FARMERS' UNION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 471, 6 May 1919, Page 1

FARMERS' UNION.

Franklin Sub-Provincial District.

A meeting of the executive of the above was held at Fukekohe on April 29th. Present : Messrs H. 0. Mellsop (President), R. W. Johns and £. T. Frost (Vice-presidents), J. Schlaepfer (treasurer), A. Hull, W. L. West, L. Morgan, A. Bell, E. Piggott, 0. Hodgkinson, L. L. Allen, W. H. Walker, A, Jones and S. Oldfield (Secretary).

▲PATHBTIC FA.RMBRB. Mr Mellsop n.oved the adoption of the balance sheet, and in doing so briefly referred to the valuable work done by the Union during the year past, in watching over and safeguarding the vital interests of the farming community. The financial position, as shown by the balance sheet, was not as healthy as could be desired. He, however, voiced the opinion of all present when he said that no blame was attachable to the secretary, who had done all that was humanely possible to build up the organisation. The trouble was mainly due to apathy on the part of the farmer, who had failed to realise his responsibility in supporting the Union.—Mr Frost seconded the motion which was carried unanimously.

CAPABLE rRBMDEN'T. Mr Pigftott moved, and Mr Johns seconded, " That the meeting record its appreciation of the valuable work done by the President in conducting the affairs of the Executive." Mr Piggot, in moving the motion, said that although there had been differences of opinion at times, the best of feeling had always prevailed. The way the members had been kept together and the amount of business transacted during the year was entirely due to the outstanding abiiity of the President in conductiog the meetings. The motion was carried by acclamation.

MrMellsop thanked the meeting for its expression of appreciation and declared the meeting closed. He then vacated the chair.

ANNUAL MEETINU

At the annual meeting, held in the Board Room on April 29th, the following delegates were present: Meuri H. 0. Mellaop, W. L. West and A. Hull (Waiuku), D. D. Hayes (Otaua), A Jones (Waipipi), 0. Hodgkinson (Olenbrook), K. W. Johns and A. Bell (Mauku), J. Schlaepfer (Pukekohe), L. Morgan (Pukekohe Past), E. Piggott (Buckland), E T. Frost (Tuakau), T. Logan (Pukekawa), W. H. Walker (Rama Rama), L. L. Allen (Onewhero), and Mr Mason (Secretary Pukekawa Branch).

ILECTIOH Of OFHCJSRS. The Secretary called for nominations for the position of President for the ensuing year. It was proposed by Mr R. W. Johns and seconded by Mr Allen, " That Mr H. 0. Mellaop be reelected as President." There being no other nomination Mr Mellsop was declared elected, and the motion was carried by acclamation. On the motion of Mr West, seconded by Mr Logan, Messrs R W. Johns and E T. Frost were reelected as Vice-Presidents.

Mr J. Schlaepfer was re-elected as Treasurer, subject to his return as delegate of his Branch. Mr J. F. Dean was reelected as Auditor.

Mr L. Morgan proposed and Mr Bell seconded, " That Mr Mellsop be nominated to represent the Franklin Sub-Provincial District on the Auckland Provincial Executive."—Carried

It was proposed by Mr PigßOtt " That a standing committee of four be elected." This was seconded by Mr Hodgkinson and carried. Messrs E. Piggott, E. T. Frost, R. W. Johns and J. Schlaepfer were elected as the standing committee.

FINANCIAL. la formulating a policy for the new year, the question of finance came in for a considerable discussion, in which members expressed the opinion that it would be necessary to curtail expenses if the Union was to be kept alive.

OFFICE TO CLOBB. Mr Piggott asked if the Organising Secretary could give any suggestions, or make any offer. Mr Oldfield roplied that he was not prepared to do the same work for another year, and would suggest that a change bo made, but if it would help to liquidate the overdraft, he would offer his Be.vices for a few months at £•') per week, without travelling expenses, to collect subscriptions and do the clerical work, provided he was allowed the right to supplement his earnings by engaging in some other occupation. Mr Oldfield then retired, and after mature consideration by the Executive, it was decided to close the Fukekohe office and dispense with the services of an organiser. Mr Oldlield's offer, un the motion of Mr Mellsop, seconded by Mr Allen, was declined, and further, "That Mr Oldßeld's engagement be terminated at the end of May and that he be free to accept and engage in other employment in the meantime."—Carried,

APPBBCUTION. It was proposed by Mr Mellsop, and seconded by Mr Walker, " That this Executive places on record their appreciation of the splendid services Mr Oldfield has rendered, and regrets its inability to retain his services, and that a letter to this effect be given to Mr Oldfield."—Carried. The meeting agreed that the Secretary furnish a report showing the work done during the year past the same to be signed by the President and sent to the Branches. shots. The following remits were submitted :

From Tuakau : " That it is desirable that a simpler form be provided for small farmers when making their income tax returns."

" That this be lent to Mr Huey, asking that same be placed on the supplementary list.—Carried. " That the delegates of the various branches be asked to ascertain the amount of support which would be accorded to the Farmers' Co-operative Auctioneering Company in their district, and that they procure names with the amount of capital likely to be raised in such district."—After discussion it was decided that the remit stand over until next meeting. From Eohe Kohe : "That the Agricultural Department be approached in the matter of supplying cheaper ammunition (shot-gun cartridge) for shooting rabbits, many of which will not take poison, such ammunition to be procurable through the rabbit exterminating committee."

"That the Farmers' Fertilizers Company be asked to arrange to import a oargo of manures."—No action taken.

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER. The Secretary reported a telephone conversation with Mr Sim, in which Mr Sim stated he had attended several meetings of the HydroElectrical League, and that very satisfactory business had been done Mr Allen proposed, and Mr Mellsop seconded " That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Sim for the work he had done."- Carried

The Secretary reported having received several donations from members, also donations from Waipipi and Pukekawa Branches.—lt was proposed by Mr Mellsop and seconded by Mr Allen, that a letter of thanks be sent to the donors.