FARMERS’ UNION

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 May 1943, Page 2

FARMERS’ UNION

WEST COAST CONFERENCE

Thirteen branches were represented at the annual conference of the West Coast Provincial District of the Farmers’ Union, at Hokitika, on Saturday. Mr W. Vallance was in the chair during the former part and reported on the activities of the Dominion Executive. . A motion of sympathy was carrieci with the relations of the late Mr T. Jennings, former Secretary of the Karamea Branch, who has been killed in action. The balance-sheet showed a credit of £289/14/-. In the election of officers Mr vv. Searle (jun.) (Hari Hari) defeated Mr Vallance by a fairly large majority. Mr H. Becker (Hohonu) was elected vice-president and Mr Mark Wallace (Kokatahi) delegate to the Dominion Conference. Mr A. McDonnell (Totara Flat) was re-elected treasurer, and Mr H. G. Carter (Kamaka) auditor. The committees were elected en bloc except that Mr P. Hansen (Hari Hari) replaced MiField (Hari Hari). The Emergency Committee was re-elected. The secretary’s action in investing £2O in the Liberty Loan was approved. A Kokatahi remit that compulsory membership of the Union be supported was lost by only two or three votes. . ~ Among the remits passed were the following: “That back-country farmers be placed on the eligibility list for tyres; that this conference unanimously support the principle ,of cooperative ownership of all industry, and heartily commend the Dominion and Provincial Executives for bringing forward this all-important matter; that in respect to the distribution of grain, offal and all other stock foods particularly vital to primary producers when efforts are being made to maintain and, if possible, to increase the production of foodstuffs, and in order that these commodities shall reach the producer at the very minimum of cost, co-operative organisations be placed on a basis oi absolute equality with wholesale distributors, respecting their right to draw supplies direct from the manufacturer; that where water pipelines have to cross under a railway line for farmers’ stock or any other purpose other than commercial use, no charge be made other than for the necessary deeds; that it be a remit for the annual provincial conference to urge the Government to release gumboots for the use of dairy farmers and workers; that we protest against the action of the Government in withholding portion of the payment for wool; that whilst realising the necessity of maintaining the high gradingstandards, information be asked for as to why there is so much difference between the price of first and second grade lamb, and that all first grade lamb (441 b and under) be paid for at the same price, that we ask for a two months’ postponement in respect to the restriction order on pig flesh so far as the Coast is concerned; that farmers be allowed to purchase straight-out super instead of reverted super; that the Government be asked Io increase the subsidy on beds from 6/- for all Hospital Boards.”