OKOIA FARMERS’ UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 114, 16 May 1931, Page 11

OKOIA FARMERS’ UNION

ANNUAL MEETING HELD There was a record attendance at the annual meeting of the Okoia branch of the Farmers’ Union. The chairman, Mr J. Brandon, presided and the provincial president (Mr T. Currie), and provincial secretary (Mr F. G. Seddon), were present. In their annual report for the year the chairman referred to the fact that the men on the laud were facing a crisis at present. He deplored the high price of land which had resulted from speculation in boom times and consid cred that branches of the union could render great assistance in advising would-be purchasers of the true value of the properties they were inspecting. The report was adopted. The following remits were adopted for submission to the Intcr-provincial conference: "That this branch considers that tho time has arrived when an advisory committee should be set up by each branch ’ nf the union for the purpose of giving ’ first, hand advice to intending farmers taking up land in new districts.” "That this branch views with grave concern the attitude of the Council of Agriculture in suggesting a relaxation of the embargo on imported stock from countries infected with foot and mouth disease.’’ ( "That in the opinion of this branch, , county councils should be empowered| to compel land-holders adjacent to recognised stock routes to comply with the Fencing Act.” Election of Officers Officers were elected for the ensuing year as follows: Chairman, Mr J. Brandon (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs lan Higgle (re-elected) and A. N. McLeod; hon. secretary, Mr L. Wilson (reelected); delegate to the provincial conference, Mr Douglas McGregor; representative on provincial executive, Mr A. N. McLeod. Mr Currie, reviewing the past year’s work, said that the union was immensely valuable to the farmer. Many asked what the union was doing, but if every one who wanted to know took an interest and studied the various important subjects dealt with they would be answered in full. It was not what the union got through in legislation that counted, but what the union prevented from being put on the Statute Book. The mere fact of having an organisation in ‘Wellington to acquaint Ministers with the farmers’ outlook regarding the many problems affecting the land was something worth while. Mr Currie appealed to every member to remember the motto "union is strength. ’ ’ Mr Scddon made an appeal for support for the union’s mutual insurance scheme