N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 248, 2 August 1928, Page 6

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

PUTARURU MEETING. The usual monthly meeting of the Putaruru Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday, July 28. Rotorua Excursion. The District Traffic Manager, Auckland, wrote saying that the farmers’ excursion to Rotorua on Friday, June 22, just paid its way. Several members regretted that the excursion was not better patronised, even though the day was cold and windy, as those that went thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Time of Meeting.

A thorough discussion took place over the time of meeting. It was contended that 11 a.m. was very awkward, as it prevented work being started before the meeting, and left very little time in the afternoon to do anything. The chairman (Mr. Vosper) said that the morning meeting was originally selected in order to give members living some distance out a chance to attend, as if held in the afternoon it meant leaving a meeting early in order to get back to their herds.

Others thought that the difficulty could be overcome by starting the meeting at 1 p.m., which would coincide with the time the Women’s Division held Their meetings. This, too, had its drawbacks as quite a lot of farmers either took part in some kind of sports, or else desired to see the games played. Eventually it was decided, on the motion of Messrs. Addenbrooke and Morris, to call meetings in the evening, at 8 p.m., on the fourth Thursday in the month. It was also suggested that the members of the Women’s Division be invited to attend the next meeting.

In order to induce members to attend the evening meetings hot coffee and tea and biscuits are to be provided.

The secretary urged members to give the evening meeting a fair trial, as nothing was so disappointing as a poor attendance, and members should remember that the union could not help them unless they were prepared to help the union. Mr. Wild’s Lecture.

The chairman said that a very interesting lecture was delivered by Mr. Wild, of the Department of Agriculture, about a fortnight ago, and he was sorry to say that the attendance was poor, considering the importance of the lecture. He understood that Mr. Wild was anxious to carry out experiments in the districts of Tolcoroa, Waotu and Lichfield if he could get the right kind of paddocks, and the farmers concerned did not object to going to a bit of trouble themselves. The secretary was instructed to get in touch with farmers in the abovementioned districts to see if experiments with certain manures could be carried out. So far Messrs. B. G. Goebel and F. Peters, Puketurua, have set aside paddocks of grass for experimental purposes under the supervision of Mr. Wild, and these experiments will be watched very keenly by local farmers. Rabbit Board. Canvassing is now going on and the whole district will have been canvassed by the end of next week, and if sufficient signatures have been obtained the petition will be forwarded to Wellington without further delay.

New Member. Mr. Douglas, of Waotu, was elected a member of the local branch.