OTOROHANGA.

Waipa Post, Volume XXI, Issue 1210, 25 February 1922, Page 5

OTOROHANGA.

FARMERS' UNION. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Otorohanga Farmers' Union was held yesterday. The Hon. the Premier wrote acknowledging the receipt of copy of the resolution in connection with the meat pool proposals.—Letter received.

The Conservator of Forests wrote intimating that it was advisable to take steps and make arrangements in connection with next season's programmme for the visfits of the Conservator to address the settlers in regard to tree planting, etc. On the motion of Mr Budden it was decided that the secretary write to the Forestry Department in regard to the matter.

The Minister of Agriculture wrote in regard to the stationing of an Inpector of stock at Otorohanga saying the question was being considered by the Department.—Letter received. The Provincial Secretary of the New Zealand Farmers' Union wrote asking that all remits for the Provincial Conference be in his hands by March 27. A remit from South Canterbury, suggesting that objection be made to the larger-sized manure (bags, and that hags he kept in the cwt size, was discussed, and Mr Cumpstone suggested that Ucwt bags (or 16 to the ton), were small enough. This opinion was endorsed by the other members. Mr Cumpsitone improved the occasion by referring to the carlessness of farmers in regard to their manure sacks, which he said can easily be dried and stored. These the companies would take and fill, or allow for, and thus a slaving of perhaps 4s per ton could be effected.

The question of forming a Farmers' Political Party came up owing to a circular from the New Zealand Farmers' Union in connection with the same. After discussion it was decided that the Union should not support the forming of a separate party, and it was resolved "that the secretary be instructed to write to the New Zealand 'Executive stating 'that this, the Otorohanga Farmers' Union, is prepared to support a farmer who may be selected as a candidate to run at the coming election in connection with the Reform party.'" Mr Budden brought up the question of public works', and their cost, and a discussion took place on the matter. On the motion of Mr Budden, seconded by Mr A. Closey, ;t was resolved that a remit be sent to the Provincial Conference to the following effect: "That the Government be requested to let public works by contract in preference to having them carried out by the Government Department. Such a system would, in the opinion of this branch of the Farmers' Union, be the means of saving time and money, and ensure better and quicker work being carried out."

OTOROHANGA SCHOOL. It is proposed to call a public meeting of Otorohanga people to discuss the position in regard to school accommodation and to start a fund to provide an addition to the present public school. A very praiseworthy idea, but it is one to be condemned on the ground of public policy or at least to be deferred until the Education Department declares its inability to do its duty in providing funds for this educational necessity. Then, again, it is absurd to expect the community to find funds in these days of financial stringency, and so the proposed movement is not likely to "be a success, and we shall be as far off as ever of obtaining the increased accommodation required at the school. It must not be forgotten, either, that there is the proposition of obtaining a new school site and the building of a new school, which scheme would inevitably be shelved if the provision of present requirements were temporarily satisfied toy the putolic erecting at its own expense a lean-to to accommodate one of the classes. It would be well if one of our public local men took the matter up and interviewed the Minister of Education to ascertain whether the Department is or is not able to carry out its duty in the way of providing adequate school accommodation for our Otorohanga children.