N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4800, 19 January 1925, Page 3

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

NGATEA BRANCH MEETING. PREPARING a deputation. A special meeting of the -Ngatea branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held in the Public Hall on Saturday evening, Mr J. Bratlie presiding over Messrs G. T. Davidson, W. E. McKay, G. Phillips, E. Muggeridge, J. Darlington, C. W. Schultz, W. McDuff, A. Cleaver, and the secretary, Mr EL W. Martin. Mr T. W. Rhodes, MP., was present by invitation, and an apology for unavoidable absence * "was received from Mr H. Poland, M.P. In opening the meeting the president said that the Minister for Lands would be in the district at the weekend, and it was desirable that several matters should be brought before 1 him, particularly in regard to drainage anl ffood protection and relief. Then there was the question of a recreation reserve, and other matters in which the union had been active. Discussing the past winter’s flooding, Mr T. W. Rhodes said that he had made representations on the subject, but without avail. In bis opinion several of the settlers concerned had just cause for an action at law against ' the : Government, but he would not advocate such a step until all othei

■means had failed. Assistance had been forthcoming, but the long delay neutralised what benefit would have been received, and in addition the stringent conditions precluded many settlers from taking advantage of toe loans. The delay had taken place owing to the matter being handled' by iwo different departments. ,In regard to flood protection, Mr Rhodes pointed out that the Public \Vo''ks Department' had found it necessary to improve the lower reaches of the Waihou River. The conditions in the Waihou and Piako were not so dissimilar that the Waihou could not be quoted as a precedent for improving the Jower reaches of the Piako. ' ' in. reply to a question Mr Rhodes said that the matter of a remission of Government drainage rate for those settiers«who had suffered by the flooding could, in his opinion, be brought ; before the Minister; Mr A. Cleaver advocated a strenuous objection tb the enormous increase in the amount of the drainage rate compared with the amount of work be-

/ inn done. Messrs Bratlie, Schultz, and Cleaver Avere deputed to speak on tne various aspects of the question. In the matter of a recreation reserve, Mr Rhodes pointed out that it av as imperative to secure a ground, lie suggested that an option be securcd on a suitable section, and .the Minister approached in regard to Government assistance. In his opinion the Minister could not fail to see the urgent necessity of having a recreation ground in such a rapidly growing township as Ngatea. The claim for a £ for £ subsidy was a very strong one, considering that most of the other townships had been granted an area of land for recreation purposes. Mr J. Darlington was appointed the speaker on this subject In regard to creating the county a stock area, Mr Cleaver said that numei ous other areas had been so declared. If this was done a Government man would be stationed in the district to advise the settlers on all matters affecting the health of stock r nd conduct experiments in regard to the effect of manuring, etc. It was decided that Messrs A. Cleaver and J. Darlington wait upon the County Council and ask it to support the request, and that Mr Cleaver approach the Minister. Mr G. Phillips was deputed to interview the Minister on the matter.of the delay in paying compensation for land taken for the purpose of constructing the Pubanga canal. Mr G. T. Davidson urged that representations be made concerning the unmetalled roads. Mr Rhodes pointed out that the County Council would make representations on the subject, and a deputation from the settlers would undoubtedly strengthen the request. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mr Rhodes, wh.o, in returning thanks, assured the union that he wouldd o his best to secure favourable consideration for the requests.