ROTOKOHU RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4441, 17 July 1922, Page 3

ROTOKOHU RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

FRIDAY NIGHTS MEETING. A meeting of the above association was held on Friday evening last, the president, Mr. L. E. Cassrels, being, in the chair. The secretary, Mr W. D Keys, r,ead several communications from the Hon. Minister of Public Works, Mr. J. G. Coates, referring to matters the association has been working for. A recent telegram from the member for the district, Mr. H. Poland, was also read in relation to a petition from the settlers re stop-bank contracts. The telegram stated that the Hon, Min ister for Public Works had agreed to give the settlers a fair price for fu" ther contracts to be let to settlers, and that the Public Works engineer- 1 had already been advised re same. This communication was received with satisfaction by the members present, and on the motion of; Mr. Ryall, seconded by Mr. McKee, it was decided that the secretary be instructed < n write the member, Mr. Poland, expressing the gratification of the association to Mr. Poland for his efforts on behalf of a fair deal for the settlers. The meeting went into committee at a further stage to fully discuss tne pros and cons of forming a live branch of the Farmers’ Union in the district, Mr. J. T. Brown, secretary of the Paeroa branch of the Farmers’ Union, who was present by invitation, gave some valuable information anent farmers’ Union matters, and it was resolved that every endeavour be made to form a strong branch from the Rotokohu area, to be affiliated with the Paeroa branch for the joint interests of the district and farmers generally. A further meeting is to be called after the annual district meeting of the New Zealand Dairy Company on Tuesday next, when it is hoped a large attendance will be assured. The chairman, Mr. L. E. Cassrels, in th? course of the evening pointed out that there were real and valuable issues at stake for all the farmers in the district, and that only by jiont action and co-operation could they be attained. He further deplored the selfish attitude of many farmers in allowing others to work for and pay for ail. progressive movements. The meeting closed with a hearty vot,e of thanks to the chair, and also to Mr. J. T. Brown.