WAIKATO FARMERS, CLUB.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2761, 25 March 1890, Page 2

WAIKATO FARMERS , CLUB.

Hamilton Branch.

The adjonrned meeting of the Hamilton branch of fhe Waikato Farniers'iClub, was he!d in The Waikato Timks buildings, at 3 p.m., on Saturday. There were , present: Meears Ewen, Allwright : "(2), Hill, Furze, Henry, Clark. Bradley, Pnrr, Shepherd, McKnight, Dawson, Dyer, Swarbriclc, Rothwell, von Sturnier, Edgecumbe, Blackett, Sate, Runciman, Buttle, Sande.s (2), J. Barugh, Rayries. : In the absence of Mr A. Primrose, Mr Rothwell was'voted to the chair. . ■■' Tiie minutes of the last meeting were read and con tinned. Mr von Stunner apologised for the absence of Mr I Coates. "The Secretary reported that he tained a copy of the rulee from the fWaikatn Farmer's Club, and Mr G. E. Clark, chairman of that body was present to give further information as to the working of the Club. - ■-■ Mr A. Dawson said that the club should be purely a farmers' club, and not a mixed one, or it would - be a failure, and he instanced the failure of the former Farmers' Club and the Co-operative Association, which were mixed institutions. The Secretary here read the rules of the Waikato Fanners' Cluo. In reply to Mr Swarbrick, Mr Clark said that if a club were formed here it would have to be quite distinct from the Waikato Farmers' Club and have its own officers and executive. It would not be to the advantage of either branches if they were worked from Cambridge, as the farmers Would hot take the same interest in the affairs of the club if the management was taken away from them. This club should be a distinct club, with separate officers and rules, if necessary, but should work in union with the Waikato Farmers' Club. Mr Parr asked if the fanners wished to have the club wholly to themselves, or if they wanted toco-operate with professional men and tradesmen. Mr Clark explained that the object of the Waikato Farmers' Club was to get as much assistance from commercial men as possible. The relations between the farmers and commercial icon should be improved, and this could only be done by combining and not fighting with them. His club's motto was "Welcomeall; exclude none." Mr E. C: Shepheld thought that if commercial men were admitted the management would gradually dwindle into their hands, as they were, of course, more up in business affairs. He would not refuse any assistance from commercial men, but thought the management and working of the club should be left to the farmers. . Mr Edgecumbe said he would be glad to see the farmers take up the Club and jt-< management, and he was sure that if they did so commercial men would give them ail the assistance m their power. 'Mr Dyer agreed with Mr Edgecnmbe, and added that the union of the farmers was the best and surest means of restoring prosperity to the district. Membeuship.— Mr A. Swarbriuk moved, "That all residents in the district be eligible as members of the Club."—Seconded by Mi D. Henry.—Me A. Dawson moved as an amendment, "That tradesmen or non-farmer.s be eligible as honorary members only."—Seconded pro forma by Mr G. Edgecumbe.—On the amendment being put it was rejected; the'-proposer and seconder alone voting for it, and tho motion was carried unanimously. Naiib.—The opinion of the meeting was that the farmers' would have more power if branches of the parent Club were formed instead of separate Clubs, as on any question they would be represented by one united body, and not by three small ones. It was decidod to leave the name " A Branch of the Waikato Farmers' Club," as fixed at the first meeting, and the Secretary was requested to write to the Waikato Farmers' Club, stating that a branch of the Club had been formed, undertaking the control of their own finances. Rur.KS. —The rules of the Waikato Farmers' Club were adopted, with the exception of the one's relating to the time and place of meeting, and the date of payment of subscriptions. Oi'Ticrcus. —The following officers were elscted :—Chairman, Mr A. Primrose ; vicechairman, Mr J. J. Biirugh ; secretary and treasurer. Mr C. J. W. Barton ; committee, Messrs R. N. Buttle, Jas. Runciman, E. C. Shepherd, J. Barugh, junr., and A. Swarbrick. ■ Mkkting.— The day of meeting was fixed for tlie first Saturday after the full moon, at 3 p.m. It was decided to hold the meeting in Thb Waikato Tijibs Buildings, Mr Edgecumbe having kindly placed a room at the Club's disposal. A vote-of thanks to the chair closed the meeting. _^_^__^___^_