FARMERS' UNION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 190, 28 April 1914, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

The Pukekohe Branch. Thoae present at the annual meeting of the Pukekohe branch of the Famers' Union, held Ob Saturday evening, were Messrs J. Schlaepfer (president, in the chair), H. H. West, D F. Keene, G. Beatty, D. R. Hamilton, R. Schlaepfer, J. W. Johns, J. Baxter and W. Muare. Owing to local circumstances this branch did not see its way clear to support the proposed Auctioneering Co. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:

President, Mr J, Schlaepfer. Vice-president*, Messrs J. W. Johns and A. E. Wilkinson. Committee: Messrs K. S'Maepfer, J. Pollock, G. Beatty, H. Keith, W. Moore, C. K. Lawrie, T. Hogan, D. F. Keene.

Secietary and treasurer, Mr D. R Hamilton. Auditor, Mr R. J. Eames. Delegate to conference, Mr D. R Hamilton.

.Remits to Conference were as follows:—That the Government be asked to consider the question of State quarries; that Government be asked to grant better facilities to carry metal for local bodies, such as special trucks and special trains. It was decided to postpone the annual dinner until Jure. Messrs Schlaepfer, D. R. Hamilton, J. W. Johns, J. Pollock, A. E Wilkinson, J. H. Keith and J. Baxter were appointed a committee to carry out the arrangements.

The secretary (Mr Hamilton) read his annual repoit as follows: "The year that has just passed has been an eventful one in the history of the Farmers' Union all over New Zealand. The crieis that occurred during the strike proved the necessity of such an organisation for the purpose ot lookicg after the interests of the farming community in this country, and this branch assisted the movement of sending specials to Auckland to help in keeping law and order. "During the year this branch has been endeavouring to secure better railway facilities to Pukekohe. It'has also co-operated with the Chamber of Commerce in trying to get auctioneers' cheques to be payable in this district free of exchange. "A number of experiments in forage crops have beea conducted by Air Schlaenfer, the president, on behalf of this branch, under the direction of the Government Agricultural Department. These experiments have been very successful and reflect great credit on the thorough manner in which the president has undertaken them.

"Mr Lyons, of the Government Veterinary Department, delivered a lecture on the diseases of cattle and pigs. "During the year fourteen new members joined, making the total membership forty-three; but it is with regret we have to state that the farmers of this district do not take as keen an interest in the affairs of the local branch as we vould like to see. If the farmers do not take a united stand and cooperate together for the protection of their rights and privileges, they may rest assured that the principal industry of this Dominion will not receive the justice and encouragement to which it is entitled."