N.Z. FARMERS UNION.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 278, 7 March 1929, Page 1

N.Z. FARMERS UNION.

PUTARURU BRANCH. The last monthly meeting of the Putaruru branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was attended by the largest gathering of members since the branch was resuscitated. Mr. G. G. Griffiths presided, and discussion was so animated that the meeting did not close until midnight. A letter from the Provincial Committee in regard to the erection of extra killing space by a proprietary freezing works in Auckland drew some pointed comment. The secretary (Mr. L. M. Nicklin) stated that the extra hooks had been erected in defiance of the Government permit, and if farmers did not stand to their guns their own Westfield works would be crushed out of existence. Mr. Scott thought the meeting should take some action, as trusts were getting a big hold, and it would end in farmers getting only what buyers liked to give. The secretary: This trust can nowput through 500 more sheep per day than their license entitles them to. He suggested they protest to Mr. Lysnar, M.P., and the Minister of Agriculture. Mr. W. Baldwin thought most farmers preferred a straight out price in the paddock to selling on the hooks. Mr. Vosper: It’s the ready cash which attracts them. The secretary explained that farmers could sell either way to their own works. Mr. H. Baldwin: Can the farmers expand their works? The secretary: Yes; they have ample room. Mr. Tomalin: Farmers deserve all they get for not attending to their own business. (Hear, hear). Mr. Goebel pointed out that part of the trouble was that some of the big landowners were shareholders in the trust.

Mr. Scott mentioned that he knew of a shipment of stock which was sent half to the farmers’ works and half to the trust. The returns showed that 4s per head more was obtained from /the" farmers’ works. The meeting then decided to forward protests to Mr. Lysnar, M.P., the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. C. K. Clinkard, M.P., and to advise the Provincial Committee of the action taken. Sports and Picnic. The financial statement of the recent farmers’ sports and picnic showed that a profit of £l4 13s had been made. Cash-on-Delivery. A short discussion c-n the C.O.D. method of importing goods resulted in the matter being held over for further consideration. A member: They won’t do a lively business in Putaruru. (Laughter). Gift of Medal. During a discussion on next year’s sports and picnic, Mr. J. Dowd stated he would be pleased to donate a gold medal for an event to be chosen by himself. The offer was received with warm applause.