N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4015, 1 September 1931, Page 5

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

A meeting, convened by the local branch of the Farmers’ Union, was held in Mi s Johnston’s Hall, Arrowtown, on Monday evening, 25th ult., when addresses in connection with Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division matters were given by Mrs J. F. Drake (Berwick), president of the Otago Provincial Executive Women’s Division, Miss Fiulayson, general secretary,' Mr A. E. Cameron, Provincial Secretary N.Z.F.U., and Mr A. C, Leary, a member of the Otago Provincial Council. There was a good attendance, including a number of ladies, Mr John Cockburn, president of the

Wakatipu branch, presided, and introduced the speakers. Mrs Drake, who was the first to address the meeting, spoke in regard to the work of the \\ omen’s Division, and urged the formation oi a branch for Arrowtown and district, which she said would be oi great assistance to the local branch oi the Farmers’ Union. The work on the farm interested the women as much as the men, and, personally, she thought the women had the hardest time. The social part of the Division was a splendid thing, and well worthy of support. Miss Finlayson also spoke of the many benefits which the women of the district would derive if a branch of the Division were formed. She and Mrs Drake had recently attended a conference in Wellington, and the speaker said that she had been greatly impressed by the growing strength of the Division. in response to a request by the chairman. Miss Service of the Otago Daily Times and. Witness staff, also spoke of the good work carried on by the Women’s Division. Mr A. E. Cameron, after referring to the line work the Women’s Division was doing throughout Xew Zealand, spoke of the various activities of the Farmers’ Union. He stressed the importance of farmers pressing Uie Government to carry out the Prime Minister’s promise to set up a Royal Commission to enquire into the hj eavy cost of local body administration, and to bring down recommendations for economy. The speaker said that there were at present 690 local bodies in Xew Zealand, and it was considered that a big reduction could be made. Many counties, such as Waikouaiti and Waihemo could be amalgamated, and thereby reduce overhead costs. The Farmers’ Union Conference in Wellington and the Dunedin Chamber oi Commerce had been pushing very hard for this Commission to be set up, because they were convinced that by a reorganisation a saving of thousands of pounds could be effected. Mr Cameron referred to the present wholesale importation of Australian oats, barley, and chaff at prices well below the cost of production in Xew Zealand, and to the steps the Union was taking to try and get it stopped. In this matter they were getting the support of the South Island Chambers oi Commerce. Australia had an embargo upon practically all our produce —butter, cheese, potatoes, etc. Therefore, why should they allow Australian barley to come in at Is 7d per bushel and oats at 2s Gd? Mr Cameron considered that the Unemployment Board had made a mistake in cutting out the Xo. 4A scheme, which was of benefit to the farmers, while under the Xo. 5 scheme there was a great waste of money in unproductive works. In conclusion, Mr Cameron urged the need lor farmers and farmers’ wives to take a keen interest in the affairs of the Union, which was the only organisation in Xew Zealand comprehensively tackling all farmers’ problems. The Sheep-owners’ Federation was doing splendid work, but it only dealt with a limited number of matters. The Union worked in co-operation with the Sheep-owners’ Federation, and together had prepared evidence to place before the Arbitration Court asking for a reduction in award rates affecting farmers. In union was strength, and there was never a time when it was more necessary for farmers to stand shoulder to shoulder than the present. Mr Leary, who is a director of the Dominion Fertiliser Co., said that his remarks would be devoted principally to fertilisers. He outlined the movements which led to the establishment of the Dominion Fertiliser Co. The site procured at Bavensbourne was considered a most suitable one, and fertilisers could be produced there at a considerably lower cost. The policy ol the Company, as laid down in the prospectus, was to give the best service at the least possiblecost, and he assured his hearers that policy had been adhered to. He asked the farmers of the district to give their support to the Company, and said that if it had not been for the Company farmers would be paying a much higher price for fertilisers than at present. Mr Leary said that through the efforts of the Farmers’ Union great benefits had been derived in Otago by the establishment of the Fertiliser Works, Producers’ Ltd., and the Mutual Insurance Association. In connection with the latter farmers to-day were under a debt of gratitude to the pioneers who commenced this scheme some 27 years ago. The various speakers were thanked for their addresses, and at an interval supper was handed round. A recitation was also given by Mise Drake.

WOMEN’S DIVISION. BRANCH FORMED IN ARROWTOWN. At the conclusion of the combined meeting, the ladies present met, when it Was decided that a branch _of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union be formed. Mrs W. P. Saunders was elected president, and Mrs John Reid (Arrowtown), secretary. The following were appointed a provisional committeeMesdatnes Lee, Urquhart, Douglas, A. Brown, J. G. Allan, and Miss A. Brown. Canvassers were appointed for the different parts of the district.