N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 2677, 5 July 1905, Page 21

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

OTAGO. The members of the Waiau bianoh met on the 21st ult. at the J-ouse of Mr Robert lapper, jun., Clifden Station, when there was a very fair attendance/ Mr Darley one of tbe delegates to the Provincial Conference, gave an account of the proceedings. He stated that the large attendance of delegates— young, middle-aged, and old— •was in itself indicative of the deep interest taken ji the union, and augured well for lutare success.— The Secretary read the nanaes of tLose who had paid their subscriptions. The number was about 50, thus Jial-ing the local branch one of the strongest in -Southland.— A vote of thanks to Mr end Mrs Tapper for their kindness was carried by acclamation.

A meeting of the Riversdale branch was held on the 22nd ult., Mr J. Stevenson {president) in'tbe chair. Mr William Reid, delegate at the late conference, gave a lucid -and interesting account of the business conducted at that meeting, and was, together with Mr Macalister, accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for jiis services.—The subscription was fixed at 15s for .tbe ensuing year, farmers' sons to &3 admitted on paying a subscription of ss. An effort is to -be made to get the latter to taike a lively interest in the union, und special -meetings will be held in the evenings, either fortnightly or monthly, at which they could attend and discuss papers on farming and union matters. — A conversational discussion took place on the ragwort question, all the members protesting against the existing by-laws, and expressing the opinion that ragwort should not come under the Noxious Weeds Act. It was ultimately decided to discuss the matter at the next meeting of the branch, to be held on -Thursday, July 20, Mr A. G. Earle promising to deliver a paper on the occasion. All interested in the stibject, whether members or not, are cordially invited to attend the meeting and express their \iews on this most important question. — With a view of endeavouring to make farmers take more interest in the union locally, it was resolved to hold a social in connection with the T-»ianoh, and a sub-committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements.— lt was decided to hold* branch meetings monthly in future.