FARMERS’ UNION.

Waipa Post, Volume V, Issue 239, 19 August 1913, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION.

TE AWAMUTU BRANCH. A meeting of the above branch of the, Farmers’Union was held on Thursday night in the Cosmopolitan club room, Mr McGhie presiding. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A communication was read from the Pirongia branch in regard to proclaiming the Mangapiko district a rabbit-infested area. It was decided to defer the matter till next meeting.

A letter was received from'Mr W. Dempster, stating that in reply to the branch’s request he would be pleased .to deliver a lecture towards the latter part of August or the beginning of September. Left with the secretary to arrange, and notify members of the exact date.

The secretary said he had made inquiries with regard to certificates supplied to a member of the branch relating to certain manures purchased. The correspondence not being satisfactory to members it was decided that the.secretary enquire further into the matter.

Inquiries had been made by the secretary from the Railway Department to ascertain whether any reduction in freight was to be gained by n e ..bers pooling orders, and a leply was ac-ived that no concessions were made. West Taupo County.

The matter of the best methods of dealing with the West Taupo was freely discussed by members. Mr Calder stated that the settlers had been waiting for the past twelve months for something to be done. Many were willing to make it operative now. The chairman explained that the settlers were in a better position now.:, than prior to the Waipa County being formed. They received certain advantages for which they paid no rates. He thought the difficulty could be overcome by the Government re-fusing-grants in the district. Mr McCardle thought it would be in theAnterests of the settlers themselves to form a county. They could then borrow money and;form their own roads. After further discussion it was moved by Mr McCardle that this meeting urge upon the Government the necessity of making the western, portion of the Taupo County an operative county.

Nevr Road,

Mr McCardle explained the need of better access to the saleyards from-Park Road, and cited the difficulty of. driving cattle on a Saturday when the traffic is congested,, especially in the vicinity of the post office. He felt sure there would be an accident if. something was . not done. It was moved by Mr McCardle, and seconded by Mr Potts that it be urged upon the Town Board the urgent need of constructing a road from Park Road to Mahoe Street. The manner in which dairy cows are treated at the local saleyards was discussed, and it was decided to bring the matter up at the next meeting.

Mr Spinley braught up the question of the technical school, which it was proposed to establish in Te Awamutu, and explained the advantage of such an institution to the farming community. The matter is to be brought up at the next meeting of the branch.