NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8440, 13 May 1907, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING OF MASTERTON BRANCH. The annual meeting of the Masterton Branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the Masteuon A. and P. Association's Rooms on Saturday afternoon. The President (Mr William Perry) occupied the chair, and there were also present—Messrs J. Bourke, J. C. McKillop, J. P. Perry, D. McGregor, junr., Bland Rayner, R. D. McKenzie, R. Maunsell, J. Millar, and A. Mutrie. The Secretary read the annual report and balance sheet t for the year, the latter showing the receipts «to have been £36 Os 9d and the expenditure £24 4s, leaving a credit-balance of £ll 16s Bd. The annual report stated, inter alia:- Although-farnifrs in this district are taking advance to a certain extent of the many benefits to be derived from members of cbe Uniop, your committee would impress upon them the necessity for more loyally supporting the mutual fire insurance, a scheme which is capable of much good. Though matters affecting the Farmers' Union have been allowed to remain quiet in this particular branch, other districts have been active and both the Colonial Executives have been working well and successfully in the interests of the farming community. The Wairarapa and Bush Districts have been tnoroughly organised within tie last year, a great many country brunches resulting therefrom;. ahd tbouo-h we .do not hear much -tjut these branches, ro doubt they will be heard of at the Conference to be held at Levin. The proposed Land Bill, with its drastic clauses, is the question above all others that the Union's Execative has given attention„to. Addresses have been given in many districts and in nearly every instance he meetings have tbeen unanimously in favour of the optional freehold tenure. To quote Mr F. 0. Brokerson, whcjleft Mauriceville who went to Canada some short time ago and received a free gift of land (160 acres in extent), which he values at £SOO, and, if he has sons over 18 years of age, a like amount for each would be available. What a contrast between the proposed land laws of this colony and the existing land laws of Canada? Is it any wonder that the Briiish farmers flock to Canada? The Executive is receiving fairly liberal support frum branches towards the expenses of members speaking on the Land Bill question, and it will be well if this branch will follow suit. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, Mr J. C. McKillop; VicePresident, Mr D. McGregor, junr.; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr G. R. JSykes; Auditor, Mr W. M. Cole; Executive Committee, Messrs J. Colway, E. J. Rose, Bland Rayner, J. Bourke, W. H. Buick, William Perrv, J. Millar, andß. D. McKenzie. Mr R. D. McKenzie was elected a member of the Union. ' l The resignation of Mr J. Cross wa3 accepted. An account, amounting to 12s, was passed for payment. It was decided that, as the branch had a credit balance of £6 4s Bd, £6 .should be voted as a contribution from the branch to the Executive to help to defray the expenses of members of the Union who are touring the colony speaking against the Land Bill. A, vote of thanks to the retiring President concluded the business of the meeting.

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