CLEVEDON.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 317, 9 October 1917, Page 1

CLEVEDON.

N Z FARMERS' UNION

The monthly meeting of the Clevedon branch of the Farmers' Union was held in the Public Hall, Clevedon, on the evening of Saturday, September 29th. The members present were: Messrs C A. Fawcett (President), H. J. Bull, J. Luke, H. C. Firth, A. D. Bell, W. T. Bell, P. Graham, F. Stephens, J. Hancock, W. Hanson, and J A. Gandy (secretary). Mr Andrew Alexander, Clevedon, was unanimously elected a member of the Branch With respect to a letter received from the Manager of the Farmers' Union Trading Company re holding a social in Clevedon in connection with the Trading Company as a means of gathering the farmers together to explain the objects and aspirations of tb/» Trading Company it was resolved that the secretary should reply to the effect that the meeting was unanimously in favour of the movement and promised assistance so far as it lay in their power. Ihe President drew attention to the manner in which the Cadets' parades were being conducted, stating that the present parades were a mere farce, and in entire opposition to the understood principles of the service. He took it that the object of Cadet training was to instil the principle of obedience to authority in the young mind, and an early education in the importance of promptitude and exactness. As held at present the parades were more likely to teach the boys to hold up those in authority to "ridicule, and to disregard all official method and rules. He also wished to draw attention to the manner in which ihe Cadets were wearing their uniforms for private purposes. - Other members spoke on the same lines, and a resolutiou was unanimously passed to the effect that "owing to the very unsatisfactory manner in which the Cadet Service was at present being carried out, the Branch suggested the abolition of the Cadet Service until such time as instructors could be supplied to conduct such parades in a proper manner, and at the same time wishes to draw attention to the fact that Cadet uniform is being Tegularly worn by certain Cadets while in civilian occupation.—lt was agreed to place the matter in the hands of the Provincial Executive for them to take up. Mr A. D. Bell having brought up the question of the merging of the Wairoa Road Board into the County Council, it was unanimously resolved that the meeting should put on record that it entirely approved of th« merging of the Road Board into the County.—Those present signed the petition in connection with the matter.

Three members simultaneously were anxious to bring forward tlu: matter of the action taken by the Provincial Executive with respect to the eight o'clock Closing Bill, and all present spoke very strongly on the matter in their tnrn. The meeting felt that the Executive had created a very false impression by publicly expressing the opinion of the Executive as the sentiments of the Auckland Province in general. Now that the six o'clock closing has been carried, the Executive had placed the Union generally in a very ludicrous position. The meeting considered the whole case to have been bungled, and to be a reflection upon the integrity of the Executive, thoughtlessly brought about by the unwarranted action of one or two members.—lt was resolved that the Branch " was of opinion that the action of the Auckland Provincial Executive in congratulating the Government on the introduction of the Eight O'clock Bill was quite uncalled for, in face of the fact that the Auckland Provincial Conference at its last meeting had unanimously agreed to support the six o'clock movement, and would ask the Executive to explain their position with respect to their action in the matter." —The secretary was instructed to draft a letter to the Executive on the above lines, strongly protesting and expressing the opinions of the Clevedon Branch.