N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 234, 26 April 1928, Page 3

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

MATAMATA BRANCH. The postponed meeting of the Matamata branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held on Wednesday, Mr. T. Prowse presiding in the absence of the president, Mr. H. Rollett, owing to illness. There were also present : Messrs. J. W. Simpson, E. and A. Bowler, J. E. West, J. Were, G. Seed, M. Madill, J. Cranswick, D. B. Higgins, H. Sutherland and A. J. Tong (secretary). The date for holding the annual meeting was discussed and it was agreed that the function be held on Wednesday, May 9, instead of Saturday, May 4, as previously arranged, as it was considered that, if the secretary and executive officers from Auckland were able to be present, May 9 would be a more suitable date for them.

On Mr. Higgins’ suggestion it was resolved that Mr. S. H. Judd be invited to the meeting to give an address on the progress of the pigmarketing scheme. Messrs. H. Rollett, J. W. Simpson, G. Seed, J. Were and T. Prowse were appointed a special committee to attend to details of the above meeting and social evening.

Farmers’ Political Party. A circular and handbill from the Country Political League was before the meeting. The circular gave a rough outline of the party’s platform and stated that a meeting convened by Mr. R. H. Feisst (Cambridge) would be held shortly in Matamata. No action was taken. Conference at Hamilton. Notification was received of the annual provincial conference to be held at Hamilton on May 22. The question of a delegate and of remits from the branch was- deferred for discussion at the annual meeting. Arbitration Court. Mr. Higgins stated that he had been informed that the Farmers’ Union was endeavouring to get the farmers’ industries placed under the Arbitration Act. The speaker did not agree with the proposal and pointed out the disadvantage to the farming industry if the idea was carried out. He considered that the union was on the wrong track. Messrs. Simpson and A. Bowler supported Mr. Higgins’ remarks, the former stating he understood that it was the Labourers’ Union that was moving in the direction referred to.

After further discussion the secretary was instructed to write to the secretary of the Auckland executive in order to ascertain the true facts of the position. Branch’s Finance. The question of increasing the branch’s allocation of 5s per member to 7s 6d was recently placed before the Auckland executive. In reply to a question by Mr. A. Bowler the secretary stated that no reply had yet been received. Mr. Bowler said that possibly the executive was under the impression that the Matamata branch was included in the sub-provincial area. He understood that it was still outside the area. The matter will be inquired into at U’e annual meeting. Anzac Day Celebration. In response to a request from Mr. J. Buchanan, chairman of the Matamata Town Board, Mr. H. Rollett was deputed the union’s representative to place the wreath on the Cenotaph at the memorial celebrations on Anzac Day. Cleaning of Hall. As a result of complaints about the condition of the hall after its use by certain lessees it was decided that in cases where the building was not left in the condition it should be an extra charge of 2s 6d should be imposed. Rural Credits. Referring to the recent meeting of farmers on the above subject, Mr. Higgins asked if the union was going to let the matter drop. There appeared to be an impression that a portion of the Act on which the Commission had placed great importance was being cut out by the district boards. This portion dealt with the question of guarantors. Originally the proposal was to allow any reputable person to act as a guarantor, but now it was stated that only a company could act in that capacity. Mr. Simpson said that a father in a good financial position should be able to guarantee his own son, and he suggested that Mr. Snell be invited to attend the annual meeting. This was agreed to.