FARMERS’ UNION.

Grey River Argus, 13 October 1926, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION.

GREY’ VALLEY BRANCH. The ordinary mooting of tho Grey Valley branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday, Oct. 9th. Tho President, Air W. Clayton, presi'lcd over a good attendance of members. I; was moved by Mr AV. Clayton, and seconded by Air A. AlcDonnell, “that this branch co-operate with the Ross Limo Co. in their endeavour to have the remaining GOO shares taken up, members promising to interview likely clients. ’ ’ Air A. Bradley moved and Air J. McLennan seconded, f< that the Executive Council be advised that this branch is of the opinion that electric powe* boards should be responsible for any damage done by fallen wires passing through private property.”

It was moved by Air W. Clayton and seconded by Air AV. Begg “that tho ROi'retary communicate with the Railway Business Agent for the South Island (Air F. Pawson) asking that wood ashes be classified and charged for nt the same rate as artificial manures.” At present ashes are classified Class Q., minimum 6 tons (truck rate) an-1 ashes being light in weight, it is impossible io get a 6 ton load of loose ashes in a truck. Artificial manures have no truck load minimum.

The secretary was instructed to convey to the District Railway Engineer/ Christchurch, tho Union's thanks for improvements made to roads leading to the Ahaura and Totara. Flat slations. The secretary was also instructed to write to the Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch intimating to them that they have the backing of the Union in their endeavour to secure cheaper rail way rates from the East to the AVesl Coasts, and asking for further information on the matter. It was moved by Air AV. Clayton and seconded by Air H. Gilmer, that the secretary write to the County Clerk. Greymouth, in connection with vote for the Totara Flat saleyards on the Conn Roll. It was moved by Air AV. Clayton and

seconded by Air A. Doig that the Alinist.er of Agriculture be asked to acquire 100 acres adjoining laud at the AA raimannga State Farm now offered fosale, and pointing out that if this block were added to the Farm, it would make it more compact and more easily worked, besides giving the Department an opportunity to carry out experiments in top-dressing of old pastures. Tim land already held has pracUcally been all cultivated, so that, no old pasture land is now available for demonstrative purposes. Before closing the meeting. tlm Chairman announced that the Totara Flat Saleyards were at present receiv ing attention by way of much needed repairs, and that in a few weeks’ time they would be as good as new. He pi inted out the real asset the yards were to the district, being centrally situated and close to the railway. In their former state of disrepair, instead of inducing custom from vendors and auctioneeers, it had the opposite effect, but from now on. an improved state of affairs would exist, and there would be no cause for complaint. He wished to impress upon members the fact as the yards were now owned almost -exclusively by farmers, of the necessity of their doing their business through those yards. It was expected that sales would be held at regular intervals for the future, and it was the intention 'of tho management to get in touch with all auctioneers and stock dealers, and acquaint them of the improved state of affairs.