FARMERS’ UNION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 8 October 1926, Page 7

FARMERS’ UNION.

ALBURY BRANCH

A- meeting of the committee of the Farmers’ Union ■ was held in the Library Hall,- Aibnry. Present—Messrs J. Macaulay (chairman)', D. Angland, C. E. Tipping, R. Jukes, A. Smaill, E. Gallon, T. Hogg, J.' C. Voight, and A. Tlioreau (secretary). The secretary reported that the railways rates on manures had been reduced 40 per cent, on truck lots, and by 25 per coiit. on ton lots. Farmers were allowed to pool orders so as to make truck lots.

Thus was considered satisfactory. Members would notice that the Government had varied their programme in regard to agricultural colleges, and that there was now a prospect of incorporating' Lincoln College in their amended scheme. Members were satisfied that this was a reasonable step. The Railway Department, wrote that they had agreed to build additional holding yards at the Albnry railway station, and that consideration would be also given to making the loading bank more convenient.

Members considered that the present loading bank was'of no use, and that the Railway Department bo again urged to proceed with the erection of a more convenient loading bank. Correspondence was read from the Meat Board stating that the handling damage to frozen meat was diminishing to a satisfactorily low point; also that the addition of further insulated trucks would facilitate the handling of meat from ships’ side. Members decided unanimously to support the remit from Ashburton asking the Meat Board to establish in London a selling agency for New Zealand frozen meat.

Members also decided to support the Temuka remit, objecting to Power Boards being exempted from any claims arising out of damage caused by the breaking of their high tension power linos. • Accounts amounting to £l3 6s 8d were passed for payment.

GERALDINE BRANCH,

The committee of the Geraldine branch of the Farmers’ Union- met in Mr Kennedy’s rooms. Mr D. E. Lewis (president) occupied the chair, and the following also were present.— Messrs J. McLean, H. Al. Yerrall, A. J. Burrows, T. J. Paterson, H. Hill, R., Volckman, and the secretary. Apologies wei'o received from Air F. H l. tiouth and T. Wooding. Correspondence was received from tho Bouth Canterbury Executive re matters dealt with at the last executive meeting. It was decided to support the executive in the recommendations.

The proposal by tho Meat Board to open retail shops in England was discussed.—it was generally agreed that the present time was not suitable to raise fresh capital for this purpose. The present system of grading lambs was objected to as wrong, and not in the best interests of farmers. it was moved by Air A. J. Burrows, and seconded by Mr H. Al. Verrail:— “That decision re the Aleat Board opening retail shops be held over until Air Forsyth arrives, and explains the position at Home, and that a protest bo entered against the continuance ol the present system of grading iambs.”— Carried.

The formation of a herd-testing group was discussed, and it was agreed that the establishment of a. herd-testing Association would be very beneficial to the district. The Geraldine branch would assist in every way to attain that object.

All- Lewis reported that Air P. R. Talbot, chairman of the executive, had attended the Wheat Conference. The proposal to form a pact was not adopted. It fUu.s on tho individual farmer to make his own arrangements. The formation of a Wool Board was discussed, but found no favour.