NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9153, 28 July 1908, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

- BRANCH FORMED AT PIRINOA. On Saturday lust an important meeting of farmers was he'd at Pirinoa for the purpose of forming a branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. Representatives from, all parts of the Valley from Pihautea to Wangamoana were present. Mr J. C. Fowler, Provincial Organiser, who had convened the meeting, said, in his opening remarks, that he had made a personal call on every farmer in Kahautara and Pirinoa, and had leceived general support for a branch at Pirinoa. He spoke at length on the present position of the Union, and strongly appealed to all farmen to become members of an organisation which must work for the good of all. The aims of some of the Labour Unions which were endeavouring to place unworkable demands on farmers, were explained at considerable length. Mr Fowler made a strong appeal to all farmers who were in a position to do so to support the Farmers' Union Mutual Fire Insurance, and pointed out as an instance what it was doing in Hawke's Bay, where farmers are getting insurance now for five shillings premium. The reduction in accident insurance, manures, wool packs, corn sacks, and many other lines were touched upon. The speaker said that beyond any monetary consideration was the drawing together of the farmers in every district, in order to promote the interest

and further advancement of farming, the paramount industry 'of the Dominion. (Applause). It was unanimously decided to form a branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union for Kahautara and Pirinoa farmers, with headquarters at Pirinoa. The following were elected a committee:—Messrs J. O. Bidwill, J. McMaster, G. Hume, G. Clarkson, J. Gillies, Eria Te Whaiti, J. Kennedy, Holmes Warren. Mr Holmes Warren was elected Chairman, and Mr J. R. Dransfield Secretary and Treasurer.