FARMERS’ UNION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 December 1924, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION.

MATAPU BRANCH. There \vas a good attendance of members of the Matapu branch of the Farmers’ Union at the monthly meeting held in the Matapu hall last evening. Mr. R. H. Free (president) occupied the chair. ROOT CROPS COMPETITION. The hon. secretary (Mr. R. C. Tieweek) suggested that .us the branch membership was increasing, and entries m the root-growing competition were increasing in proportion, it was advisable to make a reduction in entry fees. He explained that many members, though they considered their crops very unlikely to be included with, the prizewinners, entered the competition in true sporting spirit, with the object of supporting it. To encourage that spirit the secretary thought the fees should be made as low as possible. The proposal met with approval, it being decided to charge a flat fee of 5s per crop. It was decided to hold a social evening in the hall on December 20, the closing date for _ entries in the competition, the secretary being appointed to make the necessary preliminary arrangements. BOYS AND GIRLS’ COMPETITIONS. Mt\ W. T. Seed, who was previously appointed to secure the names of the placed competitors in the Matapu school calf-rearing competition, so as to enable the secretary to arrange for the presentation of the prizes awarded by the branch, reported that a committee meeting n r as being held during the week, after which he would he able to supply the information. DOMINION ACTIVITIES. Minutes of the meeting of the Dominion executive held on October 29 were read by the branch, secretary and tabled after discussion. Included with other matters, the minutes evidenced that dissatisfaction had been expressed at the way the Government was shelving the question of the proposed agricultural bank, despite the unanimous wish of the union that such a bank should be established. The branch president offered the opinion that even if the bank were established there did not appear, from present indications, any prospect of money being made available at a cheaper rate than could be obtained through institutions already operating. Further, to establish the bank, the Government would necessarily have to make arrangements for a very heavy guarantee, involving taxation of the whole community in order to benefit principally one section. From the remainder, therefore, the scheme would naturally meet with considerable opposition. The secretary said that the union was affording ample illustration that it was working actively in the interests of farmers throughout the Dominion, and its influence should prove gfeath beneficial. With reference to the agricultural bank, he considered that though the Government might not decide to adopt the exact line of action advocated, it could be depended upon to make suitable arrangements to meet the requirements of primary producers. A further item in the minutes dealt with the decision to reaffirm the principle of election to the Dairy Control Board and the Meat Control Board by means of the ward system. The president expressed agreement with the principle, and referred to the advantages to be secured through the ward system. This would have the effect of giving district representation in proportion to the amount of produce manufactured, and in the case of Taranaki, which operated so largely in cheese production, would offer improved facilities for forwarding and marketing the commodity. The meeting expressed approval of the following remit adopted at the Dominion Executive meeting: That this executive protests against the action of certain Auckland and Poverty Bay branches in continujns to make political action an affair of the union, after the union as a whole had decided not to take such action. Such action is bound to weaken the union and can only be regarded as disloyal.