FARMERS’ UNION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 56, Issue 4064, 24 June 1938, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

TE AWAMUTU BRANCH. MONTHLY MEETING HELD. Mr D. H. Cavers, the acting president, occupied the chair at the monthly meeting of the Te Awamutu branch of the N.Z. Farmers' Union yesterday,' and there was a representative attendance. The amended list of remits dealt with at the Auckland provincial conference was referred to. There were over 80 remits, and only the ones of special importance to Te Awamutu were mentioned. Mr G. T. Crawley tabled a report of the proceedings at last meeting of the Ruakura Farm Advisory Committee, when several matters of considerable importance were dealt with. The speaker stated that Ruakura Farm had been very much neglected by the previous Administration, and he would like to see the place restored to its former usefulness, so that it would be a testing place for stock, root crops, stock foods, etc. After some discussion it was decided to support and move to secure full ownership and control of the publication, “Progress,” in the interests of the Farmers’ Union. ENCOURAGING ENLISTMENT. The chairman mentioned that the subject of fostering an improved system of recruiting for the military defence forces would be discussed by the local Chamber of Commerce at its meeting on Monday evening. The secretary, Mr C. J. Flay, said the Waikato sub-provincial had indicated its approval of the move, and asked the Minister to improve the pay and conditions of young men who enlist in the Territorial forces. The secretary reported having attended the social reunion organised by the Cambridge branch, and that the function had proved most successful. To a question, Mr Flay said no reply had been received from the Minister of Agriculture in the matter of providing clerical assistance for the district inspector of stock, and thus permit him more time to give service to the district settlers. ELECTRIC POWER. Mention was made of the proposal that bulk supply of electric power should be made available by the Department to all supply authorities at a flat charge instead of cheaper rates to larger distributing authorities, but no further action was taken, it being understood that the provincial and Dominion executive is moving in the matter. Referring to the annual reunion of the Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division last Tuesday evening all reports were that it was an unqualified success in every respect. The secretary reported that final accounts were not adjusted, but he indicated a satisfactory surplus, which would be divided between the two organisations. The chairman said the reunion should prove very useful in promoting amnity and understanding between town and country, and he paid a tribute to all who had worked so hard to ensure success. FACIAL ECZEMA. Inquiry was made by the Darga-ville-Arapohue branch for information as to the uses of Auckland - manufactured basic slag and its influence on diseases of stock, notably facial eczema. It was stated that basic slag is being manufactured at Huntly, but apparently not economically yet. Mr Crawley said it was definitely established that top-dressing had nothing to do with facial eczema. Many farmers who had not top-dress-ed their lands had suffered extensive losses through facial eczema. It was decided to reply to Dargaville branch that the inquiry was being referred to the Ruakura Advisory Committee, with a suggestion that experiments should, if possible, be carried out with New Zealand-made basic slag. LECTURES. The chairman asked if it was desired to proceed with the suggested plan to arrange for a series of lectures this winter by recognised authorities on farming problems and procedure. It was stated that active members of the executive will be fairly fully occupied during the next few weeks. Mr Flay thought an address might be arranged by a departmental officer on veterinary problems, preferably as early as possible, in view of the imminence of the dairying season. Mr Wyllie suggested that Mr Melrose could give a lot of very useful advice. The special committee was asked to arrange for a lecture if possible. PHYSICAL WELFARE. The branch decided to be represented at the meeting next Thursday evening to study the proposals of the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act. The meeting was convened by the Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from all social and sports organisations in the district were invited. Messrs W. G. Neill and G. A. Lawry were appointed to attend as representing the Farmers’ Union. Rural mail services were briefly discussed, several members reporting that in their areas there was a prospect of improved facilities when the Postal Department next calls for tenders for these mail services. The town clerk, Te Awamutu, wrote that the matter of improving the municipal saleyards had been deferred pending decision of the AuditorGeneral regarding the lease given to the three auctioneering firms now selling at the yards. Reporting briefly on matters dealt with by the Waikato sub-provincial at the Auckland provincial meeting, Mr Crawley gave some confidential information respecting the compensated price campaign and the merging of farmers’ publications definitely advancing Farmers’ Union aspirations.