N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7405, 9 March 1903, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Masterton Branch.

The monthly meeting of the Masterton branch of the N.Z. Farmers' Union was held in the office of Messrs Lowea and lorns, Ltd., on Saturday afternoon. Mr D. McGregor was voted to the chair, and there were some fifteen present. Messrs A. Leigh-Hunt and J. McCurdy were also in attendance. Letters were read from the President of the Union (Mr J. G. Wilson) in reference to the accident insurance rates charged on the Government scales. The rates now are: general (without bushfalling) 10%, agricultural machine tender 30%, bushfalling and clearing 40%. The President stated that this shows that the Government Department has joined the " ring," and calls for the greater necessity to have power to start Mutual Insurance Companies, and also shows what an influence these Companies must have which can induce a Government Department to associate itself with them. Mr Wilson asked the Branch to get the Member for the District to support the Mutual Insurance Bill, which Mr Kirkbride, M.H.R., will introduce during the coming season. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Blatchford, to support the Bill and ask Mr Hogg to assist the passage of" the Bill through the House. Mr Leigh-Hunt gave a lengthy address on the proposed New Zealand Farmers Co-operative Distributing Company, outlining the proposal in detail, and urging on producers the desirability of supporting the movement. It is proposed to establish a produce depot in Wellington for the sale of shareholders' farm, yfh orchard, and garden produce of all descriptions. He pointed out the advantages that will accrue to shareholders by the flotation of the Company, and he anticipated, judging by the present indications, that the Company will be successfully established. Many of those present expressed approval of the formation of the Company, and recognised that appreciable benefits would accrue. Mr McCurdy afterwards addressed the meeting on various matters of interest to theUnion.Heniadereference.in the course of his remarks, to the noxious weeds problem, the reading of papers at Union meetings, purchase of remounts, fire insurance, the appointment of veterinary lecturers, shortage of rolling stock on the Government railways, and the publication of a journal solely for Farmers' Union matters, free to members. After a hearty vote of thanks had been passed to Mr McCurdy and also to Mr Leigh-Hunt, the meeting terminated.