FARMERS’ UNION

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13772, 15 October 1942, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION

BAY OF PLENTY EXECUTIVE

Quarterly Meeting Held

Many Questions Discussed

Thirty delegates attended the Quarterly meeting of the Bay of Plenty Sub Provincial Executive of the Xew Zealand .Farmers’ Union wl'rich was held in . Tauranga on Thursday last, the president (Mr R. Strugnell) being in the chair. Correspondence was received from the Minister of Agriculture explaining the addition of serpentine rock to superphosphate, adding that the Department of Agriculture had never claimed that the rock had any fertilising value. There was considerable discussion on this question, and it was decided to write to the Minister urging him to do his utmost to largely increase the output of lime. It was also decided to point out to the Minister the shortage of phosphate could be partially met by additional use of lime, which would release for plant food phosphate previously applied and at present insoluble in the soil. The meeting further urged that straight super should be supplied to farmers who used it in conjuction with lime, and also decided to draw attention to the attitude of the Provincial Council of Primary Production which was also protesting against the curtailment of lime and the withdrawing of straight super. Mr A. C. Harrison, reported on the last meeting of the Auckland executive and made special mention of the need for keeping up the membership of the union.

Federal Union

Mr Mullins asked if the executive had taken any steps to keep branches informed of federal union, and Mr H. J. Angus mentioned the steps being taken in Australia to obviate the danger. Mr Harrison assured the meeting that the position was being carefully watched. It was resolved that articles on the subject of bio-dynamic farming (compost etc.) be reintroduced and enlarged on further in the union’s organ.

There was a lengthy discussion on the incidence of stock taxation, and it was decided to ask the following questions of the Auckland executive: (1) Can they give particulars of any cases of revaluation that have been investigated? It has been suggested that they would not be recognised in any court. (2) Can the union suggest any valuation as a safe basis?

(3) If the valuation were raised ity £1 what would be the proportionate increase in taxation takings arrears into consideration?

It was resolved to inquire into the positions of firms having orders for stackers who are unable to obtain * the necessary frozen steel and endeavour, to obtain some alleviation. The Tea Ration A remit to the effect that the position with regard to the allowance of tea to farmers and their employees be investigated, was approved. The following remit was carried:-

“That the question of the Farmers’ Federation and its correct functioning he investigated. We are of opinion that, placed on its correct footing, it should he fully hacked.”