FARMERS’ UNION

Hawera Star, Volume L, 22 May 1930, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE

MANY MATTERS DISCUSSED G ATHERING AT MAiNiAIA ■ The thirteenth annual provincial conference of the South Taranaki executive of the New Zealand Fanners Union was opened in the Town Han, Alanaia, yesterday morning, Air ■E. J. Betts (president) being in the chair. There were also present: Alessi s_ G. D. Dickie and W. E. Carter (vicepresidents), Alessrs H. Hodge, J. DConaglen, Al. F. Vouilaire, A. G. Ricketts, W. T. Seed, W. King, E.. jJ> Booth, A. T. Sulzberger, L. F. Bell, W. Marsh, Al. F. Barker, H. Thrush, John Cocker, H. Wells, T. J. Allan, AWL. F Chambers, F. Silver, H. Eh Johnson, H. Hartley, J. F. Shepherd, B. H Barker, J. Shearer, S. AgneW, E. A. Collins, T. York, F. J- Alehrtens. Apologies were received from Messrs A. L. Jennings, J. P. Alarx, 0. Robertson, R. O. Treweek, and S- Thrush. A telegram was received from Mr RDunn, New Plymouth, a. former president, conveying best wishes and regretting liis inability to attend. It was resolved to isend a telegram of greeting to the North Auckland executive, which opened its sessions of four days yesterday at Whangarei. Later a telegram was received in reply, to the following effect: _ “Greetings heartily reciprocated, with best wishes for success to union conference in South Taranaki—A. A. Ross, president North Auckland conference, sitting in Whangarei.” ' .

CIVIC RECEPTION. The chairman of the Alanaia Town Board (Air H. Alead) and the,chairman of tile AVaimate West County Council (Air E. Long) briefly welcomed the ■delegates. Air Alead said he was glad to , say, on behalf of the people of Alanaia, that all were genuinely pleased to see tne delegates in Alanaia, and to express the hope that the benefits would be lasting. He said he had always kept a watchful eye on the union, and would heartily congratulate all on the success achieved by the union. . He., said, in conclusion, that lie hoped the • conference would he successful and the results of lasting benefit to the community at' large and the Farmers’ Union in particular. Mr E. Long added a hearty. welcome, saying that the union had actually conferred an honour on Alanaia and district by holding the eonferenc here. If, lie said, the people had known of the meeting earlier ? there would have been an even heartier welcome accorded. He added that he was pleased, to see that so many people were taking a keen interest in farming matters and that there was no wider field than existed in the work of the Farmers’ Union which liaxl the real welfare of the *- country at heart. The towns were progressing because of the efforts of the producers, who were at the back of everytliing that was for the good of the community.

Mr Long said he had read the remits and saw that these w*ere matters of vital, interest to. all. In the forefront w r as one that was of the greatest importance ±o the country, namely, noxious weeds, for it was patent to everyone that this pest cost thousands ■of pounds and; no one could deal effectively with the problem but' the farmers themselves. He again extended a hearty welcome to the district. Air E. J . Betts expressed, on behalf of the members, cordial thanks for the reception, assuring the people of Alanaia and 'district that the delegates were trying to do good work and to help the town as w r ell as the country. WORK OF THE YEAR. liie secretary (Mr E. K, Gameron) - ~ gave a comprehensive . .review; of thek woiic lor the year, which, he said, had “ been a very full one. Many /important matters had been -discuisseu, and’ many interesting events had occurred.. There' had been 121. meetings with an average attendance of 13.-5 members, and a keen interest had been taken in the work of the union. , ' He referred to the work of the Dominion Executive, which body regularly gave a careful scrutiny of all legislation affecting farmers before being submitted to Parliament.

In regard to membership he said that a. few orders had been cancelled, but the total was well maintained.

Of the events, of the year the outstanding event was the tour of the South Taranaki farmers to the South Island, when IS6 farmers went- by special train and by boat to Wellington and the South. He said they woiijfl always long remember tlie hospitality shown and the farmers generally had received a, better idea of the other man’s point of view. The northerners also lmd learnt something of thft secondary industries and speciality of the wheat question and its difficulties. Ho referred also to the visit of the Otago farmers in June last, and expressed cordial appreciation of the help given by borough and county councils, Chambers of Commerce and the W.D.F.U., in organising a welcome to their friends.

Tlie visit of the Eimpire farmers, who included in their number many outstanding speakers with strongly Imperialistic opinions, and tlie tour to tbe Old World, were approved a§ being-of value to all concerned and that the latter looked likely to he Instituted biennially. Reference was made to the coming tour of North Auckland farmers under Colonel Bell, the secretary stressing the value of interchange of ideas and. the breaking down of parochialism, so that there might be one united party from Kaitaia to the Bluff.

He referred to the success of the Farmers’ Union picnic, which, drew a record crowd to Opunake; of tlie Boys and Girls’ Clubs, which at last had a Government subsidy; of rural credits, strongly fostered by the union; and to the support given by the union to Land Laws Amendments. He urged that the members of the union should he bound by one- common aim, ■so that when they spoke with one voice they would be given attention and their voice could be raised on behalf of the-general interests of the farming industry. In conclusion he referred to the great help given by the Press of- South Taranaki, the .opinion being expressed that in no other district was such generous publicity given as by the papers of So-uth Taranaki. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. President, Air E. J. Betts (re-elect-ed); vice-presidents. Messrs W. E. Carter. A. L. Jennings and J. Cocker; delegates to the Dominion Executive, Messrs W. E. Carter and J. Cooker; auditor. Air S. It. Veiteh; executive, Afessrs. IV. T. Seed, O.

Robertson, H. Wells, 0. DH. Thrush, B. H. Parker J H. Gulliver, W. J. Marsh', F. J. Mehrteirs, F. Silver, M. F. Voullaire, M. W. A. C. Ricketts, A. D Johnson, A. W. King, J. D. Conagleen, J. A. Pettigrew', H I. Crocker, J. r. Atarx, W. H- Reynolds. H. Davison, A. T. Sulzberger, F. Will an; T\. T. Seed, L. J. Bell, E J. Booth, F Young, R l . C. Treweek, H. Hodge and T, J. Allen. Art- E. R- Putt, a member of the Otakeho District Farmers’ Association was welcomed by the nresulent and assured that the executive was always pleased to see farmers present, •whether members of the union or not. - hearty welcome was given also to Mr E. T. Burke, president of the Otakeho l Farmers’ Association, . who also was invited to take part in the discussions. Air Burke returned thanks for the hearty-'welcqme. and said his .association. was working on similar lines to the union and was' always willing to. help' in'' matters of common interest. He thanked members also for their assistance at the local shows and hoped "/the union would enjoy much success.

REMITS. NOXIOUS WEEDS. That owing to the alarming spread of noxious weeds this conference again urges upon tlie Department of Agriculture the urgent necessity of enforcing the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act with the utmost rigour. Air H-. Hodge said that he was bringing up this matter individually, and he felt that it was so important that- there was no one but would support the resolution. He said be had seen the alarming spread of ragwort, owing to seed being *j£>read from hack country lands and Government lands. He added it was necessary to take drastic steps to check the pest. Air J. F. Shepherd seconded, adding that there was an enormous increase in the spread of weeds. Though measures were being taken by the department more could be done.

Air King supported, stating that the spray of which so much had been heard'must be universally used. Air Chambers referred to the spread of the trouble, and said lie considered it would be a retrograde step to put the’ control in the hands of an unsympathetic board. The department was in harmony with the farmers, and did all it could in the matter. He added that if the Act was rigidy enforced there would be a serious cost- to the strugging farmer who had noxious weeds on his farm.. He referred specially to other weeds than ragwort. He appealed for a measure of leniency to men who were up against it, and to whom such action, in the case of gorse and blackberry, as was proposed, would be a real hardship. He agreed that the question Was different in the case of ragwort, which must- be cleared at all costs.

Mr Carter said that all would admit the department was doing good work, hut.it was not sufficient.' The rangers •had a hopeless task because their districts .were too large in the busy season of the year. He referred to the real deterioration of some of the best land and said that of recent years the weed had spread to farms that were previously clean. Mr Alehutens said the Act was not enforced strictly enough and that it must be .brought home to the individual that he had a duty to perform. Mr F. Silver supported Air Chambers, and said that- the drastic action might easily drive good men off their farms.

Afr J. D. Conaglen said one matter 'was Being missed and that they should tirge the Government to.put still more effort into the work of research. Air Parker said that if the new remedv was anything like as good as was claimed, it would be the end of ragwort. He said there was an even worse curse than ragwort, namely, buttercup. He would like to see the work: of the department recognised, as should be the case.

Mr C. D. Dickie said that ragwort was pressing most heavily on the good lands and that it was very serious to stock, instancing cases of buyers taking sheep, many of which died after removal to their new home. There were many areas in the good districts where ragwort was spreading alarmingly and becoming even a worse menace than was often .believed. Something must he done' to check the spread, and the remit should apply to ragwort specially. r The remit, with the alteration of “ragwort” -in place of “noxious weeds’’ and with the addition of the words “with regard to that weed,” was nassed without- dissent.

That county councils be gvien the necessary powers to enfroce methods to eradicate noxious weeds, and that those bodies immediately employ inspectors. whose salaries should be

subsidised by the Government

Mr. J. Cocker, in moving the remit, said that the county councils had the machinery to do the work required. Mr. Sulzberger endorsed the remarks of the mover, and said that some farmers did not do the work required in districts such as his, where the ragwort was spreading so badly that some land might conceivably be worthless. In reply to Mr. York, Mr. Cocker said that if Noxious Weeds Boards were forced upon the district, the best way to deal with the question would he for the councils to do the work. He urged that this was likely to be effective. Mr. Carter said that the matter would be discussed at the Local Bodies’ Conference, at which Mr C. A. Wilkinson and an official of the Agricultural Department would be present. He said that the pest was growing and it meant that the man who was obeying the law was going to be penalised for those who did not do so. He urged the need of close supervision and a Government subsidy. Eltham county, he added, was the only one to pay a subsidy to their inspector. Mr. Barker said iie was opposed to the remit and that the department should push the provisions of the Act to the limit.

Mr. Chambers said they had passed the previous resolution and that this should meet the position. The inspectors would come down severely on offenders if they were urged to do. so by the union, Mr. Hodge said that if they carried this remit they would exercise a great deal of weight, in the first resolution. Mr. Booth and Air. Barker both .advocated outside control. The latter delegate said that he knew county councillors whose land was infested, and how could they expect the inspectors to proceed against the members of the council. He said it would cause much friction in the district. The motion was put and carried by a small majority. That the formation of noxious weeds boards he strenuously opposed.

Mr. C-ocker said there would be a' rate if boards were set up, for there | would be more inspectors and an office and other expenses, and this would mean another charge on the farmers. Mr. Ricketts seconded and strongly supported the remit, which was carried unanimously. BACON AND PORK INDUSTRY. That the Government should assist the bacon and pork industry of this Dominion by removing all import duties from grains, meals, and pig foods. That the Government he urged to remove the import duty from all cereals imported in a raw state with spoijqoiu ao.tojua op s.io.uod A'.inssooou These two were taken together, with the slight addition of the word “milling” before “wheat” in the latter. Mr. J. D. Conaglen referred to the importance' of assisting the primary industries by giving every facility to allied industries. They could be helped materially by ‘the removal of import duties, so as to get cheap food for stock.

Air. Wards said that he would agree to tlie removal of duties from cereals provided they were used for stock foods. He said that if maize could ho landed at a lower figure it would help the pig industry. The whole country suffered by not- allowing grain to be imported free, because if they could bet these cereals free in a raw state this would help the industry and help to obviate unemployment. Air. Dickie said he was in favour of the free import of grain, because it would cheapen the cost of living. He urged that all these poultry and stock foods should be subject to analysis, because some bad no value at all. He conisderecl they should got the details of a balanced swine food. If farmers were not able to grow wheat without a subsidy the should go into other branches of farming, such as raising of fat lambs.

The remits, on being put, were carried.

That the Government _he asked to make a .separate division in the Department of Agriculture for the bacon and pork industry to 'furnish ■producers ‘with all possible infer-

maiion and assist to increase the industry with profit to the Dolinin ion. Air. J. D. Conaglen said that if the ccrf of production could be decreased by cheap foods, there was a distinct margin of profit in the pig industry, it was. however, necessary to' have a separate •division in the department to deal specially with the industry and if the right men were there, tire country would have the advantage of the increased! production. It would mean , more work and would help to make freezing works flourishing, and worth! give the industry a forward move. Air. F. Young seconded, saying that the pigs which were “just pigs and nothing more” took away from the profit of the best quality animate. It was, therefore, tip to the farmer to improve his stock. Mr. J. Cocker supported the resolution and said that-, run on proper lines, there was a good ,profit in the industry and it should be given more encouragement by the department. Denmark bad a large- export trade in pigs, more than New Zealand’s dairy export, and New Zealand, should have much more than she had. -Mr. Dickie said that much more might be done by disseminating information through the Farmers' Union. He considered the Bureau of. Swine Industry was not doing anything like it should be. He 'deprecated another division which would be a great expense and a tax on the people. New Zea-| lands' export in 'pigs ■ was only a- fifth of Ireland’s and was going hack. Pork could be produced for sixpence per i pound if the farmers got cheap fodder, and! much could he done towards "profitable working by information as to the right type of pig. As a matter of fact, he added, the buyers in -England were, satisfied with the New Zealand >pigs if more condition were put on them. There was a tendency towards' pre-war basis and tlie cost of production must be reduced to sixpence if the producers were to keep the market. If 1 England removed the embargo at present existing against the Continent, the market would be lost. It was alt very waPl to urge more assistance to the industry, but the people must do something for themselves. All’. Carter expressed the opinion that bv Air. Gorringe would do a lot of good. Afr. York: “Instead 1 of a new division , we should try to secure more instructors. ” Mr. Wards) belived that Air. Gorringe would soon come if invited. Ho deprecated the action of the department in not giving definite advice when asked what was the best type. It would be a mistake to create another department. The whole question was largely one of food and if the cost could he reduced, pigs would pay attire price received nowadays.” The motion was .amended' as follow: “That the Department of Agriculture be asked to give more attention to the bacon and 'pork industry and to furnish producers with all possible, information se as to assist to increase the industry with profit to the Dominion.” Air. Cocker seconded the amendment, saying the department was lax and could do much more if it wished. Al l - . Conaglen- referred to the success of the Forestry Department, wthen it was separated from the Lands Department. The industry must have more he'ip and if it did. there would! be a great increase in income. Afr. Dickie: “The Animal Husbandrv Division does not meet the needs of the producers. The Division is there hut is lying dormant.” The remit was carried as amended. That the Government he asked to bring down legislation for the compulsory grading of pork and bacon for export, urevidinjg] foi' a premium of not less than one penny per pound for finest grade.

Air. Conagleu said that it was necessary to- iiimprove the qiuaClty of pork and bacon because at 'present the man with the inferior animal gets the same price as the grower of the prime animal.

Mr. F. J. Young seconded the re-

Mr. Dickie said the Meat. Board was opposed to grading and actually the men with the good perk wore carrying the others on their backs. Aetu alil.v also grading was done before export and so long sis the present system prevailed. the industry would, never flourish. There must he a’ better quality of perk. The- Tamworth-Berkshire cross was ideal for the English market. It was worth while taking a. great, deal more trouble and the right breed and cheap- .food would he the solution. He- said he could see many difficulties in grading. Tire remit was adopted. LEGISLATION. That this conference of farmers, strenuously opposes any .relaxation of the. restrictions in regard to the importation of cattle oil account ol the danger of the introduction of foot and mouth disease. Mr Parker said the motion required ]io explanation and should be passed as printed.

Mr T. York seconded, stating; thatif the disease came into New Zealand it would bo real I v disastrous.

Mr J. Cocker stressed the difficulty of stamping out the disease and the way in which it would persist on any farm where it had been, quoting cases of which he knew in England and Denmark.

The. remit was passed without dissent.

That this conference again urges the Government to amend the hospital rating system .so as to rectify the present unjust incidence of tax borne by the rural taxpayer as compared with the borough ratepayers.

That the regulations governing the use of explosives be amended to allow farmers to purchase explosives without the production of a police permit.

These, being two of last year’s remits, were passed without discussion. Mi- Cocker said that, in regard to the latter, there bad been, more strictness, since the last protest, was made. It had been only a war measure at first. MOTORS AND TRAFFIC.

That this conference advocates a system of permanent numbering of motor cans with district identification and that license discs be adopted as used in England,

That this conference strongly protests against the present wasteful system of changing motor car number plates annually.

These two remits were combined and taken together. Mr Dickie urged the wastefulness of the present system and said .the money might well be put on the roads. The two were adopted.

That farmers’ motor vehicles used exclusively for farm purposes. should be exempted from heavy tragic fees.

Mr John Cocker said that good roads were increasing the number of motor lorries and farmers were obliged to go in for a different means of conveyance to the old dray or waggon. It was quite .unfair, but- if the Transport Dill was passed, all heavy traffic lorries in the Dominion would be subject to the high fees. It was quite unfair because farmers already paid rates and tyre and .benzine taxes. Mr Carter: “The lorries do a. lot less harm to the roads than did the old vehicles, for the trucks kept to the middle of the road instead' of going on to the side. M,r Burk© said that farmers would be penalised more than ever. There would bo a difficulty in “getting out of paying the dues.” The heavy traffic licence was put on to get more traffic on to the railways and the Kaupokonui lorries had been used mainly to get the produce to the nearest railway station. Whatever could be'done to take, off the fees for lorries should be done. The remit was adopted.

That the attention of local bodies be drawn to the fact that obstructions affecting visibility at- road crossings are not being cleared as safety demands.

Mr Hodge said it was obvious that visibility was obscured by obstructions and that often the big men were let ■off while small men were penalised. The remit was seconded by Mr T. York and carried unanimously. It was resolved also to submit- the matter to the Automobile Association asking for support.

That the Railway Department be urged to expedite the improvement of the numerous dangerous level crossings in order to provide for the greater safety of the public.

Alr. Hodge urged that the department should be impressed with the need of considerable improvement. He instanced several exceedingly bad crossings which could be improved with ve'rv little trouble.

The motion was seconded and carried.

EDUCATION

That this conference records its objection to any such proposal as recently suggested by which the schools’ summer vacation shall be postponed until February and March of each year.

Air. A-gnew moved the remit and said bis branch had discussed the question and agreed that the proposal should be opposed. Air. Ricketts said that, if the change wore made, the country children would be done out of .some of their leave, lie said that the holidays at present came at harvest time and the big children were aide to lend a hand. The remit was adopted.

That the Education Department should cease to engage married women teachers while there is a surplus of single teachers available.

Air. H. Thrush .said that lie bad moved the remit ,at his branch meeting. his contention being that young w-omen should have tlie opportunity of securing positions now held by married women whose husbands had jobs. Mr. Cocker said the position was at present very difficult because of the number of young teachers who had come from the training colleges and who were bound down for a term, and, until that expired, could not get a position nor take a situation outside because of the bond they had given. Mr. Parker said that at present inspectors had all the say and the boards none at all. He stressed the way farmers especially were penalised in the matter of secondary education, with fees to pay and hoard for their children who were at the training school or waiting in the hope of getting a position. Hundreds, he added, were- “waiting on the doors of the boards.” Until they got an app-oint-mnet and a higher grading they could not compete with married women. It was necessary to impress on the Government the "need for getting positions for trainees. Air. Cocker said, the inspector bad almost the whole say and practically ruled the department. The remit was adopted after being amended as follows: “That the Education Boards have more discretionary powers in the appointment of married women as teachers.”

Tlifht. this- conference gives its .firm support to action already taken, to preserve tlio Oipaku reserve for the purposes of tlie Taranaki Scholarship Endowment.

Mr Agnev said that the intention was to prevent. Wellington securing the accumulated funds held originally 'for scholarships for Tafianaki students. Mr CM. F. Voullairo said the fund arose from the setting apart, of six thousand acres of confiscated: Maori land) for scholarships in. Taranaki. The amount has increased steadily and now totals £27,000.

Mr Cocker said Mr Voullairc had put the position very well. The department made a blunder in making the examination- too hard, being equal to B.A. standard, to entitle'the winner to secure a scholarship. 'Only a few had been taken, the nominal amount being £(ifl per annum, and this had. been reduced!. The Victoria (College in Wellington had envious eyes on the money. Air Dickie said, that not half enough •attention was paid to this matter. It was said in Wellington that the 'fund was for university education generally and not for Taranaki specially. One reserve at GVlokoia had been taken and t.lie residents would fail in their duty if they did not- take steps to avoid losing this money. Air ‘Wards considered they should go further and appoint a delegate to watch 'South Taranaki’s interests-. The remit, was carried, and iAIi- ,T. Cocker : w;as appointed to watch the interests of the district. That: .slates be used in schools instead of writing pads. This was debated briefly and carrie.l unanimously. That this conference protests against thcl continual changing of school books, and- urges that all school .books should lie standardised throughout New Zealand, and made j available to parents at the lowest possible price. Afr Allan staid that- books slum id be more uniform l in style, so that in case of removal they could bo used at another school. .Seconded by Air 'Chambers and carried. AIIS CE LL AX EOU,S. Owing to the ever-increasing taxation this conference calls upon the ’Government, to take some definite ■action to reduce the expenditure on the 'Civil 'Service. it was agreed, tliat though this -was a grave- question, it was too big a subject to be debated at- the conference and was therefore withdrawn. That the 'Government. l)e seriously ) urged to oppose any further extension of the daylight saving measure. Air 11. Wells proposed adoption, of the remit and suggested putting on half-un-hour to stay, thus for all time, making it standard time. The remit was carried. j That passports be abolished for t persons travelling between British possessions. ! Mr E. J. Betts, in proposing the remit, said that it was not right that this should lie necessary. Air Dickie referred to his experience abroad and said the system w.;s ve.y useful. It was agreed eventually to withdraw the remit. That this conference endorses the action of the Government; m discontinuing the territorial camps, and urges, that aviation be encouraged by a greater financial support. This motion, witTi the addition of the words after “camps,” was adopted. The Whakatane resolution favouring an increase in petrol tax was briefly discussed, and it was resolved mat, as the increased funds would be taken away from ihe local bodies, the motion, Ijo not supported. This ended the formal business, and after the president had expressed cordial appreciation of the attendance and the way members had stuck to the work of the conference. Afr Cocker and Air Hodge both spoke of the efficient control shown by the president (Mr E. .T. Betts) at the meeting and his thoroughness in ; ttention to the duties Of the office, giving tirru. J and money to the interests of the union. I A vote of thanks to the Town Board ‘ concluded the meeting.