MAUKU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 252, 20 February 1917, Page 4

MAUKU.

FARMERS' UNION MELTING

The tuouthly meeting of the Mauku Bianch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the Patumahoe Hall on Monday evening, Mr R. W. Johns presiding. WAIUKU BRANCH RAILWAY. In answer to an inquiry from the Secretary a letter was received from the Minister of Public Works stating that the Waiuku line would bo ready to convey goods to and from Mauku from Feb. Ist. Regarding the carriage of lime free the Minister said that he did not see how h's could be done as he had to see that the running expenses are defrayed by freight receipts. Instructions had been given however to have the limo carried at the lowest rate, viz., under Class Q. .soldiers' settlements. A scheme was submitted for the formation of these settlements for the Provincial Executive which dealt exhaustively with the matter. Mem bers whilst generally agreeing to the proposals considered that it would need a special meeting to thoroughly deal with the various phrases of the scheme. However, it was resolved that the Executive's attention be drawn to the fact that there were several large blocks ef Government land {school reserves) in this district from which a very small revenue was being derived and which would make excellent soldier settlements. The land was first-class and lent itself admirably for subdivision. FARMERS AND CONSCRIPTION. The chairman said he wished to call members' attention to the very unfair construc'ion that had been placed on the classification proposals of the Auckland Farmers' Union Executive by the local press, the "Pukekohe and Waiuku Times." He hoped members would most emphatically protest against such misrepresentation as was being maulged in by the paper in question on Farmers' Union matters. Mr Johns also drew attention to the very misleading remarks reported to have been made by the chairman of the Franklin County Council when proposing a resolution which was practically the identical of that of the Union. Mr W. Finlay said he took particular exception to Mr Flanagan's remarks The proposal of the Franklin County Council was almost on a par with that proposed by the Union Executive, and yet Mr Flanagan had gone out of his way to get a dig at the Farmers' Union The speaker also took exception to the press comments, and considered if proposals could not be interpreted correctly they should be left alone. Members were unanimous in support of the remarks made by the speakers, and it was resolved to depute the chairman to reply to the misrepresentation. TERRITORIAL CAMPS. This matter was introduced by a member with the idea of getting Territorial camps suspended during the war. It was mentioned that there would be great injustice inflicted on farmers generally with the present acute shortage of labour if almost the only help now left was taken for 16 days on end. These camps, the speaker contended, were a big expense to the country, and whilst heartily supporting them at ordinary times he considered they could very well be suspended under present conditions without any detriment to anyone concerned. The Military Training Camp now in vogue had proved that good soldiers could be aade in a few months from raw recruits, so if the Territorial lads were asked to attend a few daylight parades in their various areas no great injustice would be done. The secretary was instructed to place the question fully before the Executive, with a request that the Union make a move to have the camps suspended during the war. FAREWELL SOCIAL. It was agreed to hold the farewell social to Private W. J. Sommerville on Friday, March 2nd. A good evening's sport has been arranged, and it is confidently expected that the gathering will be a record one.