FARMERS’ UNION

Matamata Record, Volume XX, Issue 1828, 29 April 1937, Page 8

FARMERS’ UNION

ROTORUA EXECUTIVE President’s Review There was a good attendance at the '• annual meeting of the Rotorua Sub-provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union which was held l at Matamata on Tuesday.

Reporting on the past year, Mr. D. B. Higgins said that tremendous issues had confronted the primary producers. The apparent prosperity of the producers caused through increased spending power, which had to be curtailed during the depression, coupled with the wonderfully productive season, had created something like a boom complex. This had been

seized upon by certain sections, and it also resulted in a rapid increase of costsi. Further, the fact that farmers did not receive the same amount of goods and service as formerly in return for their production was disregarded. in addition the farmer had leeway to make up in repairs and maintenance. Issues which had demanded a deal of attention during the year were: The guaranteed price, shortage of farm labour, carriers’ charges and the compensating price, The amount of ’ the guaranteed price was not known at the last annual meeting, but at that time it was generally felt that the price would be above Is 2d. . This belief was donfirmed by Mr. A, F. Moncur, M:P.; in his election addresses. In addition to the low price fixed, increased costs exceeded expectations. It appeared that the price received for produce overseas would exceed the guaranteed price, so that farmers had a gooa case for asking for an increase to meet increased costs. The shortage of farm labour had been a -great worry, and the* Government’s attitude in refusing to admit the shortage was to be regretted. The position was likely to become more acute as. the proposed national superannuation scheme would result in many vacancies in the towns. Carriers’ charges had roused the farmer considerably, and there was a feeling that the new charges' were excessive. The union protested against such a monopoly, and demanded the right to retain open, competition. To ensure that the farmers’ income did not lag considerably behind his costs the union would have to increase its activities in promoting the compensating price campaign. , The report was received with acclamation and adopted without discussion. “

ELECTION 0F OFFICERS The election of officers resulted: — President, Mr. D. B. Higins; vicepresident, Mr. K. S. Cox; delegates to Auilqajid Provincial Conference, Messrs. F.*C. Bush, K. S. Cox, L. L. Newell and H. Sutherland (with Mr. W. H. Allen as deputy).