N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 391, 12 July 1918, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

FRANKLIN SUB-PROVINCIAL AREA. The usual monthly meeting of the Franklin Sub-Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union was held in the Masonic Hall, Pukekohe, last, Monday, the delegates present being Messrs. H. O. Mellsop (President), W. L. West, and A. L. Hull (Waiuku), A. Jones (Waipipi), R. Johns and A. Bell (Mauku), C. Hodgkinson (Glenbrook), J. W. Johns (Pukekohe), J. W. Robinson (Pukekohe East), E. Piggott (Buckland), E. T. Frost (Tuakau), L. L. Allen (Onewliero), T. Logan and E. Mason (Pukekawa), together with the Organising Secretary (Mr. S. Oldfield). Mr. J. F. Deane was appointed auditor for the year 1918-19. Mr. Allen reported that the petition to the auctioneers to hold conjoint sales at, Tuakau would soon be ready, and would be presented when complete. in dealing with the question of amalgamation of Dairy Companies. Mr. Piggott thought it would be advisable for the. Executive to pass a resolution thereon. Mr. R. Johns contended that they, as delegates, had no power to pass any resolution, hul should refer the question to the branches. Mr. A. Bell did not favour amalgamation, and stated that stronii arguments would have to be submitted before he would vote in favour of it. Mr. Piggott, in support of his contention, pointed out the immense saving to the supplier that would lie effected by stopping the useless overlapping of cream carting, the unnecessary expense of putting up two factories in one district, a great reduction in management expenses, and better results owing to better marketing conditions at the other end. On the motion of Mr. J. W. Johns, seconded by Mr. Allen, it was resolved : " That this Executive favourably support the principle of amalgamation of all the South Auckland Dairy Companies, and that the matter • be referred to the various branches." This motion was carried by eight votes to two, an amendment to the effect that the question be first referred to the branches being lost on the voices. It was decided that the Branch Secretaries in the Sub-Provin-cial District be written to, and to convene meetings at an early date to consider the question of amalgamation. and to report in writing to the next meeting of the Executive, to be held on August sth. The Organising Secretary reported on the work done during last month, and submitted a balance-sheet for the quarter, showing outstanding accounts amounting to £6B/5/11; provincial levies, £l2/1/6; and branch levies. £B/12/6. With the exception of the provincial levy, all the accounts were passed for payment. . Following on suggestions made the Organising Secretary, it was eided to take up the following lines of business, viz.:—Land agency, insurance (fire and accident), labour bureau, and exchange list for stock and machinery. To conduct the land agency business on co-operative lines, it was decided to allow a rebate of one per cent, on commissions charged to members of the Union. The following remits from Buckland were favourably received, viz. "That the Sub-Provincial Executive be asked to strongly urge upon the managers of the. Trading Company the desirability of establishing a trading depot in Pukekohe;" "That the SubProvincial Executive lake steps to arranue for a buyiii'.' depot for hides and skins in llii- districtand "That the Farmers' Auctioneering Company lie requested to atleiid Pukekohe Hiel addie," a ineetiii'j of fanners at an early date with reference to opening up business in the district." Mr. Allen submitted a remit from Onewliero t<> be presented to the Provincial Secretary, asking for full :u----loi'ination ivynrdini: the recent anial■janiation ol Co-operative Societies New Zealand, and why the Trad'it: Company had not joined in. As a means of combating the evils of the Meat Trusts, a Mig::ostion came forward from Onewliero that all Freezing Companies should be amalgamated and owned and controlled by producers, and. further, that these federated companies should arrange with the consumers' co-operative concerns for distribution, ibis to apply, to the whole of the producers and consumers throughout the I'ritish Dominions.