NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 157, 20 May 1909, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Tc Kuiti Branch. The annual general meeting of the Ti Koiti brand) of the Farmers* Unfan was held in Mr Mussen's office on Tuesday evening. Mr J. Boddie presided, and there was a fair attendance. The report and balance sheet for tte previous year were presented, the balance sheet showing a credit balance of *2)8».

The President, in reviewing the operations for the past year said it had to be admitted that not a great amount of basinets had been accomplished. There had been no burning questions to dial with hot in the matter of local requirements and the bringing of matten before the notice of the authorities, the branch had played its part in tike Interests of the general conmmonHy. The question of rating on unimproved values had been introduced dortag the year,bot had not yet been fully dealt with. In his opinion the subject required very careful consideration, and that would no doubt be accented to such an important step. The ftesident had been appointed to represent the branch at the last Provincial Conference of the Union, and the sent forward a number of remits dealing with Native lands, and nading. It wan gratifying to know that the remits had been widely supported, and were advocated both by the Aocklandd Provincial Conference at Auckland and the Colonial Conference at Wellington. The President had been elected a member of the Provincial Executive and had attended four meetings at Auckland, and he was pleased to say that a great deal was being done by the Union, with tittle outward ■how. A strong effort had been made to identify the Union with one of the political parties of the day. or failing that to promote a third political party backed by the farmers. Personally he waa of opinion that it was advisable to keep clear of such a step, which could only result in robbing the Union of much of its present power. There were great questions affecting the farming interests which were outside the realm of party politics, and if the Union was Identified with any party it might come into conflict with the Government of the day in a manner which would be detrimental to the Union interests. The present position was that though the Union waa a political organisation it was not a party one. As long as the Union was able to maintain its outlying branches and its central bodies it was capable of doing good, and exercising widespread influence. The cost of running the organisation was small, and the benefits were far reaching. Mr N. B. Losfe thought the branch could be enlarged, and its influence extended and made more effective if some of the branches in the out districts came in and formed a strong central body. Meetings coutd easily U held at Te Kuiti, so that country members coutd attend —■ say on sale days. If this could be accomplished. would have a strong body Bnf l be able to wield mueh greater influence. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Tn® President, in making complimentary reference to the work of the secretary and treasurer, Mr Mussen. said he thought they would be justified in voting a small honorarium to him. as some recognition of his services. Mr Stanton supported the president's proposal. Mr Mussen, in declining the offer. Mid he was a pore amateur in sport jilpd B °y kind. At present the duties were merely recreation, and would not be dignified by the title of ♦•work/' and he was glad to give his servlcea gratuitously. A motion to place on record the hearty appreciation of Mr Mussen's services was passed by acclamation. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:— President. Mr J. Boddie; vice-president. Mr R. M. Somerville; secretary and treasurer, Mr H. J. Mussen; audtior, Mr J. Steel. Mr Boddie was appointed delegate to the Provincial Conference. In dealing with the order paper of the Provincial Conference it was deeided, on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Snowden to endorse the remit of the Hamilton branch with regard to Native land legislation and suggest the setting op of a committee representative of the Province, to act together Wfib the «;ommttice appointed by Ihe local bodies. A vote"of thanks to Mr Boddie for his services as delegate at last fear's fpnfference was carried unanimously.