FARMERS' UNION.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18397, 2 June 1925, Page 4

FARMERS' UNION.

HORORATA

Tbo annual meeting of the llororata Branch of the Farmers' Union was held' on Thursday night, Mr 11. Oliver presiding over a fair attendance of members. A vote of sympathy with Mrs Massey in her' bereavement 'was carried in silence. Mr Oliver presented his report giving a survey of the year's activities, and of the general position of the farming industry. During the year lectures had been given by Messrs Robinson ou forestry, F. E. Ward on manures, J. Kerrigan on diseases in slock, and Dr. Hilgendorf on grasses. Tho membership had increased by fourteen, and the branch was in a flourishing condition. Mr Oliver, in conclusion, asked the members to endeavour to increase tho membership, and to forward their subscriptions early in order that tho levies to headquarters could be paid without delay. Tho balance-sheet presented by Mr G. Ilight, treasurer, showed a satisfactory credit balance, notwithstanding that several members were still in arrears.

The following remits were forwarded t? the Provincial' Conference:—(l) That owing to tho acuto shortage of sheop-trucks during the busy season, fat stock tako preference over storo stock. (2) That farm tractors bo exempt from any form of taxation. Mr D. Bruce moved a recommendation to tho, incoming committee that tho delegates to the Provincial Conference (should support the Union's Marketing Association project. Mr J. Oliver recommended that the committeo ask tho Agricultural Department to include llororata in tho centres to bo visited by the forthcoming Travelling Farm School.

Owing to the delay on the telephone toll line between Hororata and Chriatchurch the secretary was instructed to write to the Department concerned and a«eertain if some improvement could not be made upon the present arrangements.

It was decided to hold future meetings on tho fourth Thurfcdoy of each monthMr E. Phillips was elected a member of the branch.

Tho following officers were elected:—Chairman, Mr H. Oliver; vice-chairman, Mr T. E. Pearson; secretary and treasurer, Mr W. S. Pratt: auditor, Mr C. Morland; committee, Messrs T. Jarman, R. Oliver, Bruce, L Dsn;ef t, F. Wright, H. Ballagh, K. W. Hall; delegates to the Provincial Conference, Messrs H. Oliver and T. E. Pearson,