FARMERS' INTERESTS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 3439, 1 November 1932, Page 5

FARMERS' INTERESTS

MANY SUBJECTS OF DISCUSSION.

A meeting of the Northern King Country Sub-Provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Municipal Hall to-day, Mr. V. W. Simms, presiding, while those present were Messrs. A. E. Robinson (acting provincial secretary), H. A. Lurman, C. L. Browne, W. Taverner, J. F. Roberts, S. A. Cook, G. Bremner. Exchange on Cheques. Mr. Cook drew attention to the Gd. exchange levied on cheques.

Many farmers were paying* amounts of £1 or so monthly, and this exchange of 6d. a cheque meant an extra tax of 21 per cent. It would be wise to bring before public notice this “chipping” by the banks. It was decided that the Union should take up the matter. Loan Conversion. Mr. Cook considered that New Zealand could very well follow England’s example in regard to the conversion of loans. This country was heading for repudiation, and to convert loans was the only way to protect the public and investors, and furthermore, would cheapen money in New Zealand. Mr. Simms: “The Minister of Finance is in England now, and there is probably something in the wind.” Mr. Robinson considered that as the Union had a set financial policy, it would not be wise to tinker around with the existing system. Mr. Cook: “It looks as nothing is going’ to be clone until the Labour Party gets in power, and perhaps they will have the courage to pass such measures as those advocated by the Farmers’ Union.” - Mr. Robinson: “No, they won’t.” Mr. Bremner agreed with this view. The Labour Party was controlled by numbers, not by brains.

No action was taken in the matter.

Unemployed Workers. The chairman considered that the backblocks settlers were not getting as fair a deal in regard to the obtaining of unemployed workers as counties like Franklin and Waitemata, who could get as many as they like. In the country the men could be employed on work that would provide national assets. Mr. Taverner pointed out that it was extremely difficult to obtain ordinary farm hands. The camps might be more attractive than the farms but he considered that all farmers who could provide a reasonable wage and a good home should be supplied with labour before the camps. The chairman stated that Mr. Dynes Fulton had told him that there there was more difficulty in getting men than ever before.

A remit drawing the attention of the Unemployment Board to the position of town and country in regard to the provision of unemployed workers, and the non-availability of farm workers, was carried.

Special Rating

Mr. Roberts: It was special as well as native rating that was bothering us so much in this district, and probably in the Taumarunui district. At present representation was being made to Parliament on this matter. Something would have to be done about these special rates, and it was vitally necessary that the Crown should shoulder its responsibilities in this respect.

A resolution was carried that, pending the operation of total derating, the Crown should be obliged to pay these rates on reverted lands on the same basis as the previous owners.

Maori Leases

Mr. Cook drew attention to the position of the holder of Maori leases. The discussion mainly took the form of citing cases known to those present. A resolution, that when the Auckland Executive went into the matter of valuation they should not overlook the question of the Maori leaseholder, was carried.

Price of Flour.

A remit, “that this executive meeting of the Farmers’ Union should ask the Government to arrange some method of distributing flour so that it will be the same price throughout New Zealand, and so relieve the unjust high prices now working’ to the benefit of the South Island,” was brought forward by Mr. Lurman and carried. Mr. Lurman pointed out that it was not the duty which made the difference, so it would not mteifeie with the Union’s wish to have the wheat duties repealed.

Severance from Dominion Union.

The question of the severance of the Auckland Union from the Dominion Union was discussed fully in committee. Resolutions were adopted leaving the matter to the president (Mr. Simms) to deal with.at the Dominion Conference, favouring a referendum as a last resource, and definitely opposing a severance on the grounds of finance and concerted action.