FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1022, 15 October 1903, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION.

MOTH BRANCH,

(By Our Own Correspondent.)

'A meeting of the above was held at Motu on the 10th inst. There was a large attendance of settlers, Mr E, Thompson (President) occupied the chair, and Mr N, Shaw, (Secretary) was also present. CORRESPONDENCE.

A letter was received from Mr L, Clayton, Provisional Secretary of the Poverty Bay Executive Council, with reference to the horse sale under the auspices of the Union. The letter . also stated that the suggestions forwarded by the Motu branch had received attention, and had •been forwarded to the proper quarters,. The letter also forwarded Mr Newman's suggestion that a guarantee should be given on the sale of all dairy cows. In regard to the motion by, the fTolago Bay branch re boundary fences and lines, it was decided to inform that branch that the Motu branch decided to support the Bill before the House. It was decided not to give a general guarantee of dairy, stock ,to be sold by" auction. It was moved by Mr Fischer, and seconded by Mr Richmond : “ That the attention of the Roads Departmept be drawn to the very bad condition of tho road towards Motu river bridge, which would soon render it impossible to convey milk to the Motu dairy factory.” The Commissioner of Crown Lands (Napier) notified that it was not intended to forfeit small grazing run No. 47., Mr Hunter, General Secretary of the Farmers’ Union,- Wellington, wrote in reference to Mr Kirk-bride's Insurance Bill, and also enclosed a copy of a telegram received from Mr Seddon, in which the Premier stated that he was in sympathy with the Bill, but must give preference to more important measures, A heated discussion arose over the advis'ibility of obtaining stock reserves between Motu and Gisborne

and Motu and Opotiki. Mr Hayes stated there was one reserve at Whakarau, but nothing had been done in. the way of clearing it,The Chairman, said the Department

Was strongly opposed to. stock reserves ; in one case the Department raised the objection that these reserves were hot beds for noxious Weeds, • On the motion of Mr Richmond, seconded by Mr T. Cooma, it was de-

cided to again draw the attention- of the Lands Department to the necessity of setting aside stock reserves

at intervals of about ten miles along the road between Gisborne and Opotiki, During the debate, a number of lively suggestions were made as to suitable sites. •“ Do not hotelkeepers keep a free paddock ?” asked' one gentleman. “ Yes, if you drink beer,”- replied another. On the motion of Mr Richardson, seconded by Mr Richmond, one site at Popupara was was decided on as suitable. Sites at Mr Bridges’ property, Poututu, Ormond, and Hangapapa, were also approved of.

Discussion took place in regard to a supply of trout for the Motu river. The matter was taken up with interest and debate! at great length, when the Chairman asked _Mr Hansen had he not liberated trout in the Motu river. Mr Hatlsen replied that he had, but he had not seen them since. It was ultimately debided to make enquiries in time for next season. Mr Richardson, speaking in reference to the telephone line, said the work was at a standstill, and was neither use nor ornament.

The Chairman : It is a disgrace. lam really disgusted with the way settlers have rendered assistance. It seems to me a few 1 settlers have tho welfare of the district at I heart. lam net prepared to run further into debt, and subscriptions promised have not been paid. A vote of thanks to the chair closed the meeting,