TOKO FARMERS’ UNION

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1934, Page 7

TOKO FARMERS’ UNION

BUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETING. MEMBERSHIP NOW SIXTY-FIVE There was an attendance of nearly 30 at the annual meeting of the Toko branch of the Farmers’ Union last night. Mr. T. T. Murray presided. The year had been a very trying one for farmers, said Mr. Murray in his report. Butter and cheese had shown no improvement in prices. Sidelines such as pigs and calves had improved, and sheep men had had a better year, which would probably result in more confidence in the future. The rise in lamb, mutton and wool should reflect itself in the butter and cheese market during the coming year and would help to balance exports. The branch had been active during the year in all matters affecting farming and the district, and the co-operation of the Women’s Division branch had made the work a pleasure. The competitions had been well supported and of great value. Mr. E. Jones had won the mangolds competition with a crop of 150 tons 7 cwt.— a world record. Lectures had been given by Mr. J. M. Smith, at Douglas, on pastures, by Mr. E. H. Stephen on animal diseases, and by Mr. C. J. Harris on pig marketing. The lectures had been a great help to members. A visit had also been paid to the Waitara freezing works, 40 members making the trip. Social activities had comprised the prizegiving social and two euchre tournaments in conjunction with the Women’s Division.

The branch appreciated the splendid help received from Mr. J. M. Smith in competition work. The organiser had recently been in the district and the membership now was 65—probably the strongest branch in Taranaki. During the year it was decided to accept junior members, and they were taking a keen interest.

The balance-sheet showed that the year had begun with a credit balance of £lB 18s 4d and had ended with a credit of £2O 14s Bd. The competitions account began the year with a credit of £l3 0s 3d and ended with a credit of £7 10s 7d. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr. T. T. Murray; vice-president, Messrs. G. Were, A. Marfell and J. Clemow; joint secretaries, Messrs. L. Marfell and Russell Sextus; executive, Messrs. T. Bird, J. Butler, A. Walter, T. Needham, A. Rowe and J. Isbister; delegates to sub-provincial executive, Messrs. Murray, L. Marfell and Sextus; delegates to' provincial conference, Messrs. Murray and Marfell; auditor, Mr. H. Henderson. ,

The secretary was granted the usual honorarium. The same donation as usual was granted the Boys and Girls’ Club movement.

It was decided to enter a Toko court in the next Stratford winter show in the district courts competition.

An address by Mr. D. le C. Morgan, provincial secretary of the union, on Farmers’ Union matters, touching on ragwort, quotas, pig-raising and marketing, co-operative farmers’ concerns, hospital benefits, grass seed purchases and interest reduction. He stressed the duty of every citizen to help in community effort at the present day. By that was not meant effort in any sectional'interest Mr. Morgan dealt with aspects of land, income and unemployment taxation as affecting the farmer, explaining difficult points, particularly in unemployment tax accounting.

A member a remit be supported protesting against the extension of daylight saving. The motion had the support of the meeting.