N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 405, 18 October 1911, Page 5

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

OTOKOHANGA BRANCH

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Otorohanga branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held on the 3 3th inst. Present—Messrs R. G. Matthew (chairman), Jno. Ormsby i nn-., Wm. Vicary, Chas. Cater. C. j. Johnson, R. F. Gregg, R. P. Hill, H. S. Westmacott, R. Green, Jno. Ormsby and H. M. Quin (secretary and treasurer.)

The correspondence, which was unimportant, was left with the secretary to deal with.

The following new members were proposed: —Messrs H. S. Westmacott, R..S. Hill.

The secretary produced the balancesheet in connection with the ball held recentv by this branch, and as there was still a small deficit after the committee had substantially contributed, it was decided that the secretary bo instructed to charge the balance to the branch accounts.

Kawhia-Ot or oha ng a Mai! Service,— It was decided to instruct the secretary to communicate witn the Kawhia Cha m - her of Commerce re the above contemplated mail service, asking for their co-operation in the matter; also in the matter of railway connection between Kawhia and the Main Trunk line, and further to endevour to arrange a meeting between that body and the Otorohanga Farmers' Union representatives; also delegates nom the various branches of the union in the Kawhia district.

Requirements of Kio Kio.—The secretary was instructed to communicate with the authorities asking' that the present railway gates at the Kio Ivio station be removed and replaceu bv a level crossing, also that a loading siding platform be erected at that station in order to minimise tiie great inconvenience settlers and others now undergo in loading and unloading from implements, drays,and machinery generally. It was decided that the secretary comrounicate with the Kio Kio branch, asking for their assistance in bringing about the necessary reform.

Waipa-Otewa Road.—Messsrs Hill and Westmarott brought before the notice of the branch the disabilities they and other settlers labour under through the non-completion of this road a*t the Otewa end.—Decided that # the secretary obtain all information as to the cause of delay, and to then communicate with the Minister of Public Works asking him to have the matter attended to at once_, or failing that, to have a sum placed on the Estimates to complete this urgent work; and further, that the member for the district be asked to support the application.

Re the above it was pointed out by Messrs Hill and Westmacott that owing to the existing conditions they have to ford the Waipa river no less than five times in order to reach their holdings on which they have resided for two years. As this river is frequently running a "banker" it can be imagined that pioneering under these adverse conditions is not all beer and skittles."

Sorting of Maiis.— Decided that the secretary be instructed to communicate with the Chief-Postmaster, Auckland, pointing out that the present mails for north of Te Awamutu and south of Taumarunui close at. 4.45 p.m. and are sorted into bags for the respective north and south mail trains, and when on the train are sorted for Te Awamutu, etc., the secretary to suggest that one bag should up for Te Kuiti and all letters for Te Kuiti should be enclosed, thus giving to 4.45 p.m. for closing of the Te Kuiti mail instead of 2.25. At present the bag lies in Te Kuiti office from about 6.30 p.m. until 2 a.m. and as the mail does not close at Te Kuiti until S p.m. there would be plenty of time 'for the post office officials to sort them there instead of on the train as at present.