ILL FARMERS’ UNION.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 287, 9 May 1929, Page 6

ILL FARMERS’ UNION.

MATAMATA BRANCH. The annual meeting of the Matamatu branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held in the Farmers Hall on Wednesday, the president, Mr. T. H. Prowse, being in the chair. There were about 30 present. The chairman apologised for the absence of Messrs. A. R. Vosper, president of the Putaruru branch, H. C. Rollett, J. E. West, D. B. Higgins and Bowler brothers. He also extended a hearty welcome to Messrs. J. W. Anderson, chairman of the Matamata County Council, and W. H. Allen, ex-president of the Tirau branch of the Farmers’ Union. Pater in the meeting Messrs. S. H. Judd, chairman of the Pig Marketing Association, and W. S. Wilson, a member of the Matamata County Council, also attended. Report. In. his report the chairman stated that the branch had been instrumental in securing the removal of the stock inspector from Cambridge to Matamata. Efforts had been made to get a farm school and he was pleased to state that there was every likelihood of this coming to pass next month. Improvements had been secured to the cattle yards at the station, A visit had been made during the year by the provincial organiser, but though new members bad been enrolled the branch had not benefited by bigger meetings. En-

deavours had. been made to arrive at an understanding with Waharoa in regard to an amalgamation with a view to strengthening the movement ! in the district. Though two meetings j had been held and a postal ballot i taken the paucity of numbers in - each case was most disappointing. IHe thought they had gone to the j limit in this direction and the matter j was still in the air. ! ! Financial Statement. The financial statement showed a i deficit of £159 9s 3d on the yfear’s !; working. The amount outstanding ;at March 31, 1928, was £ll7 14s, j while during the year payments to [ the amount of £7O Os 3d had been ’ ; made. /The biggest of these were : Sewerage on hall, £34; interest, £ll 2s; rates, £9 9s 7d; lighting, £5 5s 6d. Assets comprised hall and section, £500; furniture, £10; outstanding dues and hall hire, £3l; total, £541. Outstanding accounts totalled £ll 1 17s, making the total liabilities £l7l I 6s 3d. j f The report and balance-sheet, subj ject to audit, were adopted, on the j motion of Messrs Simpson and i Gunn. Farm Schools. f The Department of Agriculture advised that it was proposed to hold a farm school at Matamata and at three other centres in the Hamilton district during June. One day would be given to each centre and three lectures would be given. In al 1 probability the speakers would be Messrs. Fawcett, SmalLfield and Bruce Levy.—Received.

Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted as follows;—President, Mr. T. H. Prowse; vice-president, Mr. G. H. Seed; auditor, Mr. E. C. Banks, senr.; executive, Messrs. P. Findlayson, junr., W. P. Eyan, W. E. Wilson, T. H. Prowse, G. H. Seed, H. C. Eollett, W. Were, J. Price, H. Sutherland, J. E. West and J. Simpson. At half-time the meeting adjourned for supper, after which the following short toast list was gone through: The King, Mr. T. H. Prowse; “The President,” Mr. J. W. Simpson; “ Kindred Bodies,” Mr. T. H. Prowse—Messrs. W. S. Wilson, W. H. Allen and B. C. Taylor; “ The Press,” Mr. A. J. Tong—Mr. G. G. Griffiths. During the evening items were given by the following; Mr. Bigley, song; Mr. J. F. Wells, recitation; Mr. Cassin, song. The pianist was Mr. P. Ingham.