WAIMEA WEST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 92, 4 May 1903, Page 3

WAIMEA WEST

THE FARMERS' UNION. The Waimea West Branch of the Farmers' Union held its second annual meeting on Friday last in tbe Schoolroom. Mr Dron occupied the chatr. The balance sheet, which showed a small credit balance, was adopted. A report of tbe work of the Union in Kelson province showed that the movement had produced some important results. A few months ago a waggon ta_ of a heavy kind was promised by the County Council (£24 a waggon, £12 a dray with three horses, and £b a traction engine.) Public meetings held in opposition to the tax were not listened to, but a steady movement of the Union throughout the County had Teduced tbe sum from £24, to £12 on waggons, and £1 on traction engines, drays being left out. The freight on wool from Nelson to Wellington had been lowered Is a bale from an inorease bhat was made about eleven years ago when the seamen's strike occurred, and which had been in force until the steamship companies reduced it at the request if the Provincial Executive, rhe report -tated that it would be well if those sheep owners outside the Union considerjd the advantage that has been gained by the combined farmers for them also. _. resoluiton had been passed by the Waimea West branch requesting the Council to strike a special rate for the iestruction of small birds, which was supported by other branches, and had been grated, although prior to that a member of the Council failed to carry the proposal ■*_,•_'_ After the report was read, the branch sleeted a Commiteteof thirteen, of which Mr &.B. Hall was appointed Chairman md Treasurer, and Mr G. S. Bright vicejhairman, Mr B. H. Turner organising Secretary, and Mr F, Coleman auditor. After careful consideration of all points >f the case, the annual subscription was raised to 4s a member, with Is entrance Eec Those in the room paid their subscriptions, and the Secretary was initructed to call on the other members and wUect theirs at an early date. Mr Turner was appointed delegate foi Ihe incoming year. Mr ■■ Ai. B. Ball, in a neat speech, movec i hearty vote of thanks to the retiring _aairman, which was well responded to isthat gentleman had spared neithei pains nor trouble tolfforward the move ment. Mr Dron replied in feeling terms arid said it had always through life beei his wish to give pleasure to others. Th< thanks of the branch were tendered tc Mr F. Coleman for his servcies as audito: and for the many acts of kindness he ha< always shown to all the Union members A vote of thanks proposed by Mr W. L Palmer ' to the Secretary brought th meeting to a close. ■ A.-i -'• >. '■ .'. ." . '' < . ' ' ■