FARMERS' UNION.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19135, 19 October 1927, Page 13

FARMERS' UNION.

ELLESMERE BRANCH. The final meeting of the Ellesmere branch of tha New Zealand Farmers' Union lor this year was held at Loeston on Monday evoning, Mr R. G. Bishop presiding. The Forest Extension Officer wrote that it was proposed to hold a field day for fanners, at which tha latest methods of tree-raising would be demonstrated, and requested opinions as to the probable popularity of the gathering and as to what date or dates would bo most fitting. It was agreed to reply acknowledging tho invitation for members to attend, and supporting the tree-planting movement. Members did not hold the opinion, however, that many would journey from Ellesmere to tho demonstration, on account of the distanco and of the fact that there was too little scope in the district for afforestation work to arouse any large degree of interest. Tho president reported having telegraphed the Minister for Customs and Finance, expressing appreciation of the Government's action in endeavouring to stabilise the wheatgrowing industry by increased protection. The Minister had acknowledged the telegram. The president remarked "that the news of the measure having been passed by Parliament would be received with satisfaction by wheat-growers. It afforded proof that the Government now realised that wheat-growing was an industry that could not be dispensed with. Adequate protection had been given, which would stabilise the industry and-en-courage farmers to grow more wheat, as they were now assured of a satisfactory price. The president's action in forwarding the telegram was approved. The Leeston Town Board's action in declining to maintain the Post Office clock was commented upon. As the Department did not intend to pay for the upkeep of outside clocks for the benefit of the public, H would now bo removed. Members considered it was a retrograde step to let the clock be removed in view of the fact that its value was about £75, and it would not be replaced by the Department. The president said- that a local watchmaker would undertake to repair the clock and keep it in working order for a year at a cost of £5, and thereafter the cost of keeping it working would be about £1 10s a year. On the proposal of Messrs R. T. McMillan and Greenwood, the meeting passed a resolution expressing the opinion that it would be a distinct loss to the district if the clock were removed, and determining to request the Town .Board to consider favourably the maintenance of the clock, in the light of the facts announced by the president. The Union would hold the question in abeyance until receiving a reply from the Board. After the business, a lecture, illustrated with lantern films, was given by Mr J. W. Hadfield, an officer of the Department of Agriculture, upon diseases o£ potatoes, which a special invitation had been .issued to potatogrowers to hear. Mr Hadfield described the more common forms of diseases, and also touched upon the scheme for the certification of growers of pure seed, which was being inaugurated this year, 76 growers having submitted spocimens. After the lecture, Mr Hadfield was accorded a vote of thanks. The president announced that no further meetings would be held until next year, but the committee would deal with any business that might arise. He suggested that members should consider next winter the holding of meetings, which ladies would be invited to attend. This had proved Successful elsewhere, and had resulted in largely improved attendances.