Levin Branch Farmers' Union.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 April 1914, Page 2

Levin Branch Farmers' Union.

The annual meeting oi the Levin branch of the Jb'armers Union was held in the JJruids' JiaU on Saturday afternoon. Present: Messrs J.'jU'bbi'U, A. lurkcaldie, \Y. H. Ueclier, J- Davies (Ohau), 1\ Stew, art, E. M. Herrk-k, J. Davies (Koputaroa), (.'. Olson, li. J.. JUichards, W. Stewart, J. Perry, L. V. Kay.

Mr \Y. If. Bcrhcr was in tho chair.

The senvtary (Mr It. J. Richards) read the following report: "Your committee congratulates members on the financial position of the branch inasmuch as the balance sheet shows a credit balance. Your committee, however, regrets that there are a number who are not financial, and considering the large direct and indirect benefit many of them have received 11 , .rough the action of the union, this is the more regretted. Though several have left the district and have ceased to be members of the branch, the number on the roll is the same as last year, namely 07. This number vour committee considers can be larjrcIv increased, and suggest to the incoming committee thai steps should be taken to give effect to '"hi- , , by caiivassin '■ Hr , 'b-'lriH. ■)'-• there are many new settler* in this portion of the coiinty. The necessity'of having the farmers united was amply proved during the past year, notably in connection villi tho late industrial upheaval, when, through the agency of tho Farmers' Unions, assistance was juickly organised for the suppression of lawlessness and the carrying on Ihe tra/, and commerce •if the dominion. I nited effort has proved itself in the past and lie necessity will arise again, hence the watchword of the \ nion should be "Be prepared" for any emergency. The efforts of the Union

•) Hip direction of assisting in having fi Bonrd of Agriculture estab•\hed have been crowned with success, and this is all the more gratifying when wo remember that •>ur most worthy .president (Mr J. 'I. Wilson) has been appointed of tlie Board. A better appointment could not Lave been 'undo, Mr Wilson being one of the very best read men on agriculture in the dominion. AVe eongrat••late the Farmers' Fnion on havuip its president selected for the position, and Mr AV''son on the honour conferred on him. The "hanks of the brand) arc duo to Mr Peter Stewart, for the use of us room for the -monthly meetings." The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £07 19s Id. Against this there is the provincial levy, :i bout £20. The report and balance-sheet rt'ere adopted as read. The following officers were elecier: President, Mr W. 11. Becher; vice-president, Mr <J. Kehbell; ■ommittee, all present at the meeting,, with the addition of Mr 8. Broadbelt (Koputaroa): also Messrs Allen and Micicle, of To Horo, .n'oviding a branch is not formed it the latter place: .secretary, Mill. T. Kichards: delegate to the provincial conference, Mr H. J. 'lichsirds; auditor, Mrl{. B. Wallace.

New members: Messrs 51. Gorringe, F. Averv and 11. Essex.

A letter was receive;! from the New Zealand Farmers" Distributii. Company, statin," - that it wa.s •l.naiii ]>repiircd to indent woolsacks, binding twine, etc.

Mr H. T. Richards said that several large station owners wero living 2d to M per pack by indenting. If the farmers made up their individual orders in one larg/e one they could reap ■Ik same benefit..

Mr Ivebbell moved that the following remit be forwarded to the jMovineial conference:- "That the union be asked to take steps to keep lists of those men who are .villing to act as "specials" if required.''—Carried. Mr Ueeher said the credit baliiico was very μ-ood, and he moved hat the secretary (Mr Richards) Se granted an honorarium of £10 Os this vear.

This was carried unanimously. Mr Richards thanked the uancli for its kindness. A vote ol' thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.