WORK OF FARMERS’ UNION

Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1931, Page 9

WORK OF FARMERS’ UNION

TIKORANGI BRANCH MEETING. PRESENTATION TO OFFICIALS. The. annual meeting of the Tikorangi branch of the Farmers’ Union was held last night, when Mr. J. H. Paulger, president of the branch, presided over an attendance of about 20. There were also present Mr. D. le Cren Morgan, secretary of the North Taranaki executive, and Mr. J. Hill-Motion. The balance-sheet showed that receipts had totalled £4 Bs. 3d., and expenditure £7 6s. 6d., leaving a credit balance of £6 Bs. 7d., as compared with £9 6s. lid. at the beginning of the year. The president thanked the committee and secretary for the assistance given so readily during a very trying season. The vice-president, Mr. F. • Blyth, had attended every meeting of the provincial executive, but unfortunately he had left the district, which would be a great loss to the branch. In connection with the flields competitions he congratulated the various winners as follows: Ensilage, C. S. Carmichael 1, J. H. Paulger 2,°F. Blyde 3; hay, H. Hills 1, J. H. Paulger 2; swedes, Roy McKenzie 1, D. Griffiths 2, Mrs. Farrell 3. In mangolds there were only two entries, so a locai competition was not held. J. Purdie was first for North Taranaki, and Mrs. Farrell was second. Only two pasture entries were received, so it was not possible to hold a competition, but J. H. Paulger had tied for third place in another competition. The president said he did not know what they intended to do about the competitions, but he considered it would be a pity to let them drop. The competitions committee had advised that the entrance fee be reduced from ss. to 25.6d. in view of the hard times. The vicepresident and the' speaker had represented the branch at the provincial conference at Inglewood, which was attended by over 100 delegates, and was the best-conference ever held in North Taranaki. He expressed appreciation of the work of the Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs.

Replying to a question, the president said the membership was about the same as previously. Officers were elected as follow: —President, Mr. J. H. Paulger; vice-president, Mr. R. J. Morey; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. R. McKenzie; auditor, Mr. J. W. Garner; committee, Messrs. L. Lye, 11. Hills, H. Alexander, C. Foreman, H. A. Foreman, C. S. Carmichael, I. Vickcrv, A. Alexander, W. Faull, A. C. Beavan, D. Griffiths, R. Rolfe, A. Soffe, L. Lepper and R. J. Morey; delegate to the conference, Mr. R. J. Morey; executive, president, vice-president and secretary.

The question of the competitions was discussed. The president pointed out that in some classes the entries had increased, but in others they had declined. He did not think that it-would be advisable to have a mangold competition. It was decided to hold hay and ensilage competitions, and the president urged all to canvass for entries. Mr.. Morgan read the provincial president’s report on the year’s activities, which is to be presented at the annual conference next month, and he also explained various phases of showing the progress made. Mr. R. Hicks asked what action the Dominion executive was taking with regard to having the duty removed from wheat so as to give farmers cheaper pollard and flour. Mr. Morgan pointed out that the South Island farmers were also loyal supporters of the Farmers’ Union, and they would be quite agreeable to have the duty removed from wheat providing tlie duty was taken from everything else. If the duty were taken off boots farmers would get more relief than if it were taken off wheat.

A speaker: When are you going to take it off other things? On behalf of the board Mr. Morgan presented Mr. R. McKenzie, secretary for the past live or six years, with a fountain pen as a mark of esteem on the occasion of his marriage. The president expressed regret at the departure from the district of Air. and Mrs. F. Blyde. As vice-president of the branch Mr. Blyde had been a live member and was always willing to help wherever possible, lie presented Mr. and Airs. Blyde with two floor rugs. Air. gave an address on sterility in cattle, receiving a most attentive hearing.