PALMERSTON FARMERS' UNION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8834, 10 June 1907, Page 3

PALMERSTON FARMERS' UNION.

The monthly meeting of above was held on Saturday, Mr J. Balsillie presiding. A circular as follows was received by the Secretary:—" To ensure success of Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Association, we must educate ourselves to assist one another in gaining knowledge as to best methods of fire prevention. A certain amount of self-denial and public spirit is required for the work. Each branch should be able to find two or three per cent of its members who will undertake the work of fire inspection for the Association, These men should be willing to inspect any premises offered for insurance, and give {a certificate as to

suitability in accordance with rules to bo I Laid down. Also to give advice to young I housekeepers and personally inform them 'of experience gained. It is proposed that each branch should elect one or more members as fire inspectors, so distributed that they will not need to travel more than four or five miles to' inspect a risk offered. Proposals may be made through tho secretary or lire inspector whose joint approval and certificate as to inspection of tho risk will be accepted. Fire Inspectors for the branch may act for adjoining branches under authority from chairman and secretary of those branches. Tf this is done a gradual feeling of mutual help will be established and .should equal if not improve on the results obtained in Canada, where the coat of Farmers' Insurance is one half of other risks."

In discussing the above, Cspt. Hewitt expressed his entire approval and said there was no reason why it should notwork admirably if various membors| of committee would act in their respective districts. Personally he was willing to act within a radius of four miles. He considered it was the duty of the older members to give their experience to younger members and their wives so that • they would be in a position to take every precaution against firo risks. The agent who insures did not always understand the nature of the people ho was dealing with, and would bo assisted by the neighbours in tho locality. Mr Stubbs said there was a groat point in seeing that buildings wore not ove?--insured. He considered it would be a delightful occupation to go round instructing young wives. The following were then appointed inspectors:—J. Balsilliej lvairanga : Captain Hewitt, Palmerston; L. "VVallis, Fitzherbert; A, Matheson, Karere. Regarding the establishment of a Farmers' Rifle Club, Mr Stubbs reported that it would bo necessary to have the headquarters five milts from tho head- j quarters of Palmerston volunteers: They • would also have to satisfy tho Defonco Department that they had a safe range. They would require to have fifteen members and a president. Resolved that tho Secretary write to Linton Piitle Club and ask under' what conditions this Union can join their Rifle Club; also that Defence Department bo asked for further information. The delegates to the Conference reported what had transpired thereat, the report of which has already appeared in the Times.