N.Z. FARMERS UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2988, 21 June 1911, Page 20

N.Z. FARMERS UNION.

BALCLUTHA BRANCH. The monthly meeting of the Balclutha Branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, was attended by Messrs Robt. Moffat (in the chair), R. Renton, Geo. Moffat, A. H. Moffat, D. Wilson, R, S. Wilson, S. W. Moffat, J. Rendall, John Smith, P. Renton, D. Campbell, G. Stewart, and W. J. Keys. Some discussion took place on the notification from the Provincial Union that the levy had been increased from 5s to 6s per member. No one was able to say why the increase bad been made, and it was agreed that the letter should lie on the tablo pending an explanation by the delegates of the branch. It was agreed to take no action, in the matter of the Sedgwick boys. Mr Campbell took exception to the principle of charging the storage on binder twine to the union's funds. After the cha'rman had explained that the charge was so small it was hardly worth while charging to the separate parties who took the twine, the matter dropped. Mr Campbell also brought up the question of the Veterinary Association preventing the veterinary surgeon giving assistance to those who were not members of the association. In reply to Mr Keys, the Chairman said he understood anyone could

become a member of the Veterinary Association and get all the benefits. Mr Keys said in that case it was evident the action was taken to prevent those who refused to support the association benefiting by the veterinary's services. It was resolved to ask the Hon. T. Mackenzie to deliver a lecture on the working of the Agricultural Department, and that the matter of a State farm for the district be urged upon him. The Chairman said he quite believed a State farm would be established in the south ere long, and if they did not ask for it they would not get it. Taien or Bruce would be asking for it if Clutha did not.

A discussion took place on the suggestion of the chairman of procuring a first-class stallion for the district at whatever cost, his idea being to appoint a committee to select a horse, say, at the annual parade at Dunedin The meeting heartily approved of the idea, but decided to hold it over for a fuller meeting, members in the meantime to canvass others to ascertain what support could be got.

TAPANUI BRANCH. At a well-attended meeting of the Tapanui Branch of the New Zealand Farmers Union, presided over by Mr J D Kodger, the .president, the method and purpose of Government experimental farming plots were explained to the meeting, and a motion approving of the Agricultural Departments action in this matter was passed. It was pointed out to the meeting that a serious grievance exists in regard "to permits which owners of traction engines have to obtain from the Railway Department before using a private railway crossing. A committee was appointed to forward to the Provincial Executive all information on the subject, with a view to having private railway crossings put on the same footing as public crossings. Another committee was appointed to place before the Farmers' Club a number of abuses which exist in connection with the services of stallions, with a view to having the abuses abolished. The annual subscription was fixed at 6s and 8s 6d. Six new members were elected A vote of thanks to the chaiE closed the meeting.—Courier.