THE FARMERS' UNION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6489, 8 April 1908, Page 3

THE FARMERS' UNION

A LIVE BRANCH

The Marion branch of the Farmers' Onion is one of the most vigorous and progressive outposts of this organisation. The history of the. branch is practically the history of the Union, for its loading spirit has been one of the mainsprings of the parent body. This is Mr W. J. Birch, a farmer who has spared neither time or money in furthering the farmer's cause—a liberal disinterested man who has set an example which, were it more generally followed, would make the Farmers' Union a much greater power in the land than it is. • Every progressive movement initiated in connection with the Union has been loyally supported by the Marton branch. To 1 mention a few—veterinary service, co-operative purchase of_ manures, mutual insurance, organisation scheme, and rural education, And the branch is still full of life and energy. It has just added eightytwo names to its membership roll and has made a grant of ,£lO to the Marton Technical School.

The Minister for Agriculture is now to be asked by tho branch in regard Jj a special train to take members to tho Wornroa Experiment Farm, the trip to be made in the erne day. It is to bib hoped the branch will be met in a liberal spirit, pie station is doing good work, but this is being wasted if the farmers, for whom it is being carried but, are not given every opportunity of studying it.