FARMERS’ UNION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4878, 16 September 1925, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION.

HAURAKI PLAINS BODY. MEETING AT NGATEA. The Hauraki Plains Farmers’Union met at Ngatea pn Monday evening, Mr A. Cleaver presiding over Messrs W. McDuff. C. Lawrence, C. W. Schultz, R, Buike, G. Phillips, and E. W. Martit. (secretary). DRAINAGE COMMISSION. The chairman reported that Mr W. Rhodes. M.P., had informed him that the union’s request for a commis sion to inquire into the drainage of the Plains had been coxiveyed to th J Minister for Lands, who had stated that he was waiting to consider the report of the commission on the Rangitaiki Plains before deciding whether- a commission was desirable. DRAINAGE RATE. On the motion of the chairman the secertary was instructed to aslf the Minister for Lands to explain the big increase in the amount of Government drainage rate, considering the fact that the Lands Drainage Department’s officers stated that the northern end of the Plains was practically finished and the maintenance should be leiss. NGATEA BRIDGE. The question of the provision of a passing place on the Ngatea bridge was again brought up, and the fact that the work was not included in the county’s main roads and bridges scheme was commented on. The secretary was instructed to write to the County Council on the subject. ORCHARD WEST ROAD. Mr Schultz mentioned that several of the hill settlers had asked him if he could do anything to get Orchard West Road opened up to Mahuta Road. At the present time cream had to be carted via Waitakaruru or Torehape. Many Plains settlers had grazing runs in the hills. It was decided to approach the Lands Drainage Engineer. NGATEA DRAINS. In connection with the request that the water be diverted from the drains running' through Ngatea Mr Cleaver reported that the Pouarua roadside drains had recently been deepened and the fall taken up from Rawerawe so as to cut off softie of the water that now came' to Ngatea. FLOOD DAMAGE. A member mentioned that wnen the Minister for Lands was in Ngatea he had promised to consider the granting of flood damage relief to those settlers who suffered and v)ho wrote to him forwarding factory returns, etc. This member had done a» stated shortly after the Minister’s visit, but so far he had not received a -reply. The secretary .was instructed to write for an explanation. MEMBERSHIP. Means of increasing the membership of the union were discussed, and it was decided to send circulars to farmers of the district inviting attendance at the next meeting.