RURAL AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 20778, 28 April 1931, Page 9

RURAL AFFAIRS

MEETING OF FARMERS' UNION Tlie Otago Provincial Council of the Now Zealand Fanners’ Union _ commenced a meeting this morning in the offices of tho union in the Public Trust Building. The following were present;—Messrs J. D. Rovie (chairman'), John Clarke, M. A. Kinney, T. Barr. J. Christie, J. Cockburn, A. Craig, J. Howell, J. Miller, E. H. Murney, J. P.reston, D. M‘G. Reid, R. J. E. Smith, and H. A. Tamblyn. AUSTRALIAN OATS. Dealing with the importation of Australian oats, barley, etc., tho secretary (Mr A. C. Cameron) < stated the southern members of Parliament had practically all intimated that they would do their utmost to get the “ dumping ” stopped. The Prime Minister had written stating that, because of a technicality, nothing could be done for six months. It was expected that the tariff agreement would be reviewed shortly, when the farmers’ representations would bo taken into consideration. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Christie, that tho secretary be instructed to continue representations to Parliament on behalf of the farmers. THRESHING MILL WORKERS. In regard to the threshing mill workers’ award the secretary read correspondence received from the Prime Minister, the Southland Provincial Executive, and the Labour Department. He also reported on the result of an interview with the organiser of tho New Zealand Alliance of Labour. Tho position as it now stands is that where farmers ■ and mill hands agree upon a reduced wage the Government will take no steps to prosecute for breach of award. The ensuing discussion was taken in committee. On the motion of Mr Murney, seconded by Mr Kinney, the following resolution was finally carried :—“ That this executive considers it imperative that the Industrial and Conciliation Act should be amended to give compulsory conciliation and optional arbitration, but, under present conditions, urges the Dominion Executive strongly to place the farmers’ position before the sitting of the court on May 12 in order to have some substantial reduction made in award wages.” It was decided also that_ tho secretary be instructed to write to tho Shipowners’ Federation asking it if it would co-operate with the union with a view to holding a conference during show week to consider action in connection with the threshing mill, shearing, and mustering awards. PENALTY ON UNPAID RATES. The matter of a 10 per cent, penalty on unpaid county rates was opened up by tho chairman and a general discussion ensued. Mr J. Miller stated that he understood that if a local body did not advertise that the 10 per cent, penalty would he levied they need not apply it. Mr J. Christie stated that some county councils were being very lenient. Mr M. A. Kinney raised the question of the responsibility of the county council to collect Power Board rates. Mr E. H. Murney explained that tho comity counoil merely acted as agent for the Power Board to collect the rates, but was not responsible. In the case of the Hospital Board the county council was responsible.