ELTHAM BRANCH.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, Issue LIII, 13 April 1908, Page 5

ELTHAM BRANCH.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The annual meeting of the above branch was held at Eltham on Saturday. Mr T. O. Hodgson (President) occupied the chair, the following members also being in attendance; Messrs W. Fever, Mannix, Flavall, Chapman, Miirray, R. J. Knuckey, H. Forsyth, Wilkes, Muir, Horrocks, A. Harrison, D. O'Shea, A. Coleman, W. Coleman, and A. Naughton (Secretary). The annual report and balance-sheet were read. The balance-sheet showed that whereas there were only 28 members on the books last year, the membership for the year now ended showed ltfe. In moving the adoption, the Chairman stated that during the year no meetings of the branch had been held owing to press of other work on the shoulders of the executive. He would like to see an executive appointed for the incoming year consisting of members who would be able to devote the necessary time. Mr Horrocks seconded. Mr Naughton stated that he would like to 6ee any balance in hand over £1 voted to the Provincial Executive. At the present time the branch had £2 12s in hand, and £4 was owing to the branch by members for membership fees. Mr Hodgson moved, and the Chairman seconded, That all moneys accruing owing by members should be voted to the Provincial Executive. Mr Murray moved, That Mr Hodgson be re-elected as President. Mr Horrocks seconded. Mr Hodgson declined, and nominated Mr Flavall. Mr Flavall declined, and proposed that Mr Murray should be President. After considerable demur Mr Murray agreed to accept the position, and was unanimously elected. Vice-President, Mr R. J. Knuckey. Secretary and Treasurer: Mr Naughton was nominated, but stated that it would be almost certain that he would not be in the district for the whole of the coming year. He would do all in his power to assist the new Secretary whilst here, but he would have to definitely decline the appointment. After discussion it was decided to leave the appointment in the hands of the Executive Committee. Executive Committee, Messrs Swindhurst, Horrocks, Chapman, Dawson and Harrison. Mr J. U. Murray was appointed delegate to tISSi Provincial Conference, and Mr B. Dive was appointed hon. auditor. Remits to Conference. — Mr Mannex suggested idbhafc alterations were desirable in the Fencing Act. Mr Hodgson said -.that on a former occasion this

branch had moved a remit in this direction. Mr Chapman also considered the Fencing Act very satisfactory. A letter from Mr S. T. Cooper, suggesting the purchase of the manual fire engine from the Borough Council for use of farmers residing round the Borough of Eltham, was left to the incoming Executive to deal with. The annual subscription to the branch was fixed at 6s for the incoming year. It was resolved to hold a social this year in June. The meeting then went into committee to consider draft of new rules.