N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14364, 15 May 1920, Page 9

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

TAUPIRI BRANCH. Al llic annual meeting of Ihc Taupiri branch of Ihc Fanners' Union, Mr T. 11. Powell presided over a crowded attendance. The annual report staled that during the past year the financial membership was .'{7. This was not up to expectations, and members were urged to enleavour to enrol new members and so bring the. branch up In ils former strength. The members of the executive committee had worked loyally Ingellicr, and thanks were due lo thein for their efforts. The branch hail worked in the mailer of obtaining a verandah al [he railway station, increased goods-shod accommodation and ,i new post-ollice, and had co-operated heartily Willi the Taupiri Progressive League in all forward movements. Th" Horsham Downs branch bad enlisted the Taupiri branch's help in Irying lo obtain combined slock sales at Ngaruawahia. A very successful social had been held, a| which the retiring :-rcvrlary, Mr P. P. Bynon-Powell, had received a suitable presentation. The annual farmers' picnic, held on Mr K. Powell's farm, had proved i success from every point of view. Members were urged not to ncgleel the social aspect of the organisation, ii was :i valuable means of creating good foelinu in the district and of enabling llic wive..:, sous and daughters of members to feel that they too had an interest in the Farmers' Union. 11 was a matter for regret that advantage had not been taken of the services of the officers of the Agricultural Department, and the incoming executive was urged to do more in this direction. Matters that deserved the support of the branch were the erection of a hall, combined with soldiers' club and Farmers' Union (dub-rooms, in Taupiri, and that of a dried milk factory. Erection of saleyards had been mooted, and this was for the consideration of the members. Members were thanked for the support given during the past year. The following officers were elected: President, Mr T. jr. Powell (re-elect-ed) ; vice-president, Mr A. 11. Waring; secretary and treasurer, Mr ("!. Clarke (re-elected) ; executive committee, Major Johnston, F. Bradley. A. ,|. Charles, W. Moore. \Y. Gibson, W. \ Lovell, R. Wliitsitt. W. Wallers. G. Calvert, A. Hall, .1. Old; delegate to subprovincial executive, G. Calvert; delegate to provincial conference, .A. 11, Waring; auditor, W. A. roil. The question of the amount of annual subscription, which has proved a very vexed one in the past, was considered. Members generally were of opinion that a nominal uniform rate should be struck for all branches. It was decided to leave the matter in abeyance till after the Provincial Conference. A long circular from the provincial president, Mr Boddie, dealing with a proposed scheme lo reorganise the constitution of the. whole union, was considered. Members were unanimously of opinion that in orflcr to make the power of the Union felt, some such scheme was urgently required.