FARMERS’ UNION

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3265, 8 February 1926, Page 11

FARMERS’ UNION

MEETING OF MANAWATU EXECUTIVE.

A meeting of the Mnnawatu executive of th a Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday, Mr. O. P. Lynch (Paekakarikl) presiding. Also present:— Messrs. C. C. Hlgginson, J. Gloyti, H, Denton, J, A. McLeavey, B. G. Gower, A. McLeavey, J. Balsillle, A. 6. Dear, T. D. Clifford, F. W. Hubbard, F. Maul, H. Bond. Native Leases. The chairman reported upon a meeting of the Dominion executive held recently at Wellington. As recards th c revluation of native leases, the .Department did rot see its way clear to adopt suggestions of thc executive. The position in respect of certain Himltanga native leases was serious as the land was unoccupied (the previous lessee having walked off) and only a breeding ground for rabbits. No rates and taxes were being collected on the property and those were only accumulating and would be added to the price the next occupier would have to pay. Mr, Gower reported that portion of the land showed signs of occupation since last meeting. Mr. Bond agreed to secure details about the properties to be presented at next meeting of th e Union. ■ Ward System. Mr. F. W. Hubbard addressed the meeting on the ward systent of election to the Dairy Control Board. He stated that his attention had been drawn to statements of two of the Board members that the ward system of election had little hope of being realised. Mr. Hubbard asked that the" Union do its utmost to further the efforts being made to have the .ward system carried into effect. That system had 'been advocated all over New Zealand, but. little had been said as to how it was to bo carried out. Presumably the North Island would be divided into 6 areas, but how could that come about If only two members were to retire this year. A member: Lot them all resign. Mr. Hubbard: That is exactly the point. The Board, he-continued, had been In. operation for 2 years and he could not see much benefit to the dairy farmers, from their services \ except reduction ;tn freights, M- regards placing New -Zealand produce op the British market this could be ;dohe by peaceful penetration and without comingup against Tooley. street, There wore many ways of doing this, such as by Judicloui .advertising ariif possibly by.gifts of butter tp tho ,British public. The , Board seemed to have done nothing to prevent tha blending of butters. Mr. MoLoavey: How would you atop Mr. Hubbard: It is a difficult matter, but it is for our advantage If Neiv. Zealand is sold pur 4 » over the counter. The speaker in conclusion asked fori support of the ward system by ■ the Union. ••••■!

Mr. Maul commented -upon the fadt that there were no dairymen On • the Control Board, and that being so how could It represent the true opinion of the dairying community, j The chairman disapproved of the method that had been adopted when the original Board was nominated. It hod been, a Question of a ticket. He was not opposed to the ward system, but did not wish to see similar-tactics adopted when the ward system was actually realised. Mr. Hubbard also expressed his abhorrence of the ticket System of election. • ■

Th e chairman: It was a hole and corner meeting that decided upon the original nominations. The Union had several times expressed its approval of the ward, system, =. —r Mr. Bond moved that the meeting confirm its. previous decision in favour of that system.

Mr. Maul seconded and the motlpß was carried unanimously. :