FARMERS’ UNION

Grey River Argus, 14 June 1933, Page 6

FARMERS’ UNION

GREY VALLEY BRANCH. The annual meeting of the Grey Valley branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held at Ikamatua on Friday evening last, the President. (Mr. W. Clayton) occupying the cha.ir. There was a good attendance of members present and apologies for absence was received from Messrs A. Doig ami J. McLennan. In his annual report the President stated that the Union ha-d held regular meetings during the year and all matters brought before it had been faithfully dealt with by the Executive. A deputation had met the Minister of Mines during his visit to the Coast early in the year, a-nd placed before him the - very serious consequences farmers are likely to suffer through gold mining operations as affecting farm lands. The Minister had given certain assurances and up to the present he had faithfully carried them out. The stress of the times we are passing through has had. and is still having, a bad effect on some members who are inclined to adopt a “stay-at-home” policy, this has a-ffected a slight falling off in attendance at meetings. This is quite a wrong policy to follow, there never was a time when the co-operation of every farmer was needed in Union affairs than the present. Some classes of produce were showing «. slight improvement, but whether it would continue was aonther matter. The treasurer’s statement and balance sheet disclosed a healthy financial position, the credit balance standing a.t £29/5/4.

The election of officers for the enI suing year resulted in Mr. W. Clayton being re-elected President for the thirItecnth consecutive term. On returning thanks Mr. Clayton said that this (would be his lucky year as in the past he would carry out his part to the best of his ability. Other officers elected were as follows: Vice-presidents: . Messrs H. Gilmer, W. Begg, A. Bradley and N. McVica-r: hon. secretary: Mr. lA. McDonnell; hon. treasurer: Mr. A. Doig; hon. auditors; Messrs A. Bradley and A. McLennan; branch delegate: Mr. W Begg; branch executive: Messrs J. Curtin. J. McDonnell. R. Byrne. A McLennan and J. W. Teasdale. The annual subscription w&s reduced to 15/-, with the hope that the Provincial levy will be reduced from 7/6 to 5/-. The Minister of Mines wrote in connection with gold mining operations On the banks of Blackwater Creek, near Hukarere. Advice was received from Lincoln College giving particulars of short agricultural course to be held g.t the end of June. The Blue Star Shipping Line wrote re the shipping of farm produce, simi-l lar to what has appeared in the daily press.

Mr. W. Begg moved a very hearty vote of thanks to the. President, Secretary and Treasurer for the able manner in which their duties had been carried out during the past year. This

was seconded by Mr. Neil McVicar, and carried by acclamation. It was decided to forward the following remits for discussion at the a.nnual Provincial Executive, meeting to be held to-day (Wednesday), at which meeting the Dominion President (M W. J. Polson. M.P.). will probably be present. (1) That Dominion Executive oppose the restrictions being placed on our butter exports to the United Kingdom. and urge Dairy Control Board to develop’ trade with the Far East. (2) That Government be urged to cancel regulations proclaiming certain rivers and creeks on the West Coast as sludge channels. It was pointed out that when these regulations were enacted the West Coast was in the grip of a gold fever, and the farming industry -was only a very secondary consideration indeed. The farms produced home-made butter and a few potatoes which had to be practically hawked round, and their value taken out in clothing and stores. Now the conditions are quite the opposite, farming being the staple industry of the Dominion, and in any case, the great majority of those settlers who received compensation have passed away, and the present mining menace concerns the present holders. (3) That Highway Board pay a subsidy on a ll County roads other than main or secondary highways, such subsidy to be assessed on amount of motor traffic on these roads.