FARMERS’ UNION.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 102, 5 August 1902, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION.

* A meeting of the Motueka branch of the New .Zealand Farmeas’ Union \yas held, on Saturday evening, Mr Cha.rles Brv,. President, in the chair; Minutes of,previous meeting read and The Provincial Secretary of the Nelson District ...wrote asking for list of names of ordirjaiy .and honoraiv members etc. ; ; i " t Resolved, „ o,n the motion of Mr Wratt), seconded by Mr James, That tne Secretary, furuish the necessary information. , ; , The ’Wakapuaka branch ■wrote re-ia motion in ta\ r oi , of abolishing /the W aim eh County Council, substituting fouq Road districts;* also suggesting communications .between the- branches as to sale and supply of stock, produce, etc." ■ ’ ' v , The first clause of the letter was discussed at .some length.: Mr raft said the abolition of the

WUouncil and the Imbstitut ion 1 of jroad jKw^cts place tney should discuss the , wh^rlfohe 1 ot ! ' this request. r was cut ;üb; as htterWards merged into ■ Gbiincil. 1 Tf* 7 there was ‘a, ' there t woiJd be a heavy .hability to divfdh, wliiCn, would have a ' dfunbening Effect’ Wpbb 1 ; a good many, poum <^°, ur districts woi kto better advantage ahd with less cost than the Council ?ft - u ' ’ * : - *’ ~M,V,, w. : Hattie;’‘'inferring to "the Council’s liabilities, said the overdraft still had to be 1 bald for, ' whether ’• they separated or not. . .Chairman“‘said it would be a r step, in .the right, direction if it’ was divided; into two counties. Mr D. Drnmmibnd thought the perso|inesl, of the present Council should pe altei'ed bV s 'electing 'new' members. 1 Mr EVerett said that to divide the district, as suggested would be a revern to, the old Road Board system. The area on this side was not large' to administer to advantage as . the plerical expenses would absorb at least one third of thp ( ! rates! Besides there weve expensive ioads to be maintained bv a poor district. It was nltiihately resolved on the motion of Mr Drummond, seconded by Mr Herrick, That' branch can pot support the suggestion. With reference to the suggestion as to branches communicating with each other, it was resolved, That this branch approves of the suggestion. : The Secretary, Mr Eyerett, read a letter from the President, Mr Wilson, with reference to the establishment of a co-operative produce depot at Wellington. A long discussion took place, those present recognising the desirability of establishing sach a central market. It was unanimously agreed, on the motiop of Mr' Wratt, seconded by Mr James, That this branch entirely agrees with the suggestions contained in the circular, and falls in With the same. The circular with reference to the forthcoming election and the attitude of candidates towards the Union’s platform was .read and ■ consideration deferred. This concluded the business. At 1 the monthly meeting of the, Upper > Moutere branch of the Farmers Union, a resolution was passed, strongly protesting against the proposals of the Waimea County Council, to impose taxes on wagons and engines, also the compulsory width Of tyres. The meeting considered that for ‘wagons tarrying three tons or under, four inch tyres were broad enough, and for heavier traffic five inches. Another important matter affecting the district arid ■ the Surrounding settlements Was brought up at the meeting was the "proposal for a new road over the Moutere Hills. Cr Beuke supplied the meeting with in - formation that the Criunty Engineer had made a survey of the proposed route, and estimated the cost, at about .£2,500. It was resolved that petitions be seut .to the,districts most interested, for the purpose of applying to the Government for a giant for the road. The value of a new road, of good grade and less distance ran hardly be dverestimatpd, to all who travel overland o Nelson.