WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1009, 30 July 1901, Page 2

WAIKATO FARMERS' CLUB.

The ordinary monthly meeting, and also the annual one, of the above Club was held at Cambridge last evening, the President, Mr Joseph Barugh, being in the chair. There was a largo attendance, the various branches being well represented. NEW MEMBERS The following were elected members of the Club :—Messrs J. Pohleu (Shaftesbury), George Alley (Hikntaial, Alexander Orr, T. Hinton, J. Anderson, R. A. Larney, Jas. Bell (Morrinsville), W. P. Gage-Brown, W. T. F. Walker (Shaftesbury), Jno. Cochrane, T. Bellamy, J. Borne, M. O’Donoghue, J. B. Thomas, I). McCarty. T. Heath, A. Gregory, W. J. McCormick, J. Mellon (VVaihou), F. Strange, L. H. Otway, A. W. Edwards (Te Aroha), Jno. Simpson, G. Luxton, J. L. S. Richardson (Cambridge), M. Reynolds (Pukekura). E. Hope (Tamahere), E. U. Murray (Walton), P. Boulton (Wairangi), I). Henry (Kirikiriroa). The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr F. W. Burnett, of Walton, thanking him for starting a branch at Waihou. THE FRANKTON WEIGHBUICGE. The District Traffic Manager, Auckland, wrote : ‘Regarding the we'ghcsof produce as weighed over the railway weighbridge atFranktou, I beg to inform you that an inquiry is being made iuto the matter and a reply will be sent to you at an early date, THE,FARMERS’ UNION. Mr Classon, of Tuakau, wrote stating that since he last communicated with the Club the Farmers’ Union had started a branch at that place, so there was no necessity to form a Farmers’ Club. He was pleased to learn that the Club was doing such good work in the Waikato. The time had certainly come when the farmers and settlers must unite to hold their own. If that were properly done they would be a power second to none in the colony. AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The secretary to this chamber wrote on the sth inaD : ‘I have much pleasure in forwarding the following resolution passed by my Council at a meeting held this afternoon : That it is desirable that this chamber should communicate with ttie Waikato Farmers’ Club, as the body representing the country interests of Auckland, with the object of taking action in reference to securing for this province a more just proportion of the public expenditure, a fairer adjustment of the railway tariff, and generally all matters affecting Auckland interests. It is considered that our joint action regarding the matters referred to in the resolution would carry very much more force than acting in separate capacities. —lt was resolved to write thanking She chamber, and stating the Club would co-operate with it as suggested. The letter was referred to the Executive Committee, who will take the necessary steps. CO-OPERATIVE FIRE INSURANCE. The secretary of the Taranaki Farmers’ Union sent papers relating to co-opera-tive fire insurance, which were distributed amongst the members. POISONED GRAIN. The secretary of the VVhatawhati branch of the Club, wrote on the 28ih inat: ' Our branch is unanimously in favour of County Councils providing poisoned graiu for farmers; also that a clay be set apart for general poisoning. We cordially approve of your efforts to bring about affiliation of all Farmers’ Clubs.’ The secretary of the Ngaruawahia branch wrote stating the following resolutions were passed at a meeting held on the 271h inst’: * (1) That the branch favours the destruction of small birds. (2) That the County Council be asked to supply one sack of properly poisoned grain to the chairman of our branch lor distribution amongst the farmers of his district.’

The Tamahere branch had passed the following resolution re the matter: ‘That this branch is of opinion that since poison and poisoned grain can be obtained at so little cost that it will be found moat advantageous for sufferers from small birds to poison at their own cdst; but that the Club should supply members with the best information on the most satisfactory means of poisoning.’

Mr Greenslade said the matter had been discussed at Ohaupo where the members were in favour of the County Council providing the poisoned grain but the fanners would purchase it from the Council.

Mr Auckland said there was a feeling that those who obtained their poisoned grain from the County Councils were safe, as the law specially mentioned these bodies as being permitted to use it. Mr Morgan then moved a similar resolution to that passed at Tamahere.

Mr Luxford said if it was left ’to individuals to poison the birds it would never be done, for they always left it to one another. In Canterbury they could not get along at all without poisoning, and the Road Board supplied the poisoned grain, which was used on a sharp morning. Mr Forrest seconded Mr Morgan’s motion, and pleaded for the birds which he said did an immense amount of good by eating the white grass grubs and dropping superphospates on the land.

The motion was then put and carried.

COMBINATION AMONG EARNERS. The President then addressed the meeting as follows: Gentlemen, —At the last meeting of tl>e Executive of the Waikato Farmers’ Club 1 was requested to bring this matter forward. I now do so in the hope that it will meet with your approval, at the same time I request that you thoroughly criticise the proposals. The need of combination and organisation amonst those who get their living through agricultural and pastoral pursuits in New Zealand has now become so glaringly apparent, and is so universally acknowledged, that it is hardly worth going into a long and detailed argument on that point. I will therefore come at once to the policy which I and others think might result in the formation of a compact and powerful organisation. As you aie all awaro there has been for some years past a conference of delegates from Agricultural and Pastoral Societies and Farmers’ Clubs throughout the province, held every year after the Auckland show, and another similar oonfereuce has been held every two or three years in Wellington or Christchurch, at which delegates have attended from all the different societies throughout the colony. The societies at present in existence have done good work, their officers having worked ungrudgingly, giving both their time and their money, and too much praise cannot be given to these gentlemen and their supporters for the persistent ami able manner in which they have kept the agricultural cause to the fore. But now a change has come over the scene, we are getting hemmed in on every side by other combinations. To meet present requirements it has become necessary that these societies should meet ofteuer, and that a head and governing body should be formed. This was pointed out years ago by Mr Edwin Hall at a conference. of delegates from the different societies hold in Christchurch in 1898. A resolution in favour of such a movement was passed, and there the matter dropped j it is proposed to make a further attempt.

With this cud in view it is suggested to amend the rules of the present Auckland Provincial Gonhcil, and n complete set has been compiled to embrace, not only Auckland, but the whole colony, by affiliating all the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, Farmers’ Clubs and kindred societies now in existence, and creating more where none now exist,

end where those such tier, are now in cxis tcr-c ■ aee li r not to i {filiate.

Kvery {.(filiated society will have home rule and the right, of independent action, as uc present. The rules do not point one what they shall do, but what they should do, thus avoiding the debatable question of what is a strictly local and what a provincial or colonial question, There are two hard and fast rules, however, which all would have to abide by ; one is in regard to finance, the other, representation ; every affiliated society would have to contribute an equal amount per member, and every society will be represented on the councils in proportion to its numbers. The scheme works out like this: every affiliated society whose members number 100 or part of 100 shall be entitled to send to the Provincial Council within whose district it is situated, one delegate and an additional representative for every additional 100 or part thereof. The same principle is adopted in the appointment of the General Council which is t* meet iu Wellington annually, and is elected iu the following manner : Every Provincial Council whose members represent 300 or part of 300, shall be entitled to send to the General Council one delegate and an additional representative for every additional 300 or fraction thereof. I will now quote the rule for finance, which affects all affiliated societies. To meet its expenses each Provincial Council shall strike a rate annually, which shall be paid by the affiliated societies within its province ; such rate shall be based upon membership, each affiliated society to pa'y its allotted share per member ; the rate struck not to exceed 3s per member ; the General Council to have the right to strike a rate which shall not exceed 2s per member, the Provincial Councils to pay this out of their 3s. Thus it will be seen that all the affiliated societies may be called upon for 3s per member, but this will cover all their liabilities and they may not even have to pay this amount. To my mind this question of finance is a most important one. I do not see how it would be possible for the Waikaco Farmers’ Club under present conditions to join such a federation as our present annual fee is only 5s and that is required to meet local expenditure. To meet this difficulty it is proposed that the executive of the Club shall fix the rate of subscription annually such rate not to exceed 10s.

No strong combination" can be run without money and I think that not many farmers would begrudge 10s to a society entirely got up for their protection. After all we are only asaing for what any young fellow would subscribe to hie football or cricket club. The main reason why our present Provincial Council has been so little in evidence has been want of funds. The Auckland A. and P. Association has always borne the clerical and office expenses, members who attended always paying their own expenses. I think anyone who makes a special trip to attend the Provincial Council should have his travelling expenses and say 8s per day to pay his hotel bill whilst in conference. Any man who gives his time free of all charge does quite sufficient, in fact many ol our best men could not afford to give anything beyond their time and annual fee.

Up to the present the farmers has never taken his proper place, being content to follow whilst others led, and has had comparatively li ttle to say in regard to the Government of the country, in the future we should have more. There is ouly one way to bring this about and that is combination. If properly handled the step proposed will make the strongest organisation in the eolooy and I think you will acknowledge it is badly needed. If we do not take this or a similar step we shall become the hewers of wood and drawers of water for the rest of the community, for through their present combinations others can pass what legislation they fihoose. The plausible single-taxer has already found his way into Parliament and is inserting the thin end of the wedge, if we sleep much longer we will have a rude awakening. Let us not wait for that time,let us conhine at once, and see that only such legislation is passed as is fair to the farming interest. Some people seem to imagine that farmers have no right to combine politically, we might as well ask to be disfranchised at once. One of the rules of the Waikato Farmers’ Club runs as follows •—There shall be no discussion of party politics, but the Club may take into consideration such legislation as may effect farming interests, this practically means that we want measures not colour, colour is immaterial to ua so long as we get legislation which is fair to the farming interest. The members of our Club represent all parlies, and hitherto we have avoided all party questions, this is undoubtedly wise policy, and I should strongly recommend the farmers to pull with the government of the day so far as possible, but when legislation which is deterimental to our interests is proposed, let us combat it to the utmost. Our vote is worth bidding for, and should only be given to those who will uphold our rights.

After considerable discussion on the President’s paper, all the speakers favouring hia proposals, Mr Milne moved the following resolution ‘ That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when it is absolutely necessary that the farmers should take united action to forward their interests ; that the branches be requested to discuss this question at their next meetings, after which the executive should meet and go thoroughly into the scheme, and report; that in the meantime the President and Secretary be instructed to take steps to forward the movement by circulating a report of this meeting.’ Mr Grsenslade seconded, and on being put the motion was carried unanimously. We have been compelled to held over the discussion on the ['resident's scheme to bring about the affiliation of all kindred societies throughout the colony. We may state, however, that without exception the comments were favourable. A report of the remarks will appear in to-morrow’s issue. ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Club was then held, and the President read the following report, which he had prepared : Gkntlkmkn— lt is with great pleasure that I lay before you a review' of the past year’s work. I may say when I took office it was with great diffidence and much against my will, but through the substantial and unanimous assistance I have received from all, the work has been carried on more easily and more successfully than I anticipated, and I cannot wish the incoming President better luck than to be as well supported as I have been, for without this assistance the position would become a burden. When I took office a bargain was just about concluded with the Waikato auctioneers, under which a reduction of commissions was arranged for, and then, as you all know, the Auckland auctioneers were approached with the same end in view. This proved a move difficult task, and at one time I thought our only plan w r as to start an opposition company; however, at the eleventh hour they practically came to our terms, aud we are now working amicably together. The Bank was then approached, and it at once lowered its rate of discount on bills, saying that which was asked was only reasonable. These reductions amount to a good many thousands a year. We then interviewed the Railway Department with a view to getting manures carried free. This concession was asked for because we know from experience that if the railway carried one ton of manure into the country it was bound to have five tons of extra produce to carry back, thus helpiug all parties. I am sorry to say we did not get what we asked for, 1 suppose tin Department thought they would be tumble to deal with the extra traffic this

would cause through the increased production of fat cattle, sheep, potatoes, chaff, and grain. During the year the Government has been approached on many minor points of which I will only mention one, viz., the setting aside in the King Country of a block of land as an agiicultural endowment. These lands have been bought for next to nothing and the setting aside of a block now would practically never be felt, and in the future the revenue from it might be devoted to the maintenance of au agricultural college and experimental farm ; at the pr esent time there is a small agricultural college resrrv near Hamilton, and the Government had bought about 700 acres adjoining it, upon which I understand they are going to place some of the stock lately imported from the Old Country. The Club has asked to be consulted re the lines on which this farm is to be run, and I feel certain it can be so mannged as to result in great benefit to the district. The dairy is one of our chief industries now. and this would be a good farm for the Agricultural Department to start the breeding of bulla from cows whose milking records are kept, so that when a farmer wants a bull he may have some idea what kind of milkers his stock are likely to be. I should strongly advise the Department to send to America and buy some bulls and heifers from one or more of the best tested herds. The executive is now gathering information re the testing of pedigree stock and manner of keeping records and hopes to have further insormation to lay before you shortly. As most of you know, some years ago, it was discovered that adulteration of manures was a common thing. Our Club, took the matter up and through its representation a Manure Adulteration Act was passed ; this Act is not all it should be, and we are now trying to get it amended During the past season we have had a good many samples of manure analysed, and I am happy to say they have all come out right. This is a great improvement upon the old days when sea shells, sand, and other impurities wore of commoo occurrence. jLaat year we voted five pounds (£5) for the purpose of analysis, and shall be glad to receive samples of manures from any of our members for analysis. Two months ago the Club set up a Committee to try and establish the sale of fat cattle by live weight, since then fourteen trucks of good quality fat steers hive been sold by dead weight, to ascertain the amount of offal in proportion to the dead weight, these cattle were weighed in the trucks at Frankton, the empty trucks being weighed first to find out the exact tare, and then sent to the loading station addressed to the party who required them. So far we are well pleased with results, the highest amount of offal in proportion to the 1001b of live weight was 43$lb, and the lowest 421b, average about 431b. We now consider we have passed beyond the experimental stage, and a circular will shortly be issued ; it will have a ready reckoner attached, so that butchers and farmers may ascertain at a glance the value of beef by dead or live weight. This circular, of course, can only be a guide to those who do business in this manner. The Club has now under consideration a good many questions of importance, amongst them the starting of a Co-opera-tive Insurance Company or the sup. porting of one already in Existence, such company only to insure country property. Just at present it is impossible for us to go farther into the matter, for, as you all know, the Government has under its consideration the starting of a Government Fire Insurance Department. If this project is carried through in its present fottn we might be enforced at any time to insure in the Government, which would render valueless any company vve might start, and cause loss to all its supporters. This subject should be kept in sight and reported upon later on.

Since last year the Club has taken a new departure in the establishment of branches. Many of the members who wished to give more substantial assistance were debarred from doing so on account of distance. A branch can now be , formed where they can mest to discuss the topics of the day and agriculture in particular. They are also expected to discuss all questions affecting the policy of the Club as a whole, sending their views to headquarters for the guidance of the parent body, who can either decide a question or refer it for final settlement to the executive. As yet it is hard to sav what the ultimate result of starting these branches may be. My opinion is that they will do a greatdeal of good. Our young men should be encouraged to attend and give their views. Farmers as a rule are bad speakers, aud unable to express themselves in the same way that our ordinary city man can. This is not from want of intellect but want of practice. The young city man has his debating clubs to go to, our young men will now have their clubs. I hope they will take full advantage of it, so. that the rising generation of farmers may have more sway as a class than their fathers.

To meet its growing requirements the Club has thought it necessary to erect rooms at its head-quarters at Cambridge. We have been particularly fortunate in obtaining a site, which is already paid for, sufficiently large to have an accommodation paddock at the back to hold horses. The Executive had sanctioned the borrowing of £2lO to erect the necessary building, and the money is borrowed at per cent. Tne building is to have two offices facing the street, both of which are already let, and as things stand as present we shall derive as much rent as will pay our interest, rates, fire insurance and other expenses, and provide a sinking fund to reduce the mortgage. A contract has been let to ereot the building for £166, so that we shall have a good balance in hand to furnish it and erect a shed to put saddles, etc., in.

This is a brief review of work done during the past year and of work on hand and of work to come. I venture to say the last will crop up faster than it can be dealt with. We had better do a moderate amount well than a lot badly. I will now close my address by thanking you agsiu for the confidence placed in me and the uanimous help you have all given to the Club.

Mr Sturges spoke of the good work the Government had done in starting an experimental farm in the Waikato, and he moved: 1 That the Secretary be instructed to write the Agricultural Department expressing thanks for the stock which is to he placed in the Waikato, and the Club’s appreciation of its endeavours to forward the interests of this district by the purchase of a farm for experimental purposes.’ Mr Forrest had pleasure in seconding the motion. He was glad the county had got rid of the farm, for although he had been told only a few weeks since that it had not cost the ratepayers anyt Ding, when the County Council were deposing of it a debt of £759 turned up. He was much pleased with their President’s address, hut there was one matter that he thought might have been touched upon, namely, that Dr. Koch, the greatest authority in the world, had stated that tuberculosis could not be acquired by eating meat or drinking milk. That was a great blessing, and he thought the Government should be asked to stay their hands until more definite information was obtainable.

Mr Buckland was afraid that the report would ouly turn out to be true in part; however, he was glad to see so many illustrious men had gathered together to discuss the subject, bub they must wait until further information was obtainable before relaxing their efforts to subdue the disease. Before resuming his seat he paid a high compliment to Mr l>:»iugh for the manner in which he had conducted the business during the pas year,

The motion was then put ami cairLd nem. con. Mr Greenslade then moved : That He thanks of the Chib be tendered to Mr Barugh for the-excellent work tie had done while President of the Club. He had travelled round with the President when forming some of the branches, and the amount of work that gentleman had done was immense. He was the right man in the right place, and he trusted he would be re-elected to the position. To Mr Barugh, almost alone, was due the credit of bringAe the Auckland auctioneers to terms favourable to the farmers; and it would always stand to Ids credit that he had saved the farmers of the Waikato thousand of pounds. Mr Wells seconded the motion saying the whole work of the Club during the past year showed the conspicuous ability of its President. The motion was then carried by acclamation. Mr Barugh very briefly thanked the mem tiers for their confidence, and said it had been a pleasure to him as he had received great help from the officers and members. ELECTION OF OFFICER?. Mr Barugh was unanimously re-elected President and Mr James Taylor vicePresident. NGARUAWAHIA BRANCH. The usual monthly meeting was held in the hall on Saturday evening. There was only a moderate attendance A letter was read from the secretary of the parent club re tho small bird nuisance. The members present were agreed that something should bo done to combat the nuisance and it was resolved that County Councils should be asked to supply poisoned grain to settlors. Mr Carlcsn introduced the question of Eating on Unimproved values. He considered it was tho only just way to rate. —Mr E. J. Moffitt opposed the system. Messrs Clayton and Cavanagli upheld the scheme. Messrs Duxtield, E. Bathborne and the chairman speaking against it. Mr Moffitt moved ; That this meeting strongly protest against Rating on Un mproved Values being made compulsory. This seconded by MrE. Rathborne. Mr Carless moved as an amendment that the discussion te adjourned.—The amendment was carried.