OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Volume 23, Issue 2684, 23 August 1905, Page 35

OTAGO.

A meeting of the Edendale branch was held on the 12th inst. Mr Cushnie presided. A circular was received from the executive urging the necessity of the Government appointing a trained teacher to go round and | give addresses on agriculture. On the motion of Messrs Ross and Bell it was resolved to support the circular and send a copy of the resolution to the member for the district. — A remit was received he Riversdale branch asking . , n( j County Council to remove h e schedule of noxious weecs . ..ianimously agreed to oppose the ron.i. — \ remit from the Waiau branch a-kmg tho Government to cary artificij' >nauurs- afc the lowest possible rates, we - ap rroved. The secretary of the execui-he wiote, askingthe branch to endeavour to collect guarantee's in the district that were srii) unpaid. The branch resolved to take no action, and at the same time to ask the secretary to lefc them hear no more of the matter. — The discussion on Mr Cushnie'e paper on "Land Tenure" was held over until next meeting. A social meeting held by the Riversdale branch on the 11th insfc. was a most; artissuccess. Farmers attended from all parf» of the district, and ladies were present in large numbers. The ball was most artistically decorated, and the tables fairly groaned under the weight of substantial and dainty viands provided by the ladies. Mr James Stevenson, chairman of the branch, occupied the chair, and among those presenfi were Messrs John M'Queen, provincial president, and Richard Allen, provincial secretary. In the course of his address Mr M'Queen referred to the importance of the> agricultural industry and the benefits ofunion among those engaged in it. He aleo maintained that the Farmers' Union had! been able to exert a considerable influence upon legislation. He expressed the hope that the Riversdale branch would emulate the Waikaka Valley branch, whe • every farmer was a member, at least any farmers that were not members were not considered of much account. He would like to see the ladies members of the union, and also every young man. The Riversdale branch deserved the highest praise from the immense, amount of zeal displayed that evening, and he could only add his quota of praise to the galaxy of beauty that had assembled to do honour to the Riversdale branch. Mr Gilchrist complimented the branch upon the magnificent gathering, and gave a shorf address on "The Benefits to be Derived from Farmers' Unions and the Dangers ol Apathy in Connection Therewith." Messrs R. Allen, W. Bannernian, A. H. Aitken, Wilson Hall, William Reid, and E. M'Allistei also spoke, congratulating the Kiver-sdak branch and urging the necessity of continued enthusiasm in regard to the Farmers' Union. An excellent programme of recitations and songs was given during the evening, and a dance followed. It was altogether a spirited gathering greatly enjoyed by all who participated in it. A meeting of the Gore branch took place on the 12th inst., Mr W. Bannerman in the chair. Mr W. Jaques, Government canning and preserving expert, wrote stating that he would be visiting the district about October 5, and if the branch desired he would lecture before it on either of the above subjects. It was resolved, on the motion of Messrs Clark and M'Lean — "Thai as there was no fruit canning in this district there was no necessity for the expert to address a meeting, but branch would be pleased to have an address from, the Government Pomologist on matters affecting- tbe growth of fruit trees and the proteotion against blight."— Mr Kirk, Department of Agriculture, forwarded a circular soliciting information in regard to *he prevalence and effects of native and imported birds. The communication was received, the starling being the only small bird for which members had a kind word. — Mr James G. Wilson, colonial president, forwarded a circular letter asking the branch to urge upon the member for the district the necessity for the Government to foster rural education which will fit country children for their work and keep them from migrating to the towns. It was decided to forward the circular to Mr M'Nab, M.H.K., asking him to give it his favourable consideration. — The Secretary stated that, as requested, he had written to the secretary of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and had received a reply. The latter stated that to ret afc the first fixed payment it is calculated on 10s per cent, on dwellings and contents (firstclass risk), and 14s on outbuildings. These rates were, of course, higher than the Government and other companies now, but farmers under the circumstances surrounding insurance for the past few years vouid rather pay 20s per cent, for the frst year so ac to establish their own company than combine to support outside companies to their own detriment. By supporting other companies now they only built up funds against themselves. The present low rate 3 could not last long, and what would happen, then to farmers if they failed to establish their own mutual? The idea of tho niutuaJ scheme was that every member virtually became a shareholder, but without paying x,p more than his usual annual picmium unless actually required by losses occurring* The premium note amounted to 2 per< L-cnt. pei- annum for thiee yeais on tIK-| amount ot the insurance. Thus a proposal for £500 ia HabU frw £30, but every annuaf

reduces the liability, which is jtriotly limited to the amount named, and what was the risk of farm fires? Each member by signing the premium note agreed to pay his share of any loss in the event of the year after expenses and losses for working expenses and losses. The assessment, if any,' takes place at the end of the year "after expenses and losses have been ascertained. If Southland joined ■with Otago in this scheme heartily it could be made one of the best things in New Zealand. The writer offered to visit Gore and address a meeting of members of the union if desired. In the course of a brief conversational discussion, Mr Beatfcie' expressed the opinion that the Government had made the other companies reduce their rates. — Mr R. Allen, in the course of a lengthy circular, asked the branch to enjdeavour to get in the subscriptions at once. The communication was received without discussion.— The Provincial Secretary for•warded the following resolution from the Biveredale branch— "That the Southland County Council be requested to take steps to have ragwort removed from the schedule of noxious weeds." On the motion of Mr Clark, it was agreed that the branch supwort the suggestion to remove ragwort from the schedule.— The Provincial Secretary forwarded the following resolution from the Waiau branch— "That in view of the frea carriage of lime being no benefit to farmers in outlying districts, artificial manures should ■be carried on the railways at the lowest scale of charges." It was decided to support the- resolution.— The Chairman suggested that they should hold a night meeting. It anight be better attended; and it certainly would be no worse. Mr Gilchrist had offered to- attend- a night meeting and give a lecture on veterinary matters, in connection with ■which he would- exhibit his veterinary instruments. It was agreed to adopt the suggestion, and that Mr Gilchrist's offer be accepted, the date of his address being fixed for September 13, the Wednesday night nearest the full moon, provided 'the date bs juitable to Mr Gilohrist,