MANGATOKI

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 August 1924, Page 4

MANGATOKI

FARMERS’ UNION MEETING. CUP RULES AMENDED. A meeting of the Mangatoki branch of the Farmers’ Union was held last evening, when the president (Mr. W. E. Carter) presided over a fair attendance. The hon. secretary (Mr. H. Thrush) reported that arrangements had been made with Mr. B. Webster (New Plymouth) to deliver an address relating to potato growing and seed planting in general, on Monday, 18th inst.— The chairman expressed the opinion that the lecture would afford much useful information, and hoped that there would be a good attendance. In accordance with notice, Mr. C. E McGuinness moved that the motion of June 1. 1920, which provided that the cup donated in connection with the root crops competition by Messrs C. EL McGuinness and T. Linn be awarded to the exhibitor gaining the highest number of points, and that it be won outright i| secured twice in succession or three times at intervals, be rescinded and the following ruling -be adopted: “That for the purposes of the cup competition the district be divided into two groups, eastern and western, with the Hastings Road as the boundary, the cup to be awarded annually to the group gaining the highest aggregate of points, and that it be held for the year by the competitor gaining the highest number of points.” In explanation, the mover referred to the unequal conditions obtaining at present. Competitors located in the northern end of the branch area had stated that they were at a disadvantage, as the soil there would not produce the same results as could be secui’ed in the southern portion. As the proposed ruling would provide for the inclusion in each group - of practically equal portions of the northern and southern parts of the area, he thought it would help to overcome this disadvantage and would consequently give a great impetus to interest in the cup competition. It would hot in any way interfere with the usual awards in the branch competitions, which, as previously, would be made in favour of individual crops over the whole area, but it would not necessarily follow that the competitor securing the highest points in the two groups would receive the cup. This would go to the most successful exhibitor in the winning group. Further, it would eliminate the possibility of an exhibitor permanently securing the cup, which would always remain in possession of the branch.

The chairman favoured the principle of the motion, but said they must consider the difficulty which would arise in the event of one group having a big majority of entries. If this happened it would greatly discourage competitors in the other group, and would lessen interest on account of their apparently poor chances. He quoted last season’s entries, in which the eastern division had had more than double the number of the western. *

Mr. J. P. Marx expressed similar views, and thought that, before the suggestions were approved they should ascertain what supprot might be expected in the western division. He also thought that the suggestion might discourage individual effort. In reply, Mr. McGuinenss offered the opinion that the scheme would provide inducement for each division to add to their entries, and so equalise their respective chances. He could not agree that it would discourage individual effort, as each entrant would naturally strive to make his crop the best in his group.

Messrs C. W. Carlson and Hall supported the proposal, referring to the added interest it should create. Mi. C. T. Nicholas thought the scheme would entail first, second, and third awards in each group Mr. Thrush instanced the increase in entries in the last competition, stating that further additions Vere anticipated in the coming season, in view of which the measure was not perhaps required at present_ He suggested that it be allowed to stand over for the time being. Mr. Fever considered that the cup should, as at present, he awarded to the individual competitor securing the highest aggregate over the whole area. After further discussion, the chairman seconded pro forma, and, on behig put to the vote, the motion was carried by a majority of four, several members refraining from voting On the conclusion of a discussion regarding the kinds of crops to be entered in the branch competitions, it "' as m decided. on the motion of Messrs C. T. Nicholas and J. P. Marx, that lucerne, to be judged in two classes, two yearly and over, be added to the list, but that these entries be excluded from the cup competition. The following new members were elected: Messrs E. J. Sulzberger R R Sulzberger, J. W. Cleaver, L. Webby, H. Parker, E. H. Ousey, L Pease. G. Pease, T. Preeee, J M Bolger, A. I). Johnson, and' R Goulden.

An interesting address, in which he dealt with some of the many methods m which the union could assist the interests of the farming community and stressed the urgent need for accordinounanimous support to the movement" was delivered by Mr. L. H McAlpine one ot the Dominion organisers. A report will appear in a later issue.