N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Waipa Post, Volume III, Issue 126, 9 July 1912, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

About a dozen farmers assembled in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon for the meeting called by Mr Sen mitt, the secretary of the Auckland provincial branch of this Union.

Mr Chas. Alexander, who was unanimously elected chairman, in introducing Mr Schmitt, spoke on the advantage of and necessity for union. Mr Schmitt, after expressing regret at the small number of farmers present, briefly referred to the re-organisation of the Union about five years ago, and the great progress that had been made since the executive had passed into such able hands. He considered it the duty of all farmers to join the Union, remarking that farm produce formed 80 per cent of the exports of the Dominion. Objection had been

taken to the Union from a political standpoint, but he would, assure those present that their motto was and would remain, " principles not party." Mr Schmitt then outlined some of the. planks of the Union, and dealt with the various objects it had in view. A Dominion conference was held yearly in Wellington, when delegates from the various provinces attended, and the re-

sults of their deliberations were afterwards brought to the attentions of the various Ministers concerned. Owing, however, to the great capacity of the Ministerial

wastepaper basket it had been decided in" future to bring the matter directly to the attention of members by means of l-emits. Some of the proposed Auckland remits having been read to the meeting, Mr Schmitt passed on to the commercial side of the

Union. At the close of the address Mr Calder moved that it was desirable to form a branch of the Union in Te Awamutu.

This was seconded by Mr Whitton, and carried unanimously, Mr Chas. Alexander being elected secretary pro. tern., and the first meeting arranged for 26th inst. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to Mr Schmitt for his address, and also to the chairman.

The following names were then handed in as members of the proposed branch : —Messrs Calder, T. G. Martin, C. Alexander, T. Young, W. Whitton, W. J. Mills, H. Allen, G. Kean, H. Jarry, J. Dodd, F. Stanwell, and H. Folett.