FARMERS’ UNION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 6, 5 December 1932, Page 8

FARMERS’ UNION

PROBLEMS DISCUSSED. MEETING AT LEVIN. The monthly meeting of the Manawatu executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held at Levin, on Saturday, when Mr J. A. McLeavey presided. Others present were Messrs L. Ballinger, B. G. Gower, J. Groyne, L. H. Best, H. McLeavey, J. T. Kent, C. P. Jensen, H. Bowling, H. Denton and R. C. Bishop. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. Boyce, A. G. Dear, G. Greer and H. J. Richards. The question of entertaining the Bendigo party of farmers was discussed. It was pointed out that the visitors would arrive in Palmerston North on the evening of January 24 by the 5 o’clock express and, following upon a visit to Massey College the next morning, would, depart bv the Napier mail train at noon. In view of the shortness of the® stay it was decided to set up a committee to confer with any other bodies in respect to the extending of hospitality. A considerable discussion surrounded the exchange question and other problems which at present confront producers. and the following motion, proposed by Mr Kent and seconded by Mr Bowling, was carried: —“That this executive urges headquarters of the union to act at once" to meet the Prime Minister in order to press the absolute necessity for action to be taken whereby the position of the primary producers can be relieved. We firmly believe that a reduction in the rnte of interest charges would be the most businesslike method and recommend that the rate be reduced to 3 per cent. Further, that a monster deputation be arranged to meet the Government before the House resumes.” The Kuku Dairy Company wrote seekfbg support in an endeavour to have heavy traffic license fees reduced. The writer pointed out that dairy factories usually registered on the maximum weight likelv to be carried on their lorries and it was suggested that dairy companies should he allowed to pav a percentage on the overload during certain months and thereby reduce tbeir payments by way or heavy license feos. ~ , , • Mr Bowling mentioned that tne difficulty had been overcome to some extent, and tlie letter was accordingly received. . , A , remit was received from the Manakau branch which read:— that, in view of any prospects of the depression lifting, the Government be urged to further reduce taxation and particularly recommend the reduction or salaries of the higher grade officials Messrs Bowling and Best sponsored the remit which was carried.