action.