FARMERS' UNION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14063, 22 November 1909, Page 6

FARMERS' UNION.

TIMARU BRANCH FORAIED. On Saturday afternoon a meeting of farmers was held in the Sophia Street Hall for the purpose of forming a -U----maru branch of the New Zealand r aimers' Union. Mr John lalbot was voted to the cliair, and he explained that the meeting was the outcome til another one recently held in the Assembly Rooms to discuss the stooktlireshing question, when it had been decided that branches of the New Zealand Farmers' Union should he formed throughout South Canterbury with a central branch at Timaru. A committee had been set up to organise the movement, with the result that a branch had already been formed at St. Andrews, and steps were being taken to form one at Geraldiue, and another at Temuka. (The meeting for the latter is to be held at Temuka to-mor-row after the stock sale.) A strong branch had also been formed at A\ aimate. At Pleasant Point, there was a branch of the Union previously in existence, .and it was pro [Rise d to ask the members of it to throw in their lot with the new one now being formed. When they were all established, the different branches would send delegates to a central meeting to Tie held at Timaru, and delegates would be sent from South Canterbury to the annual conference of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. Air Talbot also made some general remarks about the necessity for a combination of the farmers of the Dominion, so that when their interests were assailed. they might act in unison to conserve their rights. A general discussion followed on points concerning the formation and working of the branches and provincial executives. Following this, Mr »S. Cain moved. Mr Copland seconded, and it was earned that a branch be established i:i Timaru. The following were elected members ■jf committee to take the initiative in securing members, it being desired that every farmer in South Canterbury should be personally wailed 011, and askfid to become a member:—Messrs J. Talbot, G. L. Twentyman. C. N. Orbell, J. Withell. J. Fitzgerald, R. Davie, AY. J. ' Bassctt, R. L'arry, S. Cain, Thorne, Anstey, .1. Smith, AY. Harper, E. Kelland, 0. Talbot, J. Armstrong, and J. Campbell. Mr Drinnan reported on what had been done at. St. Andrews when; a j branch, 50 strong, is in existence. In reply to Mr Fitzgerald, the chairman said it was immaterial which branch of the Union farmers joined, so long as they joined one; they would .ill work together for the same ends. Mr Talbot was appointted chairman of the Timaru branch, and Mr C. N. Orbell vice-chairman. It was decided that the membership fee should be 10s for this year. Mr 'i'albot said that by some it wsa considered that the fee should be on a sliding scale according to the size of the man's holding. They could reconsider the fee next year, lmt it would require to be not less than 10s tlu's year. Eleven applications were received for the position of secretary, and Mr A. Thorcau was appointed. The chairman said that Air Thorcau would have an office in town ; all subscriptions coiiid be paid to him, and fiis services would be available for. the different brain-lies outside of Timaru whenever required. Air Twentyman was appointed treasurer. It was decided that the meetings should be held in Timaru on Saturdays. After discussing minor matters, the meeting closed.