THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS’ UNION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 4017, 28 February 1903, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS’ UNION.

Mr W. P. Studholme, Sec. of the Geraldine branch of the Geraldine branch of the N.Z.F.U. has received the following communication from the Secretary of the Provincial District : Dear sir,—l have to advise you that at a meeting of Chairmen of branches held in Tiraaru last Saturday, the 14th inst, the two resolutions attached were carried.

Presumably your are aware that the Southland Executive have recently appointed Mr Paterson as Veterinary surgeon and travelling agent, etc. for Southland at a salary of £4OO per annumn for three years with travelling expenses added, estimated at £SOO per annum. As the annual fosses of stock to farmers and others in South Canterbury must have been for some years past very considerable for the want, of a first class consulting vet. surgeon available when required, the time is deemed by our Executive as opportune for a similar appointment being made for this large and important district by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union.

This scheme would, of course, mean that a considerable addition would have to be made to the funds and in order to attain this object it is proposed ' 1. To raise the annual subscription of all working members of the union in South Canterbury (hitherto ridiculously low) at 10s per annum on and from the 31st March, 1003. 2. To form a guarantee fund extending over three years with a minimum subscription of £1 Is per annum if necessary, in case the ordinary annual revenue falls short at any time, it being clearly understood that the funds would be quite distinct and supplementary to the ordinary annual subscription of members of the Union.

I would therefore now ask you to call a meeting of your branch as early as convenient after the receipt of this circular, and place the scheme before them. It might, however, be necessary to circularise all your members, but in any case T should bo required to be advised of the result at as early a date as possible. I shall be very happy to afford you any information regarding this matter (as far as it lies in my power) which should, it is though by -onr Executive, commend itself to ah the farmers and stock owners of South Canterbury.—l am, dear sir, yours faithfully, W, G. DUNSFORD, Provincial Secretary for South Canterbury. . . , , A meeting in connection with the above is to be held in the Town Board Office, Geraldine, on Wednesday March 4th inst. at 3 p.m.