FARMERS’ UNION MATTERS

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1930, Page 6

FARMERS’ UNION MATTERS

PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETS.

The South Taranaki provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union met at Hawera yesterday, there being present Messrs. E. J. Betts (chairman),. J. Cocker, E. J. Booth, H. Thrush, T. J. .Allen, J. A. Pettigrew, W. E. Carter, W. T. Seed, M. .W. .Barker, M. F. Voullaire, J. D.. Conaglen,. A. ~T J King, “0. Robertson and E. K. Cameron (secretary). ■ ■' j The objects and achievements of the union since its inception were stated in a circular letter from the Dominion secretary (Colonel J. Pow). Members discussed the references and expressed appreciation of the valuable information the circular contained.. It was decided to have copies of the circular forwarded to all district members of the union. The thanks of the Dominion executive to all provincial executives that had assisted to make the Empire farmers’ tour such a success were extended in a circular letter from the Dominion secretary; “Complaints were common amongst members of provincial executives regard,ing the short time allotted to each district,” he stated, “but when the party asked to see as much as possible of New Zealand'in four weeks, then it is apparent that no place could have the . visitors fof long?’ ' Complaints had also been common' aipong members of the union that tli'e, visitors ■ had not had enough time to see farins and stock, blit he assured members that the visitors soon became" tired of seeing stock and had been glad of an opportunity of seeing some of,the scenic beauties. - Advice was receded that the next Dominion conference would. commence on June 17, five weeks' earlier than usual. It wbuld thus be necessary for provincial conferences to be held earlier so that remits to the conference would reach the Dominion secretary not later than May 24. Mr. Cocker, who presided at a recent meeting of the Land Valuation Committee appointed by the Dominion executive, gave a detailed report of the deliberations of the committee. He was accorded a vote of thanks for his report. MANGATOKI BRANCH MEETS. ' Reference to the activity of the union’s executive was made in the annual report of the president of the Mangatoki branch of. the Farmers’ Union on Tuesday. Mr. W. E. Carter-presided over a small attendance, which included Mr. E. J. Betts, president of the South Taranaki provincial executive. The union, added the.report, was goring ahead strongly and now had nearly 25,000 members. The root crop competitions were very well patronised, but it would appear that, owing to farmers in many eases ceasing the growing of crops and going in more for ’ ensilage and hay the number of entries would be likely to become less each year. The euchre parties were very successful and should be carried on in' the coming season. The branch, had done good work but should. be better supported by its members. The union generally did excellent work and deserved hearty support from all members and from the farmers generally. The delegates to the Dominion executive gave their time and attention to the affairs of the union and received only travelling expenses. Mr. Betts, who was welcomed by the chairman, said he was always glad to come to branch’ meetings and to give any information possible dealing with the work of the union. The Dominion executive, he said, was always active in protecting the ihteresis of farmers. The statement of Accounts showed that there was a credit balance at the beginning of the year of £29, and receipts were: Crops competitions £1 17s; annual ball and evenings, £47 3s 7d; cakes, £1 4s Cd; 1 subscriptions, £5; capitation, £4 W Expenditure: Capitation, £3 12b 1 fid;' advertising, £5 4s; donations, £5 1 Bsf half hire, ■£7 2s 6<l; expenses of entertainments,- £29 14s. 2d; prizes, crop : competitions, i£l 10.3; honorarium, £3; sundries, £1 15s. This, left a credit balance of ■ £BO 15s. The following officers were elected: President, Air. -W. E.' Carter j- vice-pre-sident, Mr. K. SChmidt; ;hon. secretary,‘ Mr. J. P. Marx; executive, Messrs. Parker, Nicholas and Townend;" hon. auditor, Mr. R. D. Douglass.Messrs. Carter and Parker were appointed delegates to the annual provincial conference to be held at Manaia~on May 29. Several remits dealing with noxious - weeds and other subjects are to be submitted. Referring to the euchre parties Mr. Parker said they showed that the branch was catering for the social interests of members, and he agreed to again do the work of organisation, asking only for help in some of the detail work. ■ I It W’as decided. to .devote the sum of £4 4s to be divided equally as An honorarium between Mr., Marx and Mr. Parker, Both offered to . donate the money to help the euchre, parties. The chairman said he considered the time had come for the appointment of resident organiser^,,so as to keep in touch with members and ,to increase the membership. Mr. Parker advocated spending some money on branch secretaries, who could not be expected to .do the work that was needed without remuneration. Referring to the, question of the capitation paid to . head office, Mr. Betts said he did not see how they could do with Res. The 'Dominion executive kept in touch with all legislation affecting farmers, and last year had fought strenuously against the Land Tax Bill and had secured many concessions.