N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 27

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

OTAGO.

A meeting of the Southland Provincial Executive was held at Invercargill on the 13th inst., when there were present Messrs J. M 'Queen (chairman), J. M'Keroher, W. Teinpleton, K. Findlayson, H. Middleton, the secretary (Mr R. Allan), and the organising secretary (Mr A. M. Paterson). Apologies for absence were read from Messrs jMgSpnon and D. Gilchrist. The delegates 'Jjpofhad attended the Christchurch Conference gave a report of the proceedings. Mr Middleton said he was more convinced than ever from what he had seen there that the union should have two executive's — one in each island, and the chairman strongly onno&ed the proposal. Mr Middleton regretted fchat more members of the union "could not attend such conferences, as they had -& stirring effect, as well as ' being . of 'educational value. This was one of the seasons for suggesting that there should be an executive in the South Island. Letters were read from various branches on points oT importance and dealt with.

Mr W. Newton occupied the chair at ~ the ordinary meeting of the Wrey's Bush branch. Mr A. M. Paterson, organiser, w» present. Mr Anderson, who has just recently come to the district, was appointed secretary for the branch, which is a new one. There being no further business of a looal nature, the chairman called on Mr Paterson to address the meeting. Mt Paterson dealt with three conditions in tlie horse which he believed caused more trouble, worry, and loss to farmers in Southland than any other three diseases THe conditions were spasniodic colic (gripes), flatulent colic, and impaction of the colon. Each of these was minutely and clearly described, and the preventive and curative treatments outlined. Many questions were asked and answered at the close of the address, and the lecturer was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Sir M'lnelly told the meeting that through their having a branch of the union in the district, and through his being a member of it, he had been able to save a £50 mare eince thoy met last. His mare was seriously ill, and he made up his mind that he was to Icae her. However, having Mr Patorson's itinerary, he rung that gentleman up, described tiis mare's condition, and got ad\ ice that when followed proved highly satisfactory. His mare was now out of danger, and progressing favourably. The Chairman, also stated that since the last meeting ho had had an experience he never had before. If it had not been that Mr Paterson in his last lecture to them described the condition, and gave a line of treatment, he might have lost a valuable animal. As it was, he followed Mr Paterson's ad\ice, and everything went on all right.

Mr A. J. M'Curdy, colonial organiser of tLa \?nio.», adure^^^ 3 me&tinit. ai Waita-

huna on Wednesday last on "The Aims, Objects, and Past Work of the Union." Mr Cowen, president of the WaitahunaFarmers' Club, occupied the chair, and in a few appropriate remarks introduced the speaker. The attendance of farmers., considering the importance of the meeting, was small. Nothing daunted, Mr M'Curdy went into the different subjects with great vigour, . and for an hour and a-half held the close | attention of his listeners. Technical edu- ■ cation for young farmers, fire insurance j (cheap rates for farmers), Fertiliser Act, Bush and Swamp Land Act were all fully ' gone into and ably dealt with. Mr M'Curdy also dealt with the attitude of the union towards the Government, contradicting the ■ statements which had gone abroad that '. the union was aiming at its downfall, and ! stated most emphatically that the union was | not antagonistic to the present Governi ment. They recognised no party, but were I simply united together for the protection of "their own interests. A number of questions having been put to the speaker and satisfactorily answered, Mr Rose-, in j moving a hearty vote of thanks to Mr M'Curdy for his interesting and practical address," 1 expressed the opinion that the union deserved the support of every farmer, in the district^ It was" not fight that they ! should stand out, and at the same time, - without any trouble or expense, on their part, participate in the advantages already gained, and- the still greater advantages to be gained by this most useful organisation. Mr Rose regretted there were so. few present to listen t-. an address- so full • Of information to the farming community, and anything which Ml M'Curdy had said in regard to the aims and objects of the i iinion could not. in his opinion, be contradicted. Mr M'Curdy signified his intention ' of giving another address in Waitahuna^ in • about two months' time, when travelling ( through the Tuapeka district, several of I those present assuring him of a big meeting.