FARMERS' UNION.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15167, 4 September 1919, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

KO LiKftE-AIOT OPIKO BRANCH

A well-attended meeting, of the K.Qrere-Motupiko branch of the Farmers' Union was held at Korere on 30th , August. Mr. G. L., Mead (president) in the chair.

jluo of Taxeswrote notifying that all the Post Offices in the dis-trict-would now be supplied with land and income tax forms as requested* by the branch. —-It was resolved to acknow-

ledgetiie letter .with, thanks. Letters were received from Messrs R P. Hudson and T. A. H. Field, M.lV's replying to a. resolution which had been sent urging that exemptions from income tax allowed for children, should apply to ali children of a family instead of being restricted to five. Both members supported ttie, resolution, Mr Hudson adding thai, in his opinion, not only should the aiiounnce be made in the case oi income tax, but some substantial ;considerauuh-.si!dui(] be extended to those not liable to income tax1, as the more deserving. It 'was resolved to thank both members for the trouble and interest -they had taken in the matter: The president reported the result of his inivu'viovv with a Jocal landowner •with regard t.v .the acquisition of seme of his property for cutting up for returned soldiers. 'Hie result was im-

favourable! It was resolved, if the Returned Soldiers' Association still wished the matter pushed, to back them up if necessary, the Association to'be written to, to -that effect.

Regarding the cutting-up of Bisley's property into suitable-sized areas, the president explained that the deputation had interviewed the surveyor and the Crown Lands' Commissioner on . the ground, and satisfactory results might be expected.

The embargo on hides was discussed, and it was considered that, to prevent the increase in price of leather, the ex port of leather that is now taking place should be prevented so long as the embargo is in operation. A resolution to chat effect was passed, and the secret tary was instructed to forward it to Messrs. >W. Thorn and Whitwell, delegates to the Dominion conference, so that they' might bring the question up for debate

The dilapidated state of-the Motueka Valley Cemetery was brought up by' Mr E. L.'Newport, who spoke'of the necessity for improvement and some system r.f maintenance This cemetery was th> i..nly one for the districts this side' of Spooner's Range right up to Glenhope and Topnouse except the one at Stanley Brook and the Church burial ground at M(/tupiko, and was also the only one on the railway. It was said that funds wers available, bxit that more

vigorous" oversight was needed. At present the secretary of the trustees, -Mr It. Coleman did everything. >, Eventually a deputation was formed compr'fmg Messrs G. L. Mead, E. L. Newport <.vnd W. B. North, to confer with the trustees. It was also resolved to notify the Matariki branch 01 the Farmers'' (Tnion, so tiiat they might also join in i he repiosentiitioiis that are to be made. The cold reception by the Nelson OrW Council of tlv efforts made by the Murthison County Council to keep to the forefront the necessity of extending the railway to Murchisoji and beyond, was referred to and deplored, especially in view of the energy displayed in other parts of New Zealand in urging railway extensions. There was a big move all over the Dominon to get the railways completed and even if other parts had prior or stronger claims than Nelson, there was no reason why Nelson should keep her claims for consideration in the background because of a rebuff. !t was resolved to write to Murchison County Council, expressing approval, and promising support of all "efforts made, and to. the Nelson City Council , deploring their apathy. A proposal vrom the Matariki' branch for a fallen ,soldiers' memorial for the uhoie district, and jto hold a public meeting at Tapawera to consider dw matter, was brought forward by. the president. It ■ was" emphatically resolved to have a local memorial for valleys converging. on' Kohatu, and that-the president should convey the feeling of this branch to the meeting at Tapawera. It was further resolved to hold a meeting at Korere on Dominion Day to effect the same, and to advertise it beforehand in the papers.

Members expressed alarm at the encroachments of the Motupiko river ax the Junction cutting, which Avere very r.orious. It -was moved and carried that the Waimea County Council be. ; urged to plant willows and erect groynes in accordance with suggestion made, No. 8 ft'ire at least to he used for the groynes. Complaints about the Glenhope train were referred to the stationmaster in charge of the section for inquiry and rectifications.

A useful meeting was brought to a ciose with tea and refreshments provided by members in the vicinity. The next meeting is to be held at Motupiko.