FARMERS’ UNION AFFAIRS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 11 August 1928, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION AFFAIRS.

BRANCH REFORMED AT FRASER ROAD.

It was a very happy combination of instruction mid amusement that was arranged by the provincial secretary (Mr. E. K." Cameron) for the meeting at Eraser Road to inaugurate the resumption of Farmers’ Union activities for that district and to celebrate the reformation of the local branch of the union. A lecture by Mr. Jolm Houston Ava-s, after the formal business, followed bv an hour of fun and- merriment when a. discipline of Maskeleyne and Devout mystified the onlookers with can! tricks and a most amusing pre-election address' on tlie lines or the famous Monty series kept the listeners' in roads of laughter. There was a, good attendance of members, and Mr. L. A. Jennings was voted to the chair. Mr. Cameron briefly explained the reason of tlie meeting and- the work of the union on the- lines of previous remarks, showing how branch, provincial executive, and Dominion exectitfee had each their oAvn sphere, work, and activity. He referred to the scheme proposed to secure trading benefit's 'both locally and as between farmers in the North and the South Island, and a feature was that only members of the union were to enjoy them. He hoped the members would hold together and go ahead on the wa-ve of enthusiasm raised by Mr. B. Gillies, the union organiser; during the past few months. The necessary formal resolutions AArere then put and carried, and the branch was an accomplished fact. The resolutions were as follow: “That a branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union is hereby formed, to be called the- Fraser Road branch”; “that all present be the first members of the branch.”

OFFICERS ELECTED. Apr. Ij. A. Jennings was elected first president of the branch until his successor be appointed. Air. H. Aletcalf was elected secretary* and tine executive consists of Alessrs. E. Gibson, R. Burton, D. Palmer, G. Swan and 22. Nicolson. JVlr. Game ron corigratulate<l tne president on the formation of the branch, and hoped the members 1 would have many interesting and instructive evenings. He referred to l the ball recently held at Eltham, and said that the desire was that the members of the union should meet in social gathering, and it was intended to make it an annual function. ike ball was, despite many counter , attractions, a great success, and would not only pay expenses, but would, add considerably to the union’s funds. WILLS AND DEATH DUTIES. Air. John Houston then held the close attention of members while he talked 1 interestingly and instructively to them on the subject of “Wills and death duties” on the lines of Ins address at Tokaora. He prefaced his remarks with a little timely advice to farmers when he said that if the farmers from the North Cape to the Bluff would see eye to eye on all matters of importance to them a. very great deal: could be accomplished. Too often there was a divided opinion on these matters, whereas thev should speak with one individual voice. If there was a real union, speaking with. oik> voice uivd going after one thing, it would work U> some purpose and accomplish something. SOCIAL EVENING. The meeting then settled down to I enjoy an hour of amusement and recreation, during which a clever exposition of the art of card mysteries

was given by Air. E. K. Cameron, lie was followed by Air. John Renwick, who convulsed his hearers with a most, amusing pre-election address on the lines of the famous “Monty,” brimful of humour and. containing many local allusions. Air. Metcalf then delighted the mem bens with his singing of the song “Cherry Ripe,” which, lie explained, had been selected for the local school pupils’ unison chorus for the Hawera Competitions. The visitors were accorded a very hearty vote of thanks and appreciation. They were entertained after the gathering at supper ‘by Mr. _ and Alhs. Jennings. The general opinion was that such gatherings would go far to increaLse the popularity of the union to bring and keep members together.