S.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2650, 28 December 1904, Page 21

S.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

I v OTAGO. The montlily meeting of the Hampden branch was held on the 17th instr, Mr W. Nicolson (president) in the chair. Circulars were received ~froin the Provincial Secretary with reference to the bag question and the commission on the sale of horses. Mr Gillies moved — "That all members of this branch bind themselves not to sell horses after a date, to be decided upon, unless the commission is reduced to 2£ per cent." The motion was seconded by Mr Findlay, and carried unanimously. — Mr Findlay moved, and Mr Gillies seconded — "That in future all bags containing farm produce should be paid for. by the purchasers." Carried. — The Provincial Secretary advised that the Farmers' Mutual.' Insurance Association would ] commence business on February 1. — The ! secretary was instructed to write to the Provincial Secretary pointing out that _ the executive had not forwarded to all " the branches a copy of the resolution passed .by j the Hampden branch with reference to the ] j Workers' "Compensation Act. It was also j decided to obtain a full list of the branches, • so. that the local secretary could communicate direct with tbem_ The Tokarahi correspondent of the Oamaru Mail reports: — A meeting of settlers interested was held on the 21st inst. to hear an address given by the colonial organiser {Mr A. J. M'Curdy) of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. The Chairman (Mr Murray) introduced the speaker and apologised for the small attendance. Mr M'Curdy addressed the audience for over t\vo hours on important subjects concerning 'farming communities. Amongst other things he mentioned that the Otago province would take the lead in starting a mutual insurance^ scheme, and a meeting; would be held in Dunedin on January 13, and all branches should discuss and arrange "matters so as to be represented at" this meeting. As far as is possible everything js in order to start operations about February 1. One sometimes hears the remark, "What is the union doing?" If those who wish to know would attend such meetings as this it would save local officers of the union replying to these questions, as Mr M'Curdy goes very fully into the doings of the union, showing the benefits derived all over the colony.