FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2181, 4 May 1908, Page 1

FARMERS’ UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING Tlio annual mooting of tho Oisborno Brandi of tho Farmers* Union was hold in the Farmers’ Club rooms on Saturday afternoon. Mr. W. D. Lysnnr was■ .in, the chair, and a largo number of farmers wore present. The following report was read and adopted:— “During the past year there have not -been any important questions affecting'the minds of the Farmers’ Union.which call for any special activity oil the part of the Union generally. Probably the most important general question was the satisfactory attitude of the Government on the land question. The suggested Land Bill, as originally drafted, included many objection'll! provisions, to which this" branch of the Farmers’ Union, in common with others' throughout the Dominion', took strong exception. The Government very wisely amended the Bill, practically deleting the objectionable provision, and making the Bill, as finally passed iiito law, very much more acceptiomible. Other matters dealt with by this branch were the following: A strong effort was made to get a petition signed by the requisite number of subscribers for a continuous,telephone seryiiee, but although the town and district were strenuously canvassed for signatures, so far it lias not been able to obtain the requisite number, though, in addition to the efforts of the secretary of .this branch, special canvassers were put on to try to secure signatures. The question of the danger of rabbits spreading into the district was carefully watched during tiie year, and strong representations were made to the Minister in charge of the department, I am pleased to say, with satisfactory results, as special bauds were put on by the Government to try to exterminate the rabbit on the Opotiki side, and extra activity was shown by the department in cheeking their inroads from the southern side. The question of obtaining the services of a flutter grader fun this district was also considered, and representations made to the Government in tho matter, with a suggestion that a grader should bo appointed for this port, as from Ist of September to the 31st March in each year, or alternatively, for a grader to be appibnted for Napier and Gisborne together. The question of appointing a veterinary surgeon for the farmers of this district was also favorably considered, and recommended by this branch, and it is to bo hoped that something practical will he done in this respect during tho coining year. Strong efforts have been made to induce the merchants of this district to have a dip erected at the Mata where Kaleyards, and I am pleased to state that this is now an accomplished fact. Tho question of tariff .was also considered, and the Government requested not to impose any duty on dairying machinery manufactured outside of British countries, as very little dairying machinery is manufactured in the British Isles or its .possessions. The requisition was subsequently given effect to when the tariff was passed. Strong efforts were made to have the "Waikato stocktrack opened up via. Waikarcmoana, and I am pleased to say that substantial progress is being made with the work, and from a report given to the County Council, it would appear that there is a probability of the '• track being opened for traffic by December next. The question of urging ' the opening of the Paldhi road, from Motu to Opotiki, was also urged on the Government by this branch during 1 the year. It is a matter for regret that tho farmers themselves do not more actively support the Union,, and appreciate tho possibilities that can bo obtained by using such an organisation for their benefit.” 1 Tho balance-sheet showed the re- 1 ceipts for the year to have been £22 2s Gd, and the expenditure £l9- 1 18s, with subscriptions in arrears £4O 17s Gd. The full membership of the branch was 168. Mr. Parker said rabbits were already making their appearance near Wairoa and fourteen had been killed there about a month ago. The chairman said ho was sorry to hear the bad news, for it meant it would not he long before the pest was among them. Mr UiiTccll said it was regrettable that farmers did not take more.interest in the Union. The time was coming when they would be glad of the Union, and in the time of adversity they were only too glad to come in, but when times wore good they were indifferent to their own interests. The farmers, as producers, should be well organised. Mr. Lysnar was working for the interests of tho farmers and should receive better support. Mr. A. J. Cameron said lie could not understand why farmers did not take more interest ill the Union, which must some day result in great good to the producers. Mr. Jones said the Gisborne branch was the only live branch in the district. The Ormond branch was almost defunct. The chairman said lie found farmers were in sympathy with the Union, but left the work to a few. The following officers were appointed : Chairman, Mr. W. D. Lysnar (re-elected); vise-chairman, Mr A. .J. Cameron; committee, Messrs T. Fraser, It. M. Birrell, C. Bolton, \V. Smith, J. C. Field. C. J. Parker, T. Gibbs, A. McDonald, G. Jones, Dinan, S. Langford, J. A. Caesar, and Canty. Delegate to tho Provincial conference: Mr. Birrell. Auditor: Mr. C. Bolton. The appointment of secretary was referred to the committee. Mr. Jones moved that the Railway Department be requested to plaeo gooils-sheds at the Wailiircrc and King’s Road Stations. The motion was carried. On the motion of Mr. Birrell it was decided to support tho Cook County -Council in requesting tho Government to appoint a Crown Lands Board for the Poverty Bay districut. The meeting tendered its congratulations to Mr. Lysnar on his election to the oliioo of Mayor of Gisborne. The chairman briefly returned thanks and tho meeting closed.