FARMERS' UNION.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17750, 30 April 1923, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

: OXFORD BRANCH*, i " /' . ..-■—., A meeting of the committee of the Os» ford branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held on Friday night. The president, Mr H. G. Pariah, waa in the ohair, and there were present] Messrs F. J. Meyer, A. D. Budge, D. Hawke, F. A. R. Manson, J}. Lassen, J. A. Wells, E. Wells, and T. Powell. An apology was received for the absence of Mr H. F. Luers. \ Before commencing the business of the. meeting, the president introduced tue new secretary <Mr L. Watson), and said he hoped the appointment would be mutually beneficial. The memorandum to branch secretaries asking for quarterly returns was approved. The proposed constitution of the Dairy Producers' Board was read. Th« president approved of the proposal. He said he was convinced that the Meat Producers' Board had done very good work, and a similar Board for the dairy producers would be similarly a good thing. The prevention of glut in the market was a most desirable thing. , It was decided that the correspondence be dealt with at the annual meeting. The circulars on "Reasons for Herd Testing" was read, and received favourable consideration. The circular points out that an increase in cow production of 321b of butter-fat per annum, at Is 3d a lb, would mean an increase," on the 1,117,000 cows in the Dominion, of £2,234,000. If the increase were raised to 2611b it would be a financial. increase of £4,258,500. ; In the discussion evidence was given o3 surprises when herd testing hadi been, adopted. ':'■ Mr F. J. Meyers produced his cream test of bis Avrshire cow exhibited at the Oxford Show. . .For the twelve dnys between March 28th and Aoril 9th, from this this one'cow,- 1 he/supplied 511b of cream, which,gave a 76 test. That is in twelve days she produced 381b of butter fat. Another member stated he had bought a cow in the open market, and for a certain reason he thought he ./would sell her, thinking hpr milk not very productive. / Being induced to.haveiit tested, he was 'surprised to find it a 5.6 test, and six weeks later 6.2. In that year, in six months, he produced from three quarters 3001b of butter-fat. He cured the injured, quarter ', and the same cow was under test this year, and would exceed 4COlb of butter-fat. Herd testing, the elimination of-poor cows and scrub bulls, and the saving of all promising heifers were strongly recommended. A discussion took place on the recommendation to buy beef, and it was decided to have the posters displayed. . It was reported that a great many subscriptions were outstanding, and efforts should be made to secure prompt payment. It had been urged that the subscription of £1 was too high, but the president enumerated the benefits farmers had received from the Union, and said he felt sure,that the.objection to the amount ol the subscription was not real, but. the nonpayment was due to forgetfulness. It was .urged that payment which became due at thebegmninsr of the .financial vear should; be paid during the first quarter. . ;'. ■ It was decided to hold the' annual meeting of the branch on Friday, May I 11th, that an effort be made to secure ; a large attendance, and that arrange--1 ments be left in the hands of the president*.