FARMERS' UNION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17288, 2 October 1916, Page 10

FARMERS' UNION.

ASHBUETON BRANCH. The monthly meeting of the AshbuTton branch of the Farmers' Union was held on Saturday afternoon, Mr J. Brown presiding. A list of the amounts paid in levies by the various branches during the past seven years was laid on the table, and it showed that the Ashburton branch headed the list with £225 12s 6d Oxford coming next with £139. Then followed Rangiora with. £7O 13s 6d and \\ aikari £63 18s. The chairman lead a letter he had received from Messrs J. Montgomery and Co., stating that the firm was prepared to give a guarantee as to purity and germination of feed sold by it, as suggested should bo done by firms at a recent meeting of tho Ashburton branch of the Farmors' Union. Mr J. R. Simpson stated that Messrs Guinness and Le Cren, of Timaru, had forwarded him a quantity of freestone blocks for the testing of seeds, and on behalf of Messrs Gu.nness and Le Cren ho had much pleasure in presenting them to tho branch so that they could ba prosented to individual members. A vote of thanks was accorded the donors and also to Mr Simpson for the interest he had taken in the matter. The chairman brought up the question of trying to do something to populariso and to increase the membership of the union. He thought much could bo accomplished by the formation of branches in the various country centres. Tho drawback at present was tliat the farmors, or many of them, had lost touch with tho union, and if branches were formed in various centres thoy could discuss matters at the local branches and then meet in Ashburton once a month as at present. Ho would like the members present to do what thoy could to work up the interest in their own particular districts. A branch had been recently formed at Lowcliffo, with a membership of thirty, and it was expected that this number would be considerably increased. Arrangements were being made for tho giving of lectures on scientific farming. Mr J. R. Simpson congratulated Mr Brown on having been instrumental in forming a branch at Lowcliffo, but tho formation of branches in the various outlying district* was a big problem. The trouble was that many of the farmors looked upon the union as an outside affair, but he contended that the union was for the benefit of the fanning community generally. Many of tho farmers looked on and did nothing and tho man who did nothing criticised those who at least were doing a little. He did not think there would bo any prospect of forming a branch in tho Lismore district, as most of the farmers in that locality were nlrendy members of the Ashburton branch. Mr G. W. Lcndley said that there were cortain districts in which branches could bo started, but in others it would bo useless to make tho attempt, and small branches would not carry much weight in denling with many of the larger questions which vitally affected tho farmers. He was not in favour of a multipPcation of branches, but he was in favour of every farmer joining tho union. Many of tho farmers were too selfish, and while they would like all that was given some of them hesitated to subscribe the 7s 6d levy aftor they had become members. Personally ho sometimes felt so discouraged that ho felt inclined to givo up tho whole business. The Farmers' Union had done a lot'and was still doing a lot for the benefit of the farming community. A discussion ensued on tho question of the charging of the full levy fees when branches were first formed, and on tho motion of Mr William Harding it was decided to ask the executivo to give favourable consideration to' a reduction of tho levy fees when branches were newly starting, as the preliminary expenses in connection with the formation of a now branch were often considerable. It was decided to ask Mr A. MTherson. Government Supervisor of tho Fields Department to visit Ashburton and give a lecture on lucerne growing.