FARMERS’ UNION AFFAIRS

Taranaki Daily News, 21 April 1930, Page 15

FARMERS’ UNION AFFAIRS

BRANCH AT LEPPERTON MEETS.

MR. BLYDE ELECTED PRESIDENT.

Enthusiasm was displayed at the annual meeting of the L&pperton branch of the Farmers’ Union on Thursday evening. Mr. H. E. Blyde presided, and there was a representative attendance which included Mr. D. le Cren Morgan, provincial secretary, and Mr. W. Hall, president of the Huirangi branch. The annual report submitted by the president showed that the branch had increased its activities to an even greater extent than was the case the previous year, and though that hu<l decreased the bank balance, the branch was still financi lly sound and could claim a most successful year's working. The membership was steadily increasing and was over ■lO. As in previous years field competitors had proved an outstanding success, there being 70 entries exclusive of the pasture competitions, in which there were ten entries. In connection with, -he competitions a field day had been held. The luncheon was tlm chief cause of the lower credit balance, and though- the competition committee was willing to assist, so far no request had been made to it. Lectures had’ been given by Mr. Webster, M.R.C.V.S., on modern' ideals of dairy science and by Air. Levy, Government agristologist, on pasture management. The annual social and the euchre party and dance held in connection with the presentation of prizes had proved successful. In conjunction with the Tikorangi branch a field day had been held at the Stratford demons.tratidii' farm.

The balance-sheet showed receipts had totalled £25 i'Js I()d, the principal items being capitation £9 is and competition entry fees £l5 Is. Expenditure had , totalled £32 14s 6d, the principal items being cup and medals £l7 3s 6d, honoraria £4 4s and advertising £4, Bs. There was a balance ,of £9 Gs Gd as compared with £l6 Is 2d at the' beginning of the year. . ’ '• Officers elected were: Presidcrit, Air. H. E. Blyde (re-elected); vice-president, Mr. F. T. Crowe (re-elected); secretaryC Mr. W. N. Ackland (re-elected); auditor, Mr. A. G. Drake (re-elected); committee, Messrs. H. E. Blyde, H. Woisin, C. J. Oliver, W. N. Ackland, W. J). Cartwright, D. Peat, S. -Blackball, K A. Oliver, W. Nicoll, J. Morrow, J. N. Blyde, R. F. Giddy, E. Hellier, H. Wallace and F. T. Crowe; delegates to the provincial executive, the president and , Mr. W. D. Cartwright. The president was voted an honorarium of £5 5s and the secretary one of £l Is. Members spoke in enthusiastic terms of the officers’ work.

Mr. Morgan gave an interesting review of the activities of the provincial executive during the year. Covering the report which has been circulated among brandies he showed' various directions in which the executive had been able to brings about improved conditions, instanc-. ing the provision of a goods shed at Waiungona. Mr. Morgan touched on the necessity for having a comprehensive employers' liability insurance policy for farmers. Discussion followed on the question of fire insurance, a member pointing out that after premiums had been paid for several years, insurance companies in the event of a fire frequently raised the point that the building was over insured. It was considered by the speaker that the insurable amount should be reduced each year or two and the premium reduced accordingly., Mr. J. N. Blyde moved that insurance companies be listed to value properties every two or three years with a view to adjusting the insurable amount. - Mr. W. Hall (Huirangi) considered it would perhaps be preferable to let sleeping dogs lie. Before any motion was passed it would be advisable for the meeting to discuss the insurance policy clause by clause. ; After a little discussion the motion was withdrawn and Mr. Morgan was invited to give an address on fire and accident insurance.

Mr. W. Hall, president of the Huirangi branch, in presenting the prizes won at the recent pasture competition stated the competitions were held to encourage better farming. There was no doubt they had been beneficial and instructive. Farmers were fortunate in having in Mr, J. M. Smith the farm instructor. Mr. Hall presented the following trophies: Silver cup presented by the branch for firs’t prize, Mr. J. N. Blyde; medal for second. prize, Mr. C. J. Oliver. A suggestion was made that Messrs. W. Jl Polson, M.P., Dominion president, Ridling, J. M. Smith and Webster, should be invited to give lectures. < ■ '