TOKO FARMERS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 238, 9 May 1933, Page 2

TOKO FARMERS

Union's Annua! Meeting PAST YEAR'S OPERATIONS One useful action the union could take was the furthering of a campaign for the purchase of British goods which might be organised under the slogan of "A Month for Britain," stated the annual report, presented to the annual meeting of the Toko branch of the Farmers' Union last, evening. The president, Mr. T. T. Murray, presided "' ri ' nn .attend aimo r>f uLkvh ::u nn-.u burs and some ladies. The annual report stated thai the year had been one of the worst experienced by fanners for many years. Values of farm products were at a low level and many were finding it difficult to meet their liabilities. Arising from these circumstances, many new problems had come before the union and merited serious consideration. After touching upon «ome of the most serious aspects of the situation the report emphasised that the British market; remained the chief outlet, for New Zealand produce, and it. was the duty of every farmer to support and buy British manufactures. The quality of New Zealand produce had called for attention during the year, and with the watchword "Quality First," dairymen of the Dominion should be abie to hold their own in the world's markets. The secretary and president had attended many executive meetings, and while perhaps not wholly in accord with all measures adopted they had worked for the common good. The report, accorded thanks to the executive for its support ahd urged members to render even a greater measure of interest during these difficult times. Referring to the competitions in root, crops, hay and pasture, the report stated that all events were fairly well supported, about 32 entries being received. The present cup holders Avere Messrs. A. Marfell (mangolds, ensilage, and the points shield), E. Jones (swedes), R. Kingan (carrots), H. J. Kaye (hay), T. T. Murray (pasture). The branch was indebted to Messrs. G. W. Were. Evan Jones and C. Clemow, the latter being from the Cardiff branch, who judged the roots and ensilage competitions, and to Mr. J. M. Smith for judging the pastures.

r Pie report went on to mention that the branch interested itself in the arrangement of a district court at the Stratford Winter Show, and although not successful the district produced a worthy exhibit. During the year lectures were given by Mr. Brown (Government Poultry expert), Mr. 0. D. Dickie (on bobby calf veal and the meat industry) and Mr. W. Taylor (on milk grading). These lectures were well attended and proved ve»y instructive. The financial position of the branch was sound and the membership remained at 44 members. Two social evenings were held, at one of which members met the members of the Women's Division at a euchre contest. The function at which prizes were presented was also largely attended and showed a small profit. The general account commenced the year with a credit balance of £l9 Gs Sd and finished with £lB 18s Id. In the competitions account a small loss was made, the credit balance being 1 reduced from £l3 10s 7d to £l3 0s 3d.

Election of Officers The following officers wero_ elected: President, Mr. T. T. Murray; vice-presidents, Messrs. A. Mar fell and T. Needham; the appointment ot secretary was deferred until a later meeting upon Mr. L. Marfell intimating his desire to retire; executive, Messrs. A. T. Howe, J. Jones. J. Weir, E. Milne, A. Walter; delegates to the Stratford sub-provincial executive, president and secretary; auditor, Mr. H. Henderson; delegates 10 annual conference, president and secretary. The secretary was voted an honorarium of £5 ss. A donation of £2 2s was made to the South Taranaki Boys' and Girls' Clubs. Remits for Conference The following remits were framed for submission to the provincial conference:— That a reorganisation of Dominion headquarters is necessary in the direction of freeing one officer to act as an organising secretary in personal touch with all centres. That, visibly diseased cattle entered in saleyards be isolated. In explaining this remit the chairman said the object was to minimise contact in such confined places as saleyards between disased cattle and healthy animals. Ho gave instances where cattle had been allowed to wander freely round the yards when the nature of their complaint certainly warranted being confined to one particular and special yard. A remit seeking a reduction in the cost of rural mail services failed to meet; with favour and lapsed. The ladies provided supper and received a vote of thanks.