THAMES VALLEY SUB-PROVINCIAL FABLERS' UNION.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 89, 4 July 1918, Page 1

THAMES VALLEY SUB-PRO-VINCIAL FABLERS' UNION.

Executive Meeting. There were present at the meeting of the Thames Valley Subprovincial Farmers' union on Thursday Messrs F. 0. Hansen, president (Waitoa), J. B. Thomas (Waihou), E. C. Old (Lower Waitoa), F. C. Barnett (Putaruru), W. H. Allen (Tirau), C. Stewart (Te Aroha), P. Hush ton (Tatuanuij, A. Alexander (Hikutaia), A. J. Isdale (Ngongotaha), Albert Wight (Mangaiti). Apologies were received for absence from Messrs C. Smith (Walton), and W. K. McLean (Kerepehi). ORGANISER'S REPORT. The organiser in his report referred at length to the conference and to the visit of the Minister of Lands to the district. Regarding organisation of the district he stated that owing to wet weather the meeting at Rotorua had to be adjourned. He considered they would have a live branch at Rotorua with a membership of over 50. He had attended the Farmers' union socials at various centres. Preliminary organising work had been done at Wharepoa and Paeroa, and it was anticipated branches there would have fully 25 to 50 members respectively. Netherton had taken a new lease of life and expected to enrol 60 or 70 members. He had formed newi branches at Motumaoho and Te Aroha West, and was making arrangements for the formation of branches at Wharepoa, Hinuera, Kereone, Paeroa, Tokoroa and Pipiroa. In the formation of the Motumaoho branch Morrinsville branch would lose about eight members, but Motumaoho would benefit.by the addition of twenty members for the union. The Waihi settlers were still very antagonistic towards the union, but eventually he anticipated a meeting to be held there. He intended writing th<mi further on the matter and try to arrange a meeting. The oiganiser was hopeful that the membership of the Farmers' union would be increased to 1200 so that that the union would be able to refund the delegates expenses. PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION. A discussion in connection with the minutes of the previous meeting arose, and Mr J. B. Thomas suggested that while the rules of the union remained as at present the union could not put up candidates for Parliamentary service. Mr McAlpine, in answer to a member, stated that the speaker's views were correct, the union could give its support to any man it chose. While speaking on the subject Mr McAlpine said he had considered suggestions made that he should contest the seat for the new Rotorua electorate, and had decided that the work of the ) organisation of the sub-provincial' district with its land department' would take all his time. He considered his first thoughts and energies should be for the union, so that he did not think he would allow himself to be nominated. Speakers were not unanimous as to the wisdom of putting up a candidate, but it was generally considered that the various candidates should be discussed and the sub-provincial area support be given those approved of. Reverting to the Rotorua electorate it was stated that Mr Keegan, of Taneatua, a strong union man was likely to be nominated. Mr Allen said he thought nothing should be done at present. Mr Barnett proposed that the matter be deferred indefinitely. This was later withdrawn. Mr Isdale stated that his branch was of the opinion that no action should be taken so soon; that the union was composed of men of various beliefs and opinions, and that strife would result within the ranks from any action taken. It was ultimately decided to write to Messrs Keegan and Hockley asking them if they were possible candidates, and also requesting them to put their views before the executive. AUCKLAND EXECUTIVE. The rule discussed at the recent conference relating to paid subprovincial secretaries not being allowed to retain a seat on the

Auckland executive, was severely criticised. The chairman said the ruling was sharp, and he certainly thought that further notice should have been given the area. The position in Auckland was that Mr McAlpine either had to resign his seat or his position as secretary or organiser. He I was of the opinion that twelve months notice should have been given. Mr Wight: They sprang an insult on the area, and I will move that a letter be forwarded pointing this out. Mr Isdale said it seemed strange that the man with the best knowledge of the union should be debarred from sitting on the executive. The motion was carried. MINISTER FOR LANDS. The chairman reported that several members had travelled through the district with the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, and ho thought that good would result from the visit. The Minister had not given any promises, yet he appeared to give sympathy in many cases and admitted the justice of some of the executive's demands. The organiser said that he knew that the executive's action in connection with the visit had done a great amount of good. The social side, as it should, was catered for at Te Aroha, and despite wet weather a successful function had been held. LAND AGENCY. Speaking in support of a suggestion made by Mr W. K. McLean that a land agency should be formed, the organiser stated that if the executive contemplated doing anything it should take action atonce. He stated that the difference between success and failure would be in the next month or so, inasmuch that many properties were now changing hands. The inauguration of an agency would save money for members of the union, and would further cement the membership. Mr Allen supported Mr McAlpine's remarks in their entirety, and proposed that the principle be affirmed ; that a committee to prepare a scheme, consisting of Messrs Thomas, Stewart, the chairman and organiser, be appointed with power to act.

Mr Stewart said the Elstow branch had discussed the matter the previous night, and had unanimously approved of it. Various particulars of the scheme were discussed at the meeting. The proposal was carried unanimously. PROPOSED QUARTERLY MEETING. A notice of motion by Mr McLachlan, that a committee be formed to conduct general business each month and that only quarterly meetings of delegates be held, was deferred owing to the mover not being in attendance. VOTING POWER. Mr Old drew attention to the basis of voting power suggested in the Te Awamutu rules. The chairman pointed out that in their union the basis was one' delegate for each branch. Mr Old: lam glad to hear it. GOOD ROADS. Mr Isdale asked if the union was doing anything about good roads. The chairman said the organiser was arranging with Mr Hemingway to give lectures through the union's district. Mr Thomas spoke strongly on the subject of the necessity of the Government increasing the limit of advances. He contended that £SOOO was no use to a county like Piako. If the Government would give them £50,000 they could do with every penny. With the sub-division and closer settlement the demand for better roads would grow and grow. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £46 were passed for payment.