GERALDINE FARMERS' CLUB

Temuka Leader, Issue 2525, 6 July 1893, Page 3

GERALDINE FARMERS' CLUB

After the usual fortnightly stock sale at Geraldine yesterday over 100 farmers and others assembled at Mr H. B. Webster's auction room to hear the report of the committee re the forming of a Farmers' Club in the Geraldine district. Mr M. C. Orbell, who was voted to the chair, said he was extremely pleased to see so many farmers present. It showed the warm interest they took in the matter. He then explained how the idea of the club was first originated by Mr Webster. Regulations of the Waikato Farmers' Club had been received, and these had been adopted by a preliminary meeting of farmers. Now the club was atarted he would be very sorry if the project was not carried through. The objects of the club would be to have a reading-room erected, and obtain all papers of interest to farmers. The room would be about 24ft x 22ft, and would be open on market days, where farmers could meet to write their letters or transact any business. The benefits to be derived from a Farmers' Club would be very great to all concerned. Farmers as a rule were too exclusive in their actions, aid the club would be a means of widening their sympathies for each other. He denounced the Stock Bill at present before the House of Representatives as iniquitous. If that Bill was passed a farmer could not travel his sheep more than 200 yards without being compelled to brand them, and there were other iniquitous things in this Bill. Such matters could be discussed by the club, and a beneficial move made for the good of farmers. Another thing, the cost of threshing would be enhanced. The threshers might be perfectly justified in this, but a club could meet the threshers and fight the battle out better than a farmer single-handed. In conclusion, Mr Orbell mentioned that Mr Webster had offered to erect the building on his own Recount, but the preliminary meeting of farmers would not hear of this. They thought it better to erect their own building. Mr J. Wiustone, secretary pro tern, read the rules of the Waikato Club, which had been adopted, and also the minutes of the preliminary meeting of farmers.

Mr, H. B. Webster explained his position, in the matter. It had been said that he had "an axe to grind," but he could assure them that it was not so, as he was not asking them\ to form any cooperative club. He had frequently been spoken to about the advisability of forming a farmers' club, and he had done his best to bring the matter to an issue ; if there was any axe to grind in that, he could not see it. He was quite willing o give them every accommodation, and to lease for a number of years. If the farmers agreed to form a club, tenders were in already, and in about three weeks' time, weather permitting, the building would be up. The room would have a fire in it on market days during the winter, and every convenience in the way of papers and farming literature, and all the latest market reports from all over the world would be available. At the outside the membership fee for the first twelve months would be 10s, and perhaps next year it would be half that amount. The club would hold monthly meetings, and he could vouchsafe them this, that the committee would always thing prepared for them, in >* ie way £ discussion, lecture?, etc., by which they would spend a very profitable night. He was there to cany out hie promise of providing a ra.o», and. ft Was for them to do thejr part JU the matter. The club wpuld be a huge benefit to all, and farmers would then have unity amongst them, a thing they never had before. (Applause,) Mr F. 11. Flatman proposed—" That a club be formed called the Geraldiue Farmers' Club." He took it for granted that it was essential to have the club formed, not because they wished to raise themselves to the detriment of others, but simply for their own protection. He thought a club would be a good thing, and it was not worth while considering the thought that Mr Webster had any selfish, motives in promoting it. They might let such a thought pass as a nor« wester, Mr R. Thew seconded the motion, and said only members with a knowledge of farming should join the club. Mr B. Taylor objected. He thought they should have inexperiencad farmers as members as well as experienced ones, Mr J. Wreathall proposed—" That members be at once thereupon came forward, and gave their names, afld, sonified their willingness to jam, ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were appointedPresident, Mr M. C. Orbell; YioaPresident, Mr F. R. Flatman ; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr J Winstane. It was resolved that a committee of twelve be appointed, with five to form a quorum. ' The following committee was elected— Messrs Allan Macdonald, A. McKenaie, K. Brophy, H. B. Webster, John Allan, Francis Barker, A. W. Nalder, Robert Skinner, J, Murray, J. Wreathall, A. and Donald McLeod. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting. Committee Meeting. The committee met immediately after, Mr Oybell in the chair.

Resolved —"That the,president, vicepresident, and Messrs H. B. Webster and A. White be appointed a subcommittee to draw up and revise the ruleßj ajid that this, committee b,e au-

thorised to order such newspapers as they may deem necessary. Resolved—" That Mr Webster's offer to erect a building be accepted, the rental to be at the rate of 7 per cent on the cost of construction ; cost of building not to exceed £70." The meeting then terminated.