PUTARURU

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 103, 24 October 1918, Page 3

PUTARURU

FARM EES’ UNION. Tho monthly meeting of the Farmers’ union was held on Saturday night, there being very few members present. Mr F. 0. Barnett occupied the chair. A volume of correspondence was read by tho secretary, Mr McGowan. The question of cattle tick was dealt will), ono member -stating his experience that sheep dip was ineffectual and *the only way he found to he successful in eradicating this pest " was to catch them and jump on them,” but this did not concern this district, as it is not affected.

The mutter of a graduated subscription to ihe union was emphatically turned down. The long deferred question of roads enmo up for discussion and occupied the greater part oi the evening, some of tho members waxing very eloquent on the subject. Mr Barnett, ono of the County riding members, was asked several questions, to which lie veiy ably replied and showed the true position, proving that he was giving the ratepayers all a fair deal as lur as finances would permit. The feeling was general that the settlers appreciate what Mr Barnett has clone and is doing for the district. Tl.e new proposal is to giado and metal the town area, the levels having been taken. This should be a great improvement to the township, but if some of the owners of sections do not fence them off and clean tho titree and fern it will be to their everlasting disgrace. Some of these sections are owned by Matamata residents. A good debate took place between members on hydro-electri-city, as to which scheme would be most beneficial to Putavuru, the ITorahora extension scheme or the Arapuni. It was finally sifted down to an opinion that the district might secure some benefits from Ilorabora within a reasonable time, while it might be several years before the Arapuni scheme is developed. Members felt they would be glad to accept the half loaf in the meantime in, preference to no bread. A resolution was carried requesting the keeping open of the goods shed between the hours of 12 and 1, for the convenience of settlors living a good many miles out. It was hoped that the Railway Department would be able to arrange for this to be done. Mr Campbell has just erected a very good cowshed with every possible convenience on a good site, and has installed a 6-cow milking machine. He intends to milk 100 cows and heifers. This is the most up-to-date shed ill tho district, and anyone about s to erect sheds would do well to inspect this. Mr Campbell makes another supplier for the Waikato Dairy company. / A number of Maori “weeds” run up and down these roads and are a nuisance, not only to the drover, but to the settler. Seeing a new ranger has been appointed it would be a splendid chance for him to make another good haul and land them safely in the Matamata pound.