N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 80, 2 May 1918, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Matamata Branch Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Matamata branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held on Friday evening, with a very large attendance. Mr A.. A. Bowler occupied the chair. The president submitted his annual report which refered to the fact that on account of the shortage of labor and the pressure of war conditions a visit has not been paid'to the Ruakura State Farm. Representations to secure better telephone communication with the police at Putaruru had only been partially successful. The remit that a simple form of bookkeeping be taught to the 6th standard was favorably received by the conference, but since has been pigeon holed by the Education Department. “ YVe intend to persevere with the matter as we are convinced every 6th standard boy or girl should be taught a rudimentary knowledge of bookkeeping.” Through the bad season and the failure of the crops the turnip experiments had been inconclusive.. Complaints in regard to the want of efficiency -in the stock train service have been made to the branch from time to time. These have always been energetically taken up by the branch and passed on, either to Mr Herries or his department, and in many cases our efforts have been rewarded by an improvement in local conditions. At the present moment we are in communication with the department in regard to the Te Awamutu district and this line. At present sheep travelling from Ohaupo to stations this side of Morrinsville, take two days to do the trip, and this is because the King Country-Frankton train misses the Franktonrßotorua train by just ten minutes. So we are endeavouring to get the speed of the former increased. During the last twelve months, a new sub-provincial district has been formed, and is now wellknown as the Thames Valley Sub-Provincial district with headquarters in Morrinsville. After threshing the matter out it was decided that the branch would reserve its decision regarding the formation of a Sub-Provincial area until next June. This resolution did not convey opposition to the scheme, but merely that we should choose our own time as to when we should throw in our lot with the others, if at all. It is due directly to this branch that the present facilities for yarding and loading pigs at the sale yards have been installed by the Auctioneering Companies, and we propose to a-sk the firms for various additional improvements to the other yards. Through our efforts the bureau hours have been twice increased, and two or three new party lines have been erected. At present, in conjunction with the Town board and the County council, we are endeavouring to get the line to Tauranga linked up. The Farmers’ Union throughout the Dominion is now actively engaged in combating in every possible way the well-known Meat Trust menace. The Meat Trust question is one which we must not lose sight of for a single instant, and every effort must be made to influence legislation to safeguard the interests of the small farmer, as few realise at present, liow far-reaching will be the effect if the meat control passes into the hands of the unscrupulous trust. In this, we can only persevere, and endeavour to enlist the support of every farmer in the country, and also the assistance of the Government. As in other years, members have this year been able to gain a reduction in the prices of manures and seedsthrough pooling their orders for these necessities. In this connection, I should like to urge upon all members the advantages of this scheme, particularly in view of the high prices ruling at present. Every member must admit that if we pool orders and ask a firm to quote us for, say, at least 200 tons of super, we are going to get a much better figure than the individual who orders his 10 tons independently. And, of course, the same applies to grass seedSince our last meeting, we have farewelled from Matamata one who was not only a very well-liked and respected citizen, but a keen and enthusiastic supporter pf the Farmers’ Union. I allude to Mr John McCaw, who recently disposed of his property here and is now living in Hamilton. In recognition of Mr McCaw’s many public services, which were chiefly. in the interests of farmers, the branch took the lead in giving him a public send-off and in presenting him with a substantial gift. Of the many members of the branch who are at present away on active service, five have made the supreme sacrifice, and to the memory of these men, not only the branch, but the whole country owes a debt of eternal gratitude.

I regret to state that this year | the finances of the branch show a falling-off from the position last year. This is plainly due, as the balance sheet shows, to the fact that not only is the amount of subscriptions less than last year, but the expenditure shows an. increase. Subscriptions this year amount to £32, as against £37 10s last year, while the calls made on the branch for donations to outside funds amount to £ll 10s as against only 10s for last year. Also there is an amount of £6 for hall hire due by the Magistrate's Court, which is still outstanding. This item, however, appears with other receivable debts among the assets which exceed liabilities by over £260. The bank balance shows a credit cf £37 Is 4d, so that financially, we have nothing to worry about, particularly as a considerable number of subscriptions in arrears have been paid since the closing of the balance sheet. The reading of the report and balance sheet was greeted with applause from the members, who were apparently pleased with the year’s working. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mr Bowler intimated that he wished to retire from the position of president of the branch, but as a special favor wished to be allowed to nominate his successor. In nhminating Mr H. Rollett, he said that he (Mr Rollett) was a very old member of the union and had experience which fully qualified him for the position of president of a live branch and he wished him success. Mr J. W. Simpson spoke of the sterling services rendered to the branch and the union by Mr A. A. Bowler. These services were well-known throughout the province so that they did not need to be specially commented upon. There was no more enthusiastic member of the union than the man who had been president of the branch for eleven years. An enthusiastic vote of thanks was accorded the retiring president. Mr H. Rollett was elected president and in taking the chair thanked the members fpr the honor. He said it was a surprise to him to be nominated, and it was with diffidence that he took the place of such a capable president as Mr Bowler. The latter had always been most thorough, tactful and courteous. He hoped the members would support him as they had done Mr Bowler, and he urged them to energetically canvass for new members. He considered that it was a slur on members of the Union that a member of Parliament should get up in the house and be able to say that the Ifarmers’ Union was not representative of the farmers of the country. It would be the farmers’ own fault if matters went wrong for them, they would have to combine more thoroughly. . Other officers were elected as follows: —Vice-president, Mr G. J. Duxfield ; auditor, Mr E. C. Banks ; secretary and treasurer, Mr B. Blennerhassett; executive committee, Messrs J. W. Simpson, S. Gunn, A. A. Bowler, R. Hope, C. D. Rollett, W. Livingstone, H. Harding, C. Wallace, and M. Madill. The retiring president spoke in eulogistic terms of the manner in which the secretary had carried out his duties and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded him. SUBSCRIPTION. The annual subscription was fixed at the same as the previous year, 10s. GENERAL. At the conclusion of the ordinary business an instructive address on Farmers’ Union matters was given by a member of the Provincial executive, Capt. Colbeck, and one on electricity by Mr W. P. Gauvain, chief engineer to the Waihi Goldmining Co. Ltd. The speakers were accorded thanks and prolonged applause. MUSICAL. After supper had been handed round a good musical and vocal programme was submitted, which brought a most successful meeting to a close. When the addresses were being given the public hall was nearly over crowded, and much information was gained by the large audience. The programme was contributed to by Misses North, instrumental duet; Mr Scott, song; Mr P. R. Randall, song; Mr Smales, anecdotes; Mr F. Bowler, song. The accompaniments were played by Miss North and Mr P. C. Ingham.