FARMERS’ UNION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8800, 30 April 1907, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION.

Halcombe Branch

The annual meeting of tho above was held in Mr Purkiss’ office on the 37th instant at 8 p.ra., *Mr Morrison presiding. Tho secretary submitted the report, and balancesheet for tho year just ended. This later disclosed the pleasing feature of a credit balance of £3, quite a unique circumstance in the history of the branch. Without doubt the graduated scale of subscriptions adopted at the last annual meeting was largely responsible for such a gratifying result. Had tho branch not been saddled with a debt of £1 3s 9d to start the financial year with, and had the few outstanding suhsciptions been paid in time, the result would still have been better. The scale adopted, which may probably he of interest to other bandies, was as follows: Members owning from Ito 50 acres of laud to pay ss, from 50 to 200 acres 7s Gd, from 200 to 500 acres 10s, over 500 acres 15s. The report laid particular emphasis on the unsatisfactory attendance at meetings throughout the year, and lamented the fact of membes betraying so little interest in matters vitally affecting them, both as a body and as individuals. It urged upon them the necessity for keeping in touch with events transpiring in the commercial and political worlds, so that prompt and efficient action on the part of the Union could be possible, when occasion demanded it. In the large cities labour agitators and socialists of many colours were nightly haranguing large and ever increasing followings that wore taught to believe as a matter of faith that the “man on the land” was

their worst enemy. After some discussion it was moved, seconded, and carried that the report and balance-sheet as read he adopted. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: Mr John Morrison, chairman; Mr O. McElroy, vice-chairman; Mr J. L. McDonald, secretary and treasurer; Mr Jas. Purkiss, auditor. The following were elected committeemen: Messrs McLennan, Green, McElroy, Pleasants, Hansen, Petersen, Bell, Oalliugham, Managli, Heappy, Bruce, Thebridge, Carr, McDonald, McNie, Oawood, Morrison, Purkiss. It was decided to hold the annual social about the time of the full moon in May. A meeting of ladies and members of the branch to he advertised <for Saturday, 4th proximo, that “all necessary arrangements may be made.

The chairman, iu closing, paid a well deserved tribute to Mr Jas. Purkiss for so generously providing a room for meetings throughout the year, free of all charges, aud a vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. The meeting closed at 11 p.m.