FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4855, 29 April 1918, Page 6

FARMERS’ UNION.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. BRANCHES’ I? EMITS CONSIDERED, •V meeting of the Executive of the Poverty Bay Sub-l’rovincial District of the -New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held in the Union’s rooms on Saturday. Those present were: Messrs Gilbert Jones (in tho chair), Bridge, McCallum. Kent, .Marshall’ A. C. Steele, Henson and J. C. Field. REMITS. Remits were considered as under: From tho W’aimata Branch: “That Mr W. D. Uysnar be urged to press that meat on books be paid for by the Government instead of when shipped, as that would bo one of the best means of

combatting the Meat Trust.” “That this branch of the Partners’ Union recommend that a fixed price lie paid per 100 for erutching sheep, this price to apply throughout tho Gisborne district.” No action was necessary with tho first remit, as Mr Uysnar had already moved in the direction desired. Speaking on the second proposal, Mr Bridge said that so far as this year was concerned it was a little too late to act hut uniformity was desirable and it would he a good thing to refer tho matter to the

Shecpowners Union. Ho would move that consideration be deferred until they had a full meeting when the matter could he fully discussed and a recommendation made to the Shecpowners’ Union. In the meantime they could make inquiries and ascertain the feeling of farmer's. The present rate was. he understood, 6s.—'The motion was seconded by Air Marshall and carried. From the Patutahi Branch: “That the Government he asked to instruct one of its Field’s Division, specially versed in the manufacture of ensilage, to visit Poverty Bay, that those so. desiring may

learn this method of preserving fodder crops.” The chairman said it appeared to him that the matter was one. that needed attention. No doubt in the bad weather lately experienced a lot of food which might have been saved as ensilage had boon lost. Mr Brown (Government Expert) when in the district a short time ago, did touch upon tin; subject and he was sure lie would be pleased to give all information. Mr Bridge said the Government experts were busy men and they must avoid making heavy demands upon them. It would be of much greater value if the expert could some, when the crops were growing in the early summer and give a practical demonstration. This would be better than a lecture. All the tbcoritieal information could be gathered from the Agricultural Journal. The chairman thought they should have advice as to the best grasses to grow for ensilage. Mr Bridge said they wanted to know bow to treat the grasses most commonly grown at present. It was decided to invito the Government Export to visit Poverty Bay in the early summer and give a demonstration on the best methods of harvesting ensilage and also to advise fanners on the host fodder to grow for ensilage. From Ngatapa Branch:— [ “That the Cook County Council be respectfully urged to' obtain a report from, the Minister for Public Works in regard to this important matter and have tho work carried out as soon as jiossiblc in order to prevent the continual flooding and thus save settlers from the very serious damage incurred every few mouths.” Mr Steele said the matter was a purely local one. To prevent damago from flood it was necessary to have tho creek cleared of willows. They had had a meeting which was attended by Mr Armstrong and the chairman of tho County Council. Before the river could bo straightened at Ngatapa it would bo necessary for the settlers lower down to remove the willows opposite their premises. A report had been made by Air Armstrong and sent to Wellington. He presumed that the report would come back to the Cook

County Council. Not only the settlers, but the County Council which had roads in danger and the Bailway Department, which needed protection for the railway, were interested. He thought they might approach the member for the I’atutahi Riding and he then could bring the matter before the County Council. Mr Field said that a Bill had been before Parliament last session, by which, if the settlers failed to construct protective works where necessary the Government had the power to do the work and distribute the cost over those benefitted. Mr Steele said the matter did not come under the River Board Act. Every settler bad been called upon hy the Council to clear the creek opposite their premises, showing that the County Council had the power to act. It was as a result of this that the meeting was held at Patutahi. The Chairman said the matter was more in the hands of the Public Works Department. Mr Steele said he did not think that anything should be done till they had communicated with tho County Council. He moved that the v write to the Council for information. Mr Field pointed out that the blocking of creeks with willows was now very common. This creek was running through private property and ho questioned whether a local autliorty could compel any of the owners to clear willows on their own properties. By the Bill that was before Parliament last session the Gov-, ornment was taking the power to have such work done and distribute tho cost fairly. The chairman: Is this not a matter for the River Board? Mr Field said that the River Board had nothing to do with creeks. Mr Kent said tho settlers should sign a petition to the Council, otherwise the Council could not act. It was pointed out that the matter concerned tho Public W orks Dopai tmont and that was why a Government report had to he obtained. Mr Field: Are the settlers prepared to meet the expense themselves? , . Mr Steele: Yes; they propose forming a rating area. The chairman said that it tee Government could do the work necessary at Ngatupa on the; conditions named it could also take the woik <n ' protection from the A\ aipaoa m hand. , , . It was decided that the secretary obtain all information available and forward it to the Ngatapa branch. OOXFERENCE DELEGATES. Messrs Steele. Field, W. D. Lysnar, Jones and Watson were appointed delegates to the Auckland conferdice. retiring chairman. At the conclusion of the meeting the chairman thanked the members for their lovnl support and said be hoped that there would be the same unanimity at the meetings of tie new Executive Committee and the same determent on shown to assist the small far: r He trusted that tiiev would no' loso fact that thev must keep their wants before the Go' < r- niont which had always been reside to assist them and had on difforiv,; .-vcasions sent men to the district ie, his purpose. He hoped the union would be more prosperous during the coming year, they could congraf wis :e themselves on what had already been done. If