FARMERS MEET

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32423, 26 April 1944, Page 3

FARMERS MEET

BIG GATHERING AT NGATEA AFFAIRS OF THE UNION METERING OF ELECTRICITY One of the largest meetings of farmers ever seen on the Hauraki Plains was held in the Ngatea Hall recently when the Ngatea branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union held its monthly meeting. Mr R. E. Tye presided, there being well over 80 farmers present. There were also present Mr S. E. Hall of Matatoki, president of the Sub-Provincial Executive of Northern Thames, accompanied by Mr E. Jamieson of Kopu, Mr H. H. Hicks, Mr H. Baker and Mr A. H. .'Sutton from Turua. Mr L. Tye, president of the Farmers’ Union at Kerepeehi was also present. There were also present by invitation Mr F. J. Mayn, representing the Hauraki Plains County Council and Thames Valley Electric Power Board. Mr N. G. McLeod, chief engineer of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board. Mr C. W. Parfitt, Mr C. W. Schultz, chairman and councillor of the Hauraki Plains County Council respectively, were also present on invitation- from the union.

An invitation was given to Mr Hall to speak at the gathering. He expressed- his pleasure in coming and his delight in seeing the farmers coming to the meeting in great force and showing a keen interest in their affairs. He exhibited a Farmers’ Union book of forms, saying “farmers are coming to me now to sign up instead of me chasing them.” The speakei' enumerated the activities of the Union in all matters connected with the farmers’ problems which were well received.

The next speaker was Mr Mayn who was invited to the meeting to give an account of his stewardship in connection with the subject of electricity. His efforts to justify the curtailment of electric power in the metering of water-heaters brought forth frequent interjections and questions. The chairman had to appeal for order and the speaker then continued his defence of metering heaters as the only and best way to meet the emergency. He interspersed the talk with humour and coolness and came out of it all with commendation. Some Farmers Saving Mr McLeod, the engineer stood up to his task in good style, silencing questioners and interjectors and satisfied' most of his hearers that many who had good plants and used their discretion in turning heaters off, came off cheaper than in the past year while a few were over, by running their heaters all day. Facts and figures were given to support his contentions which quietened a few complainers. Mr Mayn said that the power saved by the metering of water-heaters would be available to consumers who would be requiring additional power to connect new installations for primary production. Several farmers expressed the opinion that the metering of water-heat-ers and the necessity of having them switched off during the day, which gave them very inadequate hot water for the evening milking and cleaning of utensils, would have a serious effect on the quality of dairy produce.