FARMERS' UNION

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 160, 20 March 1939, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION

UHE ANNUAL MEETING' MR. -E. THOMPTON PRESIDENT The annual meeting of the Opotiki Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was lieldl in the secretary’s office on Saturday. The. minutes as read by the secretary (Mr. T. H. Pearson) were confirmed. The president then presented his annual report and the balance-sheet was read by the secretary. The report and balancesheet were adapted, the balance-sheet showing a small credit balance. Mi*. Carter, area, officer, was in attendance at the meeting and spoke oil a number of questions. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted : President, Mr. E. Thompson. Mr.' Holland expressed! regret at Mr. Martin’s decision not to' seek reelection. In reply Mr. Martin said lie would continue to do his best in the interests of the union. Vice-presidents, Messrs. J. H. Hoiman and G. F. Joblin. Committee, Messrs. H. Bridge, C. J. Hollard, G. W. Lowe, G. Bennett, M. Stevenson, Walclman and officers. Delegates to Sub-Provincial Annual Conference: Messrs. Thompson, Joblin, Bridge and Holman. Delegates to Sub-Provincial Executive Meetings, Messrs. R. Looney, E. Thompson and Holman. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. T. H.. Pearson.

Hon. Auditor, Mr. J. T. Merry.— Oil the motion c-f Mr. Martin it was decided to write to Mr. Merry expressing appreciation of his services.

Visit by President.—Mr. Martin .stated that the president of the .'Auckland Union, Capt. Rushworth, would, make a tour of the province ami would visit Opotiki on 12th. April Mr. Rusliworth’s health had greatly improved since his operation.—lt was decided to hold a public meeting and a committee was appointed to make arrangements. Unionism.—A lengthy discussion took place, in connection with compulsory unionism and it was finally decided to take no action in the limiter. Young Farmers’ Club.—Mr. Martin referred to a suggestion that there should be more co-operation between members of the Young Farmers’ Club and the union branch. It. was decided to invite members of the Young Farmers’ Club to 'attend meeting of the Union. Mr. Carter appealed for assistance from all those present in organising. A vote of thanks to the chair closed* the meeting. THE ANNUAL REPORT The retiring president, Mr. A. EMartiu, reported as follows: It is with much regret I have to report the very unfavourable position of the farmers during the last season. The season just past lias been one of the worst from a. production point of view that we have had for many years. Your union has been very active in all matters that, concern the welfare of the farming community. Chief among the items dealt with is the continuation of the railway from Taneatua to Opotiki. We have received promises a plenty but very little exe~eution of the work necessary to bring, the line to Opotiki. The derating of farm lands for loading purposes has been pressed for by your union and we see no reason, why the users of the roads should not construct and maintain all roads used by them." The Farmers’ Union was asked, but* did not. take part in tlie fixation oL : prices for the cartage of goods. Wo* believe that it is impossible to lix. reasonable prices when the roads and. other* conditions vary so greatly. However we hope that all increases in cartage costs will be taken into account when next year’s guaranteed prices for butter are fixed. Your executive lias been very active in trying to> bring about an improvement in the main roads in this district which we consider are about the worst in New Zealand. One can travel elsewhere and find much work being, done in sealing and improving alignments and I would! recommend the incoming executive to press- for someimmediate action being taken in regard to the sealing of our main readsMany other matters of local* interest have been dealt with. The sub-pro-vinca,l meetings have been attended bv yoiu* delegates and much useful

work has boon done- at those sub-pro-vincial meetings. The membership of the brancli has been maintained fairly well but there are. still a large number of farmers, who are not in the l uion. This is most regrettable as all other sections of the community are in f ilions and are able to force their claims for higher wages and better conditions. It is obvious that these have to he taken at the expense of some other body not .so -well organised.. . which 1 am sorry to sav is the farmers of this country. In conclusion I would like to thank all the in embers of the executive 1 tor thair loyal support during the year.