THE FARMERS' UNION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19045, 19 June 1936, Page 2

THE FARMERS' UNION

POVERTY BAY SECTION

THE ANNUAL REPORT A YEAR OF ACTIVITY

The annunl meeting of the Poverty Unv provincial district; of the Farmers' Union was held in Le Grand Cafe this afternoon, the president, Mr. J, F. lieuron. being in the chair. The mooting was preceded by a luncheon, an innovation at which was the attendance of members of the Women's Division executive.

In his review of the year, the prosi dent stated:—

"In presenting my annual report on the year's working, 1" must say the past* 12 months have- been full of work. Willi the Coalition Government going out and their places filled by Labour representatives, new legislative measures becoming law, and guaranteed prices, ail kinds of. prophecies nre being mad? with regard 10 the farmer's future, and the coming 12 months no doubt will be looked forward to with much interc.-;!. WORK OP CONFERENCES

"Dominion courereiiees have been held each quarter and 1 have had the pleasure of attending three of thorn. Much good work is done at these meetings, and as a system of district representation has been arranged, a smaller number of delegates is required to attend, and the business is more readily finalised. One pleasing feature is that the Ministers of the newGovernment are always prepared to submit any subject of importance, to tiie fanners to onr conferences, and we got the same courteous consideration ns in the past. "Waiooka stock route.—After much delay we have this highway -now for the use. of stock leaving the- district. The union assisted to light hard for this to be accompli.-lied.

"Women's Division.—A branch of the Women's Division of the union has been formed recently in Gisborne, and members appear to be taking,a live interest in their doings. In other parts of the Dominion, it. is found that the division is of very great assistance to the union, and no doubt before long it will be, the same here. They have a scheme of 'housekeeper service' which should appeal to every farmer and his family, and 1 sincerely ' hope this branch of their service will be eagerly sought before long. "The Vouna Farmers' Club is showing increased membership, and I would urgo on more sons joining up. I can assure you the present club is a very live one, and before long I expect to see clubs formed in other centres of this district. They are working upon the right lines and their meetings are very instructive. FIELD INSTRUCTION

"Field Day.-r-This was held on May 18, and I trust now we may look upon it as an annual affair. We had very fine assistance from the Department of Agriculture, severn,l of : its officers giving very instructive addresses, and we also had another visit from onr Dominion president, Mr. W. .t. Poison, M.P.. with whom we were all pleased to renew acquaintance. Unfortunately for our union, he has definitely decided to retire from the position of president at the annual conference next month, and his successor will have a hard row to hoe to follow in his footsteps. _ Mr. Poison has given many years to this work, and we can only trust that we will be able _to avail ourselves of his continued assistance for many years to come. "We have" been promised a. winter school to be held shortly, <ind as it is some years since one was held here, it should receive considerable support. We hope to make an announcement in this connection at an early date. "To the executive who worked with me, I have to extend my best thanks. They all entered into discussions with interest, and were always ready to give assistance whenever needed. Our meetings were quite well attended, and many of the members show excellent records of attendance.

"Financially, I am pleased to report, we balanced our budget, and our old bugbear, the bank overdraft, has been satisfactorily reduced. We are hopeful that by the end of (he year we are now entering upon, to see the old debit cleared.

"The press have always helped us by their reports which have at all times been impartial, and their publicity lias been a great help to our union. "Obituary.—Tt is again my sad duty to place on record the passing of several good supporters, Messrs. A. L. Muir, R. C. Miller, Wm. McCollough. W. J. Traffnrd. Phil. Walsh. K. S. Williams and E. P.. Roland."