OTAKEHO.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 5 June 1925, Page 8

OTAKEHO.

pnun Our Own Correspondent)

FARMERS' UNION

A mooting of the local branch ol the Farmers' Union was held rn the hall on Saturday, Mr. E. T. Eurke presiding over a fair attendance. MX. 0. Hawken, M.P., was also present. A letter was received from Mi. Deem continuing the date tor the judging of root crops. A telegram from Mrs. Massey, thanking members for kind expressions of sympathy,,was also read. "Ine chairman mentioned that about this time of the year the annual dance was usually held, and he would like the committee to decide it one should lie held this season. After a good deal of discussion it was finally decided that the dance be held on Friday, June L-, and that the annua] social and presentation of prizes be held on hriday, June 19. i A strong committee was set up to make the necessary arrangements for both functions. The chairman informed the meetin<> that about if fortnight ago lie had been speaking to Mr. Hawken, who bad promised to come along to the next meeting and have a talk on matters of importance to the mem hers, but he wanted the members to understand that Mr. 'Hawken would not <dve a political address, hut would deal briefly with matters of interest to the .farmers. Afterwards he would answer questions. Mr. Hawken thanked the chairman for tiie opportunity of having a talk, with the members, and he hoped all present would enter into the discussion. The speaker dealt with agricultural, banking, giving a very interesting account, of agricultural or land banks in Denmark and America. However, in spite of what they had done, he did not consider they compared favourably with the advances to settlers in New Zealand. tie considered what was wanted, was longer dated mortgages with a. sinking fund. In ‘dealing with the Dairy Control Board, the speaker contended that a board such as was set up was an absolute necessity in the interests of the dairyman. Me mentioned that at the present time no New Zealand produce reached the north of England, tire most thickly populated, parß and tin’s Was one mutter foi- the board to rectify. Other matters mentioned were shipping, insurance, a continual, supply on the English markets, and the handling of produce, both here and in England. As regards finance lie mentioned that perhaps the factories would not be able to make the same progress payment, and the final payment would be delayed maybe a month or so. The delaying of the final payment would be caused on account of holding sup- . plies to -carry on until the new season’s make ' began to arrive on the market. He did l not consider it advisable to store a large amount of produce in England. If produce was to be held he favoured holding it in cool: stores in New Zealand. At the conclusion of the address a ■number of questions were asked and a. general discussion took place. All ■present joined freely in the discussion, and a very interesting and instructive evening was spent. The chairman, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr. Hawken, stated that Mr. Hawken had that evening only arrived from Wellington, but lie bad kept his promise and. come out, a fact which the members very much appreciated. He felt sure that a lob of valuable information had been gained, and hoped that Mr. Hawken would lie able to return to some future meeting. The vote was carried' by acclamation. Mr. Hawken thanked the chairman and members fo r their very cordial reception. He wa s only sorry that the time available had 1 not been greater, as a change of ideas was a benefit to’all. In conclusion he thanked them for their attendance and for the patient hearing they had given him. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded., the meeting.