FARMERS’ UNION

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 September 1928, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

GREY VALLEY BRANCH

The ordinary meeting of the Grey Valley Branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held at Totara Flat on Saturday evening, President (Mr Clayton) presiding over a good attendance of members. An apology was received for Mr. A. Doig absent on account of school business.

The Secretary Inangahua Hospital and Charitable Aid Board forwarded latest balance sheet, which showed the finances of-that institution, to be in a very satisfactory state. On the motion of Mr. A. Bradley seconded by Mr. D. Byrne, it was decided to thank the secretary for the balance sheet, and also to compliment the Board on their financial position, which gave proof of careful management on the part of all concerned. The marketing of butter from the local factories is proving a bit of a problem among the suppliers, and it was decided to bring the matter before the Provincial Council at its meeting on Tuesday next. The secretary Golden Coast Dairy Coy. has interested himself in a scheme for the better marketing of the local product, a.nd wrote saying that he was circularising all the union branches.

The Provincial Secretary wrote requesting that a member of the branch be appointed to a' committee to be set up to discuss the pig industry. Mr. A. Bradley was appointed to represent the Grey Valley Branch. At the same time it was considered that, owing to the scattered nature of the district, it was not possible to formulate a scheme to regulate' the supply of pigs to the Addington market. A circular was received from the committee set- up to deal with the export of young calves, but it was decided that no action be taken by this branch. With the present state of the fat beef and store cattle market, wellbred calves are too valuable to be slaughtered as veal, the majority of the herds in this Valley being of the Shorthorn breed.

A long discussion took place over a letter received by a member from the District Railway Engineer, warning him about a steer owned by him recently trespassing on the railway. The beast had strayed on account of the railway fence being down, and was killed by the train. The loss by the owner was severe enough without the accusation for trespass. As the Engineer arrived on the scene and saw the state of the fence for himself, and also that almost ever since, the fences right through this particular section are under repair although some were burned by grass fires as far back as the months of February and March, it makes his attitude hard to understand. It was decided to take the matter up and advise him that strong exception is taken by this branch to his action.

The recent disclosures at the Grey County office was briefly touched on-, but allowed to stand over until the matter is finally cleared up. It was unanimously decided to hold a grand farmers’ ball in the Ikamatua Hall on Friday, October 5, a sort of a final kick-up before the milking season starts. A committee was set up with Mr. A. Bradley at its head to carry out the function, which promises to be the ball of the season.