M.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2707, 31 January 1906, Page 19

M.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

OTAGO. A meeting of the Woodlands branch was lveld on the 17th inst. Mr A. M. Paterson, veterinary surgeon, was present and deh\ered a very able address to members on diseases of the Lcrse. Mr Paterson had two cases present, and dealt with his subject in a very able manner. Before concluding his address, Mr Paterson questioned his hearers on the various diseases dealt w ith and illustrated, and from the answers give?* there can be no doubt that a good deal of useful information was imparted. A very hearty \ote of thanics was accorded Mr Pdter=on on concluding his address. Subsequently Mr Scott, the organiser, addressed the meeting, and intimated his intention of visiting various members of this branch. Union matters are progressing favourably in this district, and it is hoped to make this branch one of the strongest in Southland. There was not a large attendance at the monthly meeting of the Dunback branch. The question of giving a Farmers' Union challenge shield for competition among Volunteers and the Farmers* Advocate (the paper recently established by the union) were discussed. The Railway Department, in reply to a request from the branch for a porter at Dunback station, replied that tiie traffic did not v. arrant the appointment of another hand at Dunback.' Since then a. 'deputation has waited on the district traffic manager with a. like lesuit, and it must be eaid that we are not hemg so well dealt with as in the previous season. Mr F. G. Glover raiVed the question of how the Canadian thistle should bo dealt with. Several members gave their e&penenccs, and although they had treated the pe-st in various way?, they had met with little svecess as far as eradication is concerned. Mr D. M. Philip said he had been contending for several years with small patches, and despite his efforts they ha*! continued 1 to increase. LatteHy he had applied salt in large quantities, and this seemed to have the desired effect. The salt destroys all vegetation for two years. Mr Hill, Stock Inspector, who was present, arranged that the poisoning of rabbits ehould commence on Monday, 22nd inst. To mako these meetings a succcs papers dealing with Fiibjects of interest to farmers should be read, as the discussions that Mould follow would lend added interest to the meetings. A meeting of Greenfield and Waitalnvna West settlers was held at Mr Jame3 Moore's residence, Tattenham, o"rv the 20th inst., to consider the question of forming a branch of the Farmers' Union. About 30 farmcis were present. Mr King pointed out the benefits to be obtained by union, anJ in support showed what the trades and labour men had accomplished by combination. The farmers, he said, must wake up to the necessity of protecting their own intere-ts. It was unanimously re c ol\<Hl to form a branch, to be called "Greenfield," the firifc meeting to be held in Mr Biockett's barn on the 10th February, _ wh«*n an effort vrouTd be made to obtain the presence of Mr Pram, seci<"tary to thw Otago branch. Tlip annual sub-joipiion na-, fixed &t 10s, and mo«t of those pic-ient gave in their namc= a» mcmbi'i- niul paid their subscriptions. Mr .lame- Smith, Gieenfield, iva< appointed -eeretaiy.— The mf-et'ng then proceeded to discuss -vaiioue subjects affect-

ing farming interests generally, notably th« erection of saleyards in a convenient position for the district. Mr Hyslop said he considered Clydevale the most suitable place for the erection of yards, but the majority of those present expressed themselves as more favourable to the site being fixed a* • Tuapeka Mouth. A "vote of thanks to the chair and to Mr Moore for the use of hia house for the occasion terminated the proceedings. A meeting of the Waikaka Valley branch was held on the 19th inst., when there was a meagre attendance, owinjj probably to members being busy with turnip-sowing. Mr J. M'Phail was voted to tfie chair. Tne secretary (Mr D. Gilchrist) explained thafc owing to a variety of reasons he had not called a meeting earlier. Unfortunately the present date had not proved a suitable one, judging by the small attendance. — A circular from the Farmers' Advocate soliciting the union's patronage was received, and a circular from the manager of the Harvester. Trust was held over until next meeting.— A letter was read from tho clerk of the Southland County Council in reply to a resolution passed by the local branch of the union regarding the narrow parts of the main road on the west side of the Waikaka stream, and informing tho branch that consideration of the same was held over in the meantime; that tho engineer's report wae to the effect that the road from Waikaka siding to Waikaka township was 13 miles, 10 of which would require widening. He estimated the totaj cost of the formation only would be £1200, with an additional £200 for lengthening culverts and cutting new side drains. Mr Gilchrist said that as member of the County Council for tho riding, he would make « short report on the subject. The money available for the riding had all beem spent, and it would not do to rob one portion of the riding for the benefit of another. The work of widening the valley road wouhjl have to be carried out little by little. Tlier* wae some danger from passing motor cars, but if the drivers of horses were careful and experienced men there was not likely* to be much trouble. Where there were accidents it was generally owing to the want of knowledge op the part of the drivers. Certain portions of the road should b« widened, but" the most important thing was to keep up the maintenance of the road.— The Secretary reported that he had not been canvassing for subscriptions lately. The branch ueemed to be "rather sick," but no doubt the cause of the" sparse attendance that evening was press of farm work. It was agreed to hold the next meeting at the end of February.