FARMERS' UNION.

Otaki Mail, 31 March 1923, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

MANAKAU BRANCH. The nnnaul general meeting of tlii above was held on Friday, 23rd, the President of the branch (Mr F. E. Bur nell) presiding. Others present were: Messrs Cottle, C. Evans, Scholes, Aplin McSavnoy, S. Simcox, Little, L. Atkins, Bryant, Swainson and P. Simcox. After the minutes of the last annua) general meeting had been read and confirmed Mr Burnell delivered his ad dress as President, which was received with applause. The Treasurer (Mr W. H. Little) tendered his resignation, and read his ; balance-sheet which showed a credit ol £3 13s "d. I It was decided to hold the monthb I meetings for the coming season, on the second Thursday in each mouth. It was also decided to hold severai lectures during the winter, these to bi arranged for by the secretary- with officers from the Agricultural Depart meat. It was also decided to hold the Farmers' "Union dance as usual, at n date to be arranged. Election of officers resulted—Mr F, E. Burnell, President; Mr G. H. Bryant, Vice-President; Committee, Messrs Swainson, Inge and Clifford; Delegate and auditor, Mr L. H. Atkins; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr P. Simcox. Report. The President's report was as follows: "It gives the Committee great pleasure to once again welcome you at this —our fourth annual general —meeting. Although the summer has been anything but seasonable still, on the whole, we have much to be thankful for. Dur in.g the year just ended nine montkh meetings were held, the average at-, tendance being ten, as compared with fourteen for the previous year. Dur ing the same period seven executive meetings were held, all of which oui delegate, Mr 1,. H. Atkins, was able to be present. During the year we have been unfortunate in loosing several of our members, notably Mr Duucum, who has moved to Carnarvon. Mr Duncui"

wos one of our most active members, and always had the interests of the branch at heart. On September 241! Mr Buxton, Dominion Organiser, paid us a two days' visit. As a result of his canvass of the district we have eleven new members. The Committee hope to see these men take a liveL interest iu Farmers' Union matters. and that they will become enthusiastic useful members. During the winter our annual dance was held. Unfortunately a very wet night was cxperiene ed, so the following the evening a progressive euchre party was held. Botl evenings were thoroughly onjoyed. though, financially, they were not as successful as on previous occasion.-. These dances have become quite a fi> - ture and your outgoing committee hop ■• to see another one held during thi winter. On July 13th Mr Leslie Adkin, from Levin, paid our branch a visi by invitation, and delivered a most in foresting address on the geological for mation of the West Coast. Quite a number of ladies took an interest hi this meeting, supper was provided an-.! it was hoped by those present tha : more evenings might be spent in a lite , manner. It is worthy »f note tha' | during the year the sub-provincial i-' Palmerston has been done away witl and Manawat-u has now become a Pre vineial Executive. One of the chic benefits is the financial saving as a ri suit of the adoption of this method For some time, owing to the formation of a Dairy Farmers' Union in an'' around Palmerston, the N.Z.F.U. wa threatened with a very sefious lo*s of membership. Attempts were made I ■ affiliate but without success. We are glad to be able to report that the N.Z. Farmers' Union emerged stronger than ever. It is to be hoped that the day is not. far distant when all producers will be combined—both for their own protection and also for the general good; not for offensive, but for defensive purposes, and to see that the pro dueer. whether of fruit, eggs, or butter, obtains a. fair market value lor hi produce—a price that will return him an adequate wage for his labour. Iu connection with this great question of affiliation it is with pleasure wo note that just recently, at a meeting of the Fruit Growers' Association of Nev. Zealand, held at Nelson, the Association decided tp link up with the N.Z. Farmers' Union. Owing to the local tranches efforts very necessary repairs and alterations have twice been made to the stock-loading yards. The usual visit to the Central Development Farm took place during the winter, and the day proved instructive as well as enjoyable.. So far as our local branch is concerned there are two matters of ini pwtnnce to consider at an early date. The foremost one relates to the question of niemb?;s' subscriptions. Foi the past two years our members were timorigst (lie more enterprising and a-jopted the gri-ouated systsm of payment. It is now problematical if this is in the best interests of the Society. It is for members to decide. The other question relates to the returned soldiers. As, no doubt, most ot you know returned soldiers were made welcomo to all branches of the Farmers' Union throughout Now Zealand, as honorary members with full powers of voting for a period of two years. This branch extended, the period for n third year, which expired last Friday. In conclusion, gentlemen, your- committee wish once again to thank our delegate (Mr Atkins), by whose means we artkept in touch with the Executive, of Palmerston North. Mr Alkins Spares no pains in his work, and always gives a good account of meetings he has attended. We wish the incoming officeholders every success for the coming year.—F. E. BURNELL, Chairman. For the Committee, P. Simcox, Hon. fcec.