FARMERS' UNION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 167, 27 April 1928, Page 8

FARMERS' UNION.

THE METHVEN BRANCH. There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Methven Branch of the Farmers' Union. The president (Mr C. A. Campion) occupied the chair. Reporting on the activities during the past year, the president stated that considerable progress had been made. Worthy of mention was the visit of Mr R. E. Alexander (Director of Lincoln College) who delivered a lecture on "Deeper - Cultivation and Pasture Management." They were also indebted to the College for sending an officer to Methven to investigate the pulpy kidney disease in lambs. Although perhaps no definite conclusion had (been arrived at, the suggestions offered with regard to the use of sulphate of iron in 'salt had been-productive of much good. IThe principal factor affecting members was the wheat question. Mr James Carr had successfully represented the district in all questions relating t-Q this important subject. Mr Carr had also represented the branch, on the industrial conference. The president referred at length to the« prospects for the present season. They, had excellent crops of wheat, prices for wool and lamb were most satisfactory, and with good management the conditions new prevailing were most promising. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Campion for his interesting report. The balance-sheets showed a credit of £3O lis.

The question; of thai proposed 'visit of Marlborough' farmers to the district was discussed. It: was;stated! that they would be in Methven for two days and a sub-committee consisting 'of Messrs G. Callaghan, R..J; S. Wilson, J. McAnulty and: J. F. Stone (secretary of the Methven A. and. P. Association) was appointed to confer with Mr F. Pawson (railway business agent) on the matter of ways and means-of entertaining the visitors. .'; The question of providing a loading bank at Methven for the trucking and untrucking of pigs, etc., was held over pending the visit of Mr Pawson to Methven.

The branch decided':t&.protest strongly against any continuance of. the Summer Time Act as being prejudicial to the farming community. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr G. Callaghan ;• vice-presi-dent, Mr R. J. S. Wilson; delegate to the Mid-Canterbury. Executive, Messrs C A. Campion, F. W. Ruddenklau, R. J. S. Wilson,. Ji.McAnulty.,. J. Watson, J. Carr, and J. H. Stone; hon. auditor, Mr A. G. Foreman. The appointment, of: honorary secretary was held over in the meantime in view of a new scheme being formulated by the executive. Mr J. H. Stone was appointed to act temporarily. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the outgoing officials- and! the hon. auditor, Mr Foreman.