MANGATOKI FARMERS’ UNION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 30 April 1925, Page 2

MANGATOKI FARMERS’ UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING. PAST YEAR REVIEWED. A fully representative gathering of members attended at the annual meeting of the Mnngatoki branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, held in the Mnngatoki Hall on Tuesday evening. Mr W. E. Carter (president) occupied the chair. PRESIDENT’S REMARKS. In a brief review of the activities of the year, the president said the work of the branch had proved very satisfactory. Thirty new members had been enrolled, the total present membership being 57. The root crops competitions bad created much interest, the entries being of a good standard throughout, and keen competition had ruled, on which all exhibitors were to be congratulated. The soft turnips, mangolds, swedes and carrots competitions had been headed respectively by Messrs C. Brock, J. P. Marx, T. H. lever and A. Ei. Baker. Thanks were due to. Mr J. W. Deem for officiating as judge, his duties being extended over two days. Unfortunately, due to the infantile paralysis epidemic, the catt.e show which it was intended should have been held in February, had been postponed and eventually had been abandoned for this year, it being considered that without the younger members .of the community the show would not achieve the desired’ success. During the year visits had been paid by Mr If. Woods (Government Veterinarian), who had dissected the body oJ a cow and given a practical demonstration, and lecture, and had also given an address on the subject of mammitis. Mr Webster, of New Plymouth, had lectured tlie branch on potato-growing, and the Dominion president of the union (Mr W. J. Poison)had delivered an address on general policy and organisation matters. All of these gentlemen had made available much useful and interesting information, and their services were greatly appreciated. Much support, continued Mr CaTtev. had' been given the annual social and dance,, and the annual smoke concert had proved another highly enjoyable social function. For help given on'those occasions and at other gatherings, the branch was indebted to. the ladies. The end of the year, said Mr Carter, in conclusion, found the branch finances in a sound position, the balance-sheet disclosing a credit of £2O 15s 9d. Total receipts amounted to £6O 5s 7d, while expenditure was £SO 8s 7d, the profit on the venr’s working therefore being £9 17s. This amount represented the best result achieved by the branch in any one year, for which, as well as for the success which attended the work of tlie branch generally, much credit was due to the enthusiasm and efficiency displaved hv the hon. secretary, Mr H. Thrusii. ■ V The balance-sheet was adopted without discussion. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows. President, Mr W. E. Carter (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs A. T. Sulzberger (re-elected) aud J. W. Uieaver; hon. secretary, Mi H. Thrush (re-elected); hon. treasurer, Mr E. H. ousey; committee, Messrs T. Preece, C. Brock, J. Sulzberger, J. P. Marx, and branch officials ; auditor, Mr R. D. Douglas. In congratulating the meeting on the reappointment of Mr Thrush as secretary, the chairman referred to the marked ability with which Mr 'Thrush had discharged his duties. Without that efficient attention the success met with during the year would not have been possible, ana the branch was exceedingly fortunate m retaining the services of Mr Thrush. Mr C. E. McGuinness also made eulogistic comment concerning 'Mr Thrush’s work, and similar tributes were paid Dy other members. Mr JThrush suitably replied, and intimated that if members wished to assist him they could best do- sc. by maintaining good attendances at the branch meetings. As a mark of appreciation of his services as auditor, it was decided to forward a letter of thanks to Mr J. Maxwell; who is departing from the district this week.. The assistance given by the ladies was also referred to by the president, who said they had been of very great help to the branch during the year. On the president’s motion, a vote of thanks to the ladies was carried by acclamation. A general vote of thanks was accorded all officers and others who had helped the branch during the year, the press being included. GENERAL. Messrs'A. Foy and G. Schneller were elected as members. Consideration was given to the prc>posal to pay a visit to the Manaia Demonstration Farm, it being decided to organise a party to proceed to the farm on Tuesday, May 5, leaving Managtoki at 11 a.m. May 23rd was fixed as the closing date for entries in the competitions in mangold, swede, and carrot growing. It was mentioned that judging would probably commence about Friday, 3th June.

The chairman said 1 that he had written to Mr S. Turner requesting him to address the branch on the subject of marketing dairy produce, dealing with the question from the time the produce left New Zealand until it reached the consumer., Mr Turner had replied, expressing his willingness to give the address, which would take place on a date to be arranged. As a means of adding to the social interest in the branch activities, it was decided *to conduct a series of fortnightly euchre parties and dances during the winter months.