FARMERS’ CONFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 May 1928, Page 12

FARMERS’ CONFERENCE

REQUESTS TO GOVERNMENT (Per Press Association.) FEILDING, May 30. At the Inter-Provincial Farmers’ Union Conference, over 60 delegates were present. Mr O. P. Lynch presided. The delegates were welcomed by the Mayor of Feilding. The following remits were carried: “That the Stock Act be amended to make the fire branding of cattle illegal, except on the neck or cheek.” “That the Department be urged to supply all information regarding vaginitis in cows.” “That legislation provide that after 1928, all cattle under 21 years old be dehorned.” “That the Government take all possible steps against the introduction of foot and mouth disease.” “That the Agricultural Department test all sheep dips to prove their efficiency.” . “That flock ewes have a universal age mark on the ear.” “That further efforts be made to have the rates of commission on the sale of stock, etc., reduced.” “That unemployment relief money be expended by improving Government farm roads.” “That overhead charges generally be. reduced, and economy and thrift practised.” . “That* efforts’ be made to’ provide cheaper pig foods.” “That better attention be given to the destruction Of noxious weeds on roads.”. . Mr W. J. Polson, Dominion President, who attended the conference, said the Executive was against the Farmers’ Union becoming a political body. He, however, had decided to enter the political arena. He had battled for the farmers for eight years, and he was disappointed with the results. There was too much verbiage and camouflage in the country, and not enough candour. He believed he could do better work for the producers, if he were on the inside of politics. He would not say what seat he proposed to contest. Mr Polson also replied to Mr Downie Stewart’s criticism of his statements. He quoted figures from the Official Year Book to show that for the period 1921-27, the country’s exports in value were 25 millions less than the value of imports, and that the interest on the Public Debt was growing at a faster rate now than theif exP Before Mr Polson left, the conference stood and sang “For He s a Jolly Good Fellow.” AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. WELLINGTON, May 30. The annual meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society was held to-day. The Chairman (Mr. Perry) said he was sorry to say that they were going downhill, and there was necessity lor drastic changes. The was 518, compared with 904 m the first year, and the balance was only £42. If the Society continued on its line of working, the membership would be poor, but if the Society held a show on its own, giving full privileges for membership, they would get members all over New Zealand. He referred to the next show, to be held at Palmerston North on January 31. The Secretary said that in regard to the proposal to hold an autumn show, twenty-seven breeding and A. and P. Societies had notified they were in favour, and sixteen against. Mr. Perry said there had been difficulty in selecting the date, but he believed, the one selected was the best for everybody. The following officers were elected: President: Mr Perry; Vice-Presidents: Sir D. McLean and Hon. O. J. Hawken; North Auckland: Messrs J. Knight, Howard, Booth, H. B. Stuckley, J. M. James; South Island: A. S. Holmes, J. D. Coop and D. J. Ross. Rule 16 was amended to provide representation on the Council of Registiired Breed Societies affiliated to the Royal Society. % HIGH BANK RATE. WELLINGTON, May 31. The conference of the Royal Agricultural Society to-day carried a remit asking the associated banks to remove the half per cent, extra imposed last year on bank overdrafts. Mr Howard Booth said that the rate was raised when the balance of trade was against us and now our exports were ahead of our imports, the necessity for the high bank rate had disappeared.

FEILDING DOG TRIALS.

FEILDING, May 30

The Feilding Collie Club annual dogtrials resulted: —Head, pull and drive: R. J. McDonald’s Roy 50, C. Thom’s Miss Gloaming 49L J. Laing’s Don 481 (all of Danneviirke).