NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 152, 23 November 1914, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

TARANA'KI PROVINCIAL F.XFXTTIYH The usual monthly meeting of tli.i 'New Zealand Executive of the Now Zealand Farmers' iT'nion was held at Ha-w-era on Thursdav. Present: Messrs A. Hunter (president), E. Maxwell. R. I.ambie, AY. Pennington. R. Dunn. L Thomson, -T. Davidson. IT .II .Buxlnii, J. S. Barrow, A. E. Washer, R. Hooker, and G. IT. Buckcridge. RELIEF OF LOCAL SUFFERING FROM TILE WAR. The question of the relief of distress of those dependent, upon members of the expeditionary force and those of Hie force wdio may return invalided was discussed, and the matter of the establishment of a fund for that purpose. It was stated that some of the branches had money for this purpose. It was resolved that the executive receive contributions from branches and farmers for the relief (1) .of genuine distress or dependent* of those who had gone to the 'front, (2) providing for or assisting those who may return unfitted for making their own living. The president (Mr Hunter, of Hawcra), and the secretary (Mr. -T. P. Sim, of Fltham) were authorised to receive such contribution!; and to deposit them in the savings bank. Mr J. Thomson donated £5 to the fund. BOYS FOR HARM WORK. The Wanganui Education Board wrote that a number of boys taking the rural course at the Wanganui Technical College and the district high schools in the district, had volunteered to assist farmers whose sons bad joined the expeditionary force, with farm work during the Christmas holidays. It was resolved that the branches be advised to take separate action in the matter and to advise the board where boys are wanted, and that meanwhile the Education Board be thanked for the offer, which the executive very much appreciates.

INTERMEDIARY UNION CONFERENCE. In reply to the executive's letter re having an intermediary conference, the Opunake branch stated that it was in favor of it, and the Hawcra and Fltham branches against it.

THE UNION AND PARTY POLITICS, Mr Dunn informed the meeting that Mr Astbnry had, when speaking at Auroa, stated that the Farmers' Union was a party organisation in politics, and he (Mr Dunn) thought that this matter should be put right. Mr Davidson moved that in view of the statement made by Mr Astbury at his Auroa meeting, that the-FarmeTs' Union was a party organisation, a copy of the rules be sent to Mr Astbury for future consideration. Mr Lambie seconded the motion, which was carried.