SHEEPOWNERS' UNION.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19734, 26 September 1929, Page 3

SHEEPOWNERS' UNION.

■ MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. T!ie Executive of the Canterbury ! Shcepo"-/;ers' Union met yesterday. PreI sent: Messrs K. M. Morten (president) ! in the ohair. E. Hay, F. Peter, L. R. I C, Maefarlane, 71. D. Adand, H. ElI worthy, K. C. Todhunter, E. P. H. j BurbuVy, W. VT. Meßac. L. C. Latter. ! F. H. Courage. A. R, Turnbull, L. A. Rutherford. A. X. Grigg, P. Deans, and J. Sholto Douglas. Apologies were received from Messrs George Murray, H. Acton-Adams, L. C. Gardiner, T. • Robinson, X. D. Campbell, and Col- R. B. Xeill.

Mr D. W. Westenra wrote from London giving particulars of interviews with members of the British Wool Federation, the High Commissioner. Mr Forsyth, London manager of the ><ew Zealand Meat Export Control Board, and representatives from Australia, with respect to the suggested wool propaganda campaign for which a levy on sheepowners has been proposed, and expressing the opinion that a drop in wool values for the coming season would almost certainly be experienced, also pointing out the desirability of the British Government giving some form of protection to, the woollen industry with a view to assisting the trade in Great Britain. Mr Westenra said that at present protection was provided for' I artificial silk, which hardly seemed to be fair treatment for the wool producing Dominions. The letter also expressed appreciation of the good work being done by* Sir James Parr as High Commissioner. The letter was received. I, Mr G. E. Shand wrote asking for I'aetion to be taken with regard to the adequate branding of articles of clothing containing wool, and suggested that a manufacturer's ticket should be attached giving the percentage of wool and of cotton, artificial silk, etc., contained in the product, such tickets to remain on the goods until sold, with a view to the protection of the public. The writer gave particulars of the detrimental effect on health of clothing recently purchased by members of his family, which had been traced to the presence of wood fibre used in the manufacture of the material from which the garments were made. The letter was received, and the secretary instructed to bring the matter under the notice of the Minister for Industries and Commerce. A member wrote asking for particulars as to the legal position where danger had been caused by a tussock lire originating on a neighbour's property. The secretary reported that he had advised that it was necessary to prove individual responsibility for the origin of the fire before action could be successfully undertaken. Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Mr R. G. Todhunter wrote drawing attention to the risk of infection from foot-and-mouth disease should stock passed through the London Live Stock Quarantine station be allowed into the Dominion by indirect methods from the operation of the station. It was pointed out that cattle are allowed to be imported from Canada to Xew Zealand, and that a shipment of stud cattle was landed in Sydney last month. It was pointed out "that there was a possibility of a door being left open for the admission of this disease into Xew Zealand indirectly, and the secretary was instructed again to bring the matter under the notice of the Agricultural Department, with a view to the effective maintenance of tlie present strict embargo on the importation of stock into the Dominion frpm infected countries. Mr E, C. Todhunter was appointed the Union's representative to a conference which was being arranged with the Forestry Department, the Industries and Commerce Department, and the various Acclimatisation Societies in the district in order to discuss the best method of dealing wth the deer menace, and its effective control. The South Island Motor Union wrote with respect to the suggested marking of stock routes, and asking 'for particulars of the roads it was suggested should be used for this purpose. The secretary explained that he had interviewed "the secretary of the Motor Union and placed the position before him. The letter was received, and the secretary's action approved. A letter from Mr H. Rogers, of Ashburton, making suggestions with respect to the same matter, was received, and referred to the Motor Union for their information.

It was resolved, on the motion.of Mr H. Elworthy, seconded by Mr W. TV. Mcßae, to obtain supplies of vaccine for the prevention of distemper as devised by Dr. Laidlaw and Major Duncan, of the Field Distemper Committee, England, and to request Dr. Reakes to aet on behalf of sheepowners in respect to the ordering of a sufficient quantity for experimental purposes. Wool Publicity. The Graziers' Federal Council of Australia wrote acknowledging receipt of information with respect to the decision of the Empire Marketing Board regarding the suggested subsidy from the Board for wool. publicity purposes, and stating that the Federal Council of Australia would be called together to deal with the matter of wool publicity and a levy on sheepowners for the purpose, as far as Australia was concerned. . The letter was received. A similar letter was received from the Graziers' Association of Xew South | Wales, and also one from the Empire : Marketing Board stating that the Board ! regretted that it could not assist in publicity oft-side the United Kingdom, and could not engage in any controversy whieh might stress the merits of one form of Empire produce at the expense of another. The letters were received.

Dr. Reakes, Director-General of Agriculture, wrote acknowledging reeeipt of suggestions in connexion with the proposed Bill authorising a levy on wool for advertising and research, and promising to forward a copy of the legislation when drafted with a view to discussion before having it placed on the Statute Book.

The Canterbury Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wrote regarding the carrying of dogs on the running boards of motor-cars, and enclosing a letter setting out the views of one of their members on the subject. The letter was received.

Sir Josph Ward, wrote regarding the suggested export tax on skins and scouring wools, promising to give careful consideration to the representations made on behalf of sheepowners against the suggestion that an export tax should be levied on skins and scouring wools. It was pointed out that the tax proposed, if capitalised, would mean the earmarking of £10,000,000 of produccapital to provide employment in the scouring and fellmongering works of the Dominion. Taxation. ihe Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill was discussed, and on the motion of Mr E. P. 11. Burburv, seconded by Mr F. H. Courage. Mr" A. R. Turnbull was appointed a delegate from the Canterbury Sheepowners' Union to attend a conference of farming organisations in Wellington to-morrow, and which was being held with a *° mafcin S farther representations to Parliament on behalf of farmers. Several additional instances of hardsnip were given. by members present, and the resolutions. carried at the meeting

of farmers held at the Chamber of. Commerce on Monday last were endorsed. On the motion of Mr L. A. Rutherford, seconded by Mr A. R. Turnbull, f. vote of thanks to the local Press ■ fcr its assistance to farmers in giving publicity to the faets regarding the Government's super-tax proposals, and pointing out their detrimental effeet on Canterbury farmers, ". was carried unanimously.