FARMERS UNION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 150, 6 April 1933, Page 6

FARMERS UNION

THE METHVEN BRANCH. WORK OF YEAR REVIEWED. THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The annual meeting of the Methven Branch of the Farmers' Union was held in the A. and P. Association's room on Tuesday evening. Mr C. C. Winn presided over a good attendance. The president gave a lengthy resume of the activities of the branch during the year, stating that the problems affecting the farming community to-day were probably as serious as at any time. Progress had been made by the branch. Meetings had been held regularly and, in addition, instructive lectures and addresses had been given bj' Messrs E. M. Bates (Instructor in Agriculture), on pastures and their management, J. W. Smith (Inspector of Stock), on diseases of stock, and Messrs Brittenden and Langford (of the Railway Department), on railway, and transport problems. A visit by Messrs W. R. Hammond and W. Hi. Amos, of the Provincial Executive, had also afforded members much valuable information on Union activities. The question of wheat production and the formation of the Wheat Marketing Board and its operations had been discussed fully at two meetings, at which large attendances were present. The membership had been considerably increased, due to the efforts of the organiser, assisted by members of the committee, 50 being enrolled. The president expressed appreciation of the assistance afforded him. He urged members to attend regularly, when many problems affecting the farmer could be discussed, with much advantage to themselves. The balance-sheet showed that the year had closed with a credit of £1 12s sd. Dr. F. W. Hilgendorf (Director of the Wheat Research Institute), wrote offering to address members and wheatgrowers on the past work of the. Institute, and the plans to be formulated for the coming year. It was decided to ask Dr. Hilgendorf to ad-, dress a meeting on Tuesday, May 2, and to invite all producers to be present. The election of officers resulted: — President, Mr C. C. Winn; vice-presi-dent, Mr L. C. Anderson; delegates to Mid-Canterbury Provincial Executive, Messrs M. Macale, A. C. Campion, H. E. Jessep, and R. W. Wightman; hon. secretary, Mr A. W. Bremer; hon. treasurer, Mr Jas. Carr; hon. auditor, Mr A. G. Foreman. A vote of thanks was accorded the outgoing officials and to the newspapers for the publicity given to meetings. Mr Wightman brought up the question of the shortage of feed. He said it would be of interest to know that straw could be baled at a cost of 12s per ton. By saving straw that otherwise would be burned, farmers whose turnip crops have failed owing, to the dry conditions might find a means of overcomng a winter shortage of feed. The secretary was instructed to supply information to any inquirer. \ Mr Jessep brought up the question oT~ sheep dips and their values, and after a general discussion the matter was held over till the next meeting. At the close of the business, Mr W. R. Harris gave an interesting address on the economic value of fertilisers. The address was illustrated by a series of lantern slides. Mr Beck added several remarks on pasture growths as observed by him. The lecturer answered many questions, and was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks.