N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4713, 18 June 1924, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

MEETING OF NGATEA BRANCH. The regular meeting of the Ngatea branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held in the Ngatea Hall on Monday evening, the president, Mr J. Bratlie, presiding over an attendance of twelve. DRAINAGE MATTERS. Mr T. W. Rhodes, M.P., wrote udvis-. ing that the resolution relative to what should be done to improve drainage conditions had reached him. He stated that he would do all he could to assist the union. It was pointed out that the County Council had also taken up the matter. A motion noting the union’s plea.sure at the council’s action and pledging the union’s support in representations to the Minister for Lands was carried unanimously. It was also decided to hold a public meeting of settlers of the, whole of the Plains at Ngatea on Thursday, June 26, at 1 p.m. RAWERAWE CANAL; Mr T. W. Rhodes, M.P., Thames, wrote acknowledging receipt of the request from the union for information concerning the Rawerawe canal, stating that he was communicating with Wellington and would advise later. NGATEA ROADSIDE DRAINS.' The Lands Drainage Engineer wrote stating that the department would not undertake to pipe the Ngatea roadside drain. STRAYING STOCK. The county clerk advised that the union’s letter in regard to straying stock had been referred to the county inspector for attention. RECREATION GROUND. In reply to the union’s letter concerning the acquisition of a section of land near the, Ngatea factory, the N.Z. Co-op. Dairy Co. wrote stating that the matter would come before the directors at their next meeting. COST OF BREAD. The question of the cost of bread in Ngatea was discussed, and it was pointed out that in Thames and Turua a 41b loaf cost Is, whereas the

Ngatea baker charged is Id cash and is 2d hooked, even though the freight on Hour was much less to Ngatea than to the other places. The chairman and Mr Schultz were deputed to interview the local baker. COUNTY BRIDGE POLICY. " The secretary or the Netheitou . Ratepayers’ Association wrote asking f the union to use its best endeavours to oppose the policy of the County Council in regard to getting an Empowering Bill to enable it to make bridges a county matter. This, they thought, would not be in the interests of ratepayers. Legal advice had been obtained to the effect that if the local member o£ Parliament opposed the Bill it could never be forced through the House. Mr Schultz moved that the letter be received. He pointed out that it might be all right for Netherton, nut Ngatea was in a different position. Mr McDuff reminded the meeting that Ngatea was paying a special bridge rate. The motion was seconded by Mr X” Dawson, and on being put to the meet- } ing w’as defeated. On it being pointed out that this was not what was desired it was decided to - hold the matter over umiMfr* the next meeting.