FARMERS’ UNION

Waipa Post, Volume 36, Issue 2148, 24 April 1928, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION

TE AWAMUTU BRANCH. Mr J. G. Wynyard (president) occupied the ch'air at the monthly meeting of Te Awamutu branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union on Saturday Islst; also present were Messrs R. W. Simson, Puahue; J. G. Butterworth, Te Rore; A. Hanna, Te Mawhai; F. Gooder, Wharepuhunga; H. A. Henderson, Te Kawa; G. H. Crowley, Puahue; D. G. Maclean, Mangapiko; and W. Hodgson (secretary), Hairini. The chairman reported that the second cull cow drive, under the auspices of the branch, had taken place, about 100 head comprising the drive.—lt was decided, after discussion, to hold the final drive in about a month’s time. A circular setting out the conditions pertaining to the John Court Agricultural Scholarship was read and favoui’ably commented upon. The secretary read correspondence with the provincial office, dealing with the resolution framed by the local branch at last meeting and called the attention of the committee to an article appearing in this month’s issue of Farming First, referring to the correspondence.—A resolution was passed protesting against the branch’s letters addressed to the Auckland provincial secretary being treated editorially in that journal, and asking for protection against similar treatment in the future.

The president reported correspondence from the Hamilton instructor in agriculture, dealing with a proposal to hold a farm school here for two days, on similar lines to the school held in Cambridge last year. Helpful addresses on farm problems, by recognised authorities, would be a feature of the school. —It was decided to ask the Department to arrange for a farm school, to be held at Te Awamutu during •June.

It was reported that the sub-pro-vincial executive at Hamilton had approved the branch’s resolution to take no part in party politics. The secretary stated that Mr R. Heisst had asked that the branch, arrange a meeting so that he may address the farmers in Te Awamutu on the aims and objects of the Farmers’ Political Party. In order to encourage the farmer to think politicals and to educate him so that he may be in a position to exercise an intelligent vote on election day it was decided to invite each to armoint a representative to lay its policy before the farmers, particularly with reference to matters directly affecting farmers, in the near future. The meetings would be held under the auspices of the Farmers’ Union, and, while questions would be invited, no resolutions expressing support to any political party would be brought forward. It was made quite clear, in the discussion that followed, that the branch intends to preserve its neutrality as a body, towards politics, and its desire is to have the merits of each party’s platform weighed one against the other without the imminence of “electioneering atmosphere.” The secretary stated that it was most probable that the Fanners’ Poli-, tical Party would send a representative to Te Awamutu on Friday, May 4th, and he would immediately get into touch with the other political parties. . The chairman reported that a meeting of its suppliers had been called by the Te Awamutu Co-op. Dairy Co. that morning, to which as president of the local branch of the Farmers Union he had been invited. Mr Moore, of the Public Trust Office at Hamilton, was present, and he had explained the Act in detail. It had been decided to form a Rural Credits Association in le Awamutu, and he (Mr Wynyard) had been asked to accept.a seat on the Provisional directorate so that the Union may be represented. As the formation of an association for Te Awamutu was well in hand, it was not necessary for the Union to take any further action. The secretary reported that notices had been sent out to members calling the annual meeting for Saturday, The committee set up at last meeting reported that arrangements were Sell in hand for the smoke concert which is to follow the annual meeting. Invitations to attend had been, sent to the provincial and sub-provmcisU presidents and the chairmen of the Waipa County Council, the Te AwamutuPower Board, the Chamber of Jommeice, and the Deputy Mayor of Te Awa mutu.—Approved. The secretary appealed to eveiy member to actively work for the success of the smoke concert, the objective being an endeavour to bring all classes of the community into co-opu-ation and sympathy. „i The secretary presented the annual balance sheet and the profit and loss account, which had been duly audited and which would be presented at the annual meeting.