FARMERS’ UNION LEVIN BRANCH.

Shannon News, 26 March 1929, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION LEVIN BRANCH.

SATISFACTORY POSITION SHOWN AT ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Levin branch of the Farmers’ Union was held in St. Mary’s Hall on Saturday afternoon. There was an attendance of 12 members anct Mr H. Denton (president) was in the chair.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The balance sheet was adopted, on the motion of Mr H. J. Richards, seconded by Mr G. Tully. This showed that at February 28, 1928, there was a credit balance in the Post Office Savings Bank of £59 14s sd. Subsequent receipts amounted to £57 8s sd, made up as follows: —Brandi’s levy on orders, 1927-28, £l7 18s 6a; 18 cash subscriptions at £l, £18; branch levy on 77 orders', at 5s in the £, 1928-29, £l9 ss; interest on Savings Bank deposit, £2 4s lid. The expenditure totalled £34 7s, leaving a credit balance of £B2 15s lOd. The principal items of expenditure were: Secretary’s honorarium, £lO 10; donation to Women’s Rest Room, £5; Dominion and provincial levy on 18 cash subscriptions, £l3 10s.

PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT

The following report was read by the President:—

“In making a report on- the activities of the branch for the last 12 months, I have to state that while the year has been a quiet one we have attained some success which fully justifies our existence. Perhaps the'most important thing that has been achieved is the formation in Levin of an Association under tfie Rural Intermediate. Credit scheme. This scheme is for the benefit of farmers desirous of obtaining a loan for a short term on chattel security for the purchase of stock, implements or manure, or for any improvement on the farm. The branch decided to call a meeting of farmers to' ascertain whether there was any need for the scheme in this district, qjnd although the first .response was not as enthusiastic as was anticipated, I am pleased to say that our efforts have eventually proved successful. The required number of subscribers necessary to form ail association was obtained, and the board of management Avas elected, so that now the Association is an accomplished fact and is doing good work. Although only in existence since the Ncav Year, the Board.has granted six loans totalling £2OOO, and a further three, totalling £BOO are under favourable consideration. Farmers Avlio have taken advantage of these loans have expressed themselves to me as being very gratified at the benefits they receive under the scheme. The thanks of the branch and farmers in general are due to the gentlemen on the Board who give their time gratuitously for the benefit of the members of the Association.

“The matter of the municipal abattoir was discussed by the branch, and it was - decided that it was desirable that the whole of the Wirokino riding should be included in the abattoir area. This means that practically all the meat sold in the riding has to be killed at the abattoir, and passed by the inspector. “A deputation from Ohau and Levin branches approached the stock firms in an endeavour to have the local sales conducted more expeditiously. It was arranged that, the time limit for selling be re-instated, that the sheep sale commence at 12.30 p.m., and that dairy cattle be offered immediately after fat cattle. This arrange merit was carried out successfully for a few weeks, but it is to be regretted that the old methods have gradually crept in again. It is pleasing to note that the Dairy Farmers’ Union is now federated with the N.Z. Farmers’ Union, with representation on the Dominion Executive and -on the Dominion Conference. ;

“With reference to our finances, the branch has a very satisfactory credit balance, and we have enrolled a number of new members during the year. “In conclusion, I would urge upon members the desirability of their taking more interest in the work of the Union. Our meetings are not as well attended as they should be, and any suggestion towards an improvement in this matter will be welcomed. I have to thank those members who have attended and for the support they have accorded me throughout the year. ELECTION OF OFFICEKS. '

Officers for the ensuing year wWeelected as follows:—-President, Mr 11. Denton; vice-presidents, Messrs F. Kilsby, J. Kebbell, 11. J. Eichards and A. J. Gimblett; committee, Messrs Pringle, W. G. Adkin,. W. Falloon, G. Tuliv, W. 11. Becher, P. A. Irving, H. Sorenson, G. L. Adkin, F. Gay, W. E. Kilsby, 11. Prouse, F. 11. Gorringe, J. S. Pinhey, W. Stewart, F. G: Eoe and T. G. Vincent; secretary, Mr F. E. •Wright; delegate to Provincial Con-i fercnce at Masterton, Mr H. J. Rich ards; representative cn Manawatu executive, Mr H. Denton. DELEGATES’ EXPENSES TO BE PAID. It was resolved that for the future the representative at the monthly meetings of the Manawatu provincial executive, held in Palmerston and Levjn, be paid £5 5s annually for expenses; and that delegates to the annual provincial conference be reimbursed to the extent of first-class railway fare and hotel expenses.

EVENING MEETINGS;

Mr W. G. Adkin had suggested that the meetings of the branch be held at 2 p.m. instead of 1.30 p.m., but the President brought forward a new scheme which he hoped would augment interest in the' affairs of the Union This was that the meetings should be held in the evening instead of the afternoon and that refreshments be provided. The proposal met with the approval of the meeting, it being agreed that they should commence at 8 p.m. in summer and 7.30 p.io. in winter. It

was decided that the Women’s Division branch be asked to attend the meetings and assist with supper. VISIT TO MASSEY COLLEGE. The President reminded the meeting of the desirability of arranging for a trip by farmers at an early date to the Massey College for a field day. It was left to the President and the secretary to make inquiries with a view to the holding of such an excursion. APPRECIATION. Mr Roe moved a hearty vote of thanks to the President and the Secretary for the manner in which they had carried out their duties during the year. The mover stated that Mr Denton had gone to no end of trouble and expense on behalf of the branch, and Mr Wright had done much good work for it as secretary. The motion was seconded by Mr W. G. Adkin .and carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks was also passed, on the motion of the President, seconded by Mr Roe, to the members of the Horowhenua Rural Credits Association for their efforts ir. the interests .of the farming community.