CONFERENCE OF FARMERS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 16 October 1919, Page 3

CONFERENCE OF FARMERS.

KAIPARA DISTRICT

The Kaipara Sub-Provincial District held their conference at the Board room, Helens ville, on Monday, October 6th. There was a large attendance of delegates, representing the branches in the Kaipara district.

The meeting passed a vote of deep and sincere sympathy to Mrs Mason and family on the untimely death of her husband, who had so ably rilled the office of president of the disrict.

Mr O. B. Snelling (Kaukapakapa) was elected president and thanked the delegates for the confidence they placed in ,him, and trusted they would give him their hearty co-operation.

The organiser is arranging for a series of lectures to farmers on manuring and treatment of soils, grassing of lands, fodder growing, ensilage, analysis of soils, etc. The lecturer will commence at Waimauku on November 10th, and will continue though the district, holding meetings and giving practical demonstrations. Farmers are requested to send in any inquiry for which they would like advice upon, as it will greatly facilitate the work of the instructors when they come to the district.

Following on these lectures, it has also been arranged with the Live Stock Department to give a series of lectures and demonstrations on veterinary science. The lecturer will deal with such subjects as mammitis, milk fever, contagious abortion, diseases of horses, sheep, and pigs.

The organiser's report showed that 149 new members had been added to the branches. The districts of Pakiri, Leigh, Matakana, Warkworth, and Puhoi had been systematically canvassed, and the results were very gratifying. Almost without exception, every farmer was enrolled.

The opening up of the railway line from Ranganui to Haurau was discussed. In response to a request that this line be taken over from the Public Works Department, the General Manager stated it is inexpedient that the Department take over any portion of the line north of Ranganui until the work of construction is complete to Paparoa, when terminal facilities are to be provided,

District High School: The matter of the establishment of a district high school at Helensville was discussed. The .Inspector stated that the number of candidates for proficiency certificates in Helensville and surrounding districts this year will be much below the average,

Establishment of a Cottage Hospital at Helensville: The chairman of the Helensville Town Board, wrote stating that application had heen made to the Auckland Hospital Board, and a visit from the chairman, Mr Wallace, was promised. The secretary was instructed to follow the matter up, and enquire if the chairman had made any repqrt.

The political policy was discussed, and referred tq the branches,

Other matters considered were the election of chairman of a County, Road, or Town Board by the ratepayers.

Jt was resolved to support the Helensville remit' That oream be carried on the railways at bulk rates.

The application for a veterinary surgeon for the Kaipara and surrounding districts was supported, with a suggestion that the most central place would be Wellsford.

Re application to the Railway Department for space to store road metal; The Traffic Manager stated that where this is possible it is done. It was resolved that the members of local bodies should make the application when circumstances warranted it.

Re financial assistance tq locaj bodies for th.c purchase qf more up-to-date machinery ; The Commissioner reported that facilities to raise money by loan from the G-overment for assistance in procuring road machinery, were now provided for.

Second Class Lands : A remit j dealing with more effective provisions for throwing open for free selection all second-class lands, particularly for returned soldiers', was dealt with* ' In the eyent of a |and settlement scheme being brought in, and with a view to increasing the population, of the Dominion^ the Government be urged to advertise throughout the British Brnpire for selectors. This was approved of, aqd forwarded to the Minister for Lands.

" Tlie Knife," featuring Alice Brady, Lyric Pictures nest Friday,