RUATORIA FARMERS SUPPORT UNIVERSAL PRICE FOR PETROL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22808, 1 December 1948, Page 4

RUATORIA FARMERS SUPPORT UNIVERSAL PRICE FOR PETROL

(Herald Correspondent.) “I believe that all farmers will support us in this endeavour,” said Mr. O. T. Williams at a recent meeting of the Ruatoria branch of Federated Farmers when members were unanimous in their support of the Ruatoria Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to secure a universal price for petrol thoughout New Zealand. The meeting expressed concern when it was reported that canvassers were working in East Coast districts in an attempt to persuade farmers to consign their wool south to Napier rather than through the normal channels, via Tokomaru Bay.

It was pointed out that the temporarygain to the grower would be quickly offset in the loss of revenue to the Tokomaru Bay Harbour Board and the natural rise in the harbour rate. It was emphasised that fanners should continue to consign their wool through Tokomaru Bay as in the past. Watch on Transport Costs

Dominion headquarters of Federated Farmers is to be asked to appoint a representative to watch the farmers’ interests when transport costs arc being reviewed. On the suggestion of Mr. A. C. Wood, it wac decided to invite a representative of a proprietary firm to the East Coast to investigate the incidence of blow-fly strike. It was stated that the branch would supply all evidence required should the visit eventuate. Mr. E. Kemp advised the meeting that sheep may now be driven through Ruatovia at any hour of the day. Previously all stock had been prevented by by-law to pass through Ruatoria between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. Mr. Kemp said that as the by-law had imposed a definite hardship an amendment had been passed by the Waiapu County Council. The thanks of the meeting were accorded Mr. Cresswell for an interesting address on weeds in general, and St. John's wort in particular. While admitting its clanger, Mr. Cresswell was of the opinion that it was not prevalent on the Coast. Special measures were unnecessary as yet. It was decided that the next meeting of the federation should be conducted in Te Araroa at a date to be arranged in February.