FARMERS’ UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20503, 22 August 1936, Page 6

FARMERS’ UNION

EXECUTIVE MEETS AGRICULTURE FOR EXAMINATIONS The monthly meeting of the Executive of the South Canterbury Farmers’ Union was held yesterday. Present: Messrs A. Ward (chairman), W. Buchan, C. Ley, J. Trotter, P. R. Talbot, G. W. Cleland, J. Dempsey, P. McNeil, A. Robinson, A. E. Dobson, W. H. Staniland, G. A. Davey, J. Donehue, W. Hearn, J. Cleland, G. Blakemore, B. E. Evans, J. J. Stowell, D. M. France, J. J. Dickson, H. L. Adam, P. Kidd, W. M. Black, E. H. Pike, S. P. Bray, A. F. Campbell, F. Charles, F. E. South, A. J. Davey, A. C. Bisdee, L. V. Talbot, C. H. Whatman.

In reply to a request by the Executive that agriculture should be included in the syllabus for the matriculation examination, the secretary of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union advised that he had been in communication with the Registrar of the New Zealand University, and found that it was a case where the Minister had very little, if any, say. The matter rested with the Senate. In any case, the Registrar had advised that with the introduction of the school certific-

ate examination, it was considered that the matriculation examination should revert to its true purpose, which was University entrance. So far as students

going to Massey or Lincoln College were concerned, they would be very much better to take chemistry or physics at their secondary schools. In view of those facts, it was . doubted whether the executive would desire to go on with its suggestion. It was pointed out that the school certificate examination was taking over the functions, to a large extent, performed by matriculation and that agriculture was included in the former examination. The letter was received.

In view of the fact that no field day had been arranged for this year, it was agreed to pay an organised visit to Lincoln Agriculture College.

The secretary reported on the success of the Winter Show and he and the chairman were accorded a vote of thanks for their work in connection with the exhibition.

In order to encourage young farmers when leaving their clubs to join the Farmers’ Union, it was suggested by the Fairlie Branch that they be offered membership for the first year at a subscription of 10/-. It was pointed out by the chairman that the rules stipulated a subscription of £1 and no provision was made for reduced subscriptions for junior members. The suggestion was approved. The Fairlie Branch submitted the following remit: “That the Dominion Executive be asked to approach the Government with a view to having legislation passed in line with that proposed in Australia for the proposed abolishing of the draft allowance on wool sold at auction.” In moving its adoption, Mr Bray said the charge of one pound on every 1001 b of wool sold was unjust. He estimated that last season, which was a record one, the buyers had got away with £lOO,OOO worth of wool through the charge.

The remit was seconded by Mr Adam and carried.