ASHBURTON FARMERS' UNION.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17111, 5 April 1921, Page 8

ASHBURTON FARMERS' UNION.

The monthly meeting of tho Ashburtori brunch of the Farmers' Union was held on Saturday afternoon, Mr £.. Wells in the chair. A letter was read from Mr J. K. Simpson, who is away on a holiday trip to the Old Country, resigning his membership, of the Union as a protest against the apathy of the people of the Ashburton County in con« nexion with' the memorial to fallen soldiers, and 6tating that he would be pleased to subscribe to the fund for a memoiial. Mr W. T. Lill moved that Mr Simpson be' written to stating that his resignation would not be accepted, and that the blanch would be pleased to accept a subscription from him towards the fallen soldiers' memorial. The motion was carried. A letter was read from the secretary of the Dominion Executive in respect to statements which had been made in certain newspapers in regard to the life the farmers were leading, and tho ease with which they amassed wealth, suggesting that an export writer should bo engaged to conduct a publicity campaign, and to point out the true position of the farmers' lot. ~

Mr G. W. Leadley stated that the idea originated in the isorth Island some six months ago, in consequence of certain statements emanating from some of the Labour unions. The position was now very much changed, and he c'id not see the necessity of taking any action.

The chairman expressed the opinion that it woifld be a good thing if the true position was placed before the public, and they would then see that farming was not such an easy .or profitable occupation as many people seemed to imagine. Mr Lill remarked that ■ the public -would soon be disillusioned, and he saw no necessity of tny special articles appearing in the newspapers.

A letter was read from the Dominion Executive asking for the branch's annual contribution at an early date, pointing out the difficult position in which farmers wexe now placed, and askirog the branch to give all the support it possibly could. The secretary stated that a sum of £2O had already been sent, and they could well afford to send the balance of £lO, and the £3O would place the Ashburton branch at the top of the list. After a few small accounts had been paid there would be a substantial credit balance, and the branch, would in ft sound financial position. Members expressed their pleasure at the position of the branch, and it was unanimously resolved to remit the balance of the annual levy to the Executive.