N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4755, 24 September 1924, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

NGATEA BRANCH. MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Ngatea branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held in the Ngatea Hall on Monday evening, there being present. Messrs J. Bratlie . (chairman), T. Leonard, W. McDuff, G. Phillips, RBurke, C. W. Schultz, H. F. Louch; G. T. Davidson, W. Lawrence, and E. W. Martin (lion, secretary). RECREATION GROUND. The secretary reported that he had been in touch with the N.Z. Co-op. Dairy Co. with reference to the section of about 10 acres beyond th< Ngatea factory. It had been suggested that this be acquired as a public recreation ground. The company was prepared to sell the area with the exception of a strip near, the factory as the same price as was paid for it, namely £ll2 10s an acre. The matter had been left in the hands of. the local director, Mr W. E. Hale. It was decided that Messrs McDuff, Schultz, Bratlie, and Martin go into the matter, with Mr Hale. DEPUTATION TO WELLINGTON. Mr Bratlie reported on his visit to Wellington as the union's representative wrthXhe County Council’s deputation to meet the Hon, Minister for Lands. The Minister’s reply had been as published in the Press. , LAST WEEK’S INUNDATION. The serious flooding caused oy the heavy rain of last week was discussed, and it was pointed out that this was obviously caused by the lack of sufficient outlets, and —the fact that flood-gates received no attention.. The secretary was instructed to communicate with the Minister foi Lands on the matter. DRAINAGE RATE. The ever-increasing amount of the lands drainage rate was mentioned,, and it was decided to ipform the Hon. Minister for Lands that the union objected to the increase, particularly as the drainage of the district was becoming worse year after year. ANOTHER M.P. WANTED. The question as to whether the district was receiving sufficient attention from its member of Parliament was brought up. The secretary stated that he had written on at least three occasions to Mr T. W. Rhodes, but had received no replies. The chairman remarked that while in Wellington he had rather been hindered than assisted by the district representative. The opinion was expressed that the branch should, support a Farmers’ Union candidate, or anyone who would stand in the farmers’ interests, and the following motion was carried unanimously: "That this meeting is of opinion that the present member has had his day, and that the Union look around for a more able representative ; also that, a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the Auckland executive.” Several members spoke in support, contending that a Thames man could not properly represent the country district. MAIL SERVICE ROUTE. The possible alteration in the route by which mails arrive on the Plains was brought up, and members commented that the present service was ais good as possible, and that the alternative route was of no use whatever. The meeting objected to any alteration, and it was decided to inform the Portmaster-General and the chief postmaster at Thames to that effect. COUNTY BY-LAWS. Mention was made of the fact that the county by-laws prohibited the erection of a pig-receiving depot within three chains of a road. This was having the effect of stopping the erection of depots, so there could be no competition among buyers. NOXIOUS WEEDS. The iserious spread of noxious weeds on all parts of the Plains was mentioned by several members, and it was decided to ask the inspector to look into the matter.