FARMERS’ UNION

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 114, 7 February 1935, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION

Executive Decisions

DERATING SHELVED "That the attention of the Government be drawn to the spread of ragwort” was a Wanganui remit passed at the New Zealand Farmers’ Union executive meeting yesterday. One speaker said that power had been given to local bodies to deal with noxious weeds but ragwort had spread alarin-ln-4y ’in some districts, affecting stock. It was stated that. Government inspectors had failed in their duty to check the weed in the past, and that large subsidies would have to be given to local bodies if tlie matter were to be dealt with effectively. As a result of a conference with the New Zealand Counties’ Association on the subject of the derating of land, a report was received from a committee urging that derating proposals be shelved in the meanwhile, and that instead the Farmers’ Union combine with the counties to obtain a pound for pound subsidy for the maintenance of roads other than main highways. It was stated that the motorists opposed derating and the counties were not in favour of it. As a result of this subsidy, £450,000 would be obtained for road maintenance from petrol taxation. Its effect would be a substantial reduction of road maintenance rates, and an undoubted concession to farmers. Mr. J D Revie moved that the executive endorse the finding and approve the proposal. The motion, was carried.. In connection with ' the free milk scheme for school children, a committee of the Farmers’ Union will discuss the matter with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Sir Alexander Young, within the next few days. The matter of national health insurance and hospital finance came up' for discussion, but it was found that nothing could be done until the Hospital Boards’ Conference in March. It was decided to communicate with the Hospital Boards’ Association asking it not to bring this matter to finality until discussion had taken place * with a committee of Farmers’ Union and Counties’ Association members. A remit from South Canterbury which was passed affirmed the principle of the appearance in the Arbitration Court and Conciliation Council of vitally interested third parties. The union will press for representation of dairy farmers on the Meat Board, as proposed by North Taranaki, Such a member was urgently needed, said the chairman, Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P. In view of the nuisance and inconvenience caused to farmers by stray dogs, the Government will be asked to nigke it compulsory for owners to tie up their dogs at night. It was decided to demand a. reduction of duty on ammunition.