Farmers’ Union Affairs

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 264, 6 November 1941, Page 8

Farmers’ Union Affairs

MANAWATU PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETS

A meeting of the Manawatu Provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union was held in Palmerston North yesterday. Present were Messrs. H. J. McLeavey (Ohau), chairman, B. G. Gower (Foxton), A. G. Dear (Rongoftea), L. Burn (Rongotea), C. Webb (Levin), L. Wilton (Tokomaru), W. Aldridge (Levin), J. Dawson (Pohangina), G. G. Mitchell (Shannon), S. C. Saint (Ohau), J. D. Aitchison (Opiki), W. H. Potts (Paraparaumu), ia. Bowling (Manakau), J. E. Hodgson (Whakarongo), J. T. Kent (Waikanae) and V. J. Cottle (Tc Horo). The chairman reported having enrolled 390 new members and “converted’’’ 830 from the £1 to the 30a subscription. The question of share-milking agreements will be discussed fully with herd owners at the next meeting of the executive on January 21. The Levin branch wrote urging that representation bo made to the Marketing Department * ‘ stressing the fact that the high price of maize and maizemeal was the solo reason why the Poverty Bay maize crop has not been disposed of.” Mr. C. Webb said poultrykeepers would use more maize if it were not for the high price. If wheat growers could bo subsidised why not the maize growers also? It was decided to place the.position before the Minister. The Shannon branch suggested that soldiers who settle on farms within five years after returning from the war, be granted one year’s free membership of the Farmers’ Union.—To be sent forward to headquarters. Paraparaumu branch entered “an emphatic protest against any further rise in wages as it simply means another rise in farm costs, and as all prices for farm produce aro fixed, we think it most unfair that Trade Union members are receiving increases in wages to off-set ; costs while farmers are denied the same privilege. ’ ’ There was by no means unanimous support for tho remit, several members urging that the Union should fight for benefits for itself without trying to deprive others of what they could secure. Tho remit was referred back to Paraparaumubranch. Pohangina branch suggested tho setting up of reception committees to keep branches informed of new arrivals in a district. It was an endeavour to keep in contact with members who change their addresses. The matter is to be passed on to the Dominion executive.