N.Z. Farmers’ Union.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 250, 16 August 1928, Page 6

N.Z. Farmers’ Union.

MATAMATA BRANCH. The monthly meeting of the Matamata branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday night. There were present : Messrs. T. Prowse (president), P. Finlayson, J. W. Simpson, J. E. West, H. Rollett, H. Seed, A. S. Thirlwall and the secretary (Mr. A. J. Tong). Mr. J. Pickup, of Waharoa, attended in connection with reorganisation of the Waharoa branch. ■ Preferential Freights.

Mr. Rollett spoke in support of a remit from the executive protesting against the preferential freights on the railway for the purpose of discriminating against imported goods. All such impositions should be put on by customs tariff, thus avoiding the present penalising of country people. Post Office Clock. Representations were received from the Matamata Chamber of Commerce asking for support in the request that I Matamata post office clock be placed in such a position as to be visible to the public at night time. Mr. Rollett supported the proposal, pointing out that it would certainly be serviceable for farmers and others to be able to see the clock at night time. The one at Tirau was visible night and day to the public. Other members spoke along similar lines. Mr. West moved and Mr. Prowse seconded a motion that the chamber’s request be supported.—Carried. Telephone Information. Mr. took exception to the view of the chief telephone engineer

that general information should not be given by the telephone officials over the telephone. Such a service was very welcome to country residents. He moved that Mr. F. F. Kockly, M.P., be written to on the matter. He contended that there was no more work placed upon the staff, for if they could not give the information he would then ring some other source of information. Mr. Rollett’s views found general support. The motion was carried. Waharoa. Regarding Waharoa, Mr. Prowse said Matamata was willing to fall in with any reasonable arrangement with Waharoa, such as holding meetings at each place alternately. Mr. J. Pickup reported that it would be necessary to call a meeting at Waharoa to get the movement under way. There appeared to be only a few interested. It was decided to hold . a meeting at Waharoa.