FARMERS’ UNION.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17804, 31 August 1929, Page 11

FARMERS’ UNION.

THE CAMBRIDGE BRANCH MONTHLY MEETING. At the monthly meeting of the Cambridge branch of the Farmers’ Union the president, Mr 11. Watkins, presided over a fair attendance. A letter of thanks is to be forwarded to Mr D. Marshall, Government Veterinarian, for his fine address on cattle ailments recently given in Cambridge. The Director-General, Department of Agriculture, wrote expressing appreciation of the branch’s complimentary references to Mr G. V. Dayus, who had recently been transferred to Otago. The department appreciated the board's unselfish spirit in not protesting at the department's attitude in transferring the officer, which was done to serve the best interests of the Dominion. Dr. H. E. Annett, of “Grasslands,” Matangi, wrote stating that as be was about to leave for England he would have to postpone his address to Cambridge farmers on agricultural matters.

C.O.D. System. The Provincial Union forwarded the following resolution anent the decision of the Government to abolish the cash-on-dclivery system for postal parcels from Great Britain: “That an emphatic protest be forwarded to the Post-master-General at this action by the Government, and that all branches in the Auckland province be asked to join in the protest." Mr Macky: “In my opinion it is no good harping against the thing now.” Mr Feisst said the position now was that despite the action of the Government firms in the Old Country were guaranteeing to deliver parcels upon the same conditions as previously, and free of postage charges. There was no doubt that the firms at Home would make suitable arrangements with New Zealand agents to handle the business despite the Government’s threats.

As the branch had previously dealt with the matter it was decided that no further action be taken.

Nitrogenous Manures.

There was a short discussion on the possibilities of nitrogenous manures, but members were, generally speak-

ling, in accord with the view of departmental officers, that at present these classes of manures were only in their experimental stages. In reply to Mr Macky, who asked for the experiences of members pre- _ sent who had experimented with nitrogenous manures, Mr Watkins said he had treated experimental plots. He had found that the area treated with manures containing nitrogen had produced a quick growth of about an inch more than another plot alongside treated with superphosphate. Whether the growth would be comparatively better throughout the year remained to be seen. What he did know was that the area treated with nitrophoska had cost him £2 an acre as against 255. Mr Feisst said he had also experimented with nitrogenous manures, and he agreed with the president that at present it was too early to say that these classes of manures should be generally advocated. Appointment of Organiser, It was unanimously decided that the sub-provincial branch be asked to appoint an organiser for the Cambridge district. The secretary reported a credit balance of £59 3s 4d.