FARMERS' UNION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 125, 8 March 1935, Page 6

FARMERS' UNION.

THE ASHBURTON BRANCH. FIRES CAUSED BY TRACTORS. The Ashburton branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union met this afternoon, the president (Mr S. H. Lill) presiding over a small attendance Mr Lill thanked' members for their sympathy in his recent illness. Mr J. Connolly, M.P., wrote stating that he had noted the branch's resolution that interest rate under the Mortgage Corporation should not be more than 3£ per cent. Mr Connolly assured the branch that the interest was of first importance. About 4g per cent, would be sufficient to cover administration and supervision as well as the repayment of the loan in 50 years. In the same connection, Mr T. D. Burnett, M.R., wrote regarding the fixation of mortgage interest. He said the more Government control by regulation, the less the flow of money back into rural securities. "Let us lift restrictions. The quicker Ave do, the greater will be the volume of money available," he added. The Minister of Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) assured the branch that the rate would be reduced to the lowest level consistent with the efficient administration of the Corporation. ,

These replies were received. At the request of farmers who suffered in the destructive fire in" the Maronan district some six weeks, ago, the president suggested that the branch should send a remio the Mid-Canter-bury) Provincial Executive, as follows: "That, in view of the danger of fire, manufacturers of tractors be urged to have exhaust pipes pointed upwards." This was agreed to, Mr R. Houston stating that some machines were already fitted with such exhaust pipes.