RANGITIKEI.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 287, 1 November 1934, Page 11

RANGITIKEI.

MARTON. Oct. 31. The Alar ton branen oft he Farmer’s Union held a special meeting yesterday. Air G. L. Alarshall presided. In dealing with the wheat position, Air Alarshall reported that the committees from the various centres had discussed the question of wheat marketing before eight delegates - had journeyed to AVellington for an interview with the Minister of Agriculture. In the subsequent interview the delegates had put the matter fully before the Minister; but he had regretted that he could not recommend the exclusion of the North Island growers from the wheat pool, as it was a national matter. Other difficulties were being discussed by the board with a view to improving the position in the North Island. The chairman of the board suggested that a further conference be held before the beginning of the coming season. The conference would probably take place early in December and would be a small but representative gathering of delegates. On the motion of Air Marshall, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Air A. L. AVheeler for his able representation of the Alarton branch at the recent discussions at AA’ellington on the question of the wool levy. In introducing the subject of the Agricultural (Emergency Powers) Bill, Air Alarshall said that while the Bill had been brought down primarily to assist the dairy farmer it affected all branches of farming. “I don’t want to criticise the Government: it has done and is doing good work, he added, “but there is one feature of this measure which we must oppose; I refer to the setting up of the supreme council. On the whole the Bill is otherwise alright except that it holds out little or no hope of immediate relief to the dairyman. The establishment of a Alortgage Corporation _ is sound,” ho said. It was the forming of another board which was the objectionable feature and he summarised his objections as follows:—(1) It was appointed by the Government and not by the producers. (2) There was a danger of a comercial bmias instead of a producers’ bias. (3) It had the right to make levies—in other words it had the power of taxation. Air Alarshall said he favoured a small executive appointed by the existing boards and there was considerable discussion in the framing of a resolution. The meeting was unanimous in its support of Mr Alarsliall’s views and a resolution was carried urging an executive committee to deal with the marketing and selling of produce.