FARMERS’ UNION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4391, 17 March 1922, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION.

KAHIERE BRANCH. A meeting of the Kaihere branch ' of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union 1 was held in the hall at Kaihere on ■ Tuesday evening, Mr W. Mclnnis ! presiding. Mr A. Walters was elected secretary of the branch. OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. Mr E. W. Harris moved that a rcbe sent to the coming Provincial Conference that no person should be accepted as a member of the Farmers’ Union unless he swears allegiance to the British Crown. Mr Mclnnes would not like to bring that matter forward at tne conference as it may cast a stigma on some members. He, however, did nob think that Mr Harris meant anything. in that direction. Mr Harris said he was not alluding to any member of > his branchy bdt was looking into the future. Mr T. McLoughlin thought Mr Harris was on the right lines tp a certain extent’. The Government employees had to swear allegiance, so why not the farmers, Messrs E. C. Cowdrey and T. Ross also endorsed Mr Harris’ opinion. Mr Mclnnes, in spite of the other members’ views, did not think it necessary to take the step suggested as the heads of the unions would not tolerate disloyalty, and the farmers’ wishes were being catered for at present. Mr Harris was not thinking only of the Farmers’ Union, but other institutions which may also be induced to adopt the suggestion. Mr Mclnnes agreed with Mr Harris in his latter remarks. He approved of the motion, but thought it unnecessary as he had utmost, confidence in the executive. Mr McLoughlin seconded Mr Harris' motion. The motion was carried. MARKETING PRODUCE. Some discussion took place regarding a remit from the Kaihere branch put" forward at the last conference. It was suggested, that t!he. remit, which was ss follows, should again be put before the conference —

“ That the Farmere’ Union take steps to establish an Intelligence Department directed by a competent economist for direction qf our industries with regard to the exportable surpluses or deficiencies of individual producing countries.” 1 Mr Harris thought that the remit was unnecessary as the Government was alive to the marketing of the Dominion’s produce to better advantage. Mr Mclnnes said though the Dominion’s High Commissioner in London gave weekly reports of the markets, he could not give an indication of the trend of the There was no representation in other countries. He thought the Government, and not the Farmers’ Union, should be urged to take steps. There was a .little further discussion on the matter, wihic'hi was allowed to drop. SOLDIER SETTLERS. Mr McLoughlin reported that the Minister of Lands (Hon J, G. Coates) and the chief drainage engineer (Mr J. B. Thompson) would probably be meeting the Council at Ngateaj, and thought the soldier settlers’ grievances could, be put before the Minister. ... AN APPRECIATION. Mr Harris proposed that it be recorder' on the minutes that the president’s effort in coming such a. long way <23 miles) to attend the meeting, and his past services, had been greatly appreciated.—The motion was carried by acclamation.