N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 230, 29 March 1928, Page 5

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

PUTARURU BRANCH. Annual General Meeting. The annual general meeting- of the Putaruru branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union took place last Saturday, Mr. A. R. Vosper (.vicepresident) being in the chair. Mr. Vosper apologised for the absence of the president (Mr. G. G. Griffiths) and also the treasurer (Mr. J. R. O. Lochhead), both of whom had suddenly been called away to Auckland, on Town Board business. Motions of Sympathy.

Before commencing business Mr. Vosper reminded members that one of their number had recently passed away in the person of Mr. Connor, and asked members to pass the usual motion of sympathy in silence.

The chairman also mentioned the fact that two other members were in. hospital, and asked that instructions be given to the secretary to forward the union’s sympathy and wish them a speedy recovery. Rural Credit Act. A discussion then took place over the Intermediate Credit Act. The secretary pointed out that part lI.A of the Bill was against the wishes of the union, as this part, allowing farmers to apply direct to the board, was not included in the Commission’s report. The Commission’s report recommended the formation of. cooperative rural intermediate credit associations, the idea being to get the farmers to co-operate for their mutual benefit, but adding part lI.A to the Bill would tend to keep farmers apart and keep them travelling on those individualistic lines which have proved so detrimental to their interests. Protest Agreed To. On the motion of Messrs. Addenbrook and! Truss it was decided to urge the Dominion and Auckland executives to protest against part lI.A of the- Bill. Mr. Addenbrooke considered that the formation of an association at Putaruru should be held over for the time being. Mr. Milne said that farmers would not rush this matter, and when farmers knew more about it it would be time to act. Other members concurred with these views. Election of Officers. In moving that Mr. Griffiths be reappointed as president of the Putaruru branch Mr. Vosper said Mr. Griffiths had been instrumental in putting new life into the Putaruru organisation.

Mr. White seconded the motion and hoped that the new life Mr. Griffiths had put into the Putaruru branch would continue during the coming year.

All other members agreed with Mr. Vosper’s remarks. Mr. Vosper was re-appointed vicepresident. All the retiring members of the executive, Messrs. White, Peters, Addenbrooke, Jones and Scott, were re-appointed, as also were the treasurer (Mr. J. R. O. Lochhead) and the secretary (Mr. L. M. Nicklin).

Secretary’s Appeal. In accepting office again the secretary asked the members to give a little more time to union matters and also to make more use of the union- than they had done in the past. For instance, he was prepared to visit the districts of Tapapa, Tokoroa, Lichfield, Waotu and Puketurua and give them all the information he could on the Rural Credits Bill. No matter if only three or four farmers required the information he would go, but the farmers must first ask and the union would do the rest. Hamilton Conference. The sending of a delegate:- to the .Hamilton conference was discussed and it was unanimously agreed cji ‘the motion of Messrs. W. Hildri.th ! and L. S. Addenbrooke, that the ’ secretary represen thp- Putaruru branch at the forthcoming conference. Time of Meetings. The hour for which meetings were called was the subject of quite a little discussion arjd it was evident that it was impossible t.o name a time that would suit all the farmers, so it was decided that meetings be held on the fosarth Saturday in each month at 11 ajju