NGATEA FARMERS’ UNION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4348, 28 November 1921, Page 2

NGATEA FARMERS’ UNION

MEDICAL CLUB ADVOCATED. . RETAIN DOCTOR’S SERVICES. A meeting of the Ngatea branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held'on Saturday afternoon, Mr *W. McDuff occupying the chair; An apology for non-atendance Was received from Mr W. G. Hayward (president). The secetiary (Mr A. Cleaver) announced that Dr. Smith, of Paeroa, would visit Ngatea every Monday, and it was decided to make the. fact known throughout the district. There would now be two doctors visiting the district. Mr W. J. Clare understood that Dr. LUt’le was only giving his venture a month’s trial. Business was slack, and it would not pay the doctor’s expenses. It would cost a great deal to get a doctor to make a special trip for one case only; The chairman proposed forming a medical club. There was some discussion regarding which doctor should be obtained. Mr G. T. Davidson said some people may'prefer one and others the other. He thought there may be room for both doctors. Mr Clare thought the first doctor should—be given preference. Mr Davidson thought if a medical club were formed it would be left to tfhe few to subscribe, as was\ generally the case. Those few should be ascertained. Mr Clare maintained that if the doctors' were subsidised a Government subsidy may be obtained, but a club would have to be formed. The chairman moved that a committee wait on Dr: Little to make inquiries re expenses for the probable formation of a medical club. Messrs Hayward, Clare, and Davidson were elected a committee to wait on Dr. Little, whom the committee will meet next Thursday. ■ r WATER FOR STOCK.

The secretary said he had receiyed a letter from the Department stating that samples of water taken in and around Ngatea had showed contamination . from previous contents. The water was required for drinking purposes for stock. Five samples had been *taken, one from the river ajt Puhunga canal, one from a drain in Ngatea, one from a shallow bore at Mr Hayward,s farm, one from a shallow bore at Mr R. Burke’s farm, and one from a deep bore on Mr Davidson’s property. Other samples ' would be required, but before obtain-, ing these the jars should be thoroughly cleansed. DEAD CATTLE IN DRAINS. Referring to the much discussed problem of keeping" drains free frpm dead cattle Mr Clare said thajt about a dozen dead cows were seen in a drain at Rawerawe. Mr Davidson thought matters had improved recently in that district. The secretary explained thajt a resolution passed at the previous meeting asking the council to.take steps in the matter would come before the next council meeting.

THE PROPOSED BAKERY. The secretary announced that 40 replies had been received in answer to the advertisement advising there were good prospects for a bakery business at Ngatea. Of that number seven men had replied to circulars giving further particulars. The chief drawback to that seven appeared to be finance. A dwelling would be required if the successful applicant should be a married man. One had a fair amount at his disposal, and ' the chairman thought that particular offer was preferable Ito the others. A committee of two (Messrs R. Burke and Davidson) 'was deputed to • interview property-owners with regard to the purchase of land for the - bakery and dwelling. Mr Shultz inquired whether the Farmers’ Union would guarantee to support the new baker. Mr Davidson : It depends upon the quality of the article he makes. VETERINARY CLUB DESIRED. Speaking in connexion with the recent formation of a veterinary club on the Plains, with headquarters at Turua, fthe. chairman wondered why Ngatea was left out of thq area, as it was Ngatea which primarily moved in that direction. It was decided to ask Dr. Jenseh to address .the settlers a|t Ngatea regarding the possibilities of forming a club in that district. FARMERS IN POLITICS. Discussing the proposal to inaugu- . rate a farmers’ political parity, the chairman thought t|he present Government was not out for the farming community and he wished for an expression of opinion from the meeting. Mr Davidson said farmers had previously been, voting against each other and should combine and vote the same way. The chairman was of the opinio a that the branch should support the Dominion executive in its endeavour to form a fawners’ political party. _ This course was adopted, One speaker thought that>the farmel's once had a fair deal from the present Government, but was no.t receiving it now. A Voice : The cocky is more broadminded now. SUNDRY BUSINESS.

Regarding the installation! pf a depot at Ngatea, the secretary said he had written to the Paeroa business people, bu.t had as yet received no reply. Several speakers dwelt on the valuable work of typing circulars for the branch. One speaker remarked that if all had the district at heart as Mr Walton had, the place would go ahead. It was decided to ask Mr Walton to send in his account for typing done for the branch. It was also stated that the secretary, Mr .A. Cleaver, had refused to accept his honorarium. Mr Davidson was of the opinion .that the Ngatea store should be open throughout the lunch hour. It would be a great benefit to the community. It was put on record that' the branch heartily supported the Hall 5 Committee’s enterprise ip enlarging the hall.