Levin Branch Farmers' Union

Horowhenua Chronicle, 13 April 1915, Page 2

Levin Branch Farmers' Union

AXX UAL MEETING

The annual meeting ol the Levin branch ot the Farmers' Union was held iu the Druids' Hall on Saturday afternoon. llie chairman, Mr W. Becher, presided. The annua) report and balance-sheet as read were adopted. The balancesheet showed a credit balance of £67 19s Bd. The report was as follows:—Although our report for the year ended is somewhat colourless, we would ask members to take into consideration the exceptional ci rcu instances, and the many duties thrown upon all by the calamilions war now in progress, which has prevented the union getting many of the reforms contemplated, or even putting into full effect .some of those actually planned: notably the agreement "ntered into between the Dillon and !he Farmers' Distributing Company, which, but for the war, would have ere this been in full swing. Large numbers have registered as members ol the indent department, the roll being added to daily, and as soon as it is possible to amalgamate the several companies proposed in the scheme the full 'dvnntages will be given effect to. Another important- item delayed iw the •natter of accident insurance, it bring in possible to get the necessary legislaI ion passed during the last session of Parliament; seeing that direct benefits are hoped for, similar to those derived under the Mutual fire policies, this <-s the more to be regretted. Matters « f great interest to farmers will again come up for consideration, notably si eh questions at native rating, motor taxation, labour, agricultural colleges; 'hilst tnembei's are asked to consider I ie quest-ion of Harbour Board repre- > utation (an eleotion for which is taking place this month) especially as to the quota allotted to the countrv- istricte. The question of the branding of cull dairy 'Mile and the lessening of the small I'ir.-l ims.vu.'i' are also questions imp-Mi;-)---!'. I wo important matters have been relerred by the executive to the branches. i he.se are the imposition #f " uar r:lx - <•«'> elective executive problem. I; ujli ! K - inHJessary for the branch :<> dir-<-t its delegate on these i|iiestie!."-\ 1 lie ."i! number k the same as last year w..:eh itnM lie considered fairly satisfactory, inasmuch as many good names have been removed owing to c'lange of residence, and the establishment of a branch at Te Horo having deprived this one of ten members. The balance-sheet also shows a atisfactory position, the credit balance b?iug about the same as last year, but actually is stronger inasmuch as the i rovincial levy lias been paid, while I :st year it appeared as a debit. I he thanks of the branch are again eue to Mr Peter Stewart for having placed a room at the disposal of the committee for its monthly meeting. The committee would urge on members the wisdom of assisting th?ir branch, wherever possible, to induce their neighbours to become members, and.to remember the distinct advantage to be derived from the Fire In- ■ uranee Department, which in future w ill be an offer to members only. All the old officers ot the "branch ' ere re-oltH.'t6d for the ensuing year. -Mr H J. Richarda, secretary to th® branch, was appointed delegate to 1 epresent the branch at the Provincial Conference at Pahiatua on the 18th .May. The delegate was given a free hand the matter of the various proposals suggested for raising a war tax. I he sum of £5 5s was donated to the < -rganising fund. The secretary was granted an honor- ;■ i ium of £10 10s. -Mi J. C. Neill was elected a tnemb.']■ of the branch. Messrs H. .J. Richards. F. C. Ratter and 8. A. Broadbelt were appointed t> represent the branch at the conference to be held on tfie 21st May to deal with the small bird pest. A vote of thanks to the chair coneluded the meeting.