DROVING CHARGES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32479, 13 September 1944, Page 5

DROVING CHARGES

HAURAKI PLAINS FEES SOME DISSATISFACTION DIFFERENT RATES COLLECTED That it be a recommendation that the executive make enquiries amongst other districts regarding droving fees as it is considered that in several cases in this district fees are excessive, was a Waitakaruru remit discussed at Tuesday’s meeting in Paeroa of the 'Northern Thames SubProvincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union.

Mr A. E. Laing of Waitakaruru quoted an instance when a drover charged l 7s for taking* six cows two miles.

Mr 'E. Jamieson, of Matatoki, said he had been charged 5s for. putting 18 sheep just across the road. The chairman, Mr S. E. Hall, asked that members send in evidence of such overcharges. Mr R. L. Wilson of Matatoki opposed the remit, pointing out that drovers had a precarious livelihood and often did not know what they would get. Drovers provided a service which was most important and their return was not large. Mr H. H. Hicks of Turua said the question was a very vexed one. Farmers in Turua were also watching the people. Mr Laing said drovers Were employed by the company. The company collected, the droving fees and also charged commission 'and it was this the farmers were kicking about. Mr A. J. Campbell of Waihi said he thought the droving fees were little enough. A drover had to keep a horse and dogs from his earnings. The main bone of contention was l the difference in the charges by different drovers. The union should merely try and dnd out the cost per head per mile.

Mr Campbell said that often a drover had to collect one cow only and this was difficult to drive. Mr W. H. Cheale of Netherton. said he had found the drovers very reasonable in their charges. Other speakers urged that the subject be left in abeyance, expressing satisfaction with the service given by drivers.

After some discussion it was. agreed to hand the matter back to the Waitakaruru branch for further investigation.