FARMERS’ UNION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 April 1939, Page 9

FARMERS’ UNION

CARTERTON BRANCH ANNUAL MEETING TRYING CONDITIONS DURING LAST SEASON. BALL TO BE HELD ON MAY 1. (“Times-Age” Special.) The annual meeting of the Carterton branch of the Farmers’ Union was held in Carterton yesterday, the chairman, Mr W. J. Thomas, presiding. The past year had been a very trying one to farmers throughout the Wairarapa, stated Mr Thomas in his annual report. Following on a fairly cold winter, very heavy rain delayed the normal spring growth, while ordinary spring preparations such as manuring and cultivation were seriously delayed. Heavy winds from the north and west continued until well into summer when both rain and wind ceased altogether, no appreciable rain having fallen since the last week in December until this week, resulting in one of the most serious droughts for many years. The effect on dairy production had been a very serious one, amounting to a loss to the average farmer of approximately 3d per lb of butterfat from his income. The sheep farmer had not had such a big falling off in weight of fleece and fat lamb but his difficulties had arisen with lower values and more recently a glut in freezing works due to the rush to get fat stock away on account of the dry feed and lack of water. A certain amount of delay had also occurred in the return of cargo ships due to the stoppages on the water front earlier in the season. The result would be a greatly decreased spending power, probably many thousands of pounds, during the next few months until next season was under way. Supplies of fodder appeared to be scarce as a large quantity of hay had already been used up on many farms, and the prospects were that what supplies were available would be very dear.

As Mr' Thomas Anderson had left the district to reside in Masterton, it was decided, in view of his long and valuable services to the branch, that he be recommended for life membership of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive. Officers were elected as follow: — Chairman, Mr W. J. Thomas; vicechairman, Mr A. E. Reid; members of provincial executive, Messrs . Thomas, N. Peacock and E. R. Rose; delegates to interprovincial conference, Messrs Thomas and A. E. Reid.

It was agreed that the proposed veterinary scheme be made the particular subject for discussion at a winter meeting. The branch decided to support a Featherston remit asking for the first term school holidays to be observed in June instead of May. It was decided to hold the annual ball of the branch on Monday, May 1. A committee was set up to act with a ladies’ committee to make the various arrangements.

A resolution was passed that the Associated Auctioneers be approached with a view to providing adequate shelter for the pig pens at the Carterton Saleyards.