FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20906, 13 July 1933, Page 10

FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

MESSAGE FROM LORD BLEDISLOE. IMPORTATION OF STOCK FAVOURED. [Tirß PKESS Special Servica.] WELLINGTON. July 12. The annual conference of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, which opened at Wellington to-day, would have been addressed by the GovernorGeneral, Lord Bledisloe, had he not been kept, in Auckland by long-stand-ing engagements, which prevented him from accepting the invitation. However. his Excellency sent a message which was read to the conference. His Excellency, after expressing regret at his inability to be present, added his regret that he was thus unable to be the first to offer up the inaugural prayer composed by Archbishop Aver ill for use on these occasions—a new departure with which, bavins a deep conviction of our dependence for our supreme welfare upon a higher power than our own, le personally was in full sympathy. During the acute economic depression, which had hit farm husbandry more severely than any other branch of productive activity, the farmers of New he personally was in full sympathy, coupled with unqualified admiration for the plucky and resourceful manner in which the majority of them had faced their difficulties. At long last, a definite glimmer of better prices for primary commodities was appearing on the commercial horizon, particularly as regards wool. Price Fluctuations. With the present state of the world's currency exchanges, aided by speculation, continued Lord Bledisloe, constant price fluctuations would appear to be inevitable; but on the average, a steady advance in world values to more remunerative levels would appear to be now probable. There were, however, many factors which pointed to a keener discrimination in oversea markets in the future between products of the highest quality and those of a relatively lower grade, which, being open to more severe competition, commanded substantially lower prices. He welcomed with profound satisfaction the obvious determination of all the more responsible farmers in the Dominion to support the Government in its efforts to level up the average standard of New Zealand's primary exports, and thus not merely to maintain but also to enhance her renutation overseas for outstanding quality, coupled with a clear recognition of the exact requirements of their British customers. Standard of Quality. If this standard of quality was to be secured and perpetuated, said his Excellency, two conditions were indispensable. One was maintenance at the highest possible level of quality and constitution of New Zealand's livestock, and the other was the maintenance and improvement of the condition of her pasture land. The first essential could be achieved only if they protected their flocks and herds against deterioration through in-breed-ing. Such protection was conditioned by the availability from overseas, subject to adequate safeguards against disease, of pedigree males of the right type at a price which the ordinary commercial stock owner could afford to pay. This vitally important fact was realised, and was acted upon by all leading pastoralist rivals

throughout the world. He knew that fears were entertained by many New Zeaiand stock owners on the subject, and he fully respected them, although he was unable to share them in the light of scientific knowledge and previous experience. He would not conscientiously ignore this problem, for its wise solution appeared to be vital to the future of the pastoral industry, which constituted the economic backbone of the Dominion. Failing such a solution, they might well be justified, after he had returned to the Old Country, in blaming him for his silence, especially if new and lucrative openings in livestock husbandry presented themselves in the not distant future. He would gladly discuss this matter with representatives of the Farmers' Union or of breed societies. Care of Grasslands. The other requisite for securing the highest possiole standard of primary exports appeared to be the due care of grasslands. Their best pastures were the best in the world, but many suffered from mineral deficiencies, especially in the matter of phosphates and lime, and (in bush-sick areas) of iron. Unless these deficiencies were constantly made good, the land would suffer a capital depreciation l'ar outweighing the cost to the farmer of appropriate fertilisers, and calculated hereafter to awaken regret at a reduced larm output in the face of improved prices tor farm products. No one would more heartily rejoice when anxieties and impoverishment were swept away, and the sunshine of prosperity once more irradiated this fertile land of stout-hearted husbandmen. The prayer with which the conference was opened was read by Bishop Sprott, of Wellington. OTTAWA AGREEMENTS. REFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OF FARMERS' UNION. I'WJESS ASSOCIATION' WELLINGTON, July 12. New Zealand's dependence upon the successful carrying out of the Ottawa agreements was emphasised by Mr W. J. Poison, M.P., in the course of his presidential address to the Farmers' Union. Having referred to the difficulties arising out of the failure of the World Economic Conference to reach a satisfactory settlement, he dwelt upon the increasing production of New Zealand and the need for freedom of markets. New Zealand's dairy competitors ?.n the London market were on the run, and the Dominion should hold its advantage. Mr Poison congratulated Mr W. F. Colbeck upon his presentation of the farmers' case to the Tariff Commission. He added that only by adherence to the agreements with Britain, whereby more British goods would be bought, could New Zealand be assured of increasing favourable markets. PROTECTIVE TARIFFS. IMMEDIATE REDUCTION SOUGHT. (TRESS ASSOCIATION TELF.J R \M.t V/ELLINGTON. July 12. The Dominion Conference of the Farmers' Union te-night reaffirmed its policy that protective tariffs should be reduced at once, and that the Dominion's immediate objective should be free trade between Great Britain and New Zealand. Mr W. W. MulhoHanri (Canterburyl said the union should make its attitude clear with regard to secondary industries A good deal of propaganda had been indulged in, endeavouring to cause an impression that the farmers were antagonistic toward local industries. This was the reverse of the truth.

It was resolved to refer the matter to the union's tariff committee.