THREE MONTHS' TRIAL

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13275, 2 September 1916, Page 4

THREE MONTHS' TRIAL

THE SCHEME STARTS OFF. TE AWA.MITC AM) FEDERATION. air hockly first president. Ihe federation scheme for the Farmers ( nion branches in To Awarnutu district has now reached concrete shape, and the first three months of canvassing operations throughout the area v.ill he put under way within a week. 'J he final arrangements concerning the joiniug-uj) step were reached at a meeting held at To Awarnutu yet terday atiornoon. iho meeting was attended by .Messrs F. F. Hockly iPukeatua), A. C. Pearman (Kakepuku), F. R. Linton (.Mangapiko), J. 1). Par.sons (Pirongia), G. Hall (Hairini), E. Potts (Te Awarnutu), S. C. Maekay (Paterangi), .J. G. Wynyard (Kihikihi).

Under tho constitution of the federation the delegates from the various associated branches are to form the executive, and in the event of the original appointee being unable to attend he has the right to appoint a substitute to his position. In dealing with the appointment of the president of the federation executive, Mr Hockly pointed out the necessity of having a man who was handy to the headquarters of the federation, had a thorough grasp of affairs and a knowledge of the farming community and their necessities. For that reason he thought that the federation could not do better than secure the services of Mr Linton, who was really responsible for the agitation in favour of the branches of the district joining in the scheme of federating and safeguarding their interests. \\iih that end in view he moved the nomination. What Rules Set Out. In declining to accept office, Mr Linton said that he was not even the delegate of his branch, and to elect to stand for the position would be outside the constitution of the federation, which sets out that 'the executive consist of one properly appointed delegate from each branch." Further, the acuteness of the labour market, through his sons being away at the front, precluded him from affording the time that the position demanded. Mr \\ ynyard was then nominated, but pointed out that he was also in the same position as Mr Linton in respect to not being a branch delegate, his time was fully employed, and he had not the knowledge of the districts and their peoples, that was so essential to satisfactory fulfilment of the presidential position. Mr Hockly, who had been previously mentioned, but who had pointed out that his inaccessibility to the headquarters of the federation was a handicap was again requested to offer his services. He consented, and on the motion of Messrs Maeky and Potts, was unanimously elected. He pointed out that he would give his best possible services to the federation, and if he found that he could not give such a*s would justify him in continuing in office he would resign, and leave the opportunity available to some one more fitting, under the circumstances.

Mr Tailored Cooper, who had been engaged to do the first three months' canvassing on behalf of the Asosciation, was present at the meeting. The secretary explained the terms of the engagement, which included travelling expences, and the meeting accorded its unanimous approval of them; duties to he commenced on Mondav, September 11. Scheme's Details. Mr C. M. Alexander, of the Mangapiko branch, was appointed as vicepresident of the federation; Mr F. K. Linton as treasurer; and Mr A. J. Bray as auditor. Mr Cooper impressed upon the meeting the necessity of having centrallysituated premises for the office site of the federation, where they could keep closely in touch with the farming community on the occasion of sale days in Te Awamutu. A sub-committee, consisting of Mesrs Linton, Potts, and Cooper, was set up to view the various sites available, and to make the most satisfactory arrangements possible. It was resolved to open an account with the Bank of New Zealand, under the title of "N.Z. Farmers' Union Federation, Te Awamutu," cheques to he signed by the treasurer and any one member of the executive. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Hockly, Alexander and Linton, was set up to confer with Mr Cooper on the modus operandi in 'regard to the canvassing scheme. Mr Hockly made appreciative reference to the work rendered by Mr Linton, who was responsible for the suggestion inaugurating the federation, and had acted as secretary throughout. Mr Wynvard's services to the cause were also recognised in the vote of acclamation which followed. It is the intention of the executive to hold meetings monthly at Te Awamutu.