FARMERS’ UNION

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12257, 22 February 1937, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION

TAURANGA BRANCH

monthly meeting

IN'CREARH IX CARTAGE COSTS

The monthly meeting of the Tauranga Branch of the Fanners' Union, held in the Coronation Hall on Saturday last, was attended by Messrs p \V. Keam ( President, in the cliair), J. Clrant, H. E. C. Carter, A. Harrison, F. Merriman, Riddle, J. flowed J.” -Moore, Barbery, Merrick, j Ahich, K. A. Ainsworth, V. Johns, Luke, A.' Adler, Johnson, R. Munro, r Strugnell, G. Odey, C. S. Moffatt, Keilsou, H. J. Angus (Secretary), and others. . .. An apology was received tor the absence of Mr (J. E. S. Gane from the meeting. Mr L. S. Crowley, Secretary of the Taurangu Co-operative Dairy Association Ltd,, in acknowledging the receipt of loiter asking for a comparison of prices affecting the farmer this season as against last, staled: "I nave to advise that after going fully into the matter, we estimate that the total of the various increased costs for the season will average out at, approximately, onethird of a penny per lb. butter-fat. I regret that I am unable to give you a detailed comparison, for the simple reason that, so far, the only items that have been definitely fixed in price are butler boxes and administration charges, all other items we can only estimate.” The letter was received. The Chairman read a newspaper extract dealing with the question of increased costs of the Whangarei County Council, which was given at thirty-eight per cent. Several speakers referred to the increased costs which farmers were called upon to pay. The question of cream cartage was raised and it was pointed out that if back loading were not allowed the rates for cream cartage would have to be increased. Mr Burhery said when Lire Transport Licensing Authority sat at Rotorua representations were made for the restriction of back loading of cream collecting vehicles, the Chairman moved—That this j meeting of the Tanranga Branch of the Farmers Union appeals to the Commissioner of Transport against the imposition of any restrictions on cream carriers’ hack loading.—Sec- 1 ended by Mr Harrison and carried.

It was also decided to send a similar appeal to the Minister of Trans-

port. ; Mr Luke suggested that the Branch should be represented at the sitting of the Licensing Authority at Tauranga next month. Another suggestion was made that the Tauranga Co-operative Dairy Asciation and the Tauranga County Council should be also represented at the sitting.

Mr Burbery suggested that a Committee be appointed to prepare the case for the Union. Mr Strugnell detailed the action that was being taken by the Omokoroa Branch of the Farmers’ Union in presenting its case before the Transport Authority. The difference between the advertised cartage rates of pigs in the Tauranga, Te Duke and Katikati districts was stressed. It was decided that the Chairman and Mr Burbery, anti Mr Angus, with power to add to their number, be appointed a Committee- to present the Branch’s case to the Transport Licensing Authority. It was agreed to ask the Tauranga Co-operative Dairy Association and the Tauranga County Council to also attend the sitting of the Transport Licensing Authority and co-operate in the matter.

A report dealing with the compensated price campaign, as conducted by Colonel Closey, was read and received. Mr C. H. Burnett, M.P., wrote advising that he could meet the Branch on either March 3 or 5. The Chairman reported that the date of the meeting was fixed for March 5 in the evening, and would be held in the Baptist Hall. The Chairman said he would like a date fixed for the annual meeting. It was agreed that the annual meeting be held on March 13. Mr Keam referred to the large number of dairy cattle in the Bay of Plenty and urged that the Government should appoint a veterinarian 'for the Bay. Mr Luke explained that the question was receiving the earnest consideration of the Farmers’ Union, and representations had been made to the Government.