FARMERS' UNION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 20 May 1927, Page 7

FARMERS' UNION

GOLDEN BAY DISTRICT

PROVINCIAL CONh'EIIENCE

The first eojifierenco of the Golden jsay PunmvM IfhfckL d> jthc. £icw He&jawl Farmers' Onion'was' (;eld iti the Hall on .Saturday Jus'.. r% John Ksh presided over a full mooting, attended by representatives of all branches.

A jotter was received from I lie Nelson Provincial District about the proposed tour. It was resolved that Nelson be asked, to come over on 6th August, members being of the opinion that as 111 is is ■the furst available Saturday aftqr the Dominion Conference great benefit would be had by discussing matters brought, up til, tin') conference. The balance sheet, showing a. credit balance, of £A 10s, was adopted.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

The president presented his annual report, which was as follows:-

"I herewith tender mv report of work done for (he past year. We have held meetings regularly and they have been well attended.' Our financial position is good, all things considered. During the year we have done good and useful work both in the interests of our Union and our districts, besides considerable interna] business.

SOIL SURVEY

"Some of the most important 'matters dealt with are: Ist, the question of the soil survey of our Takaka district. The survey is nearly completed and the balance of .the. work will lie put'in hand and 'finished in the near future. I am convinced that this work is a most important, one. to our district, as 1 am quite sure that a large amount of money is lost annually by our farmers not knowing what., their Jane] requires, and are experimenting at great cost to themselves.

DETERIORATED LANDS

"We. have also dealt with the question of deteriorated lands, hundreds of acres of which exist in the Takaka and Collingwocd valleys. We have been advised that an expert will visit the district. It is a big job and will take lime, but T anticipate Much good will come to settlers by bis visit. "Winter farm schools for Golden Bay have reefcived attention, but through shortage of staff we may not get it this year. I believe it will'not be long before the school is held annually in Colden Bay. Much good will come of these schools, especially to our young farmers.

"Together with our branches and local county councils we have been promised a re-valuation of our lands. Most of our farmers will welcome this, as there is no doubt that most of our farm lands are valued too high considering their producing capacity. . "Together with our Dominion executive, wo have worked to get a more uniform charge for country telephones. Although not successful'so far, I believe before long that we will get an alteration to our advantage* "We have had visits from the various Government experts. Lectures and demonstrations have been held and have been well attended. I am satisfied our farmers have gained a large amount of r.sefuj knowledge thereby.

INSPECTING IMPORTED STOCK

"We have dealt with a number of remits, one of tfie most important being with regard to stock coming from the North Island and other districts to the South, and to our district in particular being properly examined for diseases before being shipped. Our district being a very clean one, we desire to keep it so. It is a most important question to us and I feel sure wo shall eventually get some assistance towards remedying the matter.

"During the year \vc have been granted provincial status, and we now have direct communication with headquarters, which I feel sure will benefit our organisation. We want a strong organisation to safeguard our industry. We, want every farmer to join up and help us in the work, as those who do not are only hampering the good work of those who are doing the job. We farmers are up against it at present, and must get together and put ourselves into work, as we are entitled to a larger share of the loaf than we are getting at. present. "In conclusion, 1 thank you for your consideration and attention'lo our business during the past year."' Mr Symes moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded JVlr Fish' for bis long and interesting report, also that it be placed on record the good work done by Mr Fish during the last 15 years on Farmers' Union business. The motion was seconded by Mr Reilly and carried.

Mr C. P. Reilly, as delegate to the Dominion executive meeting held in Wellington on 4th lilt., gave a long and detailed report on the business done arising therefrom.

Mr Reilly also waited on Dr. Reakes, Director-General, Department of Agriculture, re the appointment of an assistant, to Mr F. Greenwood, Agriculture Instructor, Blenheim ; also to' make application for an instructor for the Golden Bay district.

Mr A. Cockayne, Director of the Fields Division, was also interviewed re farm schools, and re procuring the services of Mr F. R. Lew, Government Agrostologist.

A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Reilly for his report.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The elect ion of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—President, Mr John Fish; vice-president, Mr T. H. Symes; secretary, Mr G. P. Reilly; treasurer, Mr Ivan Barnett. The committee consists of all members of the executive.

GENERA!

ft was resolved that an account be opened with the Bank of New Zealand. Takaka.

Arising out of the secretary's report on the business done at the Dominion executive meeting, Mr Vosper moved thai, this provincial executive New Zealand Farmers' Union is nol in favour of the Daylight Saving Rill, and that a letter be forwarded to Mr R. P. Hudson, M.P., asking him lo vote against the Bill. The motion was seconded by Mr Reilly and carried. The secretary is to write to the Conservator of Forests, Nelson, asking if Mr Wastney would give an address to farmers when he is in the district.

All meetings in future will he held in Takaka.

It was resolved that (he provincial levy for the ensuing year be 2s per member.

After concluding a considerable amount of minor business, the meeting adjourned.