FARMERS’ UNION

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 11 June 1932, Page 9

FARMERS’ UNION

TOKAORA BRANCH

SUPPORT FOR FLOCK HOUSE SCHEME.

The monthly meeting of the Tokaora branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held at Tokaora last evening, when Mr. H. Thrush occupied the chair.

Hay and ensilage competitions for the coming season were discussed and it was agreed that they be held during the first week in July in two classes—lucerne and meadow hay and ensilage respectively. No entry fee would be charged and no prizes would bo offered, the competitions being conducted by the branch solely for the information and guidance of its members. Messrs Smith and Haynes, of the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture, were requested to judge the entries, which close with the secretary at the end of the present month.

The chairman mentioned that a farmers’ excursion to Massey College had been arranged by »the South Taranaki provincial executive to take place early in July, and lie urged all members to make an effort to attend. Daisy research work would be a special feature of the visit.

A talk was given by -Mr. H. R. Denize, officer in charge of the Live| Stock Division at Hawera, on the activities of the Department of Agriculture, and he briefly touched on the small farm scheme for the relief of unemployment. An appeal was made by the chairman for the support of the branch in connection with the new scheme to provide agricultural training courses at; Flock House for the sons of members of the N.Z.E.F. during the Great War, for which a public appeal for the sum of approximately £SO required to supplement the financing of courses of eight months for two trainees from; the South Taranaki district had been: launched. Members contributed to a public subscription list. The opportunity was taken of farewelling Mr. H. D. MacDonald, who is leaving the district for New Plymouth. Mr. Thrush said that Mr. MacDonald had been one of the branch’s most active members and his departure was deeply regretted. Mr. S. J. Bennett and Mr. T. J. Allan also spoke in sup-: port of the chairman’s remarks. . On behalf of the branch the chairman presented Mr. MacDonald with a fountain pen, and expressed the hope that he would continue to take an active interest in Farmers’ Union activities in his new sphere.