FARMERS’ UNION WORK.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 19 April 1928, Page 9

FARMERS’ UNION WORK.

SOUTH TARANAKI EXECUTIVE. The monthly meeting of the South Taranaki Provincial Executive or the X.Z. Farmers’ Union was held at Hawera to-day. There -were present: (Messrs H. Hedge (chairman), W. E. Carter, F. L. Bigham, E. W. Johns, D. M. Cameron, A. T. Sulzberger, A. DJohnson, J. P. Marx, F. W. Barker, F. Area, W. T. Seed, J. Cocker, L. A. Jennings, F. AVilian, H. Thrush, E. J. Betts, H. Ei- Johnson and E. Iv. Cameron (secretary). The visiting organiser, Mr Bruce Gillies, was also in attendance.

Before proceeding, with the routine i business, the chairman extended a welcome to Mr J. Cocker, who, as the president of the newly-formed branch of the union jn the Eltham district, was making his first appearance as a member of the present provincial executive. Replying to the executive’s resolution adopted at the March meeting recommending that facilities for saving money by means of the Post Office Savings Bank should be made available in schools, the (Taranaki Education Board advised that a committee consisting of the chairman (Mr S. G. Smith) and Messrs A. Lees and P. J. H. White mid been appointed to report upon the suggestion. Mr "Marks, who had; originally sponsored the proposal, suggested that the executive should endeavour to interest) the Teachers 1 ’ Institute in the matter, and if possible secure its support. The proposal was endorsed by several speakers, among whom Mr Jennings referred' to the experience; at schools in Bradford (England), where, during the war, a sum of several thouands had been subscribed in pennies by pupils. It was, decided to forward a copy of tire resolution to the N. Z. Teachers’ Institute, recommending that the proposal he given the support of the institute. TRIBUTES TO ORGANISER. “This seems a fail* percimtaige, but a iiumUar ox fiat relusalts were met with, difficulties arising; which may possibly be overcome,” said the visiting organiser (Air Biuce Gillies), m n-porting that, to the date or the meeting, lie hao emo iled a total or 250 members. Up to March 31 he had visited 344 farms ana interviewed 299 farmers, of whom 201 had been enrolled, this being approximately 67 per cent- He expressed thank's to MessrsD. M. Cameron, Betts, Aroa, H. AYplis, Bollard, Haeeltme, Agnew, ’ Stock-will, Davidson, Treweeic, Seed, Rye, Langlands, Wilian, Jones, Garter, Jennings, ''Cleaver, Nicholas, Marx, II Thrush, Reynolds, J. Linn, IV. Mortiock, Ciague, Cocker, C. hexetts and the provincial secretary (Mr E K. Cameron) fo. r assistance given during the canvass, some of those mentioned having spent as many as four days in travelling, with the organ--ISC“i think Air. Gillies is to be lieartilv congratulated on the excellent work he has carried out, and I cannot speak too highly of the splendid service he had given the union in the district,” said the chairman The chairman’s commendation was strongly approved by Messrs. Carter and Cocker, the latter, who had spent two and a half days .visiting farmers with the organiser, instancing difficulties encountered in the canvass. and paving tribute to Air. Gillies for the confidence inspired by Air. Gillies m the union as well as the success achieved in the actual enrolment of members. ~ , The secretary remarked that the district had experienced an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm m the affairs of the union, and the revival of interest, could he attributed to the work of Afr. Gillies. The organiser was accorded _ a vote of thanks in appreciation of his work. The meeting also expressed appreciation of the work carried out in eonnCftion with the women’s division by Afrs. Gillies, and a vote of thanks was recorded. PRODUCE PRICES. Reporting upon Inquiries made by the committee, consisting of Alessrs. Carter, H. E. Johnson, D. M. Cameron and the secretary, _ appointed _to investigate the possibilities. of making South 'lsland produce available at cheaper terms than ruling in the North Island, Air. Carter said that the committee had interviewed two principals of the Farmers’ Co-op. Society, who had intimated that if a saving could he effected on the overhead charges a reduction to the. buyer in the North would he possible. In view of the difference of about 50 per cent between the South and, North Island prices, the committee was convinced' that some reduction which would favour the northern buyers should be possible.

All*. D. AI. Cameron said the Farmers’ Co-op. officials had shown; willingI ness to meet the union if possible, and jit appeared that, if the union could offer orders of sufficient size, benefits • might result. To do this, however, much organising work on the part of the union would he necessary. The secretary explained, that difficulty would be met in the arrangement of shipping, and, while the two organisations of the union might function at either end, it appeared necessary that the services in between of a recognised trading institution would be necessary. To investigate the prospects, however, branches could be circularised to ascertain the likelihood of orders being placed. ; PROBLEAI OF FINANCE.

Air. Alarx suggested that the assistance of the dairy factory companies might be secured in financing such ai project. It appeared that the purchases would have to be. made through a trading concern, as the Farmers’ Union would not have the required organisation. Mr. D. AI. Cameron gave the opinion that the dairy companies could not be looked to in the matter.

The organiser considered that the system should be controlled by the union in order that only membfrs should receive its benefits.

The question of discounts allowed to trading firms was referred to by Mr. Marx, who thought a body of farmers should be able to secure similar consideration. This opinion was supported by Mr. A. D. Johnson.

Mr. Carter pointed out that in deciding on charges any trading concern must make allowances for non-pay-ment, and Mr. Johns suggested that the order system on dairy companies would afford the required protection. ‘The biggest trouble appears to be the cost of transport between the islands,” said the president, who suggested that the committee should be allowed to pursue the matter further and the union take action with a. view to securing a reduction on shipping charges. After further discussion it was decided, on the motion of Mr. Thrush, to leave the matter in abeyance pending receipt of further information from the sub-committee. GENERAL.

'File secretary reported having leeeived a suggestion* from the Matapn branch that the date of entry in the Sutton Cut> root-growing competition be set by the union. The secretary bad also been advised through Messrs. Newton King, Ltd., that another cup to replace that won outright was being donated, and conditions of the competition would be advised later.— After discussion as .to whether a- date of entrv should be recommended, it was decided to leave the conditions to the donors.

In compliance with a request received from the Tokaora branch it was decided to obtain quotations for a supply of cow covers.

After discussion of social activities, it was decided that a. union ball be organised, to be held at Eltham on a date to be fixed. Messrs. Carter, Seed and Cocker were appointed to supervise preparatory arrangements and to approach the women’s division with a view to securing its co-opera-tion.