N.Z. Farmers' Union.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume XVI, Issue 868, 7 September 1917, Page 3

N.Z. Farmers' Union.

AWAROA BRANCH. A meeting of the Awaroa branch of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Landing shed, on August 25th, Mr. A. W. Babbage being in the chair, when there was a very good attendance. It was decided to hold meetings every two months, the chairman and secretary to arrange a list ol the dates. In regard to the Kaimango and Koraha bridges, great dissatisfaction was expressed at the greatly increased cost of the Kaimango bridge and the proposal of the District Engineer to make a ford at the Koraha bridge, everyone being opposed to the proposal of a ford. It was agreed that the Kaimango bridge must be erected, and the chairman and secretary were appointed to try and make some arrangement to have a bridge erected at the Koraha. The secretary, Mr. H. Babbage, was instructed to write to the Registrar - General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Wellington protesting against being included in the newly-formed Waiharakeke District, as Kawhia is considered to be our centre. The chairman mentioned the need of a Cemetary Reserve somewhere near the Landing. Mr P. Doe said there was a reserve at his place, in the swamp, an altogether unsuitable position, and said he was agreeable to give a piece of dry ground in exchange. Messrs P. Doe, W. O’Donnell and H. H. Babbage were appointed a committee to try and arrange for a site.

Inquiries are to be made as to how many sections have been taken up in the Tapauae-honuku block, reserved for returned soldiers, as it is thought only two or bree have been applied for, and what is proposed to be done with die balance, as this large block yingidle is hindering the district. Mr R. Corlett mentioned a block >f 1200 acres of Native land between Hauturu and Waiharakeke lying idle, and the Government is to be urged to acquire this and throw it open for settlement, and also that the Crown sections in the Taumatatotara block be openad.

An interesting paper on “ The grassing of Kawbia Bush Land” (which is published elsewhere) was read by Mr A. W. Babbage, this opening up a lively discussion is to the merits and demerits of different grasses, the general opinion being in favour of Danthonia.

A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Babbage for his address concluded the meeting. (Own Correspondent).