THE FARMERS' UNION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 94, 20 May 1913, Page 2

THE FARMERS' UNION.

Pukekohe Branch. The annual meeting of the Pukekohe branch was held "on Saturday ' night; present—Mecsrs J. Schlaepfer (President, h tha chair), J. W. Johns, T. Ilogan, G. Beatty, E. McGough. J. Baxter, H. Keith, D. R. Hamilton, R. Sclilsepfer, L. Bayly, A. E. Wilkinson, R. Dell, and D. R, Hamilton (secretary). The balance sheet showed receipts at £B, and the biggest item of expenditure was £4 to the Uniou hvy. lhcie waa a debit 18s Bd, as against 183 5J last year. OFFICE BEARERS. Office bearers were appointed as follows: President —Mr J. Schlaepfer (re-elected). Vice-Presiienta Messrs A. E. Wilkinson and J. W. Johns, '.ommittee—Messrs Hcgan, Luwrie. Jacob Schlaepfer, G. Beatty, fl. Stuatt, L. Bayly, li. Keith. E. McGough. Auditor—Mr R. J. Eamec. ' Secretary an 3 Treasurer—Mr D. > R. Hamilton. ■ to Conference-Messrs Schlaepfer and Hamilton. Messrs Baxter, W. Adams, S. Boyd, D. Fausett and Leo Biliey were elected as members. • The annual report stated:— "Although the year that is pant has been a quiet one in tha history of this branch, still tne officer j have kept the interest of the agricultural community steadily in view. "This branch got samples of new potatoes from the State Agricultural Department, and four of its membErs experimented on the suitability' of thesa vaiieties for this district., However, so far the new varieties have rot proved as hardy or prolific ai the varieties already grown. This branch was also the first to move in the question of an Agricultural College in ti:e Lower Waikato; and we were informed that cur representations would receive equal consideration with tha claims of otber districts; however, owing to the financial stringency at present, this matter is postponed by tlie Government "There are many farmers h (his district who for various reasons will not bec.me members of the Union, yet these men look to the Union and expect il to initiate every movement for the advancement of the local agricultural interests. A case in point was the endeavour to establish a VcUrinary Club in Pukekohs and surrcunding districts. After the • receipt of numerous requests tho President and Secretary decided to convene a public meeting to discuss the mutter. As a result of this meeting a committee was set up to canvass the district and endeavour to form such a club, as tin local branch was unable to take any further steps i;i thn matter. "These matters have entailed considerate correspondence sr.cl work for the secretary. "During the jcar 21 new members have j lined this branch. This in-crea-e has been brought about by V 1 * the Trading and Indenting Association, ai Association that is making rapid strides. ' We conclude this report by asking farmers to take a mere live interest in their Union, the Farmers' Union being an ever-vigilant sentinel that keeps a constant watch and v a:d over the ii-I:rcsta of agriculture." Consideration whs fivon tj tin experinmit.il phis proposal, submitted hy Mr (J. S. I!;>_\ lit<, Fi lCs' Inslructoi. An outline of the scheme «• wi'l be published in our next issue.