N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Waipa Post, Volume XII, Issue 662, 24 July 1917, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

TE AAV AM nr SIB-PROVINCIAL

EXECUTIVE.

SPECIAL MEETING.

A special meeting of the Te Awamutu Sub-provincial Executive of tile Farmers’ Union took place on Saturday to deal with the recommendation made by the executive committee for the acquirement of a property at Te Awamutu for tlie purposes; of tire Farmers’ Union. Mr J. G. Wynyard the Kiliikihi delegate and president, presided and there were also present Messrs F. Quin and C. M. Alexander (Tc Awamutu) I. D. Parsons (Pirongia) H. S. Valintinc (Ohaupo), J. Budge (Kio Kio) 11. Mandeno (Hairini) A. .C Pearman .(Kakepuku) M. Martin (Pukeatua) S. Reid (Tuhikaramea) S. C. Maeky (Paterangi) E. Potts (Awajoa) and F. R. Linton, (treasurer). The recommendations, particulars of which have already been published, were read by the secretary (Mr Clifton) after which the president explained that the object sought was to provide a rallying point for members by the provision of premises to accommodate the business of the. organisation and to advance the social side of the Union. It was proposed to arrange for the purchase of the premises by the executive itself, any suggestion of an arrangement with the Trading Company for the acquirement of property having been abandoned.

Discussing the properties which had been placed under offer; lie said the

eumiiiitt.ee recommended the purchase of an Alexander street property as being most suitable for all requirements. He urged the executive to take in hand the proposals which were sound iii every detail and calculated to advance the general welfare of the farmers’ organisation. Bv a spirit of enterprise, and a confidence in themselves as organised farmers, they had it in their power to launch on sound and efficient lines the business and social side of their Union. One important departure had been made twelve months ago when the subprovincial scheme was started, and it had brought a closer relationship between the branches and extended the scope of organisation. It had brought into their midst a man possessing Mr Clifton’s knowledge, and abilities and this was a fact that needed emphasis, but,'as must have been apparent to every farmer, the office accommodation had been a serious handicap for the full or proper utilisation of Mr Clifton’s services. The acquirement of premises on the lines indicated aimed for the provision of office facilities to permit the development of the business of the organisation, and the full utilisation of the staff, and fulfilled tiie desire, also, of placing within reach of all members a means for the development of the social side.

A general discussion ensued in wh<cli nearly all of the members joined. This involved the question of the propriety of launching out at the present time, and a review of the financial affairs of the sub-executive. These points were raised, not by way of opposition, but in order to reach a thorough understanding of the whole of the pros and cons of the proposal, it is generally felt that the welfare of the organisation demanded prompt action and the speakers were firmly convinced of the desirability of prompt action to raise the status of the sub-provincial organisation and the Union generally. After a short interview with the bankers, in which finances were discussed. it was unanimously resolved that immediate steps be taken to complete arrangements for the purchase of Mr Odium’s property. The initial action, for the raising of the moneys, was taken by members present and the completion of the purchase is to he pushed forward with as little delay as possible. Messrs J. G. Wynyard, F. Quin, C. M. Aleander, S. C. Manky, and E. Potts were appointed a committee to carry on the arrangements. It was decided to officially notify the associated branches with what, had been decided on and to accord them the opportunity of entering more directly into the undertaking. Before the meeting concluded the president congratulated the executive on its decision which would have a great and far-reaching effect and would be a tremendous factor in the future development of the organisation. The desire was to make the Union a credit to farmers and in the premises they had decided to " quire would be a monument to their organised enterprise and determination to win through in the face of every difficulty.