FARMERS' UNION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 62, 28 July 1915, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION.

Meeting of Waiuku Branch*

Mr A. Hull, president, was in the chair at the monthly meeting; of the Waiuku branch of the farmers' Union held on Friday evening laßt. Alter the minutes had been read by the secretary, Mr H. 0. Mellsopp, and bad been confirmed, a letter was read fram Mr A. Scbmitt, secretary ol the Auckland Provincial Executive, in connection with a scheme for the formation of a superphosphate and sulphuric acid manufactury to ba established for the benefit of farmers. The Executive has passed a resolution toat they considered tbe proposals of tbe promoters, Messrs Crooks and Deakes, to be satisfactory; that the farmers should tuppurt the Company and subscribe the necessary capital for starting same, providing the farmers have the controlling interest, 60 per cent; if tbat amount is not subscribed tbat previous application be void; tbut the time to notify intention to subscribe be extended to September 30th; and that before cash is saked for from farmers they be satisfied that contracts will be made for supplies.—The president said tbat the executive had appointed a committee and apparently tbat committee was satisfied with the proposals of tbe company. He bad heard the proposals and on tbe face of them they could guarantee a reduction in the price of superphosphate of £1 per ton. He considered ' tbe branch would be wise to obtain further information on the matter.— In reply to a question, tbe president said the phosphate deposits were somewhere in (he Pacific Islands.— Mr S. N. West: Have you heard about tbe Government going to import superphosphate, to be brought hack by transports, and landed on tho whnrf at about £2 15s per ton?—Mr Wallace said the j deposits to ba worked by the Government were up north.—The president

said he uiiderstojd that the deposits wculJ have t > be treated. —Mr West: ibis 19 already ready.- Mr Melisop: I wouldn't mind taking a ton or two at the price.—Mr West suggested that the secretary should write for more information on the subject.—The president: If we get Mr Schmitt to come up bere be could give us all the information—Mr Melisop: There are ether matters on which Mr Schmitt could give us information at the same time.—On the motion of Messrs Wallace ar.d West it was decided that Mr Schmitt be invited to attend the August meeting of the branch. ANNUAL CELEBRAIION. Mr Melisop asked if it was intended to hold the annual conceit and supper similar to that held last year. Mr West said he thought it would b2 better to drop it thi3 year, taking into consideration the present condition of affairs. Mr Melisop said that last years function had brought the Union into prominence and gained for them a lot of new members, In reply to a question, it was explained that last year a concert was held, for which thera was a charge for admission, and that a supper followed, to which members and their ladv friends were admitted on payment of a certain fee. Mr Bent gave it a3 his opinion that ?he branch was nut out of pocKet over last year's function, it would be as well to go on with it this year. The presiJent pointed out that some of those who had rs3isted in working up last year's function were not present that evecirg. Mr Bent said that if it wa3 not putting the matter off until too late it would be well to let members know that the matter would be considered at next meeting. He moved to t&at effect. This was seconded by Mr Wallace and carried. WAR TAX.

Mr Uent asked the president it lio could ft-11 them anything about the suggested war tax. He said people were always referring to a war tax <;n land, but what about those peopl? wbo owned the hig warehouses'/ How was it proposed to get at them? The president said the matter of a war tax was discussed at the last conference, and it was generally admitted that there would have to b3 a war tax and that the incomes and land would have to cany the greater part of the burden. No action was taken in the matter.

VETERINARY SURGEON. The secretary read a letter that bad been sent to Mr West, the former secretary, from Mr Woods, of Te Kopuru, regarding the difficulty of obtaining a veterinary surgeon. Mr Mellsop pointed out that the trouble of eccuring vets, was apparently not confined to this district. After a 1 itlle further discussion the meeting adjourned with the usual compliment to the chairman.