FARMERS IN WAIKATO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20868, 9 May 1931, Page 11

FARMERS IN WAIKATO.

ACTIVITIES OF UNION. DIFFICULT YEAR EXPERIENCED. [from otjr own correspondent.] HAMILTON, Friday. The annual meeting of the Waikato provincial executive of the New Zealand Farriers' Union was held to-day. Mi. J. H. Furniss presided. Tho president's annual report stated that tho past year had been an exceedingly difficult one for the organisation. Many members, in common with other farmers, were in grave financial straits and the union was determined to work for tho removal of the' inequitable burdens carried by the farming community. Although tho union had not made the progress hoped for in membership, marked progress had beon made in internal consolidation. An improvement in the financial position would no doubt result in the attainment of many of the objectives for which they were striving. High interest rates, import duties and the burden of local-body rating for roading prevented the necessary reductions being made in production costs to meet the reduced purchasing power in Great Britain. Tho union would make every effort to deal with these handicaps. The financial statement showed a credit balance of £B4l. The election of officers resulted President, Mr. J. H. Furniss; vice-president, Mr. H. A. Watkins; secretary, Mr. W. 11. Allen; treasurer, Mr. VV. Boyd.