LOWGARTH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 September 1924, Page 5

LOWGARTH.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

FARMERS’ UNION

Since the formation of a branch; of the Farmers’ Union the members, particularly the president and secretary, have been endeavouring to stir things along and make the branch quite a live interesting body. It is to' be hoped that all members will endeavour to attend the meetings and assist the branch to function, and so create interest among themselves. A meeting of the local branch was held in the hall on Wednesday evening, Mr L. Babington (president) presiding. The secretary (Mr A. Piper) referred to the recent address given by Mr J; D. Piper, of the Wairarapa, on the matter of speying cows. The president intimated that this branch should endeavour to encourage the system, as it was the only effective way of eliminating the cull cow from again coming into profit in the different herds.

After considerable discussion it was decided that this branch delegate Mr A. Piper to proceed to the Wairarapa to gain the necessary surgical information and to act in that capacity for the members of the branch. The president spoke of creating interest in the branch, and intimated that a root-growing competition should be held as a means of stimulating interest. Members generally favoured the suggestion, and after a little discussion it was unanimously agreed to hold a root-growing competition • for members only, comprising the following crops: Mangolds, sw-edes, soft turnips of not less than one acre, and carrots not less than half an acre. The nomination and entry fees are indeed reasonable, and it is to be hoped that farmer members will take this opportunity of assisting the branch by entering their crops.

The president announced that several special prizes have been kindly donated for the purpose. It was also agreed that nominations close on November 1.

The following remit was moved and is to be forwarded to headquarters: That this meeting of the Lowgarth branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union, held on September 17, urges the .union to use its best endeavours to bring down the rate of exchange as fixed by the associated banks on dairy produce. Several new members were enrolled, among whom were Messrs K. Mills, W. A. • Styles, John Jones, A. Symmans, A. Gray,, and J. Jones. GENERAL.

The weather still continues to be of the best, and is in my opinion the best spring so far experienced for years. Grass is flourishing fast, and in consequence the milk yield is rapidly rising. The cows, generally speaking, have come through the w'inter well, and are in fairly good condition. The sheep farmers of the district are also gratified with their return. In conversation with one farmer he informed me that up till now his percentage of lambs is about 120.

I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating Mrs A. Piper on her success in the recent Eltham Show, having won the points prize (a Doulton rose bowl) in the cooking classes.