FARMERS’ UNION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 12 May 1925, Page 7

FARMERS’ UNION.

MAN AIA BRANCH. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Manaia branch of the Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday evening. Mr J. T. Clague (retiring president) occupied the chair. ANNUAL REPORT. The president’s report was as follows : I have much pleasure in stating that the various activities of our branch have been carried out quietly and successfully during the year. Early in the, year we had a visit from four members of the Dominion Executive. The meeting was well attended, and the addresses were very interesting and instructive. Mr McAlpine, Dominion organiser, canvassed the district in August, and although he was unable to cover the whole district he was successful in securing a good many new members. He was accompanied in his work hv members of the branch, and to them our thanks are due. Competitions. —The root growing competitions were carried out in May, and the lucerne competitions in February. Good entries were received, and the interest was well maintained. Some very fine crops were judged, especially in the lucerne, and there is evidence that much benefit and information is being obtained from the competitions and- the judge’s remarks. The judging was again carried out by the officers of the Department of Agriculture, and we wish to record our thanks and appreciation to them for the efficient manner in which they carried out their duties.

Our annual prize-giving social was held in July, and was a success both socially and financially. I am also pleased to report that as the result of our endeavour last year Manaia has been promised a farm school to be held in June. It is hoped that as many as possible will enrol and attend the classes, so that the school will he the success it deserves to he CONFERENCE REMITS. The list of remits to the annual provincial conference, to be held at. Hawera on May 19. was reviewed. < Mr Gamlin suggested there was scope for the union in taking action to ensure that county valuations were revised in more regular sequence instead of certain areas being valued every four or five years, whi'e others were allowed to go for twenty or more years without valuation. Mr Muggeridge supported this opinion. and on his motion the secretary and Mr Garnifn were appointed to draw up a suitable remit to the conference. In suoport. of the remit. Mr Gamlin was added to the delegation. FARM SCHOOL. The secretary (Air. J. Makers) reported that visits nad ueen paid to the Auroa, Mangatoki and Otakeo branches of the union with reference to the forthcoming farm school, to be held at Manaia from 15th to 20th June. All had intimated that an endeavour would be made to organise parties, and a good representation, might he expected. In reply to requests forwarded, the Tokaora and lOkaiawa ;branches had also stated they would he pleased to receive deputations concerning the matter, and visits would he made to the former on the lltli inst., and to the latter on the 12th. A request that a delegation he received had also been forwarded to the Alatapu branch.

APPRECIATION. In appreciation of his services during the past year, A vote of thanks was accorded the president (Air J. T. G'ague), who, in reply, thanked nieniberiT for their support in the various activities of the branch. Eulogistic comment was also made by the president concerning the efficiency and enthusiasm displayed by Mr Dakers in discharging the secretarial duties. Votes of thanks to the secretary, auditor and al! officers and the Press were passed, and the secretary was instructed to convey by letter members’ appreciation of the kindness extended by the AY a i mate West County Council iii allowing the use of the chambers for meetings.