WAITAHUNA FARMERS’ UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3828, 26 July 1927, Page 20

WAITAHUNA FARMERS’ UNION.

A SOCIAL GATHERING. The Waitahuna branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union held a social gathering in the hall, Waitahuna, last Tuesday, when members of neighbouring branches were also invited. A large number of visitors attended, including representatives of the Otago provincial executive and Mr R. B. Tennent (Instructor in Agriculture at Dunedin). The branches represented were Milton, Greenfield; and Lawrence. There were about 50 local members present. Mr .R. M’Caw, president of the branch, occupied the chair. The proceedings were opened with the National Anthem and the usual toasts were honoured. Mr M’Caw welcomed the visitors and expressed the pleasure of the branch in having with them Mr Tennent and the provincial executive officers. Such gatherings, he thought, did a lot of good, and he was sure they would all benefit from tho meeting. Mr D. M. Reid (president of the provincial executive), in responding, dwelt on the many advantages derived from such an organisation as the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, and gave an extended address on much of the legislation enacted through the efforts of the union. He particularly stressed the urgent necessity for increased membership and a hearty co-operation with the Government Agricultural Department. Mr Tennent thanked the branch for its invitation. He said his department desired to get into touch, as much as possible, with the individual farmer so that it might assist in solving the many problems confronting him in these days of advanced scientific research. He then dealt with the many investigations carried out by his department and the success attending it. Mr A. Craig (Greenfield), as a member of tho Otago provincial, executive, spoke of the work of the executive, and especially advocated the Mutual Fire Insurance of the union.

Mr S. P- Cameron, secretary of tho provincial executive, said that on looking over the records recently he was struck by the fact that the Dominion president Mr

W. J. Polson, was an old Waitahuna lad, and also that Mr J. Clarke, a life member of the union, was educated at Waitahuna. Again, the late Mr Robert Craig was the first president of the Waitahuna branch 27 years ago. At this period the connection was interesting. Messrs Moore, Wennell, Reid, and others contributed vocal items and stories during the evening.