THE WHEAT POOL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 152, 9 April 1930, Page 6

THE WHEAT POOL

OPERATIONS EXPLAINED. MEETING AT METHVEN. A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE. Nearly a hundred farmers were present at a meeting of the Methven branch of the Farmers’ Union, held on Tuesday evening,. the president (Mr R. J. S. Wilson) occupying the chair. The meeting was formerly called for the purpose of hearing progress reports from the directors and manager of the Wheat Pool. The meeting was most sympathetic. Numerous questions were asked and replied to. While there had been general murmurings of discontent prior to the meeting. all present seemed to depart with the feeling that the operations of the Pool control had. been in the best interests of the grower, and that an earnest endeavour ought to be made to induce outside growers to join the Pool.

The president referred to the death of Mr Angus McKay, and a vote of sympathy was passed to his relatives, all standing in silence. Referring to the recent visit of the Empire farmers, the president moved a vote of thanks to the ladies of the community for the part taken in entertaining the visitors. At the invitation of the chairman, Mr J. Carr gave a brief resume of the recent meeting of the Regional Planning Committee, held in Christchurch. He said it was proposed to provide about 15 districts, with a central committee, which would comprise a number of representatives from various local bodies. So far as Ashburton was concerned, the probable cost to the County was one-fiftieth of a penny in the pound, which would cost about £IOOO. He said there were many points in favour of the scheme, hut it was a matter that would require careful watching before any definite stops were entered into.

Mr W. W. Mulholland (chairman of the Wheat Pool), said the excellent attendance was evidence of the great interest taken in the Pool. His address was on lines similar to that given in Ashburton in the afternoon. Mr It. MacPherson (manager of the Pool) also addressed the meeting. In response to a. question when final payment of last season’s wheat would he made, Mr Mulholland stated that the date was somewhat indefinite, but somewhere about next spring. (Laughter.) Mr Macpherson said the monthly increments this year would" commence in May, instead of April as last year. In answer to a question as to how much fowl wheat the Pool held it was stated 20,000 sacks, mostly held in South Canterbury. Mr A. S. Smith (Wheat Pool grader) explained the arrangements made for the grading of wheat into .various pools. In answer to a. question by Mr Dart whether any free growers were now coming into the Pool and whether the directors were considering the question of making an organised canvass of free growers to get them to come into the Pool, Mr MadPlierson stated that many inquiries were received from outsiders to join the Pool. He gave several specific instances of growers joining up. The question of an organised canvass would be considered.

In reply to Mr Goodwin, who said the dropping of the April increment was not in favour of the grower holding his wheat, Mr Mulholland stated a? a. result of experience the present arrangement was better, but if results were not satisfactory the matter would be reviewed by the directors next year. In reply to- a question what was the best variety of wheat to grow, Air Atulhollnnd said it was advisable to grow what the land suited best. He gave the Dominion totals as 168,000 of Tuscan, 37,000 of Hunters, and 15,000 of Pearl, representing totals of 76, 16 and 6 per cent., and even these quantities were more than was reouired. To-day it was found that the percentage of Hunters and Pearl was really in excess of what was required. It was found that, under the research work now being carried out conditions had altered considerably. On the motion of Air G, Kelly, seconded by Air J. McAnulty, a hearty vote of tliapks and confidence in the directors and manager of the "Wheat Pool, was carried unanimously. Air Dart supplemented the remarks of the previous speakers, and expressed the hope that every farmer present would endeavour to get the free groovers into the Pool. Air Mulholland: replied briefly. RESOLUTION AT LAURISTON. At the annual meeting of the Lauriston branch of the Farmers’ Union, Air J. Carr (a director of the AVheat Pool) apologised for the absence of All* Mulholland and addressed the meeting on affairs of the Pool. All* R. AlacPherson (manager) also gave particulars of the Pool’s operations. At the close numerous questions were asked. On the motion of Alessrs Copland, seconded by All* AV. Goodwin, a hearty vote of thanks and confidence was pa&ed. Responding on behalf of the Pool, Air Carr made a strong appeal to induce more farmers to join the Pool.