FARMERS’ UNION

Evening Star, Issue 21078, 15 April 1932, Page 1

FARMERS’ UNION

PINE HILL—WAITATI BRANCH A meeting of the'Pino Hill-AALaitati branch of tho Farmers’ Union was held at AVaitati on Tuesday evening. 3lr A. Spoor presided over an attendance of about forty members. A letter was , read from Mr C. V. Dayus, district superintendent of the live stock division, regarding the discussion which took place at the branch meeting at Purakauui tho previous month.—This letter caused a spirited discussion. Many of those present expressed the view that the Government veterinary officers should be available when required to treat sick horses or cows for farmers as apart from contagious diseases.—lt was unanimously decided that 3lr Dayus’s letter should bo handed to the provincial secretary, with the request that the provincial executive ask the Minister of Agriculture for a ruliug on tho subject of the duties of departmental veterinary officers. The Chairman drew attention to the fact that the Prime Minister had recently announced that the promised commission to investigate local body finance was to be shelved in the meantime. Mr Spoor said he thought this was a great pity, and emphasised the importance of local body economy at this particular juncture. Several aspects of local body finance were discussed. Reference was made to the need for revaluing Crown lands. In introducing 3lr J. Preston, the Chairman welcomed him as a past provincial president and a member of the dominion executive, and also as chairman of a neighbouring county council.

3lr Preston said that at the outset he would deal with the present unemployment schemes available for farmers. lie then explained lucidly the advantages of the 4a scheme from a farmer’s point of view and exactly how they could take the fullest advantage of it. He also dealt with tho question of the insurance of the relief workers, and explained tho liability carried on by the farmer. Mr Preston went on to deal with county blatters, and explained fully many points in connection with expenditure of rates, etc. Several questions wore asked, and these Mr Preston fully explained. Ho then went on to deal with Farmers’ Union matters in general, and particularly tho work of the provincial and dominion executives. 3fr Preston roucliulod by emphasising the fact that it was necessary for the farmers to have a strong organisation which should speak with one voice on matters of vital interest to the farmer. The Farmers’ Union was their own organisation. Every farmer could strengthen this organisation by his membership and interest, and he appealed to them whole-heartedly to support it. The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to tho speaker and to the chair.