MANGATOKI.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 17 May 1928, Page 5

MANGATOKI.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

FARMERS’ UNION REPORT

The following is the report to be presented to the Annual .Meeting, of the Mangatoki. branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union, this evening. The number of meetings held during the year were five, of which matters or vital importance and. interest to ini-mers were discussed. A remit, on the best means of subdivision of farm lands in tliis area as brought before the Dominion conference last year, and was passed. Both, the Minister of Lands and of Agriculture seem to favour the remit, and a deputation will probably wait *on the Minister of Lands at Eltliam on 22nd May in connection with this matter.

During the year just closed, the Rural Credits Act has come into operation, and already a number of Boards have ben formed. When the farmer becomes familiar with the working of the Act great use will be. made of it. Not forgetting that the Farmers’ Union has been instrumental in furthering the means of cheaper money for farmers.

The branch again held root- growing competitions, and, although the entries were not .so large as last year, the quality and weight of the crops were good. The results of the competitions were : carrots, McGuiuness Bros. 1; W. E. Carter 2; mangolds, McGuiuness Bros. 1, and 2; .swedes, J. P. Marx 1; lv. Marx 2.

The euchre parties held during the year were well patronised and were the means of bringing the people of the district t’ogether, and So involving a live interest in the Union. Although the evenings proved a success socially, they also proved a slight loss, financially. One social was held during the year, which proved a success. An address was given by Mr. E. K. Cameron on Rural Credits and the Arbitration Act, which were of great interest- to the members, who. offer Mr. Cameron their sincere thanks. Thanks are due to Mr. Gillies, the Union organiser for the work he has done. His work in South Taranaki has been uphill, although lie has been most successful. Ninety-eight (98) per cent, of the members have been Jinked up on the order system which will be a most satisfactory way. Jf the members do not cling together, by no other means can their problems be dealt with. Thanks are due to the members of the various committees for their loyal work., especially the ladies who willingly attributed their help to make the social functions successful, and to the secretary, Mr. J. P. Marx, for the very able, manner in which he has carried out .his honorary duties. HOOKEY. On the local grounds, yesterday, the Mangatoki hockey team defeated Otakeho by four goals to one. A fair crowd of spectators turned out to see the local representatives who have so far been winning great honours. For Otakeho, Surgenon played a brilliant name, while for the local team Bennie, Free and Skea.ron gave a fine display.