FARMERS’ UNION

Southland Times, Issue 22067, 14 July 1933, Page 12

FARMERS’ UNION

WYNDHAM BRANCH.

(From Our Correspondent.)

A meeting of the above branch was held in Currie’s Rooms on Saturday evening, when president John Smith, presided over a good attendance. Mr J. Johnstone, of Brydone branch, was also present, and was suitably welcomed by the president. The secretary reported that he had interviewed the local postmaster in regard to new motor transport regulations, pointing out the trouble and expense attached to same. Lorry owners now had to keep a record of all parcels they carried, whom they were received from, and where delivered, also the charge for same. They had to keep a defined route, and if they went outside this they had to take out a special license. The new regulations were a piece of humbug and added to cartage costs. Mr McDougall had told the speaker that the regulations had been brought into force by an Order in Council, and the only way to have them annulled was by presenting a largely signed petition of protest. The chairman said the matter was to come before the Provincial Executive. In the meantime they would have to submit to the rules laid down.

The chairman said Mr Pierson, of Gore, was willing to give a lecture to the branch. It was decided to ask him to speak on “Stock Troubles Peculiar to the Spring Season,” on Saturday, September 2. Mr W. T. Lobb, Invercargill, wrote acknowledging his nomination to life membership. The secretary reported that Mr Adamson, Invercargill, was prepared to handle sheepskins and members could get full particulars by writing.

The chairman said one and all would have read the proposal of the Southland Electric Power Board to establish a superannuation scheme for its employees and Mr Mac Gibbon’s protest against same. He had met Mi’ Mac Gibbon in Gore and congratulated him on the stand he was taking, and had assured him of the branch’s support. The proposal, which had been carried on the casting vote of the chairman, had caused a stir of indignation all over Southland. Immediately it had been carried, Mr Sim, a Farmers’ Union member, gave notice of motion that it be rescinded next meeting. Another Farmers’ Union member on the board, in Mr Peter Arnott, had supported the scheme and would also oppose the notice of motion. The scheme simply meant that the ratepayers were being asked to pay part of the employees’ insurance premiums up to £5OO. Mr E. Frame considered the proposal most unfair, especially as he had just received a pamphlet notifying an additional charge of 10 per cent. On the motion of Messrs Shaw and Scott it was decided to forward the following motion to the Power Board: “This branch emphatically protests against the Power Board using ratepayers’ money to set up or subsidize a superannuation scheme.”

Mr D. M. Malloch, of the Otago Fanners’ Union Insurance Association wrote regarding holding an educational course for young farmers of Southland in Invercargill. Such a scheme had recently been held in Dunedin with great success. The proposal had the backing of the Southland Education Board, the Chamber of Commerce, and other bodies, and it was suggested that it commence in the first week of August. Two young men between the ages of 18 and 24 years, showing character and leadership ability, would be chosen from each district, the choice to lie in the hands of respective presidents of the Farmers’ Union and Women’s Divisions. The chairman considered the scheme highly commendable and worthy of their support. Those attending would enjoy a week full of educational and social value. The only trouble he could see with, the matter was that in a big district like Wyndham too many lads would come forward. .After further discussion it was decided that the selection committee consist of the president, vice-president and secretary of the branch and the president of the Women’s Division, and that applicants’ names be handed in within a fortnight.