FARMERS’ UNION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5410, 12 April 1929, Page 1

FARMERS’ UNION.

THE NGATEA BRANCH.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The Ngatea branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union held its annual meet-

ing on Wednesday evening, Mr J. Darlington presiding over Messrs C. W. Schultz, H. F. Louch, W. McDuff, J. Spence, R. Burke, W. Phillips, G. Phillips, R. Rowlings, and F. Speedy (hon. secretary).

Reporting on the year’s work, Mr Darlington deplored the smallness of the attendance at the monthly meetings. The few members who had attended regularly had given attention

to matters affecting the farming community.

The secretary reported that the credit balance was £2 2s Tad, and the expenditure for the year £2 2s 4|d.

Mr Darlington expressed the opinion that a discussion should take place prior to proceeding with further business on the question of nominating a candidate for the Ngatea riding on the Hauraki Plains County Council.

Mr Schultz advocated electing Uta officers of the union first, because if it was decided to approach any man the'officers of the union who would be in office for the year should be the men to do it.

This view was adopted, and Mr J. Darlington was nominated for reelection. He declined, and nominated Mr Schultz, who also declined. Eventually Mr Darlington was persuaded to carry on.

Mr F. Speedy was re-elected secretary, and Messrs C. W. Schultz, and W. McDuff vice-presidents. All others present were elected the committee, five to form a quorum. The secretary was instructed .to ascertain the amount of money held by the Auckland provincial branch on behalf of the local branch.

An honorarium of £5 was granted the secretary. It was reported that over 40 members had been enrolled in the Ngatea district.

It was agreed to hold the regular meetings at 8 p.m. on the .first Wednesday in each month. County Representative.

Mr McDuff brought up the question of riding representative on the County Council, and expressed the view that it would be desirable to have a farmer as councillor. He would like to see Mr Darlington nominated. Mr Darlington would not entertain the idea.

Mr H. F. Louch asked if Mr W. G. Hayward could not be persuaded to stand.

It was mentioned that Mr Hayward would not agree .to nomination. Mr Darlington said that as ho member could tell of a farmer who would accept nomination, he would move that the branch pledge its support to Mr H. Dent.

The motion lapsed for want of a seconder, members commenting that Mr Dent would undoubtedly prove a very satisfactory councillor, but farmers wanted a farmer as councillor.

Messrs G. Phillips and Schulti spoke of the fallacy of a meeting pledging support. Personally they intended voting as they pleased, irrespective of how the union pledged its support.

After some discussion on the desirability of a farmer member Mr R. Burke mentioned that Mr W. McInnes, of Kaihere, was contemplating offering his services if a farmer was not nominated from the Ngatea of the riding.

Mr W. Phillips moved, and Mr Burke seconded, “That this union pledge its support to Mi* Mclnnes if he decides to stand for the riding.” On Mr Rowlings’ suggestion the motion was altered to read “That Mr Mclnnes be asked by the branch to stand for the Ngatea riding, and should he decide to do so this union will pledge him its support.” The motion was carried on the voices without dissent.

This concluded the business, and the meeting was closed, but before members dispersed word was received that Mr H. M. Rushworth had been elected for Bay of Islands, and the meeting was reopened to pass a resolution instructing the secretary to send him a telegram of congratulation.