N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Putaruru Press, Volume XI, Issue 252, 18 May 1933, Page 4

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

PUTARURU BRANCH. The Putaruru branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union held a general meeting in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Monday. This was followed by the annual general meeting. There were present the chairman, TBr. E. D. White, and Messrs. H. Baldwin, Morriss, Shine, T. Jones, J. Dowd, E. Nicklin, W. McKinnon, McCurran, Voyce and V. Webby. In the absence of the secretary, Mr. B. Scott, Mr. Vosper acted in his stead. The general business for discussion was dealt with under the following heads:— Field Events. Owing to the delay in the furnishing of returns of the various field events under annual competition it was decided to extend the date for closing of entries to May 26. Annual Conference. Mr. White thought that it would be a wise move to place before the Auckland conference as a remit for approval the report of the committee set up to investigate ragwort control by local bodies. A motion in this direction was carried without opposition. Annual Subscription. Mr. Baldwin spoke in favour of a reduction from 30s to 20s in the annual subscription at present paid by members of the union. Mr. Shine opposed this on the grounds that in difficult times such as were being experienced at present, the business of the union was more alive and calls for advice and assistance greater with a consequent increase in running expenses.

The chairman explained that the feeling expressed by Mr. Baldwin was general, but the union was having a hard struggle to maintain its services and should not be handicapped without full consideration being given to the matter. On Mr. Baldwin’s motion, it was decided to send forward a remit to the Auckland conference advocating a reduction of the annual subscription to £l.

High Cost of Sugar.

Mr. Voyce asked the chairman’s permission for the secretary to read to the meeting a newspaper report of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company’s financial position. This report disclosed the fact that the company had declared a dividend of 12h per cent, on its past year’s trading. Mr. Voyce wished the matter to be discussed and an effort made to have the cost of sugar reduced. Mr. Shine accordingly moved that a remit be sent forward to the Auckland conference urging that action be taken to persuade the Government to remedy the hardship caused by the monopoly in sugar at present enjoyed by the company. White Butterfly.

A motion by Mr. Dowd, that the secretary be instructed to write to the Minister of Agriculture inquiring what steps were being taken to combat the white butterfly, was carried. Report and Balance-sheet.

The chairman presented the sixth annual report of the branch. He j strongly urged the increased necessity for the support of every member in order that the union should not suffer too greatly from the effects of . the bad times. Among the activities 'of the Putaruru branch during the : past year were the annual picnic and, sports and the field, events, which, had proved as as in previous years. The question, of, ragwort destruction was being dealt With by a small committee, and this important matter was being pushed forward as speedily as possible. Thanks. The retiring president, Mr. White, and secretary, Mr. B. Scott, were accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for their services, the motion being carried with acclamation. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr. Shine; vicepresidents, Messrs. Vosper and White; executive committee, Messrs. Baldwin, H. Scott, Addenbrooko, Voyce, Peters and Dodd; secretary, Mr. B. Scott; hon. treasurer and auditor, Mr. J. R. O. Lochhead. Mteetings. On Mr. Dowd’s motion, it was decided that meetings for the comingyear should be called at the president’s discretion by written notice.