N.Z. FARMER’S UNION.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 68, 8 April 1902, Page 5

N.Z. FARMER’S UNION.

A meeting of the local branch of the New Zealand Farmer's Union was held

in the Church of England school room on Saturday evening, Mr J, Stuart Wratt in the chair. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed.

A point was raised by Mr Everett as to whether the committee, appointed by the public meeting to draw up conditions for the direct steam service, had carried out the recommendations passed, that gentleman maintaining the Committee had ignored the wishes jof the meeting by not requesting the BGovernment to call for alternative tenders, as well as bi-weekly. As no official notification had been received by the Union, the question, after being freely discussed, was dropped. A letter was received from the Provincial Secretary, requesting the local branch to forward the sum of 12s fid, being it’s share of the preliminary expenses incurred in establishing branches of the Union in Nelson province. On the motion of Mr Guy, seconded by Mr Satherley. it was resolved to remit the amount. The Chairman reported that he had attended a meeting heid at Richmond the 2nd instant, at which several minor matters were discussed and recommendations considered. One matter, of some importance to members of the Union, with reference to advice as to market fluctuations, was brought forward and a resolution, approving of the suggestion, was carried unanimously. Mr Wratt also stated that the financial year ended on the 31st March. It was decided on the motion of Mr Guy, seconded by Mr James, that a special meeting be called for the purpose of electing officers and adopting the balance sheet and report. , Mr James brought forward the question of having sale yards in the district for the disposal of stock. He considered the time had arrived when yards, similar to those in other parts of the colony should be established f ere. In some places in the South Island the yards were erected and run by the farmers.

The Chairman thought the wiser plan would be for the Union to erect the yards and invite the auctioneers to sell at a reduced commission. To make the project a success he was cf opinion sellers should pass all their stock through the yard's. „ Mr Guy did not see why the experiment should not be tried. A number of settlers had stock to sell and no doubt they would support the yards. Mr Trewavas said the scheme had been tried by auctioneers in the past and had fizzled out through lack of support. They would want outside buyers to attend. 3 Mr Pattie said there was not suffi - cient stock in the district to make the experiment a success. Mr Everett said if an auctioneer could be induced to visit the district .twelve days in the year regularly, whether the entries were poor or numerous, he would eventually build up a business. Mr Satherley agreed with the previous speaker. f It was eventually agreed, That this meeting is of opinion it is advisable to have sales of stock in the district. Mr Everett brought forward the question of the Union buying its own manures, instead of purchasing from merchants, who gave no guarantee as to quality. They could procure a better article from Home at from 25 to 30 per cent less cost. He thought the branch should discuss the question, - ascertain the quantities required by the members and send forward a good

order, to reach here in time for next season.

Mr Trewavas thought the idea an excellent one, which should be given effect to.

The chairman said he had lately had a conversation on the subject with Mr G. Field, who had a very fair grasp of the question. Mr Field’s idea was to start works in the district by which means they would be able to supply a good article for ,£3 10s : now they were paying £5 and over. It was agreed that the secretary write to Mr Field for information on the subject, which could be discussed at the special meeting. Mr Guy referred to the present constitution of the Wharf Board, which he was not satisfied with. He considered the ratepayers should Shave direct representation ; that the Board should consist of seven members instead of three at present; two to represent the Borough of Motueka, two Riwaka, one the Moutere, the remaining two to represent the outside districts. The question was one of great importance to the district, which was a growing one. He wanted to see the number of members increased and elected by the people who were not represented as the Board was at present constituted. His object in bringing the matter foi ward was to have it fully considered by the Union before the next session of Parliament. .

Mr Jas Satherley agreed with Mr Guy that the people should have a say in the election of members of the Wharf Board and was strongly of opinion the matter should be discussed at the spocial meeting.

Mr Everett said now was the time to move if any thing was to be done at all, in ordei to get the thing into training by next session. "With regard to the-present Board, Mr Everett pointed out that they were jiominated by the Government, but in future they would be elected bytha people, because ratepayers who voted at the Mayoral and Waimea County Council elections would know that the members selected would have seats on the Wharf Board.

It was understood the question would he brought up for discussion at the special meeting to be held. In reply to Mr Guy’s enquiry as to whether the Fruitgrower’s Association could not be incorporated with the local branch of the Farmer’s Union, it was mentioned that the former body had ceased to exist. The meeting then terminated..