PROVINCIAL FARMERS' UNION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 99, 22 October 1915, Page 4

PROVINCIAL FARMERS' UNION.

Executive Meeting.

Tbe monthly meeting of the Executive of the Provincial Farmers' Union was held on Wednesday, October 13th, in the Board room, Albert street, Auckland. Present-Mr A. A. Boss, in the chair. Major Lusk, Messrs J. E. Makgill, K. D. Duxfield, J. Boddie, J. S. Montgomery, J/ S. Fisher, A. A. Bowler, and the Provincial Secretary. Leave of absence was granted to Major Bennett, Messrs S. Browne, J. C. Allen, L. J. Ambury and C. M. Alexander.

A letter was read from Mr 1. Clements, Papakura, advocating the selling of tat stock in the carcace at the freezing woiks. ine matter was discussed and the seeretaiy was instructed to write thanking Mr Clements for his letter and say to that it would receive further consideration. This matter brought up tbe question of selling fat stock by live weight, and tin installation of weighing machinery at the proposed new sale yards at Boiotiu.— It was resolved that a committee consisting of Messrs Koss, Fisher and Makgill be set up to try and negotiate with tbe Faimcrs' Auctioneering Co. with a view, to tbia beug done. The Dominion S.crttary wrote encasing copy of circular asking branches to provide employment for returned wounded soldier?.—On the motion of Mr Boddie the following resolution was passed: "That this executive expresses its willingness to asiist in eveiy possible way in finding employment for returned soldiers who are willing to take up work, and that the Discharged Soldiers' Information Department be asked tj keep this office informed of tbe numbr of men available in this province, and tbeir qualifications for farm work, as they are about to be discharged."— It was further resolved' that a register be opened and that tbe various branches of the province be circularised askiog tbe members to sand io a note of their requirements.

Mr J. J. Peters, Pironiga, wrote requesting the Union to see that his family did not come to vrant whilst he was away at tbe front.— It was resolved that a letter be written suggesting that Mr Peters' family keep in touch with toe Executive.

'lhe Patstonga branch wrote asking for the Executive to influence the Government to acquire the Maukoru Estate, lahuna, and cut same up for closer settlement. The secretary's reply asking for fuller particulars was approved. The laupaki branch wrote asking it there were deposits ot stone suitable for agricultural lime available in (he lower north.—The secretary's eply was approved. The secretary presented a draft circular to be sent to the branches, asking for samples of limestone or probable phosphate rock to be sent to ths Head Office tor analysis.— The circular was approved. ' A letter was received from Miss Spedding, on behalf of the Auckland Women's Patriotic League, requesting the Executive's assistance in collecting donations for Christmas presents for our troups at the front—lt was resolved to reply that whilat heartily sympathising with the objects of the League the Executive does not wish to hamper the efforts of the branches, which are doing their best to obtain subscriptions to funds in their respective districts. A copy of the following resolution was forwarded by the Clevedon biancb: "That this branch bring before the Executive and the M.P. for the district the desirability of the Government holding over 1,000,000 or more bushels of wheat from season to season and also guaranteeing a payable price for wheat growing.—The Executive did not approve of the idea and the sceretary was instructed to notify the branch accordingly. Ihe Netherton branch wrote respecting the disproportionate representation of ridings on the Uhinemuri County ' Council.—The secretary was directed to point out to the branch that the necessary steps for the alteration ot boundaries must he taken by the existing Council during March in the year in which a general election takes place. The Executive, however, decided to discuss the question nf alterations to boundaries of ridings at their next meeting.

A letter was received from Mr As ton, Government Chemist, re the manufacture of alcohol from waste products. —The secretary was instructed to forward a copy of the letter and enclosure to Mr Cory Wright, who brought the matter .before the Executive. Rototuna branch wrote protesting against the 50 per cent rise in second-class railway excursion fares and the tax on kerosene.—The secretary was directed lo ascertain the exact figures and communicate with the branch.

Ibe Albany Fruitgrowers' Association wrote requesting a donation to their anbuai show.—l he tetter was referred to toe Trading Asjucia ion.

Mr J. £. Makgill brought up a suggestion for discussion to the effect that tbe funds of tbe Auckland Pariottic Fund be used for tbe purpose of financing suitable returned suldiera to enable them to settle on the land, they in their turn to pay an adequate rate of interest, thus enabling the money to be used in the most beneficial way.—Mr Makgill and Major Lusk were appointed a Committee to work out a scheme to put before (Executive of the Patriotic Committee.

At this stage the met ting adjourned until after tbe special meting tn receive tee Committee's r.port re tbe Superphosphate Company. The meeting resumed on Thursday, 14th inst. Present: Messrs A. A. Koss, chair, Major Lusk, Messis A. A. Bowler, Duxfield, Montgometie and tbe Provincial Secretary.

Mr G. Given waited oa the Executive and explained his cause with regard to a re-valuation tor deed of gift duty.—lt was resolved that tbe secretary submit the case to the Union's solicitors and ascertain if there is a right of appeal and take such steps as tbe solicitors may advise. A meeting of tbe Executive was held on Thursday, 14th October, to receive tbe report of tbe Committee appointed to go into matters in connection with the proposed Artificial Manure Company. The report was adopted with certain amendments, and the Executive decided that the Company be floated and that a prospectus be issued in due course.