MID-CANTERBURY PROTEST.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20244, 23 May 1931, Page 16

MID-CANTERBURY PROTEST.

MB D. JONES'S PROPOSAL. FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.; ' "That the Mid-Canterbury Provincial Conference of the Farmers' Union views with alarm the Prime Minister's state-, ment regarding the sliding scale ofduties on wheat and flour, and urges that the duties be arranged so that the price of wheat be» not less than 4s 9d per bushel on trucks; and, further, that the reduction shbuld become effective as from February 29th, 1932, instead of February Ist," waß a resolution passed ai the Farmers V Union Conference at Ashburton yesterday. Eemitp were re-: ceivcd from several branches ; on the subject. Mr David Jones, M.P., said that he was convinced that the price of 4s 9 would go through the House as easily as 4s. The view taken by the North Island members was that they were prepared to support reasonable protection to the wheat-growing industry. The Auckland people made a great deal or noise about bread when they should be attacking their own bakers. The conference with the Prime Minister on Monday had improved the wheatgrowers' position very materially. "I still maintain that you will be wise to stick to 4s 9d per bushel on trucks," said Mr Jones. "In this you will be bearing your share of a reduction." He had suggested that/the price of various grades of wheat be fixed by arbitration at various periods of the year by oiia representative each of the growers and millers, and an independent arbitrator. He had an agreement to this system from the millers in writing. Mr G»-W. Leadlcy (Elgin) urged that the farmers be united in their request, with regard to the price of wheat. "If the year is going to close on January 31st, we are going to have a very serious position," said Mr James Carr (MetWert). All the bakers and millers would ■ have clean boards, and would have cleared their stocks for the opening of the next year, which would be the following day. ''There would be a good chance oi sufficient wheat being grown for New Zealand's requirements on the basis of 4ft 9d per bushel," said Mr John Brown (Loweliffe). A Bombshell. At this stage something like a bombshell was introduced when Mr A. Robertson, of Springburn, moved as an amendment; v "That other sections of tho farming community strongly disapprove of the Prime Minister's action in showing such marked favoui toward* _ the wheatgrowers, and would urge him to abolish the sliding scale on wheat, thus giving thy wheatgrowers an opportunity of showing their genuine desire to bring about a reduction in costs." The chairman: lam afraid I cannot accept that—it is a direct negative. Mr Robertson: No, it is not. Mr Robertson was permitted to put his remit before the meeting, but on being heckled by one momboi, terminated his remarks abruptly There was no seconder tc the amendment. , Mr Leadley said that even though thjy agreed on 4s 6d or 4s s>d, they had no guarantee that the public was going/to benefit by a , corresponding reduction in the price of the 41b loaf. The remit was carried,, Mr Robertson being the only- delegate who voted against it. ■ TEMDKA MEETING.

PRIME MINISTER'S PRESENCE DESIREB; To hear the opinions of Temuka farmery with regard to the proposed reduction in the sliding scale of duties on wheat, Mr T. D. Burnfett,. M.P., met wheat-growers and others at Temuka on Thursday. < 3 aides Mr Burnett there were present: Mr A. W. Buzan (Mayor of Temuka), Mr~T. G. May (president o£ the Temuka- Progress Mr W1 Bnehan (president .of the Temuka branch of the Farmers' Union), and Messrs H. Talbot, h. V, Talbot, A. J, Davey, P. Smith, A. Bisdee, and J. A, Paitersdn. - Mr Buchan, addreaamg the meeting, said that in the interests pf . farmers livelihoods they must payable price. The reduced priees mentioned by the Prime Minister if put into force, would have a effect on the wheat'-grpwing community, Some men would b© put Oil. t<*. Toads. Mr H. Talbot explained that- it had been desired to secure ft inassed ' meeting of farmers in Timaru to meet the Prime Minister; ! Mr. Burnett said that from the many i suggested prices the only, one that farmers eould rely on;, was .the last one of the Prime Minister —namely, 4s 6d a bushel, on trucks at country stations. In the proposed Arbitration Court wage cuts it' seemed probable that the wages of threshing-mill handß would be reduced. The only way to bring Mr Forbes to Timaru was to have the farmers make a strong move. If it could -be proved that there was no appreciable cut in co3ts, then the farmers would have a good case to present to the < Prime Minister. Mr Burnett then asked i for figures of cost to-day as compared With that of a few years ago. Ml? Davey said that no attempt had been made to reduce the cost of production and of freights. If farmers grew wheat for nothing, bread would still : cost Bd. After figures had been quoted Mr Burnett said he doubted if farmers : would get the Prima Minister down, but a meeting could be called, and he ■ Would endeavour to have either the i Prime Minister or the Minister for ! Agriculture present. | v This was unanimously agreed ujJOn, Md Mr Burnett was thanked. j" ■ TIMARU FARMERS' . RESOLUTION. ! ■ | PROTECTION of growers. ! L-. (sSKOIAi. to I'ttß f&ESS.) " TIMAKU,'May 22. A strong protest against the proposed dtagtifi reductions in the duties •on wheat and flout was registered by fawners at a meeting In Timartt t today. /The meeting, which was convened fey the Timaru , and. St. Andrew's '.branches of the, Farmers' Tfiiiott, Was largely -attended. Mr A. E. Ward proposed, and Mr W. S. Bldck Seconded, the following motion! tt this joiht meeting of -the Timaru and St., .branches strongly, protests the drastic deductions in th& duties on wheat, and flour, as, in affect, it does not eusuro lo thfgrower thaf.measurd of Vrhicli ' : &*■ 'the* cbastdersl there should be an ; adequate measure of protection to ensure an agreement between the miller and the wheat-grower to enable the farmer to secure a price that would give him a reasonable return for his labour. 1 ' 1 ' The motion was carried unanimous!;.

COMPETITIONS.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS.

A VARIED PROGRAMME. The Christchurch .Competitions Society's 21st annual festival continues to attract good attendances to the Civic: Theatre and the Caledonian Hall. Last night at the Civic Theatre a programme of excellent variety was presented, including vocal, elocutionary, ballet, national dancing items. The judges expressed appreciation of the singing and, lancing;, classes, and most sections "received commendation. ■ The results, together with the judge's comments, are as follows:VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP (Girls, 14 ana under, 16). Miss Grace Niyon (Oliristcliurch), total 176 points . . ' .. .. 1 There were 12 competitors. There was aorae very good sieging and a fine variety in the voices. SAILORS' HORNPIPE (under 15). Miss Jean McLachlan (ChmtcliurelO, S3 points .. .. .. .. 1 Miss Billie Addis (Christchurch), 81 points .. .. .. .. 2 Miss Betty Carnoclian (Hillmorten), 78 points . . ... .. 3 Thero were 17 competitors. Four very interesting performances were given, each competitor portraying the character well. Miss Orma Ford (Timaru) wus very highly commanded. PIANO SOLO, BEGG'S SCHOLARSHIP (13 and under 16). Own Selection. Miss Joan Boniface (Spreydon), "Prelude and Fugue" (Bach), total 176 points 1 There were 26 competitors. JUNIOR RECITATION (Boys, 12 and under 16). Not Humorous. Master James Humphreys (Addington), "Old Grey Squirrel," 78 points .. 1 Master Gordon Windsor (Linwood), "He Fell Among Thieves," 77 points .. 3 Master Billy Cook (Biccarhm), "Called Up," 78 points . ..3 There were four competitors, The section was a very good one. The work of all the boys was high in standard and showed careful training. SONG FOR GIRLS (16 and under 18). Own Selection. Miss Naney Bishop (Ashburton), "Flight," 90 points .. . .1 Miss Margaret ICeenan (Christchurch), ' "Rose Softly Blooming," 89 points 2 Miss Molly Hatherley (Fendalton), "Sing, Glad Thrush," and Miss Lottie Colville (Cashmere), "Magdalen at Michael's Gate," 88 points (equal) 3 There were 13 competitors. This was a most enjoyable class, and some of the best singers that the judge had heard were included. • CHILDREN'S DIALOGUE (under 16). Two Competitors in Costume. Miss "Norma Sturroek (Waltham) and Miss Berwyn Frye (St. Albans), "Peter Pan and Wendy," 79 points 1 Miss Joan Sorrell (Linwood) and Misß Pat Sorrell (Linwood), "Eva and Topsv," 77 points .. ..2 Miss - Gladys Rose (Linwood) and Miss ■ Kftorin/Hill (St. Albans), "Rendei- </, ' vous,";' 75, .points, : 3 Thero were ninq competitors. Good work was done in this elass, although in the afternoon some of the contestants were not quite up to competition standard. BALLET (under 12). Third Section. Miss Bessie Macdonald's School of Dancing, "Housemaids Frolic," 87 points 1 The judge expressed disappointment at the small number of entries, but stated that the three ballets that competed were very well dressed. The work of the other competitors did not warrant placing.' CHARACTER SKETCH (Ladies or Gentlemen). Fourth Section. Mr Thomas Gumming (Christchurch), "Fagia's Last Night." 87 points .. 1 Miss Joan Maunder (Wellington), Cas- ■ sandra," 83 points .. •• Mr J. P. Darrngh (Opawa), "The Yukon , Miner," SO points . • « Thero were sevant competitorsThe section yrpx, JflMt entertainiriß, ana ih'ero- vvas some. "good characterisation. l>niJllant wbrk'wos ffone 'liy the 'winner. - '■ IfitEAtfN TRItJBHAtg (12 &nd under 18). ■■ Sfisrf Bessie Kearney (Riccatto'n), W paints 1Miss Betty Carnoohan (Hillmorten), 83. _ points '. .. •• ' .• v ■? ■Miss Mavis Neate (Addington), 82 points t Miss Joan Yardley (Riccarton), 82 points + There were 13 competitors. . iv - 8o close wero tho competitors in the afternoon that only one mark separated many of tlicm.' Miss Vonnie Wilsbn (Opawi) atoa Mis 3 Joan Sutherland _ (Fentolton) ***•■ highly commended. ' Misses Nsrniro llcaley and May Allen (Asnburton), "Rendezvous," were heard in _ a duct in characfor. under 18. and Miss Eunice Scott (Wellington) and Master Jame» Humphm.vb (Addington) ip "Keys o£ Canterbury. Tho Vocal Scholarship ior gentlemen and tho Junior Scholarship (boya 11 and under 10) wero heard. : ;t Kecalls were as iollowfl:-- '' ■ NATIONAL SONG, Soprano,. Open Clans. Misa Alva Myers (Punedin), "Home, Sweet Home"; Misa Elizabeth Ritchie (Dunedin). '"An Erkkav Love Lilt'': Mlw'Adele W. Kinj (Opawa), "I Know 'Where I'm Going"; Miss Kathleen Ehilpott (Riccarton), "Comin Thro' tho Bye." HUMOROUS RECITATION,' Gantlemsn. Own Selection.

Mr Thomas Cumminf? (Christchurch), "Chairman's Beroarliif"; Mr , Ronald Foator (Woolston), "Chairman's' Remarks"; and Mr J. P. Darragh (Opawa), "Bertram at the Bachelors'. Club." .

RECITAL' WITH MUSICAL ACCOMPAJiI-' MENT (under 16). Not Humorous ; Mies Joan Soyrell (Linwood), ''What's the* Good of Grousing'.'; Waiter Humphreys! (Adainstton), "'Tian't Worth; It"; Miss Patricia Townsdnd (Chri»tchurch), "Mammy's Smile''; and Mies Graca Nixon (Christ", churchy "Saowflakes/' ' ' 1 SAILOR'S HORNPIPE (15 and over). _; Miss Mavis Neate (Addinsfcon), Hi»a l?Mria, O'Connor (Addington), and Miss Valfß&i Skilling (Timaru). TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. A matinee will be held At the Civio Theatre at 2 p.m. torday, when step dancing, eotigs in character, and character story dancett wilt he presented. At the Caledonian Hall in thei lDjininp humorous recitations will 'be heard, and in the afternoon there will be recitation# in character. At the Civic Theatre at 7.30 p.m. the programme will include step, (skipping. and character dance*, songs, locitatioim in character, an action chorus, etc.