FARMERS' UNION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17646, 26 November 1917, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION.

* RANGIORA. The executive of the Rangiora branch of the New Zealand Farmers Union met on Saturday evening, Mr \V. A. Banks presiding. A motion of sympathy with Mr J. G. Doak and family in the loss of their son in action was passed, members standing. The secretary was instructed to writo to the Commissioner of Taxes inquiring if the mortgago tax had become extinct; also to point out that a number of mistakes had been made in his Department in regard to the amount claimed for land tax. An invitation was received from the directors of the Lincoln Agricultural College to visit the institution on Farmers' Day. If was resolved to reply that as many members as possible would accept the invitation. It was decided—" That this branch is of opinion that a paid organiser should be employed to devote tbn whole of his time in t'h 0 interest cf the union amongst the farmers, as unless some such step is taken the future of this branch is doubtful." It -was also decided', to write to the secretary of the union stating that, in the opinion of the Rangiora branch, all threshing combines should be inspeet'Kl once a year in respect to their cleanliness and efficiency for work. '■.■'.'■\ .ASHBURTON. The Ashburton branch of the Farmers' Union was held on Saturday afternoon, Mr G. W. Leadley presidmg._ A letter was received from the dir " cctor of Lincoln College stating that the Farmers' Day at the college would he held.cn December 18, and that all farmers-were" welcome to attend. Mr Lill brought up the question of the draft of lib per cent on wool. He understood the Imperial Government paid for the net weight, and he would like to know who got the value of tits extra lib which was deducted from the seller. , It was decided to writ-; to tnc Government pointing out the unfairness of the deduction of the. lib on each lcwt of wool.' The" chairman stated that he had written to the well-known American plant breeder, Luther Burbank, asking him if he could recommend a new oat for New Zealand, as they now grew a lot of oats for green feed. In reply he had received a report of a new breed of wheat, known as the "Burbank wheat." as well as a report of a new oat known as the Eclipse oat. The present price of the Burbank wheat was 1 "£6O per bushel. The chairman suggested that each member should subscribe £l, send for some seed of the Burbank wheat, and present it to the High School Board of Governors for uso on the Ashburton experimental area. The chairman was asked to communicate with Mr J. Brown, Director of Agriculture, asking him whether the Agricultural Department would take the matter up. Members stated that if the Government did not consider the matter favourably thev would be willing to subscribe privately and send for some of the Burbank wheat and the Eclipse oats as well. 'i