Farmers’ Union at Oroua Downs

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 206, 31 August 1944, Page 8

Farmers’ Union at Oroua Downs

One of the best attended meetings of farmers for some years was held in the Oroua Downs Hall on Monday evening to consider a proposal to establish a branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union in the district. Mr. Roy Craig occupied the chair and in attendance were seventy members, representatives from neighbouring branches and the provincial office. The provincial president, Mr. H. J. McLeavey, outlined fully the aims and objects of the Union, the work it was doing and the advantages of having a branch in the district. He stressed the point that only complete unity on the part of farmers would ensure protection of rural interests. Mr. W. H. Giinblett, Rangiotu, supported the president and urged the formation of the branch, stating that his own branch had functioned successfully and conferred many benefits on its members. Tho provincial secretary, Mr. L. I. Plimmer, enlarged on the administrative side of tho Union’s work and promised every assistance to the branch officials. At the conclusion of the addresses, a number of questions were asked the speakers, especially in relation to the recent payment from Britain, after which a motion proposed by Mrs. Raikes and seconded by Mr. Petersen, was put and carried without dissent. One or two members of the recently formed D.P.A. branch indicated their willingness to help the organisation. The election of branch officers was proceeded with and resulted as follows:—President and delegate, Mr. Roy Craig; vice-president, Mr. J. Q. Cameron; secretary, Mr. Alan Nichols; committee, Messrs J. P. Connell, Frank Shailer, Stan Boyden, Alex Gates and Marshall Moffatt. The meeting concluded with a discussion on boundaries and Union affairs generally.