MARTON FARMERS' UNION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 7563, 6 May 1919, Page 7

MARTON FARMERS' UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING OF LOCAL

BRANCH

Mr A. Stuart presided at the annual meeting of the Marton brand! of the Farmers' Union, 'ihere was only a meagre attendance. The Provincial Secretary notified that the provincial levy for 19j.9-20 had been ttixed at 12s per member (including the Dominion levy of #s. per member).

Iho Chairman stated that the executive had suggested making the subscription £1 up to 300 acres, 400 £1 10s. f.OO £2, 600 £2 10s., 700\£3, 800 £3 10s.; 900 £4, 1000 £5. Mr Marshall suggested that the guarantors forego their claim on the branch for the manure account.

Mr Lethbridge said he was quite willing to forego his claim. It was absolutely necessary that the union should >h« keot going.

On the motion of Mr Beckett, seconded by Mr Marshall, it was resolved that in the event of the guarantors of tho old manure account being willing to forego all further claims on t,he branch, the full levy of 12s. per mem. bcr be sent to the Provincial Council.

Mr A. Stuart announced that it was not his intention to be nominated ''or the office of chairman. He though* a younger member should have a try. Mr A. Coleman was elected chairman. He said he hoped, with the eo-oiperatior of mem bars, to uphold the interests of farmers. He paid tribute to the vaiusible work done ly Mr Stuart.

All members of tho old committee— Messrs T. R. Willis, S. Howard, J. W. Marshall, P. Beard, W. J. Birch —were re-elected, and the name of Mr. A. Stuart added. Executive: Mr. G. L. Marshall (vice-chairman) and Mr F. jtf. H. Bnc«.

New Members: Messrs W. J. Bowman (Fora Flats) and it. T. Stroke (San. don).

It was resolved that it bo a recooimendiition to the 1 incoming committee vj raise subscriptions on the rateable value, with a view to bringing in the same sum as suggested by the Executive.

On the motion of the Chairman, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the guarantors of the manure account for foregoing their claim. The resignation of Mr H. H. Richardson ns treasurer was accepted, and tho secretary (Mr R. H. Kilgoiir) appointed in his stead, and tis an appreciation of good work the secretary's bonus was increased to £20.

Mr. Marshall brought foiward a remit to the Conference, "That the Farmers' Union should use its utmost enrieavours to prevent tlie Government from interfering with the price of produce in future, as such restrictions must tend to discourage production and will ultimat ;ly hepa id for hv the consumer. >! The remit was adopted. Mr. Marshall also brought forward a. romit, which was adopted : "That the Farmers' Union congratulate Mr Massev on liavincr received one third interest in the sulphate deposits of Nauru Island.'' Tin'l) was a most im»)ortnt;t confession. There were unlimited d?no«its on the- islnnd. whi"h could h n brourjrhfc direct to New Zealand, inst^no of. ns formerly, bavins to an to rjermanv first. They were always finding fault

■with the Government, and he thought they sltoulfl get praise where due. Mr Beckett moved, and. Air. Beard seconded, "That' the Conference take into consideration the necessity wliicii exists for haying State control of the .shipping which "xakes our exports to oversea markets." —Adopted.1 The Chairman (Mr A. Ooleman) anl secretary (Mr R. H. Kilgour) were appointed delegates to the Conference.