FARMERS' UNION AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20554, 3 May 1930, Page 15

FARMERS' UNION AFFAIRS.

ACTIVITY OF BRANCHES. - YEAR IN THE WAIKATO. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] HAMILTON, Friday. The annual meeting of the Waikato : sub-provincial branch of the Farmers' Union was held to-day, Mr. S. R. Cox presiding. The president's annual report stated that the matter of elevating the Waikato j district from sub-provincial to provincial status was one which would require the attention of the incoming executive. Its attainment would mean an increase in the revenuo and would widen the union's usefulness to the farmer. The membership had remained practically stationary during the year, indicating a growing feeling of unity among members. A satisfactory financial position was revealed by the balance-sheet. The following officers were elected: — President, Mr. J. H. Furness; vice-presi-dent, Mr. H. A. Watkins; treasurer, Mr. W. H. Worster; auditor, Mr. W. Stopford ; committee, Messrs. A. Ramsey, J. Mackay and T. Roach. Mr. C. J. Phair and Mr. Ramsey were appointed representatives on the provincial conferenco. PROGRESS AT MATANGI. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. [HT TELEGRATIT. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Friday. The annual meeting of the Matangi branch of the Farmers' Union was hold last evening, Mr. W. Boyd presiding over a good attendance. Reporting on the year's operations, the president said four successful meetings had been held and somo interesting addresses had been given. The membership stood at 22. A credit balance of £lO 13s lOd was shown I in the balance-sheet. ' Oflicers for the ensuing year were elected as follows; President, Mr. W. Boyd; secretary and treasurer, Mr. J. Ranstead; delegate to provincial conference, Mr. W. Lee Martin, M.P.; delegate* on sub-provincial executive, Mr. W. Boyd; deputy, Mr. Ben Williams; com mittee, Messrs. Williams, Pilkington, Coventry, Bryant. W. L. Ranstead and Capey; auditor, Mr. Buckingham. GATHERING AT TE AWAMUTU, ADDRESSES TO MEMBERS. [BY TELEGRArn.—own correspondent.] TE AWAMUTU, Friday. About 40 members of the Te Awamutu branch of the Farmers' Union from all parts of the district attended last evening to hear Messrs. R. H. Feisst, Cambridge, and E. Kinnell, Taumavunni, members of the Auckland provincial executive, who have been touring the King Country for the past 10 days, explaining the objectives of (he unior. and seeking to promote a closer understanding between the executive, the branches and the members. The speakers dealt with' various matters of moment, including closer settlement', customs tariffs, greater production, political action and dairy prices.