THE FARMERS’ YEAR

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 62, Issue 4402, 14 March 1941, Page 8

THE FARMERS’ YEAR

TE AWAMUTU UNION. PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW. Mr A. S. Wyllie, the retiring President, who was subsequently re-elect-ed to that position, delivered the following report to the annual meeting of the Te Awamutu branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, held on Wednesday evening:— THE WAR EFFORT. “ The past year has been one of great responsibility to your Executive. Uppermost in our mjnds has been our war effort. Production can be looked upon with almost equal importance to that of our soldiers’ overseas. This year, at the request of the Dairy Board, your Executive set up Increased Production Committees, and meetings were called in the country districts in an endeavour to attain the Government objective of an additional 15,000 tons of cheese and 10,000 tons of bacon. “ In every case theSe meetings were well attended, farmers everywhere being enthusiastic and anxious to co-op-erate in every way possible. INCREASED ACREAGE. “ The free use of implements was offered, and, although this locality is largely a dairying centre, a greater acreage of roots has been sown. Placement officers propounded the Government’s 4B and similar schemes and many farmers agreed to clean up their waste corners to aid increased production. Government cottages, too, were in demand, and whilst much has been done along these lines, labour for this class. of work is not now available. ACUTE LABOUR POSITION. “ With the drain of so many men from the farms the labour position is extremely acute. Consequently greater demands are being made on farmers’ wives and children. In an emergency this skeleton organisation is only too willing to render assistance, but, if we are to take the long view, and the production of this country is to be maintained over a period of years, I say definitely that more men must be drafted from the non-ess initial industries back to the land. HOME DEFENCE. “ The question of Home Defence has given your Executive much concern. A deputation from the Returned Soldiers’ Association was received, and a further meeting was arranged with that body. Your Union now feels that something worth while is being done, and we appeal to all members to link with one of the defence organisations. “ Arapuni, the source of electrical power for our dairying industry over the major portion of the North Island, inevitably would have been a vulnerable spot to the enemy. Following representations from this Branch, I am pleased to say that that locality is now well defended. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. “ In May of last year your Executive unanimously passed the following resolution:— That, as a war emergency, this Executive considers the time has arrived for the formation of a National Government representative of all sections. “ Gentlemen, I again bring this under your - notice, because I feel that, at the present time, the best effort can be achieved only by the unity of all sections, the sinking of party politics, and the elimination of elections for the duration of the war. SMALL FARMS SCHEME. “ Your Executive was concerned with regard to this proposed legislation, and following an address by our member, Mr W. J. Broadfoot, M.P., the Branch unanimously passed a resolution of protest. LABOUR FOR HARVESTING. “ At our request, the Government has granted permission to Mental Hospital attendants to assist with harvesting during their leisure timeOur thanks are also due to a number of business people of Te Amamutu who assisted with harvesting and gave the proceeds to patriotic funds. TERRITORIAL TRAINING. “ The Government was requested to consider the practicability of delaying Territorial mobilisation until the peak period in production had passed. I am pleased to say mobilisation dates was altered from 6th January to 3rd February, thereby making it much easier for farmers to complete their harvesting. NEW STOCK ROUTE. “ Your Executive made representations to the Borough Council to expedite the completion of the new stock route .at the back of the High School, thereby relieving congestion and the danger to school children using Alexandra Street. TRANSPORT. “ A committee met the Chamber of Commerce to further discuss this question, and it was generally agreed that, with the service rendered by the cream lorries in small goods, little saving in the country service could be effected, but that there, was room for economy on many of the town runs. Cartage rates were not discussed by us this year, but a special committee, including representatives of theUriion, was set up to deal with cartage costs throughout our territory. RURAL MAILS. “ With a desire to give improved service to box-holders and, in particular, to adjust services to cover additional roads, your Executive has drawn up a detailed map covering all mail service routes in this locality. Members who have any suggestions are requested to contact their local executive member. MANURE BAGS. “ This Branch, like many other branches of the Union, took strong exception to the clouded position with

regard to the refund on empty bags. The position now is that, provided bags are returned within three months and have not been cut or damaged by users, the full refund of 8s 6d can be demanded. REMOUNTS FOR ARMY. “ The Defence authorities sought the assistance of the Union in the collection of remounts, and I would like to thank farmers for their splendid response, over 1000 horses having been collected from this district. VISITS OF INSPECTION. “ During the year opportunity was given members to visit, together with members of the Young Farmers’ Club, the Ruakura Farm of Instruction, the Waikeria Borstal Institute, and Mr W. B. Walker’s sheep farm on Waikeria Road. The opportunity to inspect these farms was much appreciated. SOCIAL FUNCTIONS. The annual dance and Drama Festival, both sponsored by the Women’s Division and the Farmers’ Union, were again very successful, the latter yielding £2l 12s Id for the Red Cross funds. ORGANISATION. “ The Te Awamutu Branch is one of the strongest branches in the Dominion, but there are still many farmers who are not members. The organiser is now in this district, and I appeal to farmers to join the Union. MESSAGE OF THANKS. “ In conclusion I wish to thank the Executive members for the support accorded me during the past twelve months, particularly bv our secretary, Mr C. J. Flay, who has given so much time and thought to Union affairs. To the Courier we are also indebted for its reports and assistance in circulating the views of members ”