NEW LIFE IN FARMERS UNION

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 May 1931, Page 4

NEW LIFE IN FARMERS UNION

MEMBERSHIP IN LEVIN DISTRICT DOUBLED. BRANCHES FORMED AT TOKOMARU AND LINTON. A fresh lease of life is being taken by the Farmers’ Union movement in the Horowhenua and Manawatu districts as a result of the activities of the organiser, Mr F. A. Nelson. A canvass in the Levin territory during the past week has caused the membership of the local branch to be doubled, bringing it to approximately 160, at which figure it should be a really-strong unit. Branches have been added at Tokomaru and Linton, and they will keep in social touch with those at Aokautere and Shannon. TOKOMARU BRANCH. At Tokomaru on Tuesday a meeting of farmers was held, when it was resolved that a brapeh of the Union be formed. Officers as follows were elected: — President, Mr J. R. Whyte; vice-presi-dent, Mr E. Mabin; secretary and treasurer, Mr T. Liggins; committee, Messrs A. N. Kelly, N. J. Whyte, L. E. Whyte, J. R. Kelly and W. R. Kelly; , delegate to Manawatu executive, Mr E. Mabin. It was decided to hold monthly meetings, to take place on the fourth Monday in each month, at 8 p.m. LINTON BRANCH. Last evening there was a meeting of farmers at Linton, and a branch was formed there. Mr G. Greer was elected president, Mr T. Walker vice-presi-dent, and Mr J. Leslie Nash secretary and treasurer. The following committee was set up:—Messrs J. McMahon, A. 'Saunders, A. J. McEvedy, L. F. Ballinger, T. Gritton and J. Lynch. Mr G. Greer was appointed delegate to the executive. It was decided that the branch meet monthly, on the fourth Wednesday, at 8 p.m. The organiser addressed the meeting on the aims of the Union, and stated that the organisation was successful practically every farmer in the district joining. In reply to questions on the subject of politics in the Union, Mr Nelson stated that the Union was political, but non-party. If party politics were introduced into the Union, it would mean the breaking-up of that organisation. Replying to a question as to the Union’s attitude in regard to foot-and-mouth disease, the organiser stated that the Union was practically unanimous in the' opinion that the embargo on imported stock should not be lifted. The meeting decided to support all resolutions passed by the interprovincial executive in reference to foot-and-mouth disease, de-rating of lands, and the establishment ,of State lotteries for the support of hospital and charitable aid boards. The secretary was instructed to get into communication with the Principal of Massey College with a view to arranging for a lecture by the instructor in swine husbandry, concerning pigbreeding and grading; also for a lecture by a veterinary officer regarding a cattle disease causing lameness and prevalent amongst some of the cattle in the district. _ It was decided to form a miniature rifle club, to be run in conjunction with the Farmers’ Union, and to arrange for an exchange of visits between members of the local branch and those of Tokomaru, Aokautere and Shannon.