FARMERS’ UNION

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 July 1922, Page 7

FARMERS’ UNION

CONFERENCE DECISIONS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 27. The question of bettering the conditions of soldier settlers was dealt with at the Dominion Conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Mr M. JPolson (Fordell) presided. Colonel Pow (General Secretary ot the Returned Soldiers’ Association) appeared before the conference and said that he had been requested by .MajorGeneral Sir Andrew Russell (President of the Association) to ask the conference for the nominat ion of a sub-com-mittee to discuss matters affecting the farming interests of returned soldiers. Mr C. K. Wilson (Auckland) moved accordingly. Mr J. Bitchener (South Canterbury) seconded and several members ex-

pressed the desire to co-operate. The President then suggested tlrn’ a delegate from the Returned Soldiers' Association be appointed an honorary member of the Dominion Exoctuive of the Farmers’ Union to meet once every three months. “If you come to our meeting,” said the President, “it will put us in touch with your troubles. AVe might be in a position to help. Certainly, wo shall try to.’’ The following resolution, remitted from Hawke’s Bay, was referred to the Executive Committee: “That the Government be requested to review the telephone rgulations with a view to adopting the zone system and further liberalising the erection of backblock lines, thereby doing justice to the settlers in remote localities.” A motion remitted from North Canterbruy to the effect that all classes of producers should be joined up under the name “Producers’ Federation,” and the name of tin's organisation be changed accordingly, was negatived. the President ruling that any discussion as to a change of title was out of order. The following resolution was discussed in committee and duly carried : “That this conference considers the time opportune for the Dominion Executive to bring about a working agreement ■’with the Sheepowners’ Federation, Council of Agriculture, and other kindred organisations.”

An Auckland report of the Banking Committee was adopted in the form of the following resolution: “That the Government be asked to adopt in any legislation it may bring down, the principles of the Bavarian Agricultural Bank, in so far as they may bo applicable to New Zealand, combining as they do, the functions of a long time land mortgage, and short term credit associations ; and that this conference earnestly urges upon the Government that it should set up a select committee to consider such banking legislation and report to the Government. on which committee the Fanners’ Union shall be adeqautely represented.”

The resolution as above given was then carried unanimously. A remit was carried : “That the attention of tlie Government be drawn to the high rate of interest being charged by the Banks in New Zealand and asked if any assistance can be given tu secure a reduction.”

Mr J. D. Bates (North Canterbury) moved that the administration consider a proportionate levy on all external exchanges levied by banking institutions upon the public. He was given leave to substitute for a remit ° the following: “That the administration be asked to abolish internal exchange.” This was carried.

Mr H. Tilyard (Wairarapa) moved the following, remit: “That several’ dairy factories have obtained loans from the banks to make improvements to factories and the banks insist that the loan be repaid at the rate of Id per lb in butter fat (in the past the rate was ijd per lb). To help the farmers in the present crisis the Associated Banks be requested to revert to a slidiflg scale of a repayment system on the basis of price up to 1/-, Id per lb ; 1/- to 1/9, gd per lb ; and 1/10 up, Id per lb.-—Adopted. 11. Bridge (Poverty Bay) moved . I hut an effort be made to reduce freights and shipping charges upon producers.”

The remit was carried. _ The Board sat in Committee at night.