FARMERS’ UNION

Evening Star, Issue 21100, 12 May 1932, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION

GREEK iSLAND-TAIERI BEACH BRANCH The monthly meeting of the Green Island-Taieri Beach branch of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Brighton Hall. Mr I). M'lntosh presided over a good attendance of members.

During the month correspondence was received dealing with the proposed land settlement scheme. Those present were of the opinion that there was no land available in this district that would be suitable for settlement.—lt was decided that the provincial secretary be informed of this.

Mr M'lntosh reported on the committee’s investigation in regard to transport charges. On the motion of Messrs Henry and Adams ; it was agreed that the following remit dealing with this matter be forwarded to the provincial council:—“ Owing to the southern portion of our branch area being separated from the railway system by a range of hills, the district receives no benefit from railway facilities. It has to depend entirely on road and motor transport, and while the Tarnsport Board gives due consideration to roads competing with the railways, it does not take into sufficient account the claims of a district such as this one, relying solely on road transportation, both with regard to passenger and heavy traffic licenses. To place the same restrictions on a district. minus a railway service to those enjoying the privilege is to place an undue hardship on backblock settlers. For a two-days-a-week passenger servcic, the license of 30s per seat is heavy, being the same charge as for a daily service. This, in effect, makes the fares charged costly. The same applies to heavy traffic, where only a limited amount of produce and fertilisers is transported, the license imposed should bo on a proportional basis, otherwise tho backblock settlers are again penalised. Classification of roads is another matter that affects the backroad settle! - , load restrictions add to his costs. While it would be quite reasonable to restrict the loading on these roads during the winter months, in the dry seasons of tho year they are quite capable in most cases of carrying fairly heavy loads. Any reduction in trips lessens the farmers’ costs.”

The unemployment scheme 4a was dealt with, and Mr Marshall moved that this scheme as outlined by the local Unemployment Committee, bo adopted. This was seconded by Mr Burton, and carried in the following terms:—“ This committee considers that the 4a scheme is not attractive to the farmers, as it costs at least IGs per man per week for food, as compared with no cost under the No. 5 scheme, where a man is not provided with food; but under the 4a scheme, if farmers were allotted 8s per man, half cost of food, more men would be absorbed, the Unemployment Board would be paying the same amount per man per week, and each man working under tho scheme would be fully employed. Thus in the case of each single man employed on a farm,

the board would bo paying 10s to tho man and 8s to tho farmer, a total of 18s, as is now paid to a man for two days’ work. There would be at least five and a-half days’ work per week done as against tho two days, which would go a long way towards bringing farms back to a productive state and would case the strain on tlio relief depots. This branch _ respectfully requests the Otago Provincial Council to take this matter up with the Unemployment Board.” Mr •). Henry moved that Mr I). MM 11tosh attend the Provincial Council meeting. This was seconded by Mr J. Adams, and carried.