WEST COAST FARMERS

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1928, Page 6

WEST COAST FARMERS

QUARTERLY MEETING Of Provincial Executive The Provincial Executive of the West Coast Farmers’ Union held its quarterly meeting at the County Chambers yesterday, there being present: Messrs JMulcare (Ngahere). President; T. O’Neill (Kokatahi-Koiterangi), Vice-Pre-sident; A. McDonnell (Totara Flat), Jno. Murdoch (Ross), J. Meara (Totara Flat), A. Dalzell (Ngahere), L. Ditely (Arabura), D. Shannahan (Greymouth), 11. Hodgkinson (Rotomanu), A. Muir (Greymouth), W. Fisher (Ngahere), W. Clayton (Grey Valley), H. G. Carter (Ngahere), W. Norton (Greymouth), and D. Jellie (Arahura). ' WEATHER FORECAST. The Chairman said there was a letter from the Dominion Meteorologist, Dr Kidson, regarding the remit which this I Executive had sent the Union headquarters requesting that weather forecasts covering a period of three or four days should be sent out for the benefit of the farmers, at shearing, lambing and harvesting times, when an assurance of good weather would enable work to be done better* and warnings of rain would save them money. It appeared that a wrong impression had been conveyed to the Meteorologist, who seemed to think this Executive was dissatisfied with his forecasts, which was not the case. Dr Kidson’s letter stated it was not practicable to provide seasonal reports, which were not attempted by the Meteorological Office in Australia, and in New Zealand there was less to base seasonal reports on. He referred to forecasts in Queensland papers as those of self-appointed forecasters who exploited the farmer, some charging fees, lie would be much obliged if Mr T. O’Neill would furnish the forecasts referred to in his speech on the subject at last meeting of the Executive, and with the evidence on which he based his own conclusions as to their accuracy. Tie should regret if the impression were gathered that he (Dr Kidson) was antagonistic, to the development of seasonal forecasting. Such forecasts should, however, he regarded with suspicion unless grounds were given for them which would pass the usual scientific tests. It was sometimes possible to indicate the course of the weather for two or three days ahead, and this we

occasionally do. At this time of the year when storms move with great rapidity, it was seldom safe to forecast for more than 24 to 30 hours ahead. There were no pamphlets on the subject available. Clement W. Rogge’s forecasts war" based on the spottedness of the sun, the conned ion being real but small, while variations as between districts were very erratic. On the West Coast the effect of sun spots would differ from what it. was in other districts. Wragge had forecasted good years till 1031, when a dry year was forecasted, and n very dry period aftei 11'34 was also forecasted. The Chairman said that tin*. had not asked for seasonal forecasts. In the North Island wireless weather reports had recently meant th ' saving of many sheep and iambs, ami if they could get news in time it would mean money for the farmers. Th y must not allow the Meteorologist to flunk they found fault with hjm. Mr O’Neill said the data be previously quoted was obtained from a Kokatalii farmer, Mr Crougli, who had one of Clement Wragge’s forecasts for a period of from four to seven years, which had turned out as closely as possible to being correct. If Mr Crough still had it, the speaker would advise Dr Kidson. While the latter could not give seasonal forecasts, \\ raggc had given four and five yearly forecasts correctly.

Mr Hodgkinson said they wanted only forecasts for three or four days ahead. The Chairman said the further the forcasts went, the more valuable they would be. Mr Muir said two or three-day forecasts would lie a boon, especially at harvest and lambing time. Mr O’Neill said that 15 years ago the Meteorological Department had turned down a similar request to the present one. On the motion of Mr Mulcare, it was ! resolved that the Secretary reply explaining this Union’s wishes, and Mr O’Neill promised also to forward any data available. WAIMAUNGA FARM HERD. The Minister of Agriculture, the Hon O. J. Hawken, wrote: —“With reference to the recommendation of the Provincial Executive of the West Coast Farmers’ Union that the Government locate pure-bred cattle on the Waimaunga Experimental Farm, the matter has been carefully looked into and it is regretted that for the time being the Department is unable to take any action. The Waimaunga Farm is fully stocked with good grade animals, ami before any pure grade animals could be located on the property, some of the present stock would have to be sold. Mr Meara said they wanted pure-bred bulls from the farm, and no more crossbred cows should be brought to the farm, as it was time to clean out the scrub bulls. Mr McDonnell said the Minister at Waimaunga recently gave a deputation on the matter quite a favourable, reply, saying they should cull the cross-breds. The Minister admitted he saw only one good cow at the farm. It was resolved that the Executive follow up its request with further representations. THE PIG-RAISING INDUSTRY. The following letter was read from Mr J. I*. Bashford. Secretary of the Canterbury I’ig Fat toners’ Association, regarding the export of pork and pork products:—The pig raisers of Canterbury recently formed an Association for the export of pork and pork products, also to procure representation on the Meat Board, to develop the pig industry. T have been instructed to communicate with you to find out the views | of the \\ est Coast farmers on the ques-! tion. VVe think it would be to our] mutual advantage to have all killing done at the Canterbury Freezing Works, and marketing could be arranged

through th? Canterbury Frozen Meat Coy. They will undertake to give consignees an advance of about 90 per cent, of ruling London rates at the time of shipment. A further letter from Mr Bashford asked if the West Coast Executive ■ would favour a capitation fee of one penny per head on all pigs sold throughout the saleyards of Canterbury and Westland, for the purpose of establishj ing a fund to carry out the work of . the Association. It was thought one . organisation would best serve the two \ provinces. ITe had circularised the .. West Coast Dairy Factory Companies, as funds for organisation were needed, h ‘lice the capitation proposal. a The Chairman said they needed to y learn more of the proposal, and of i, the Board’s constitution. They might r invite Mr Bashford over to address r them.

Mr O’Neill said the project should b c gone on with, but he did not favour the killing being done in Canterbury, as it was cheaper to send the carcases by train than the live pigs. They had their West Coast abattoirs. He moved that Mr Bashford be invited to come and put his views before them.

Mr Muir seconded the motion. This movement was long overdue. It would lead to the establishment of a bacon factory on the West Coast, which must come in a year or two, in view of the rapid increase in pig rearing here. It would bo better to kill and cure- on this side than on the other. Mr O’Neill was not sure if it would lead to a local bacon factory. Mr Carter favoured the motion, and also Mr O’Neill’s idea of killing on the Coast and sending the carcases over to the freezing works. The penny per head capitation on the pigs thus sent would help to build up the industry. Mr O ’Neill said the capitation should bc paid on all pigs going from the Coast whether to th efreezers or not. Mr Carter said the pork industry was growing rapidly. The Government had valued it at £300,000. Killing facilities were necessary. The Secretary (Mr F. Baillie) said there .was a proposal for meetings to be arranged for Mr Bashford by the district Secretaries. Mr Hodgkinson said they could perhaps circulate this correspondence among their branches, and if there were only one large meeting, each could be represented. Mr O’Neill said Mr Bashford would be welcomed at Kokatahi and llarihari, where pig raising was on the increase, lie would at next meeting put the matter before the Kokatahi branch, and later would bring it up at llarihari. The Pig Raisers’ Association had no doubt some funds. Mr Muir said they should at least have Mr Bashford to visit Greymouth. The motion to invite Mr Bashford, and to ask him what time he could devote to a visit, was carried. DAYLIGHT SAVING. The Kokatahi-Koiterangi Branch forwarded the following remit:—“That ihis Union protest against the Daylight Saving Bill, and support any action the Conference takes for its abolition.” There was also a letter from the Dominion Executive stating that it was taking action as against the re-enact-ment of the Summer Time Act, which had only been enacted for one year, and thus would require next session to b c re-enacted. The various Provincial Executives and Branches were all urged Io co-operate in preparing a strong petition against the measure, and to circulate copies for signature by their wives, relatives, and others. It should state the reasons for the opposition lo Daylight Saving, and its injurious effect on the farming industry.

Mr O’Neill, in moving the remit of his branch, said it was unanimous in the belief that daylight saving was no good for the industry. They could even notice its adverse effect lon the cows, which were milked at different times. The Kokatahi Dairy Factory I Coy had also passed a motion against the Act, as well as the Union. Mr Carter seconded the remit, saying at least 97 per cent, of the farmers were against daylight saving, as it meant they had to start work an hour earlier, using lamplight throughout the year. Many industrial workers had also to start in summer by lamplight. Mr McDonnell said all rural communities would sign the petition. Mr Dalzell said they ought to depute members to reply to letters in the press favouring Sidey time. Mr O’Neill said cacklcrs in these letters did not matter —the vote would settle Sidey time, and Mr Sidey wanted no vote on it. FARMERS’ EXCURSIONS. The District Traffic Manager, Mr H. Chapman, said Mr F. Pawson (Railway Business Agent) wrote to the effect that the Executive’s request for a farmers’ excursion train, from the west Coast stations on June 4th, on the occasion of the Winter Show at Dunedin, had been approved, and arrangements were being made accordingly. The Dunedin Farmers’ Union Secretary had been advised, and this Executive should communicate with him. The Chairman said the train would i leave on Monday, June 4th, and the excursion would last for a week. The [Show would extend over five days, and there wore races at Dunedin at the same time. The farmers of Otago would take the visitors in hand, and all West Coasters who were at the last excursion would be for going again. For this occasion the railway tickets would be sold by their Secretary here. Th? idea was to limit the excursion to farmers, as last time townsfolk travelled here with the farmers’ excursion from Canterbury. At race time others would be tempted to go to Dunedin, but he thought country folk generally should bc allowed the excursion concession. The Railway Department also desired to eliminate motor travelling as far as possible, and would take the excursionists over the Taicri Plain, near Dunedin.

Mr Murdoch said that motor travel was a difficult feature of last farmers’ excursion to the Coast. In Canterbury they could get many times more cars than here. At Hokitika there was a serious shortage of cars, and the Union officers had had io ring at the last minute for cars all over the town, it being finally found that £77 had to be paid for these. The .visitors, as they left, generously raised the money themselves, or otherwise Mr O’Neill, the speaker, and a couple of other officers I would have each had to pay a. substantial amount. He suggested that when*

the Coast excursion train was returning from Dunedin they collect 5s apiece for the entertainment of the visiting farmers on the Coast. Mr O’Neill said he had to thank Mr Murdoch for coming to his rescue at Hokitika, when he found the speaker was in a difficulty as to paying for the cars engaged, promising to stand in with him. Mr Pawson had done good work, but if he had had full symY'ahy with thm, then he would not have had the Railway Department collect £32 for a train that had not been used at Hokitika to take excursionists to Mahinapua. The Ashburton farmers asked that some be refunded to the Coast farmers, but Mr Pawson had refused this to either the Southern Union or the Executnivc, so that there was nothing much to thank him for there. They should now do something as to future entertaining. At Hokitika, where the Canterbury excursionists left £9OO. the local people had refused to provide them with supper after a lee lure, so the Union must arrange now for contingencies. Mr Carter said this matter needed to be discussed in advance, especially the question of cars, as on the other side ten of those were available for the one here. It was advisable to advise the visitors they must provide for car travel themselves. At Dunedin the Coasters ought to pay for the cars they used, without expecting farmers there to turn up. Entertainment was costly and need not be too lavish.

Mr Shannahan said Mr Pawson had said that in future car fares would be added to the railway fares for excur sions.

Mr Carter said a Committee should be set up to meet the Railway Department and arrange to have the Department charge and pay for cars. The Chairman said that was what the Department now proposed. Mr Muir said they wanted a programme, showing the approximate cost. Mr O’Neill said that if the Railway Department eliminated motor trips, there would be no visit by excursionists to Kokatahi. The Chairman said the Otago Union was setting up an Entertainment Committee, and the Railway Department was anxious for one here. A collection in their train for entertainment would realise 10s a head. Mr O’Neill said the Ashburton people stated they had learned a lot from their excursion here, and would be able in future to deal with visitors better. As their people had left £2OOO in Greymouth, it was not too much to ask the local people to help in entertainment. Mr Murdoch said the Railway people refused passes to Union officers helping with the excursion at Hokitika. Mr Mulcare said it would bc better perhaps to set up a Committee at Hokitika and another here to handle excursionists coming over. Mr Carter said it was objectionable to ask the general public to help in the entertaining, though some townspeople had rallied to them last year. They wanted to have details of the cost of visiting the resorts here and at Dunedin. The Secretary said this was Mr Pawson ’s idea, ami h© would meet their Committee to draw up an itinerary and add the cost to the fares. Mr O’Neill said that only 150 could be put up at a time at Waiho, a visit to which Glacier resort would be more to the visitors than to perhaps anywhere else in South Westland. Driving visitors around was costly, whereas if they were allowed their own choice of trips and the cost were tacked on to the fares, it would be satisfactory to everybody.

Mr Shannahan said it would be wrong if the idea went forth that they had not been helped last time by • he Greymouth peojjle, for from the Mayor to the business people nearly all who had the chance had helped admirably. The Chairman said they had passed a vote of thanks to the people in Greymouth. where, however* the visitors left £2OOO, so the Executive was under no obligation. Mr Clayton said the Executive should not avoid the responsibility for entertaining the excursionists. The Chairman agreed, and he was glad to see the Department leaving the sale of tickets in their hands. Mr Carter said it was no use running into financial difficulty, but he did not wish the Executive to dodge its responsibility. It was finally resolved, on the motion of Mr Clayton, that the following Committee be set up to deal with the whole matter of the excursions: Messrs Mulcare, O’Neill, Carter, McDonnell, Murdoch, Shannahan and Fisher. Mr O ’Neill said the Kokatahi Winter Show was being fixed for the end of May, to suit the excursion to Dunedin, on which they wanted to take the best of the exhibits in the train, to show’ Dunedin people what the Coast could produce. They wanted to ask for an observation van, and could get plenty of creditable exhibits. The Kokatahi branch would do the work, and only asked the Executive to aid them in securing the van, a motion to which effect he moved. Mr Clayton seconded, and complimented th© Kokatahi people on their excellent idea. The motion was carried. CATTLE DROVING IN GREYMOUTH The Secretary said that ho had, in terms of the resolution last meeting, interviewed the Stationmaster, Mr Fowler, with a request for the use of a narrow strip of land behind the present engine sheds, as a cattle road through the town to and from the sale yards. The reply was that the Department would let the farmers hav 0 the uso of the area, but that it was rocky and covered with blackberries, so th® farmers would need to clear it. It was also found that part of the area belonged to the Borough Council. Mr O’Neill said that a hardship existed in the absence of a road of this kind. A Mr Jamieson, of Kokatahi, who bought cattle in the Grey Valley, when reaching here with them, was told by the police he had no right to take them through the town, and he had to reply he must take the chance. There should be some means of droving through the town in the daytime. Mr Carter said that as part of this route was borough property, and part | Railway reserve, the Council should meet them, and the cost of the work needed should bo ascertained. • Mr Shannahan said there were no

paddocks handy to town, so that means to proceed were urgent. On the motion of Messrs Clayton and Shannahan, it was resolved that the Greymouth Borough Council be asked to give the farmers means of access to the town and from it with their stock at the place in question. CONSERVATION OF WHITE PINE. Grey Valley Branch sent the following remit: —“That the Forestry Department be requested to take steps to conserve the remaining white pine, timber for the dairying industry of New Zealand; also to inquire what experiments, if any, have been carried out, and the results towards introducing a substitute for the manufacture of butter boxes and cheese crates.” In moving the remit, Mr McDonnell said that when this matter previously was brought before the authorities, it had been said that before the white pine supply gave out, there would be a substitute found. They knew from experience in this district that the white pine reserves were rapidly being exhausted. The Chairman suggested that their representations should go, not to the Forestry Department, but to their Dominion Executive, with an assurance that, to their personal knowledge the white pine was being depleted seriously, and needed conservation. Mr McDonnell said they could also advise the other Provincial Executives of the serious degree of depiction. □Mr O’Neill, supporting the conservation proposal, said there was no sub ?- stitute for white pine, in sight. Mr Needham. Managing Director of the N.Z. Refrigerating Coy, had been on the Coast to secure a supply of white pine for a lengthy period, and he stated that every possible substitute for this timber had been tried without success. There had been companies which proposed to utilise red pine in three-ply form, with the aid of drying. A man with logs had even sent to America for the manufacture of the three-ply articles, and it was intended to spend £25,000 on a factory. Mr Goodfellow had spent £16,000 on plant, but not a wheel of it had turned. The. three-ply article looked fine when it came from

America, and it was tested with butter and fat in cool stores. In three weeks its failure was proved, as it absorbed moisture, and was an absolute failure. After years of research, no substitute for white pine had been found, and while one was hoped for, none was in sight. This showed the value of their white pine. Mr McDonnell moved that the other Provincial Executives be circularised with the available information, asking their assistance in securing conservation. Mr Meara seconded the motion, which was carried. TUESDAY STOCK TRAINS. A remit from the Grey Valley Branch, moved by Mr McDonnell, was as follows: —“That the Railway Department be requested to comply with the arrangements made with the Executive Council in regard to running stock trains to Canterbury on Tuesdays.” The moved said that on two Tuesdays recently no stock had been run to Canterbury, yet according to the papers trains were run on other days with no more stock available than on those two occasions. When 23 truckloads were offering, one large lot of lambs nearly missed transport ,and another stockraiser missed. They seemed to be playing ducks and drakes with this service. Mr O’Neill said at Hokitika stock exporters were told no train would run owing to lack of freight, when there was really a sufficiency of freight. The fact was that at Addington the Railway people preferred Monday trains

but the farmers here were entitled to Tuesday trains. The Chairman moved that the Secretary write the Traffic Manager pointing out that the agreement for special Tuesday stock trains was not being kept by the Department. Mr Hodgkinson said that on the Otira Line, at ZRotomanu, no stock had been picked up by these specials, but had to go by ordinary trains. Three trucks were left in one instance. The Chairman said this proved the specials were well patronised. Mr McDonnell said plenty of coal trucks were picked up, but stock was ignored. The motion was carried. TRIBUTE TO SCHOOL TEACHER. The Chairman said that the Executive might accord recognition to the splendid work of the lady teacher of a country school which had won everyone of the school competitions held by the A. and P. Association for agriculture, etc. There were two lady teachers at this school, which was that at Ngahere. The record was worthy of all praise. The lady in charge was Miss Dixon, and he had great pleasure in moving that the Executive,

through the Canterbury Education \ Board, forward to Miss Dixon a lettert of thanks for her school’s great success. Mr Muir seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. ANOTHER TRIBUTE. The Chairman said the Farmers’ Union had. a valued friend in Mr IL W. Kitchingham, of Greymouth, whose work was known to them all. He had helped the Union in quite a number of ways, but in doing so had effaced himself. It was only right that due recognition should be given him, and he would like to suggest that the Executive should nominate Mr Kitchingham 1o the Council of the Royal Agri cultural Society of N.Z., as the reprise illative of Hie West Coast. All would agree he would be a useful representative if lie would agree to act. He did much for them at the time of the last fanners’ excursion, and also for the Herd Testing Association. Mr O’Neill appreciated Mr Kitchingham ’s services, as he had for years spent time, trouble and money for the farmers’ interest. Mr Hodgkinson also appreciated his services, and moved that he be nominated to the Council. Mr Fisher was pleased to second the motion, and said all knew Mr Kitchingham’s work for the A. and P. Show, as without him it was doubtful if the show would have survived. The motion was unanimously carried. MANURES. Two remits forwarded by the Hariharl Branch were:—(l) That an endeavour be made with manure manufacturing firms to have manures manufactured in a more concrete form than at present, i.e., without so much filling. This with a view to reducing freight: (2) That a request be made to the Conference to insist on manufacturing firms being compelled to state the amount of filling used when supplying the analysis or* their manures.

Mr Clayton said the second remit, while widely opposed, was already included in tiie Government Bill to amend the Fertiliser Act. As to the first remit, th? Minister of Agriculture gave a favourable hearing to the request at the State Farm to a deputation. They thought it best to visit the manufacturers at Christchurch, Kempthorne Prosser and Coy, and discuss the matter and if they agreed to comply all would

be right. Mr O’Neill explained that at Harihari the freight was costly, and less filling was wanted, as it could be sup plied there. Mr Murdoch thought the manufae Hirers would not reveal their trade seeret. RAGWORT. The Chairman proposed that the Agriculture Department he requested to liberate on the Coast, in the first instance, the natural enemy of ragwort discovered by Dr Tilyard. All had tins weed to contend with, and sheep could not keep it down. It was the most noxious weed, as a carei >s» neighbour could spread it. The antidote had not yet been liberated, but would soon be. Mr O’Neill said good fences kept out ragwort, and sheep could do well on it. He would buy land bearing ragwort. Mr Clayton said he would prefer to see the remedy tried first on some other district. Mr O’Neill said these cures were often worse than the disease, and Mr Dalzell referred- to the weasels and rabbits, and other pests, introduced. Mr Ditely said there should be exhaustive tests before distributing the thing. Mr Shannahan said he had no ragwort, and felt disinclined to vote either wav. and Mr Muir said he was in the same position. The Chairman agreed to withdraw the motion. RURAL CREDITS. The Chairman referred to the setting up of Intermediate Rural Credit Boards in each district, and to the objection thereto of the Auckland Farmers’ Union and the Dominion Executive. He thought this Executive should back them up in their objection to these subsidiary boards, which the farmers had no say in appointing, though they were the ones most concerned. The Government, here as elsewhere, had nominated all five members, and three were Government officials, one was a merchant, and one a farmer. Mr Clayton (a member of the local 'Board) asked what objection there could be. The Chairman said the farmers had no say in choosing the personnel. That was a great objection. Mr Carter said the main objection was that instead of looking for men experienced in farming, the Government picked officials and others. Those applying to credit should elect some of the members. That view obtained

11 over New Zealand. The Chairman said he had nothing ersonally against the nominees, but nly stood for a principle. Th.- motion was carried. ARAHURA MATTERS. Mr Ditely moved that the Secretary ipproach the Railway Traffic Manager isking to have the approach to Aramra Railway Station improved, and hat Mr Jcllie ami the mover be a subcommittee to <1 al with the matter. Mr O’Neill suggested the addition >f work that was needed at Hoho Salecards, ami the motion was carried with this addition, Mr Clayton being the RAILWAY PARCEL CHARGES. Mr .Telli - brought up the matter of the charges on small parcels conveved at railway side-stations, saying the guards found the big schedule of charges most difficult to interpret. He moved that the Ex ’cutive ask the Department to do something to assist consignors. Guards, when they did y>t. know how much to charge, could accept parcels, as payment had 1< company them. Schedules should he posted at country stations. Mr Ditely seconded the motion, and referred to a case where the Department accepted payment to d'diver a parcel. Mr Jcllie said tin’ public could read a schedule of charges if posted at the station, and so save time. The motion was carried. GENERAL. Mr Hodgkinson said Mr H. Haskell, of Rotomanu, had specially attended a meeting at Christchurch in the West Coast farmers’ interests, but had not. received any invitation to attend and report to the Executive. The Chairman said this was an oversight, and would be rectified. Manghera Branch wrote asking as to the nature of th? noxious weeds legislation of last session and its application to the Coast, and also inquiring on other points, adding that a delegate would not attend this meeting. It was decided to supply the information. Mr Bradlv. representative of the Farmers and Graziers’ Supply Service, by invitation, addressed the meeting, and sai'l his organisation’s work was to buy for farmers and generally assist them, by eliminating th? middleman., and supplying goods at bedrock prices. Mr Roach was General Manager. The Service worked on the basis of a subscription of five guineas yearly from each of the farmer clients. It gave legal advice free, and expert direction in all matters. It had been fifteen years operating in Australia, and had come a month ago to New Zealand. In Australia, 150.000 farmers were its subscribers. and it was also growing in Canterbury and Southland. Members asked various questions as to the Directorate and principles of the organisation, and it was decided, on the Chairman’s motion, to refer Mr Bradley to the branches of the Union, which he said he would call on, as also the farmers generally. This concluded the business.