FARMERS' UNION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18237, 27 October 1919, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION.

ASHBURTON BRANCH. The monthly meeting of the Ashburton branch of the Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday afternoon, Mr W. G-. Gallagher presiding. A lotter was read from Mr W. J. Dickie, M.P., with reference to the proposal to ereot ft bridge over the south branoh of tho Ashburton River at Blowing Point, about, fourteen miles up the gorge from Mount Somers. As Blowing Point was in his electorate, he had done his best to .get a sum of money for the work placed on the Estimates, and he would now do his best to got, the work put in band at once. The Hon W. Nosworthy Minister of Agriculture, wrote stating that he had been in. communication with the Minister of Public Works on the matter of the bridge at Blowing Point, and Sir William Fraser had promised to obtain a report on the question. The chairman referred to the question of the allocation of the surplus wool profits which, had been commandeered by the Imperial Government He thought there was a good deal of misunderstanding on the matter, and the Government should be asked to givo a definite statement as to the exact position in which tie wool producers gtood. He moved to tho effect that the Government be asked to furnish such a statement. The motion was seconded by Mr W. T. Lill. . , ' Mr G. W. Leadley remarked that they should know how the surplus profits on the wool sold for military purposes was to be allocated, and whether the wool producers would get their share of such profits. Mr J. Williams said it was “ a mighty big problem to solve," and his own opinion was that tho whole of the surplus profits should go to the Government to help to reduce the taxation of the country. , The motion was carried in the following form“ That the Government be asked to make a definite statement as to their intention regarding tho allocation of the surplus profits on wool retained in the Dominion, and whether all growers are to participate in the distribution.” , , ~ Mr Lill suggested that the branch should arrange for a fiold day to visit the Ashburton experimental farm and take a tour round the country. Arrangements could be made to invite Dr Hilgendorf and other professors to come down, and after going round with the members and having luncheon, they could bo asked to give lectures at night. It was unanimously resolved that arrangements bo mado for holding a field day »> an early date.