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The Rural Voice, 1980-04, Page 45From the directors' meeting YContinued from Page 48) executive was that there is increasing support for this and that there is hope it will be passed, possibly next year. The convention was well run with 35 resolutions passed for the betterment of Canadian farmers. At the next Directors meeting in March we will discuss what the effect of high interest rates will have on farmers, consumers, and the country as a whole. Bankers and knowledgeable people in financing will be invited to attend. Richard Wietfield from the Federation's own research dept. will be present to add his expertise on this matter. A solution to the problems of high interest will be sought and a forum will be drawn up for the Federation executive. The executive will build from this forum a presentation for the Cabinet Ministers in hopes that the end results will be cheaper money available for farmers and small business men. On April 18 an Appreciation Night for Peter Hannam is to be held. The Welling- ton Federation and the Ontario Federation are jointly sponsoring this night in Kitch- ener at the Bingeman Park Ballroom, reception at 8:30 pm with a dance following and a presentation to Peter at 10:00. A full smorgasbord buffet will be available also. Tickets are available from Huron County executive members and are S7.50 each. OFA membership has dropped by 371 members since last year. The biggest reason is lack of information. If the members were informed of the benefits and achievements of the organization they would not quit. All that is necessary to reverse this is an effort to call on every farmer to inform existing members and recruit new ones. Five counties have increased their memberships enough to get the C and D portion of the County Rebate Claim already this year. Mr. Barrie reported that two years ago the Foundation for Rural Living was set up and incorporation was granted. The Found- ation is available to interested agri-bus- ness parties who would like to donate funds. These funds will be used for research and education in the rural community to ensure its continued pros- perity. The Foundation's Directors are Ralph Barrie as chairman and Peter Hannam and Jack -Hare."This organization prepared detailed reports for the govern- ment on rural problems. There are two committees appointed at present time, one to raise funds and the other to see where Huron membership up 47 At the OFA Annual Convention the delegates were told that new members should be one of the main priorities of the coming year. Each county organized its membership drives differently. Huron County held a banquet and meeting on Feb. 14 at the White Carnation in Holmesville. This meeting was set up with the specific purpose of informing the executives from each township of the importance of obtaining new members. Also there was information available on how the Federation is made up so that selling memberships may be easier. It was noted that an award would be presented to the township and person who gets the most new members. Some townships held drives throughout the winter months. The following are some of the townships and the men who volunteered to canvas for new members. HAY: Bill Crawford, Andy Durand, Paul Klopp, Gerry Thiel and Bill Munn. STEPHEN: Allan Walper, Allan Turnbull, Keith Gill, Dennis Lampert, Hugh Rundle, John Van Beers, Andy Durand and Bill Crawford. HULLETT: John Van Beers, Andy Durand, Bill Crawford, Bill Munn and Mel Knox. USBORNE: Bill Crawford, Murray Dawson, Andy Durand, Don Bray, John Oke, Allan Turnbull, Clarence Thompson, and Hugh Rundle. GODERICH: Jack Tebbutt, Jim McIntosh, Bill Crawford, Walter Mcilwain, Larry Sturdy, Harold Yeo, Don Lobb, and Armond Lassaline. MORRIS John Nesbit, Bill Fear, Bill Crawford. As a result of the efforts of the volunteers 47 new members were signed up. PG. 46 THE RURAL VOICE/APRIL 1980 the funds are used. Mr. Barrie felt we should encourage people to donate to this worthwhile Foundation so it can continue its good works. It was brought to the directors attention that a considerable uproar was caused by an editorial in the Feb. 12 edition of the Farm and Country. Frank Wall gave us the OFA stand on the matter. The OFA does not in any way influence or determine or dictate the editorial content of the paper. Those who wish to complain should write to the Editor or Frank Wall who is acting chairman or Ron White. There were several strong comments made from the floor in favor of relieving the editor of his duties as well as threats to cancel subscriptions. A motion was proposed that the OFA board of executives send a letter to Farm and Country disassociating itself frim the editorial by John Philips. The motion was carried. Jack Hale closed the meeting by telling us that Federation members could enroll in the group life insurance offered by the Federation without a medical checkup. Jack thought that this would make it easier to sign up new members as this is only offered in the month of March. Huron County Federation Monthly Meeting Guest Speaker: Ralph Barrie President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture "Together We Stand" Thursday, April 3, 8:30 p.m. Grey Central School, Ethel East Wawanosh Township Federation Annual Meeting April 2, 12 noon Women's Institute Hall, Belgrave Speaker Louise Marritt - Outreach in Huron County Ham Dinner - $5.00