FARMERS' UNION

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10680, 8 July 1912, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION

ADDRESS BY MR A. MATTHEWS.

A large number of 'farmers assembled to hear Mr A. .Matthews give a lecture on Rcrh.ncy Marsh sheep at Eeatlierston last Saturday, under the auspices of .the Farmers' Unioin. Mr Matthews first gave the different features which characterise the Romney Marsh breed as distinct from the other breeds. He then .stated what outlines an' ideal Rommey Marsh sheep .should possess, and pointed out to his audience w'here each of the three sheep that were in 'the room were' deficient or excelled. At the conclusion of his most lucid and explicitly-illustrated addlress, he stated that lie would answer any question f.' that were asked.

Several took advantage of the opportunity "to gain .more knowledge. In reply to a question as to tlie b'?st time to dip sheep, Mr Matthews stated that within a nnonth of shearing was .the ,best. If .fanners did so, it would save the woriry as to .shortage of water which hampers 'them later in the season.

After Mr Matthews' lecture, Mir "Wm. Perry and Mr D. McGregor junr. addressed the branch as to the organisation scheme.

The organiser (Mr D. Hebeaiton) also addressed them at some length a<s to the benefits that could be derived ■by the district as ni whole, as well as •the farmer, (by united aoti.on. He stated that rural telephones and the Rimutaka deviation would sooner become realities if there were a istromg branch of th's Union formed to fight for 'them. The Featheirston branch decided to fall in with the scheme ais outlined, aind promised to do everything jn their power to make tire 'Wairarapa branch of the New Zealand Ear mere' Union the strongest and most vigorous an New Zealand.