N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10262, 14 June 1911, Page 5

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

WHAKATAKI BRANCH. (From a Special Correspondent.) A meeting of the "Wlhaka.ta.ki branch of the Farmers' Union was held on June 10th, there present: Messrs J. H.' : Bor";y, |W. Mason, A. Brightwell, J. W. Dalrymple, A. 1 Mason', C. Hudson, 11. W. Harvev, B- J- Barton, and Wir. Harvey (chairman.) Several' imemlbers who had arranged to take part in the discussions did not attend, owing to the wet weartihier. . In conneqtion with . the remit ot this 'branch re registration of wool bale brands, which came before the Provincial Conference, the delegates explained that steps were already being taken to include this as a clause in the Trades Marks Registration Act.

In a, discussion on the Shearers' and .Shed Hands' Award, Mr Brightwell pointed out that the clause fixing the rate of pay for youths under eighteen years of age was only a minitrmiMi rate, and 'he suggested that the rate of pay could be reasonably higher. Mr Mason exp»essed pleasure that he had at last found a shearer who would acknowledge that the shearers were not the hardest j worked men in the shed, and sug- , gested that if it were not for the continual' calls for "tar" and I 1 %r00m," the fleece pickers would] have an easier time. . | The "Ball" question was also dis- , cussed. Mr F. Groves kindly atten- ) ded, and stated .that Mrs Mc-Hut-, chon would donate a site if one was j required. It was also stated that Mr White had offered a site. A committee of "way® and means" was set up to canvass for support, and inspect the .sites, Messrs J. H. Barty, W. Mason, R. J. Barton and A. Brightwell'being selected. . .',. ■Mr A. iMbsott moved, and Mr Hudson seconded, the proposal that the next subject for discussion 'be upon noxious weeds and tawihine, their growth, and- eradication. This was agreed to, July B*h being selected as the date most suitable. The delegate (Mr R. Barton) gave a resume of the work of the Conference at Woodville, being accorded a vote of thanks for his remarks.

The question of more effective organisation was met by a suggestion that an "Organising Board" should' be'set up, to control the enrolment of imemlbers, addressing of branches, and selection of subjects for discussion.

It 'was moved by Mr Dalrymple, and iseconded by Mr R. Harvey, that the 'secretary he instructed to -approach the Tenui ibranch re calling a .meeting to discus® the question of forming a Railway League iii this district.

The addition of this-year's younger members , has had a marked effect on the improved discussions, this meeting "being about the best held since the formation of the (branch in 1905. - .