N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 67, 31 January 1918, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Matamata Branch Meeting. The monthly meeting of the Matamata branch of the N.Z. Farmers' Union was held on Saturday, Mr A. A. Bowler, president, occupying the chair. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The Farmers' Auctioneering company wrote acknowledging the branch's letter, and stated that it appreciated the remarks contained therein re the loyal support accorded the company by the branch members. STOCK TRAINS. The oft-discussed question of better facilities for the carriage of stock was again raised by members, and the general opinion was expressed that the Railway Department should consider the proper carriage of stock and save needless discomfort. The chairman said it appeared from many newspaper articles that there was general dissatisfaction with the present railway service, and that it would not be surprising to hear of the whole service being revised. He thought the member- of the district should be-written to asking that he use his endeavors to get the mixed train from Rotorua reinstated each Tuesday, so that the stock could be joined up with the stock train which leaves that night for Westfield. The chairman's remarks were endorsed by members, and a resolution in accordance was carried. SALEYARDS. The chairman referred to the improvements which had been effected to the Matamata saleyards. His resolution that a letter of thanks be forwarded to the companies was carried. ' The matter of asking for up-to-date conveniences was mentioned, but it was considered that this was a natter for the Town Board or the health inspector to attend to. TOWN BOARD OFFICE. It was decided upon the recommendation of the committee that the Town Board be allowed to rent the branch's hall as its office for the sum of £7 10s per annum. THE MEAT TRUST. The Provincial secretary wrote stating that the branch's letter and newspaper cutting re the Meat Trust had been placed .before the executive, and that he was directed to convey the executive's approval of the opinion expressed. A report of the executive's discussion on the matter was read, and showed that several schemes for combating the alleged menace were being considered. CATTLE TICK. r lhe report of the executive's discussion on the spread of" the cattle tiok menace was read. It pointed out that the tick had made its appearance in the North Auckland district and appeared to be spreading. It had been informed that a responsible Government official had been appointed to look into the matter, and was now in the Bay of Islands district. Mr H. Rollett said that stock' were driven from the North to the Waikato district. He thought too much care could not be exercised in the matter of preventing the pest spreading. In Australia it seemed it was impossible to counteract it, and great damage to the hides and health of the cattle there had been done. The chairman also spoke strongly on the matter, and stated that farmers should be warned to watch for the pest. NEW GRASS. It was decided to call for quotations for the supply of seeds and manures for new grass. Messrs Crabb, W. S. Wilson, Duxfield and Simpson were appointed a committee to consider the quotations. DAY OF MEETING. An extraordinary meeting was then held to discuss Mr J. W. Simpson's notice of motion to alter the day of meeting from Saturday to Friday. The mover said he did not feel strongly on the matter, but it had been suggested to him that Friday would be more suitable, and, if it meant larger attendances at the meeting, then he was for Friday. The chairman said Saturday suited him, but he was with Mr Simpson in his. last remarks, and he was prepared to vote for Friday. The secretary said several members had said that they would like the meetings held on Friday on account of it being the long shopping night. The motion to hold the meetings on the Fridays proceeding the full moon was carried unanimously.