FARMERS’ UNION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 April 1940, Page 7

FARMERS’ UNION

MEETING OF WAIRARAPA EXECUTIVE REPRESENTATION ON LICENSING AUTHORITIES. MATTER FOR LOCAL ACTION. The president, Mr. Hugh Morrison, pesided over a meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, held in the Farmers' Rooms, Masterton. this morning. There was a fair attendance of members. The assistant-Dominion secretary ol the New Zealand Farmers' Union wrote advising that the Dominion executive considered that the remit forwarded from the Wairarapa executive on the matter of giving legal representation tc the Farmers' Union at local sittings of the Transport Licensing Authority, was one for local action. Mr. A. P. O'Shea, Dominion secretary of the Farmers' Union, wrote stating that the remit forwarded by the Wairarapa executive relating to the shortage of baling and fencing wire, was being considered by the Dominion executive. He also advised that the annual Dominion conference would be held from July 16 to July 19. The levj per member had been raised from 7s 6d to 8s 6d. The president referred feelingly tc the loss sustained by the executive in the deaths of Messrs. Charles Reid and David Speedy. Mr Morrison referred to their sterling personal qualities, stating that Mr. Reid had been an enthusistic member of the Farmers' Union for many years. Mr. Speedy, who had given good service to the executive, was a man of fine character. The treasurer, Mr. W. J. Thomas, stressed the need for complete organisation by the union in order to maintain and increase the’membership. Messrs. T. S. Arcus, of Carterton. and B. Hay. of Ballance, were elected honorary members. FLEECE COMPETITION. After discussion; it was decided to set up a committee to control and stimulate interest in the annual fleece competition. "It is too valuable to let slip." stated Mr. Alex Ross. He commented on the lack of support from the farmers during past year. Although there was keen interest shown at the Show last year in the competition, he urged that it be made more acceptable to the public and of increased educational value to the farmer. He pointed out that the Young Farmers’ organisation provided the bulk of the entries, and said that if the executive was not prepared to make a success of it. it might be advisable to pass the competition into other hands.