FARMERS' UNION.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12468, 18 February 1909, Page 4

FARMERS' UNION.

WAKEFIELD; BRANCH. The monthly meeting of the Wakefield branoh of the Farmers' Union was held last week/ Mr I. Tunnicliffe presiding. There was aigocd attendance of members and others. -A letter was received from the Agricultural Department with reference to models of animals .and parts of jinimals that the Department have for sale. Farmers may see samples on application to the District Stock Inspector. These models should be very useful to those who have to do with stock. Mr A. A. Hintz, director of technical education, was present . by arrangement to place before farmers the advantages now offering to secure instruction in agricultural science, and woor sorting. Mr Hintz placed the matter very fully and clearly before those present and stated} inter alia, that where one bdy took up agricultural science quite-forty took up short hand and typewriting. --Considering the large amount of money that was' spent annually\on agricultural matters by the Government it-was to be regretted that farmers and their , sons did. not take more : advantage of the facilities that are now provided for getting up-to-date instruction for the carrying on of their, business. Mr Hintz stated the terms on which" he could supply an instructor, viz, that if the ■" Wakefield - branch ; would vote the necessary funds, members of- the Un-' ion would be enabled to- receive a course, of twelve lectures from Mr Bruce free of charge to themselves, and Mr Bruce was always ready to help farmers and fruit growers, whenever applied to. The foregoing matters were well discussed with the result that the following motion was proposed by Mr W. L. Bird and seconded by Mr G. E. Field, "That the Union vote the sum necessary ,to secure the services of '"Mr Bruce," ', and this was carried unanimously. This is certainly a very important move on the part of 'the Union and it is sincerely hoped that members- will take full advantage of it. Mr Hintz also made a proposal to the Union, witlf regard to wool sorting instruction durng the winter months, .but as there was not sufficient information in hand as to how many residnts would attend such classes it was decided to defer consideration until the next monthly meeting, and in the meantme circulars were to be sent out, and an advertisement inserted in both papers, inviting those interested in this matter to send inrtheir names to the secretary of the Union,Mr J. W. Hagen, Spring Grove, or to Mr I. Tuunicliffe, of Waiiti. A hearty vote, of thanks was accorded Mr -Hintz for attending and giving information upon such an important matter. I The. question of the annual field day was discussed, but owing to a difficulty withregard to getting a suitable site the question was held over pending further inquiries being made.