Feilding Branch New Zealand Farmers’ Union

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 67, 21 March 1935, Page 3

Feilding Branch New Zealand Farmers’ Union

On Friday afternoon, March 22nd, at 2 p.m., the Fcilding branch of tho New Zealand Farmers’ Union will hold Us annual meeting at the Women’s Division rooms. Tho annual report of the branch, which will bo presented at the meeting is as follows: — I regret having to again chronicle the fact that as tho primary producers of wealth in this country our burden does not seem to bo lightening. When tho last annual report was submitted to members the hope was expressed that 193-1 would witness a return to more settled conditions the world over. What has eventuated? Internationally we have seen the countries of the world putting up their trade barriers, a real trade war has been brought about by the use of tariffs and money exchanges, on one hand we hear the cry “You must not send any more of your production to us” and on the other “You do not buy enough from us.’.’ International trade is being strangled. We witnessed Germany in the position of having its produce buyers told to stay at home —there was no money available with which to buy overseas goods, and so on. What has happened? Our prices have not risen and are round about the previous year, as low as they possibly can be. Out Government is concerned about the fate of a big proportion of the primary producers, and legislation has been and still is being brought about with the idea expressed publicly at any rate of making the farmer’s burden a lighter and a happier one. The latest is the entry of tho Mortgage Corporation Act and we are all conversant enough with tho Act to bo able to pass the opinion that it will not in any shape or form help the farmer to a better financial position.

The Intermediate Rural Credit Boards continue to do good work, and I do not think it is realised by many tho vast amount of help rendered by the boards to tho farmers, not only in the way of financial backing, but in the giving of good sound advice. The Branch Executive has been very active in the past year and it. is pleasing to he able to record one of the best years the branch has ever experienced. The executive has met regularly throughout the year and has watched all interests as far as it was able. During the winter general meetings of members in conjunction with . tho women’s division were held at Biwitca, Kimbolton, Colytou, Halcombe, Feilding and Stanway and these were iciy successful from the union’s point of view. Tho Fcilding meeting was the address of Air W. J- Poison, the Dominion president, and it is regretted that more farmers did not attend to hear this most interesting talk. At the Stanway meeting the annual presentation of prizes won in the Root Crop Competition was held, and thanks are due to tho Stanway Women's Institute for providing supper oil that occasion. At; Halcombe, in conjunction with the Halcombe branch of the Wowen’s Division a social evening was held in the way of a concert and dance, and this proved a great success, and thanks arc duo to the Halcombe ladies for their very willing and able help. A sub-branch of the union was formed at Halcombe during the winter

months and it is pleasing to record that the members arc very enthusiastic, and it seems that a great deal of support will come from that cm 3. The Root Crop competition was conducted again last year and the winners of the various competitions were as follows: — Mangolds: ,Ist, H. Hancock, Awahuri, 107.07 tons per acre; 2nd, Messrs Minson and Marshall, Waituna West, 97.02 tons. Swedes: Ist, Id. G. Hare, Arapata, 70.8 tons per acre; 2nd, A Kidd, Kiwitea, 03.14 tons per acre. Mangolds and swedes combined: Ist, H. G. Hare, Arapata, 30.1 points; 2nd, W. F. Jacob and Son, Kiwitea, 2941 points. * Most meritorious crop: It. H. Knox, Kimbolton, 02.6 tons mangolds per acre. The competition proved a success and I would again ask for your continued support. The organiser (Mr D. C. Caiman) visited the district, and 'he mot with great success. The branch’s thanks are due to those gentlemen, who, at no small cost to themselves, gave up their time to go round with the organiser and introduce him to farmers. “In conclusion, I wish to thank all members for the help given at all times throughout the year, the Feilding branch of the Women’s Division for it§ wonderful help and for the enthusiasm which is displayed at all times in any matters affecting the union; the Press for so ably reporting our branch meetings and activities; and the secretary for his ready help and able support. I sincerely hope that this year coming will witness a return to better conditions. Finally, I would make an appeal to all members to give as much support as is possible to the leaders of the union and would ask them to attend the meetings as they are held and I feel sure that we will be able to do much in the way of making our station in life an caster and a happier one.”