NEW ZEALAND FARMERS’ UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3085, 30 April 1913, Page 16

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS’ UNION.

TAPANUI BRANCH. At the annual meeting of the Tapanui Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, Mr J. D. Rodger presiding, tho report and balance sheet were adopted, members expressing satisfaction at the balance in ’hand. The following office-bearers were elected President, Mr J D. Rodger; vice-president, Mr C. Atkin; .secretary and treasurer, Mr James Edgar; auditor, Mr M. Robertsons committee —Messrs G. Howat, S. Crawford, J. D. Edgar, D. Rodger, and Roy Johnstone. The president, Mr J. D. Rodger, was appointed delegate to tho Provincial Conference. It was decided to enter a team for the Farmers’ Union rifle competition. It was resolved to place on record appreciation of the work done by Mr F. A. Muruey during his term pf office us secretary. CROOKSTON BRANCH. At the annual meeting of tho Crookston Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, Mr F. D Rciro presiding, the balance sheet submitted showed a credit balance of £6 0s 4d. I'.io following officebearers wore elected President, Mr R. SShearing; vice-president Mr IV. Cu'len: secretary and treasurer, Mr W. 11. Lusk, pin. The president, Mr Shearing, was appointed delegate to tho Provincial Conference. MILTON BRANCH. At a meeting of tho committee of tho Milton Branch, over which Mr J. B. Nome presided, the inconvenience occasioned to employer? through the extra time that iiad to bo put in at camp at Sutton was referred to. He said ho understood that tho extra days were necessitated through/sufficient evening drills not having been hold. Before taking any action it was decided to hold over consideration until tho committee was in possession of all the facts. It was decided to enter a team for Bio union’s shooting competition. Mr M'Arthur gave notice of a motion to secure uniformity in school books. MANTOTOTO BRANCH" At the annual meeting of the Maniototo Brunch, Mr Armour presiding, the report stated that the year ended with 96 members on the roll, and the next year would open with 99. There was a credit balance of £57 7s 4d with a small liability. The Chairman, in speaking to tho report, referred to the arrears of subscriptions. Office-bearers were elected a-s follows: President, Mr Armour (re-elected); vicepresidents, Messrs W. Davies and C. Indcr; secretary, Mr E. ■ Smith; auditor, Mr G*. Indcr. committee —Messrs J. M'Leod. D. Nicolson, A. Pearson. K. Williamson, Passmore, Lobh, W. M. Mawhinney, Scott, Duncan, and M’Atamncy. Regret was expressed that Mr Greer was unable to again take up tho duties of secretary, and tributes wore paid to the excellent work he had done for the branch. It wa s resolved that tho subscription be the same as last year, a minimum of 5s 6d and a maximum of 10s 6d. It was decided to enter a team for Iho union’s shooting competition. After discussion it was resolved that the Minister of Lands bo asked 'to have Puketoi and Rockhinds Stations surveyed 12 months before the lease expires to enable them to be dealt with at the expiry of tho la.se Some discussion took place with reference to the scarcity of farm labour. Only a few replies have been received to the advertisement asking for information as to the number of workers required by farmers. It was asserted that the union must have adopted the wrong course, as labour was scarce, but Mr Inder said the few replies received was due to the apathy of farmers. In reply to some criticism Mr Scott said the High Commissioner lectured in towns, as farm labour was as scarce in Great Britain as in Now Zealand. Mr Scott said the position in regard to Californian thistle on pastoral lands was in some cases becoming intolerable. Owners might, have the inspector down on them any day and be compelled to cut. In Gatlins ho saw some of tho department’s servants cutting thistles on roads. In Otago he saw a man cutting

thistles on a. flat and 10.000 acres behind him infested with it. Tine only thing they oould do is to try and protect the agricultural lands. If the Act were enforced on pastoral lands, it would be almost impossible for owners to obey. He had asked Mr Massey if there was any chance of the Act were held in abeyance, and he replied “No,” but it was hoped inspectors would be discreet. Mr Inder thought the question was too big to discuss then, and it was decided to leave the matter in abeyance at present, Mr Scott remarking that he considered the greatest menace to the pastoral lands of Central Otago was briar. It could be dealt with now, but in 10 years it would be too late.