CLEVEDON.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 164, 11 April 1916, Page 1

CLEVEDON.

NZ FARMERS' UNION. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Clevedon branch of the Farmers' Union was held in the Public Hall, Clevedon, on the evening of Saturday, April Ist. The members present were: Mr Jno. Luke (the retiring President), Messrs. C. Munro, W. Stephens, J. Hancock, W. Duder, W. Hanson, H. J. Bull, P. Graham, H. H. (Jawte, D. M. Bryen, S. A. Biowne, J. Shaw, A. L>, Bell and J. A. Gmdy (secretary . After the minutes of the last annual meeting had been read and continued, tho Secretary submitted his report and balance sheet for the financial year ending the olst March last, which were adopted. Iu his report the Secretary stated that on taking up Lis duties as secretary in May, 1915, he found the position of the branch in a none too satisfactory condition, either financially or clerically, but he had now placed it on a better footing in both respects. He considered that the Trading Associa tion's method of collecting tmding members' subscriptions direct unsatisfactory as names of members wore not forwarded to tho branch as they were paid and also half of the sum collected was duo to tho branch, with the result that iu the meantime the Secretary had to finance his branch. The attendance of members was good at tho commencement of the year, but had fallen oil latteilv. Ho had, since entering upon his duties, opened a new set of books, and had, to far as possible, brought them up to date. No names had been entered iu tho new ledger other than those of members who had paid their subscriptions up to date. From a financial point of viow, the position of the branch was now very satisfactory. The balance sheet showed a sum of II Ids lid actual cash in hand when all accounts were paid, and £ I nett still owing by mombers who he considered good for their subscriptions, making a net balance of £5 10s 1 Id. He desired to point out that this balance had accumulated in spite ol' the fact £•! Los (id had been expended out of tho year's receipts in settlement of accounts for l'.'l-l, and also 18a deticit showing in tho books when ho took tliem over. There were 120 members shown on the list ho obtained from the Provincial Secretary at the commencement of the year, but of these he found that some should have been erased years ago, and that others should never have been put on. lie had now deleted the names of all untiuaucial members, and of those members lost through deaths, removals, etc. to the number of '2l. There were 70 members on tho new books •"> I trading and 16 ordinary), .'ionactive service, and 10 members in arrears considered good). He had found many trading members dissatistied with tho service of tho Trading Association iu the past, but believed this service was now imjuoving under new management. The subjects dealt with at the branch meetings during the past year had been numerous and diversified. The question of tho Brook!>y-(Jlovedou telephone service; formation uf a mounted rifle club ; and the buoying of the mouth of tho Wairoa river have for the presont been placed in abeyance as being unfeasible at tho present

time. The question of working local limestone deposits; using river silt for top dressing pastures ; reduction of auctioneers' charges, and formation of veterinary club were at present under discussion. The visit of the Goverment expert to give a lecture on soils had. been promised for the near future and the formation of a class in sheep farming and wool classing was now in progress. The following othcers were then elected for the year:—President, MrC. A. Fawcett; Vice-President, Mr John Shaw ; Committee, Messrs. J. Luke, A. D. Bell, 8. A. Browne, 0. C. Munroe, H. J. Bull, W. T. Duder, H. H. Cawte, D. M. Bryon, P. Graham, J. Hancock, P. Waters, W. Stephen?, W. T. Bell, W. H)de, N. J. SutLerland, and J. B. Aicken.

Mr Gandy btated that he wished to resign his position of secretary and treasurer, but ttie meeting would not accept his resignation and he was re-elected. Mr C. Atchison was elected as auditor, and Messrs C. A. Fawcett and S. A. Brown as delegates to the coming annual provincial conference to be held in Auckland in May. A vote of thanks to the retiring officers for tbeir services during the past year was carried with acclamation. Mr Luke replied on behalf of himself and his othcers.

An ordinary general meeting of the Clevedon branch of the Farmers' Union was held immediately after the annual meeting, the newly-elected vice-president (Mr Jno. Shaw') presiding. After the reading and confirming of the minutes of the last ordinary meeting, the following were placed on the remit paper to come before the annual conference next month :

1. 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. 2. That branchos be empowered to make all members who have gone to the front " life " members of the Union, omitting the usual fees. 3. This branch recommends that the Dominion Executive ceases tho publication of the Farmers' Union Advocate.

4. That copies of the balancesheet of both the Provincial and Dominion Executives be posted to the secretaries of all branches of the Union.

A letter was received from tire Auckland Patriotic Society asking the branch to give notice of any openings for employment of return a d soldiers—lt was resolved that the secretary acknowledge the letter and promise to comply with request. A letter was received from the Recruiting Board, Wellington, explaining their ichencu, and it was agreed that the branch should give tho local authorities all possible support in the scheme.