N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume XV, 24 April 1931, Page 2

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

A large attendance of farmers in the district were present at a meeting held at Huntly on Tuesday -evening. Mr. J. Furniss, of Ruawaro, president of the Huntly Branch of the N.Z.F.U., introduced the speaker for the evening Mr. A. E. Robinson, Provincial Secretary for Auckland Province of the N.Z.F.U. In addressing the meeting. Mr. Robinson said it was one of his endeavours to prod the farming community into thinking and to better conditions generally for farmers throughout the country. Before proceeding with his address, Mr. Robinson warned them against foot and mouth disease amongst stock, and the admission of fresh stock from Great Britain which might endanger their herds. When the disease made its appearance it was very hard to get rid of. “The disease is sporadic,” he said, “but it breaks out in every place at sometime or He said the stock in New Zealand was not deteriorating and the necessity for fresh blood in our herds was just an excuse. In dealing with farming generally Mr. Robinson said he was battling for “setting farming right.” Everyone was looking for remedies for their troubles but serving the interests of farmers was not being done at all. “If farming was not right the whole country was not right,” and that was the reason why he was interested in helping to set things right. He said the politicians’ song wa : more production.” Mr. Robinson then dealt fully with activities since 1918 to 1930. The export of butter was five times greater in the latter year, cheese had increased nearly 50 per cent and wool, 50 per cent. He then spoke on derating, and the effect of benzine tax on farmers. “The more tax put on benzine,” said Mr. Robinson, “would eventually lessen the cost,” and he advocated putting on an extra Id tax. He said there was no reason why farmers should have to pay rates. “New Zealand,” he said, “was almost the only country with a rating system.” Nearly all the money raised by increased taxation was absorbed on good roads, and it was the farmers who had to pay every time. The farmer received less out of the roads and had always the most to pay. About 42,719 miles of rural roads had been formed and 32,000 miles of county roads, at a total cost of 108 million pounds which had to be paid for by rates. “Derating,” said the speaker, “would put back traffic where it economically belongs.” The cost of road transport amounts to £32,000,000 per annum and railway transport £9,000,000. In conclusion, Mr. Robinson said: “Our job is to free farming and make the position easier for farmers throughout the country, and sensible taxation should be framed to free the producer. The farmers’ position was so critical at the present time that a mortgagor could ask from the mortgagee his piled-up interest as well.” After dealing fully with most of the farmers’ problems to-day in a most helpful and interesting manner, Mr. Robinson answered many questions brought forward, after which a vote of appreciation was accorded him.