FARMERS’ UNION PROGRESS

Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1934, Page 7

FARMERS’ UNION PROGRESS

ANNUAL MEETING AT URENUI.

BIG MEMBERSHIP OF BRANCH. It has been recognised for some years past that Urenui district possesses one of the most live branches of the Farmers’ Union in Taranaki. The report of last year’s activities and the large attendance at the annual meeting last night showed that the enthusiasm still continues. There was an attendance-of over 60, including Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P., Dominion president. . Members had every reason to be gratified at the steady progress made in the activities of the branch and of the union generally, remarked the president in his report. That definitely showed the reliance placed on the union as a vital necessity in a period of .economic stress. The board had sustained the loss of a valuable member by the death of the late Mr. H. Wells. Two members had resigned, but the membership stood at 86, compared with 82 last year. There was a credit of £l4 13s. The annual social proved successful both socially and financially. There was an appreciable increase in the quality and quantity of field competition entries, 100 being received. The branch annexed two championship cups, Mr. R. Weeden securing the local and open points prizes and Mr. D. L. Tate thfe pasture competition. The district was run-ner-up in the Championship honours in swedes, soft turnips, carrots and mangolds. It was felt that the high standard of entries was due. to the co-operation of the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture, represented by Mr. J.. M. Smith. Manurial experiments were being conducted by the department on the properties of Messrs. E. Elliot, J. M. Mooney and S. M. Purdie. Members inspected the Moturoa grading stores and interchange of visits had been made with the New Plymouth Rotary Club. Nine meetings were held, there being a good average attendance. The chairman attended all provincial executive meetings, and Mr. S. Topless meetings of the fields competition committee. Lectures were given by Messrs. J. M. Smith, 'J. Hill Motion, J. W. Weeden, V. C. Davies, W. J. Polson, D. E. Davies, David, Mackie and Hastings. The high standard of the- lectures Warranted large attendances. The branch entered a team in the inter-branch shooting matches recently and the team finished fourth of the 26 entries. The balance-sheet showed that receipts had been £57 4s 3Jd, and expenditure £55 2s ljd, leaving a credit balance of £l4 13s, compared with £l2 10s lOd at the beginning of the year. Mr. D. Le Cren Morgan, provincial secretary, congratulated the president on the report of the activities. Mr. W. J. Freeth said that the report was very comprehensive and worthily conveyed the activities of the branch. He considered they were very fortunate in the manner in which the branch was led by the president, Mr. J. F. Phillips. The report and balance-sheet was adopted. Officers elected were: President, Mr. J. F. Phillips; vice-presidents, Messrs. C. H. Wilson, W. J. Freeth and R. G. Luxton; hon. secretary, Mr. D. L. Tate; auditor, Mr. W. Fuller; executive, Messrs. S. Topless, A. M. Zimmerman, J. B. Mabin, A. H. Halcombe, T. Lee, R; Weeden, J. Johnson, C. Honeyfield, E. Maxted, R. Johnson, H. Taylor; delegates to the provincial conference, Messrs. S. Topless, W. J. Freeth and C. H. Wilson, with the president; delegate to provincial executive, the president. The secretary was voted an honorarium of £7 7s and it was also decided to ask the president to accept £2 2s as a contribution towards his expenses. vote of £2 2s was made to the Women’s Division. Mr. Polson outlined the policy of the union in a long address. Messrs. L. G. Newton, A. Larkin, J. Beattie, F. Bowe and W. F. Harlow were elected new members, bringing the total to 91. ' ‘ '