FARMERS’ UNION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 2 June 1927, Page 9

FARMERS’ UNION.

SOUTH TARANAKI AFFAIRS

PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE

MEETING

The first meeting oi’ the newlyelected South Taranaki Provident Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held at . Hawera to-day. There were present: Messrs H. Hodge (president). E. J. Betts, M. W. Barker. NY. K. Carter, F. Area, F. Willan, H. E. Batten, I>. M. Cameron, W. Johns, E. L. Bigham and E. K. Cameron (.secretary). Apologies for absence were received front Messrs H. E. Johnson .tend W. T. Seed. . Before commencing the routine business, the president extended a welcome to the newly-appointed members and expressed the hope that the loyal cooperation given bv members to the affairs of the executive during the previous year would he continued during the nomine period. Mr H. E. Batten replied, thanking the president for his welcome, and endorsing the latter’s remarks concerning the work of the future.

Referring to the visit of the Dominion President (Mr W. J. Poison) to Hawera on May 23, the 1 secretary said he had received many intimations evidencing that the address had created a very favourable impression. _ In reporting on matters concerning the meeting addressed by OMr Po ison, he called attention to the courtesy extended hv Mr E. Dixon in allowing the use of a* gramophone. —On the motion ot the president, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr Dixon.

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS

“The work of these clubs, as fostered by the provincial executive, hasgreatiy increased, and it is now felt that the financial liability is more than ? the executive can successfully carry, stated a. copy of a letter forwarded by. the secretary to the Minister of ture (Hon. 0. J. Huwken) with aefeience to the Boys’ and Grids’ Agricultural Clubs. “Practically the whole of the funds are required for prize money and general* organisation in connection with the competitions, and little is let for general organisation purposes of tlie U “At "a recent meeting of the executive it was decided that a iniw be organised and called, to be held in" Hawera on a suitable: Saturday m June, when the matter of the future control of the, Bovs’ and GiaW Clubs could be fully discussed. It wil] be a great pifv if this good work as allowed to go back, and we hope, that bv obtaining the practical sympathy ot other organisations some scheme of control may be arranged to enable the competitions to be continued.”

ENTRIES DOUBLED

Referring to the extension, of th® competitions to include a .senior division, the letter explained it was confidently felt that much _aveund result In the calf -rearing oOmpet-i----tkms there were 275 entries, and, for the root crops, 114 mangolds and 133 carrots, making a total of 522 this year as against 365 in the previous year while in 1925 the total entries -was only 9.63 It would thus be seen, that the number of entries had been, doubled in the last three seasons. _ •. Whilst the Farmers’ Union had borne the costs of .prizes, the expenses totaling < ap^roximate l y £7O to £IOO a year the ioireat success of the c ,übs was much due "to the enthusiastic work of _ the officers of the Department of Agriculture and the Taranaki Education Board and to Messrs A. J. Glasson and R. Svnie in patricular.

As the position was critical, continued the letter, the executive asked whether it would be possible for the Department of Agriculture to make a definite financial grant to enable the work of the clubs to be continued.

The secretary explained that _ the Minister’s reply was being awaited, and the letter was approved by the meeting.

POSSIBLE SHIELD DONATION

Mr. Bigliam suggested that aii economy might be ettected by eliminating the prizes and awarding the certincates only. He thougnt that the honour of winning or securing places in the various competitions would prove sufficient incentive to the boys and girls without the other awards. The president gave the opinion that if the competition were an adult one Mr Bigham’s theory would be good, but in order to offer the maximum encouragement possible, he would prefer that the usual awards be continued. Mention was made: of the reported donation of a shield by Messrs Henry Lane and Co., Ltd., thrdugh Mr. G. H. Buckeridge, of Hawera; who had intimated that the trophy might be awarded for competition in tlie clubs upon his being satisfied concerning the future progress of the work. Attention was also drawn to statements made by Mr. Buckeridge, expressing regret regarding the present position, and in respect further of a possible scheme he was considering for the development of the work, the secretary remarked that, while Mr. 1 Buckeridge had previously had scope for some years during his service as secretary to bring suggestions forward, any scheme which would give an improvement' would be welcomed. The president explained that he had had an informal discussion with Mr. Buckeridge concerning the matter, and had invited him to attend the annual meeting of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs to be held in July. The secretary gave a reminder that a special meeting of the clubs was to be held during the current month, and it was decided to invite Mr. Buckeridge to be present. SUBSCRIPTIONS ON ORDERS. The secretary reported that the Dominion annual conference would open at Wellington at 10 a.m. on July 2G. At the conclusion of a discussion regarding the payment of subscriptions through orders on dairy companies, it was decided to forward a request to the Dominion executive asking that' such subscriptions in the South Taranaki district be paid direct to the provincial executive. In the event of a, favourable reply not- being received, the secretary was instructed to forward a remit to the Dominion conference.