NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION. PURAKANUI BRANCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2527, 20 August 1902, Page 17

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS ' UNION. PURAKANUI BRANCH.

A meeting was held in the Purakanui Schoolhouse on Thursday evening to form a branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union for that district. Mr John Foote was voted to the chair. Mr J. J. Ramsay, the provincial secretary, who was present by invitation, addressed the meeting, pointing out the object and aim of the union, which was not to be an aggressive body, but an organisation to look after thesr interests and promote the welfare of the farming industry. They were not only prepared t* enrol farmers, but also farm labourers, as th» rules sat forth, and it was the desire of the union to promote the common welfare of all. So far the union had marched on safe and prudent lines, and carefully avoided anything approaching party politics. At the same time he took it that the union could not avoid politics. It would be the duty of the nnion to try to rai'e the personnel of tho House, and to suppcrt men of integrity and ability irrespective of party That was his idea of the work they could d'j in the matter of politics. But it was not the intention of the union to havf* tickets or bind their members in any way further than to ask them to see that the farming interest got adequate and intelligent representation. At the close of Mr Ramsay's address a branch of the union was formed, and almost all present joined. Mr John Foote wa» elected chairman, and Mr C. C. Kawhnson kindly coiii-pnted to act a« secretary. Mr Ramsay explained that special terms as to insurance were given to members of the Farriers' Union, and promised that as soon as tho now rules and regulations were ready he would supply the branch with copier. He urged the young men who had joined to take an active interest in public affairs, because no country could be great unless its people did so, and it was to our young people we had to look to make New Zealand the great colony to which we all hoped to see her rise. On the motion of Mr D. M'Lac'.land, seconded Ly Mr Sutherland, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Ramsay for his address, and, on Mr Ramsay's motion, a vote cf thanks to Mr Foote for presiding was also accorded.

A committee mootmg of th« Milton branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union wni iheld on Tuesday evening, the president (Mr J. Allison) being in the. rhair. A letter was received from the provjaeial eecretsry with reference to "The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1S00." It w.-.s agreed that the act should be amended so that a workman would be entitled to compensation from the date cf accident, provided Ivs was laid up for i 4 days. In connection •with the starting of a co-operative agency in the district or at Dunee 3 n, those present expressed thrmselves 111 favour of tho project, and it was d< cided ro write to the provincial ex:cuti\e asking them wh.it stops they had taken.