FARMERS' UNION.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13728, 17 March 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

FARMERS' UNION.

MEETING AT TAPAWERA

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

(From "The Colonist," March 2.)

A meeting of members of the above, representing Korere, Tapawera, Tadmor, Matanki, and Stanley Brook, was held at the Tapawera Druids' Hall on Friday last, Mr. E. L. Newport, president of the Korere-Motupiko- branch, presiding. Messrs.. I. Tunnichffe, (provincial president) and W. D. Harkness (provincial secretary) were also present. Altogether there were. 24 representative farmers present from the various districts mentioned above.

The president, in his opening remarks, explained the object of the meeting, viz., to discuss various matters of interest to the district with the object of -mutual benefits, and expressed the hope that all present would do their best to make the meeting a success. The provincial president spoke of tho utility of such a gathering, and corftplimented the farmers of the district for organising it.

Mr. Harkness, provincial secretary, also expressed pleasure at having the opportunity of attending such a representative gathering of farmers. The first question to receive the attention of the meeting were the needs of the Belgians, and how best to assist.

It was reported by Mr. Mead that a number of farmers were prepared to donate stock, but were not in the position to judge as to the best means of disposing of their gifts to the best advantage to the fund.

Mr. North pointed out that freezing stock could only be dealt with by forwarding it through persons who had space booked at the works, owing to the lack of storage room.

It was resolved on the motion of Mr. L. Mead, seconded by Mr. Macmahon, that all those who have stock to donate, whether fats or stores, be requested to get them to the sale yards at Tapawera the first sale day, and that the mover, Messrs. Macmahon, North and Hngonin Be a committee to see that they were disposed of to the best advantage

Mr. Macmahon ispoke of the unsatisfactory train service, as far as it affected the districts over the hill, pointing oiit that it was not the number of trains running, but the unsuitabletimes, which the people complained of. What was needed'" was an early train from Glenhope at least one day a week, so that people could spend a whole day in town. At present they had to spend about eight hours on the- train for less than four on their business, otherwise stay away from home all night, which was not always convenient.

Mr. North in isnpnorting the question, spoke of the necessity for a better service. He gave several instances of the unsatisfactory replies he had received from the Department when writing officially on the question.

After further discussion, in which some not altogether complimentary remarks as to the manner in which the train service was arranged were indulged in, the following resolution was carried on the motion of. Mr. L. Mead, .seconded by Mr F. W- Gibbs. That the Department be written to asking that the Monday morning train from Glenhope be despatched two hours earlier, pointing out that this arrangement would not interfere with the bi-weekly mail service to and from the- Coast.

It was resolved on.the motion of Mr. Macmahon, seconded by Mr. A. Wilkinson, that this meeting- of- settlers representing the various districts wait on the district railway manager and point out the inconvenience of the present train service, and urge the adoption of the above suggestion.

It was also resolved that the members for Motueka and Nelson- and the Nelson Chamber of Commerce be written to, asking their assistance in- this and other matters.

The date fixed for the deputation to visit Nelson was March loth, and all in the .room agreed to attend. The same deputation-, on the -suggestion of Mr. Macmahon, was. appointed to. wait on the Chief Postmaster to bring under his notice the delay in getting connection with the Nelson telephone exchange, with a view to an. early improvement, the Railway Manager and the Chief Postmaster to be advised of the date- of the deputation's visit.

On the motion of Mr. Tunnielifte, r-ieconded by Mr. Macmahon, it wns resolved that the Minister of 'Public Works be written to urging the necessity of completing the Karamea-Wan-gapeka track. Several present spoke of the immense advantage this would be to the province generally and also to the district concerned. The atssistance of the member for the district and the Chamber of Commerce is to be sought.

It was unanimously resolved that Mr. North he appointed corresponding secretary to despatch and receive correspondence in connection with the mattem dealt with at the meeting.

Before dispersing it was resolved that the conferences should be continued at least-twice a year, and that another be held prior to the annual provincial conference- in May. The provincial president and the secretary received a hearty vote of thanks for attending the meeting,- as also did the chairman.