FARMERS' UNION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 84, 17 September 1915, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

Meetinci of the Executive The monthly meetirg of the Exe cutive of the Farmers' Unior (Auckland frovmce) was held or Wednesday, 15th inst., when the following members were present:— Mr A. A. Ko*s (chair), Majoi Lusk, Messrs J. C. Allen, J. E. Makgill, J. S. Montgomery, Ja». Boidie, C. M. Alexander, R. D. Duxfield and the Provincial Secretary. " A considerable amount of correspondence was dealt with, amongst which were letters from branches requesting the Executive to take some measures to ensure the weighing of fat st'jck Et Westfield saleyarcs. As was pointed out, this matter has fad the attention of the Executive for some time past, and has been the subject of a remit to the Dominion Conference. A petition was also sent to the Auckland Stock Auctioneers' Association, which was widely signed by prominent farmers and graziers throughout the p-ovince. The Association, tnwevcr, received the p tiii n very apathetically, and a letter was addressed to the Executive of the Urion to the elfcct that the Association considered weighing machinery unnecessary, and, furthermore, intimated that if the farmers wanted to have the machinery installed, they might at least offer to bsar the cost. The Provincial Secretary fo the Farmers' Union was therefore instructed to ascertsin the approximate cost ot installing weighing machinery at Westfield saleyards, and the price also to include the necessary alteration to the yards.. Several letters were read from branches appreciating tb.2 idea of having selection committees in each disirict fur the purpose ot organising the labour in case a shortage should, occur duiing the harvest, cr any tin.e in the future. Mr Alexander, of Te Awamutu, pointed cut that there appeared to be a likelihood tbat in his district ttere would b3 an alarming shortage ef labour for the harvest, and hs moved that the branches of the Union be circularised pointing out tbat the Executive thought tie position would become serious, and urging a move being made to form selection committees, as suggested, in every district, and also recommending that tne Maoris be organised. It was also decided to write to the Labour Department pointing out that Maori labour might be also organised. Two resolutions from the Dominion Office, as fullows, were received—l. That Provincial Executives be urged to appoint inspection committees to visit the wharves ii their respective Provinces at convenient intervale, and where necessary to suggest improvements for the handling ot produce. 2. I'hat the Provincial Executives forego levies of members of branches who are serving with Expedilonary Forces, and that the Dominion Executive be asked to forego Dominion levy on such members. It waa resolved that a committee consisting of Messrs Makgill, Allen, Duxfield and ths secretary be constituted for the purpose of inspecting the wharves. The second resolution wes endorsed. A latere number of replies were read fropi members of Parliament to whom a copy of the resolution passed on the Budget bv the Provincial Executive was sent. The secretary was instructed to write to those members who had frankly given their opinion, expressing appreciation of their candour. - Breeders and Graziers' Branch. A meeting of the Central Committee of the Breeders' ad Graziers' branch was hi Id in (lie Albert street rooms of the Farmers' Union on Wednesday last. There were present: Major Lusk. in the chair, and Messrs J. C. Allen, McGregor, Makgill, Waring and Wily. Correspondence was read from Mr McGhee, of Paengaroa, to a Jersey heifer having been condemned at the Farmers' Freezing Works. It was stated that the inspector admitted that the meat wasof excellent quality, and it was condemned solely upon account of its colour. As a result the value ot tne meat was depreciated by lAd per lb. —The chairman stated that the matter was one of importance in view of the number of Jersey cattle fattening for freezing. He had been of opinion that meat was only condemned for disease, and a definite understanding ought to be arrived at with the * government Meat Exporting Department as lo what course was going to be pursued in the future, in order tbat farmers might know exactly how they stood. He had now arranged with Mr Kaikes to view the carcase at the Freezing Works, and to confer with him afterwards.—The chairman's action was endorsed. Mr i'ntts, of Cambridge, sent in his resignation as a member of the Central Committee.—Accepted with regret. The chairman reported that ho had ) now arranged with the Executive of thu Farmers' Union that the Uraizers' Branch should take over from the Trading Association all dealings with live and dead clock.— It was resolved thai branches should be advised by circular, and members be requested to send to the Central Graziers' Committee particulars of all stock Ihey had for sale or exchange. A discussion ttJk place as to whether the Committee should recommend members of the branch to take Bhares in the Phosphate Company. It was ultimately decided to refer the matter to the Farmers' Union Executive, with the recommendation tbat the whole ot the members ui the Union should have certain matters connected with the proposed Company brought under their notice.