N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 25, Issue 3760, 25 May 1936, Page 5

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

OTOROHANGA BRANCH. (Our Resident Representative.) The Otorohanga branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union held its monthly meeting on Friday, when there was a good attendance of members, presided over by Mr L. Palmer. The Waitomo Electric Power Board advised (in reply) that the whole question of bulk supply was considered by a special committee set up at the last conference of Supply Authorities. The special committee’s investigations and recommendations have been embodied in a special report for submission to the Minister of Public Works, but, no doubt, owing to a change in Government, the new Minister has not yet been able to deal with the matter.

It was decided to co-operate with the local branch of the Women’s Division, and promote a social evening, to take place at Otorohanga next month, at a date to be fixed. Six new members were elected, five of them being introduced by Mr M. Anso, of Puketarata, who has a good record in gaining new member <■ A member moved that the brancu affirm the principle of compulsory unionism as regards all members of the farming community.—This was the subject of considerable discussion, and upon being put to the meeting the motion was lost by one vote.

The following resolution was carried:—“ That the branch of the Farmers’ Union collect particulars concerning objectionable features of the activities of the Lands Department’s administration of the affairs of soldier settlers under its control, and. should arrange a deputation in conjunction with the R.S.A. to place the matter before the Minister of Lands. Items for consideration are to include treatment of settlers regards: (1) Furnishing statements of accounts bath current stock accounts and mortgage instalments accounts; (2) secret reports by fields inspectors; (3) purchase .of stock; (4) circumstances attending eviction of soldier settlers, and (5) alleged victimisation of soldier settlers.”

Mr Harty moved that the publishers of the journal “Farming First” should be advised to make the publication more interesting to the farming community in whose interest it was supposed.to circulate. The mover considered that the journal devoted too much space to the social credit problem, so much so that there was little room left for other matters of interest and information to farmers. Mr O’Brien moved, as an amendment, that the Auckland executive of the union be asked to curtail the space devoted to political propaganda, Douglas Credit, and similar problems, and have more space in “ Farming First ” for matters of general interest to the farming community.—The motion was carried.