FARMERS’ UNION.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18060, 1 July 1930, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION.

MORRINSVILLE BRANCH. annual social gathering. The Morrinsville branch of the Farmers’ Union held its annual social gathering on Saturday evening, the president, Mr G. Pirrit, presiding over a large gathering uf members and visitors. The function was - a great success. Refreshments were provided, and between the speeches most enjoyable music was provided by the Harmonic Four, from Hamilton, whose assistance added greatly to the pleasure of the evening, every item being enthusiastically encored. The president expressed pleasure at seeing such a large gathering, and at having representatives present from neighbouring unions, whioh showed the keen interest taken in the union. He had great pleasure in proposing the toast of “The Farmers’ Union,” whose success and usefulness he was sure was assured.

Captain Colbeck gave a very interesting account of the origin and progress of the union. It now had a membership of some 200,000, or about one half of the working farmers of the country. He was pleased to find that farmers were beginning to realise the value of co-operation, and the power they had in their hands if they would loyally stick together in protecting their own interests.

Town and District.

•Mr Leeson proposed the -toast of “Morrinsville Town and Surrounding District.” He said he was always glad to have an opportunity of advertising the splendid district. Many of them had seen the town grow'from a mere nothing to its present position as the centre of the largest dairying district in New Zealand, and it was destined to develop still more. He quoted figures to show the great growth the district had made. Ten years ago no butter was exported from Morrinsville. Last year £483,000 worth of butter and £105,000 worth of cheese were produced in Morrinsville, making a total of £588,000. Within a 25 mile radius of Morrinsville there w r as 21,912 tons of butter made and 6480 tons of cheese, making a total value of £3,480,000. Add to this wool, fat lambs, beef, bobby calves, and other farm produce, and ‘ they could certainly boast of having one of the finest farming districts in the world. Mr E. McGregor, president of the Chamber of Commerce, in reply, referred to the rapid progress that Morrinsville had made, not only as the centre of a large dairying district, but in many other respects. He referred particularly to the educational advantages provided. At the last examinations Morrinsville came out at the top of the list in the number of passes, and there was now the necessity for parents to send their children to secondary schools in other places. They were hopeful of soon getting an agricultural college established in the district. Value of Sports. t Mr J. Allen proposed the toast of “Sports." He pointed out that in all British countries they found sportsmen, and he was glad to say that Morrinsville was no exception to the rule. . .. Mr Norman Day, in replying to the toast, said that Morrinsville had produced at least one champion, in the person of O’Brien, full-back in the All Black team, who was there that evening, and he had great pleasure in welcoming him. Mr O’Brien said he thought it was a good thing that our boys had been beaten in the test match, for had they won they might have thought that they were the best team in the world, and suffered from a swollen head, which was not a good thing for any sportsman. Mr A. Topham proposed the toast of the “Visitors." Messrs Robinson and Higgins responded. Mr Fergusson proposed “Kindred Societies,” to which Mr Wyatt responded. t a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by singing “God Save the King.” - Position of Farmers’ Sons.

Before members dispersed Mr Norman Day proposed: “That in order to encourage farmers’ sons to join the Farmers’ Union the annual subscription to them should be reduced by one-half.”

Captain Colbeck thought that the proposal was good, hut did not go far enough, and he suggested that farmers’ sons should be encouraged to join the union, and that all doing so be made honorary members.

Judging from the way that the suggestion was received by members, it will no doubt be carried into effect.