WHAKARONGO.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 258, 29 September 1936, Page 8

WHAKARONGO.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) WHAKARONGO, Kept. 28.

A mooting of tlie Whakarongo branch o.‘ the Farmers’ Union was held recently. A motion of sympathy with 'Mr and Mrs Stern in. tho loss of their only daughter was passed prior to tho business ot ttio meeting, the members standing in silence. The chairman (AJr I’. V. Koehler) welcomed to tho meeting Messrs hi. Campbell (the provincial president), 0. Nioderer (group organiser), H. R. Green (a member of the Kairanga branch), and L. I. ITimmcr (secretary), and thanked them for their attendance. Reporting on a remit from the last meeting to the Manawatu provincial executive, tho chairman said that tho effort which tho branch had been making for several years in the direction of federating tho primary producers’ co-operative nontrading associations had at last succeeded. Thirteen associations were now working together and ho knew of two other associations pledged to support the move. Ho appealed to the branch to keep tho ball rolling until all the associations were working together. It was decided to hold monthly meetings. The chairman introduced Mr Campbell, who congratulated the branch on having the organiser in the district and tho success which had attended his efforts. Every industry, ho Mated, had a union to-day, and tho farmers’ organisation must bo strong and have the best men at its head. He appealed for support for the new president of the union (Mr A. W. Mulholland), who would look after the interests of farmers in all branches ot the industry. It was important also that it should be evident to tho Government that the farmers had an activo organisation capable of working with the Government. As to tho guaranteed price, he personally was disappointed with it, as it was certain that costs would rise, and with the advent of the 40-hour week it was difficult to say what tho farmer would receive. Mr Niederor, who had lately completed the reorganisation of the district, addressed the meeting. It was always his idea, he said, that in a democratic country each section of tho community should bo organised so that it could co-operate intelligently with tho rest. Ho explained the enlarged boundaries of tho branch’s district. Although ho anticipated that tho Ashhurst branch might be revived, ho did not favour too many small branches. He had had splendid support from members of tho union in the various districts lie had been in, and had to thank Messrs Romlcy, Mercer and Koehler for their assistance locally. Mr Plimmer outlined the financial and membership strength of the province, and on being requested to explain what happened to the subscription detailed provincial expenditure, the "Dominion levy on provinces, the subsidy to Point Blank, and the allowance to branches. Mr Green, in response to an invitation to address tho meeting, proceeded to give his views on various matters of farming interest, including tho proposed tax cn pigs for the purpose of research and instructional work. He contended that farmers did not so much require instruction as to what they should do as they required facilities to enable them to do what they already knew should be done. Supper was handed round and the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the speakers. Tho dance organised by the spinsters and bachelors’ committees was held in the hall on Friday and was very successful. The committees had gone to a good deal of troublo in decorating the hall, winch looked very pretty. The music, by a professional orchestra, was very good. A lucky Gay Gordons dance was won by Miss Carter and Mr Wolfsbaur; Monte Carlo, Miss E Vauticr and Mr Major. Mr H. Gore was M.C. . „ At a meeting of the Tennis Club s committee it was decided that tho opening take tho form of a mixed doubles tournament. Winners of this will be given the silver buttons: also, trophies will bo presented. Mr J. T. McDonald, of Palmerston North, has been asked to formally open the courts and lie will also give helpful advice to players. On Labour Day the club will hold an open tournament, tho proceeds to go towards the school diamond jubilee fund. Handsome trophies will ho given to the winners. All clubs were asked to join in. The tournament will take the form of a mixed doubles and will commence at 10 o’clock. In the evening tho club intend holding a dance, the proceeds from this also to go towards the jubilee fund. The club are purchasing two new nets and new posts for one court. The volley board is to be taken down meantime. The subscriptions arc to remain the same as last season.