FARMERS' UNION

Southland Times, Issue 17734, 11 August 1917, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION

EXECUTIVE MEETING. The Southland Executive of the N.Z, Farmers’ Union met yesterday, there being present Messrs \V. A. Cox (president l, W. Couser, W. Ford, A. Roy, A. McKenzie, D. J. Heenan, V/. S. Fleming, John Macdonald, A. P. Schmidt, A. Horne, W. Clarke and A. J, Nichol. Apologies were received from Messrs John McQueen, T. W. Foster, M. Rasmussen and G. P. Johnston. Mr Cox, who, with Mr McQueen, was the Southland delegate to the recent Dominion Conference, gave an epitome of the business transacted there, remarking incidentally that it was one of the most successful conferences ever held by the Farmers’ Union,-—A vote of thanks was accorded the delegates. The question of the continuance of Territorial camps and Territorial and cadet parades was discussed at some length, and the following motion carried; “That this executive reiterates its protest against the continuance of Territorial camps and Territorial and cadet parades at this time of the year, and when farm work is so hampered in other directions.” With reference to dry rot and club root in turnips, the secretary was instructed to write to the Agricultural Department relative to the visit of Dr Cockayne, asking what had been discovered in connection with the matter. In connection with the commandeering of skins it was resolved: "That this executive reiterates its protest against the continuance of the commandeering of sheepskins and respectfully urges a return to the original method of freedom of buying, the Government to have the wool and products at their valuation by its valuers when ready for the market.” This is being distributed to the various branches. A deputation, with Mr Norman Mclntyre as convener, was appointed to confer with the County Council re the state of the road and bridge at Tussock Creek. At the request of its Eastern District members the executive agreed to shortly pay an organising visit to their quarter. The S.P.C.A. brought forward the matter of the alleged cruelty to a racehorse at Riverton and'it was decided to approve of the Society’s action in the matter. Tussock Creek advised of the formation of a strong branch with good prospects. Several matters to which branches have not fully replied were held over.