FARMERS’ UNION

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 8 May 1935, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION

MANGATOKI BRANCH ACTIVE ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

(From Our Own Correspondent.) At the annual meeting of the Mangatoki branch of the Farmers’ Union held in the Mangatoki Hall on Friday evening last, the president (Mr W. E. Carter) presided and there was a fairly large attendance of members. In the course of his address the president said that the Dominion Executive had been working very hard in tho interest of farmers, but that, notwithstanding the heavy expenses entailed in organising the movement, the membership was practically at a standstill. New members wcre < certainly secured, but many failed to pay even their first subscription. During the season a demonstration of interest to tbp pig industry was given at Messrs Hutton’s works in Eltham. This proved very interesting to members present. The thanks of members were due to the president, Mr AY. J. Poison, M.P., for the splendid fight he had made during tho debate on the Mortgage Adjustment Bill. Mr Carter said the branch had been fortunate in always securing good secretaries and that in this respect Mr J. H. Anderson had been no exception.

The balance sheet showed a credit of £27" 18s, the balance carried forward from 1933-34 being £36 3s 6-J. Mr D. L. A. Astbury congratulated the president on his long service to the branch, and moved a hearty vote of thanks and appreciation. This was carried unanimously. The election of officers resulted as follow:—President, Mr W. E. carter ; vice-presidents, Mr K. Smidt and Mr H. D. Lambie; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. H. Anderson; delegates to the South Tiiranaki Provincial Executive, Messrs K. Smidt and H. Lambie; delegates to provincial conference, Messrs Iv. Smidt and J. Lambie; social and general committee, Messrs J. Johnson, It. Melesi and A. and E. Sehieker. Mr R. D. Douglas (auditor) was accorded a vote of thanks and the secretary was voted ail honorarium of £3 3s in appreciation of his services. It was decided to hold euchre tournaments again during tho season. Hay and ensilage competitions would also be held, tho entry fees to be paid by June 30. Remits for the provincial conference were dealt with and are as follows : (1) That all stock meals be branded according to quality with special reference to pig meal. (2) That all tarifls on British goods which cannot be economically manufactured in New Zealand be abolished. (3) That tlie organisation of the Union particularly with reference to securing and holding new members be considered.