FARMERS' UNION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9131, 28 April 1908, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION.

HALOOMBE BRANCH. The annual meeting of above was held in Mr Purkiss’ office on Saturday. Mr John Morrison presided over a moderate attendance of members. The secretary submitted the report and balance-sheet for the year 1907-08, which allowed a credit balance on the years working of £5 3s 9d. The report regretted the fact of the apathetic attitude of farmers to the Union, more especially now that Socialism was making such rapid strides on every hand. It was a notorious fact also that many farmers accounted prominent, and who reaped what advantages were gained by the Union, nevertheless refused to join. A number of them did put their names down the first year, but afterwards dropped out. Surely not on account of the few shillings subscription, which would now be saved over and over again to them through only one item —the abolition of the sheep-tax.

On tho motion of Mr O. C. Pleasants, seconded by Mr O. McElroy, the report and. balance-sheet were adopted, both gentlemen paying a high tribute to the secretary’s work.

The election of officers resulted as follows: —Mr John Morrison, Chairman ; Mr T. Gallingham, ViceChairman ;Mr J. L. MacDonald, Secretary and Treasurer; Mr Jas. Purkiss, Auditor. It was decided to appoint Mr John Morrison as the branch delegate to the Provincial Conference, to be held in Feilding shortly. The scale of subscriptions remains the same as previous year.

On account of the annual socials having failed to popularise the Union among farmers, in the (sense of no new names having been added to the membership list thereby, it was resolved to hold none this year. In consequence the Chairman, Mr Morrison, extended a kindly invitation to the branch to hold a picnic on his grounds at an early date, — notification to be made later by the Secretary. The Secretary was directed to forward a letter of sympathy to Mr Jas. Purkiss, in his present illness. This gentleman has been a consistent friend aud member “of “the Union since its inception eight years ago, aud has on all occasions endeavourea to promote its welfare. Members wish him speedy restoration to health. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, and another to Mr Purkiss for the use of his office, brought the meeting to a close.