N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 289, 13 February 1914, Page 3

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

TE AWAMUTU BRANCH

The monthly meeting of the aßove branch was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Wednesday evening. There was a large attendance of members over whom Mr C. M. Alexander presided. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. APOLOGY.

An apology was read from Mr M. C. Lawson regretting his inability to be present, and it was decided to defer the matter regarding his notice of motion until such time as he should be present.

SUPERPHOSPHATE. A letter was read by the chairman from Mr Eggleton, Wharepuhanga, drawing the Union’s attention to a speech in the House by Mr G. M. Thomson, M.P. for Dunedin North, in regard to the price paid by farmers for superphosphate, and which he considered was too high. He was of the opinion that there was material on the West Coast from which it would be possible to supply superphosphate. The chairman thought they should get in communication with Mr Thomson, and ask for further information on the sub’ect, and also to urge the Dominion executive to take the matter up. If it was possible to get superphosphate cheaper they should endeavour to do so, as it was a most important matter for the farmer.—Agreed to.

CALVES AFFECTED BY BLACKLEG ■ Mr F. Quin brought under the notice of members the laajfe that blackleg had made its appearance in the district. He had occasion to call in the services of the Government veterinarian to inspect an animal belonging to him, and his opinion was that it was blackleg. A telegram had been forwarded to the Prime. Minister, through Mr J. A. Young, M.P., acquainting him of the fact, and asking that the settlers be permitted to have their calves inoculated by 5 a departmental officer on payment of a small fee. The following reply had been received from Mr Massey “ Telegram received re blackleg ; have instructed Dr Reakes to send a veterinarian to investigate and report.” In reply to inquiries Mr Quin said he felt sure that it was blackleg, and he described the symptoms. No calf, he said, would live more than 24 hours, when once affected with it. The best calves were the principal sufferers. He questioned whether it would not be wise to wait and hear the inspector’s report. Mr Allen was of the opinion that the most drastic steps should be taken to stay the spread of the disease, and favoured keeping all affected areas isolated till the matter was thoroughly investigated.

After further discussion Mr D. Cavanagh moved : “ That the Waikato district be declared an infected • area under the Act.” The motion was seconded by Mr Allan, and on being put to the' meeting was carried. The. chairman stated that it would be advisable to warn all other branches. TE AWAMUTU-KAWHIA TELEPHONE.

A letter was read stating that this line was being pushed forward.

RURAL CAMP SCHOOL. Suggestions were forwarded by the Chamber of Commerce in reference to the establishing of rural camp schools; in the district. * The chairman said there was a great deal to recommend the suggestions, but at the same time it would entail a large amount of detail work. Mr Stewart thought it advisable to appoint a small sub-com-mittee to make enquiries. The system had worked satisfactorily in Australia. It would take a lot of time to collect information on the subject. On the motion of the chairman it was decided that Messrs InnesJones, H. Jary, and A. H. Storey be a committee to confer with the gentlemen appointed by the Chamber of Commerce, and that a report be submitted at a future meeting.

NEW MEMBERS. * The following new members were proposed: Messrs G. Houghton, J. Houghton, G. S. Clarke, Henry Weal, Col. Ryder, W. J. V. Melville, W. H. Shaw, F. L. Cooper, W. N. Gilison, M. S. Laurie, Geo. Teasdale, E. Sutton, R. G. Blennerhassett, B. Corlett, John Pollard, Geo. Pollard, Jas. Cruickshank, N. T. Heyes, Alfred Gill, A. Hearst, Geo. Farrell, Geo. Elliott, Chas. Olson, W. G. Signal, G. T. Kirkwood, ®R. H. Macdonald, C. Hinton, # C. North. • * Messrs J. H. Luxford and D. Bockett were proposed as honorj. arv members. Twenty-three of the new members were proposed by Mr A. C. Pearman, and he was congratulated for his efforts in inducing members to join the Union. f The secretary stated that the membership of the Union totalled close on 200 members. ACCOUNTS.

The following accounts were passed for payment Andrew and Son (freight) £l is 4d, WAIPA Post £i 6s 4d, H. Heerdegen Us, J. De Coek ios. It was decided that Mr D. Cavanagh be requested to act as

representative for the Tq Awamutu branch at Ohaupo.

MANGAORONGA BRANCH

(Own Correspondent.)

A meeting of the above branch of the Farmers’ Union was held at the Mangaoronga sohoolhouse on Monday last. PresentMr Sircombe (chairman) and Messrs Gadsby, Disher, Somerville, Lurman, Hoskins, Keating, Farmer, Prendergast, Abercrombie, and Swainson.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence received and forwarded was dealt with. A letter was received from the Maniapoto Maori Land Board granting five acres of land at Maihiihi for a school site. The section has now been surveyed bjy Mr'Wilson, Government surveyor. With regard to the township, correspondence was read to the effect that it would be situated in block 59, which has now been acquired by the Government from the natives.

The secretary stated having interviewed the Minister for Public Works and Mr J. A. Young, M.P., with reference to the Mangaoronga - Ranginui Road. The Minister promised that the sum granted for this road woidd be authorised, and the work begun almost immediatelyIt was decided that the annual picnic of the Rangiatea and Maihiihi settlers now be held under the auspices of the Farmers Union. Mr Geo. Budge was elected picnic secretary, Mr Abercrombie assistant secretary, and Mr Sircombe treasurer. Committees were appointed for ground and sports, and Mr Frank Corboy was elected general supervisor for the day. Members’ subscriptions were fixed .at ten shillings. Mr Disher kindly placed his waggon and horses at the disposal of the committee. The programme includes tug-of-war on horseback, ladies’ bracelet, etc. .There will also be races for children.