FARMERS’ UNION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 302, 19 November 1938, Page 6

FARMERS’ UNION

FEILDING BRANCH. NEW TRANSPORT CHARGES. New transport charges for farmers’ produce and live-stock, which are now operative, were discussed at a meeting of the Eeilding branch of the Farmers’ Union yesterday. Those present were Messrs H. D. Richardson (chairman), H. A. Stewart, D. L. Younger and G. E. Lintott. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs V. 13. Short and Leo Knight. The Transport Department forwarded price schedules for motor lorry transport in the Manawatu area. The The charges were to apply from November 1.

A letter on the same subject was received from the Manawatu branch of the New Zealand Road Transport Alliance, the letter outlining that the district extended from Paekakariki to Ohingaiti. The chairman reported that he and Mr Younger had interviewed Mr P. O. Skoglund, the Transport Licensing Authority in this district, who had pointed out that the price, for carrying fertiliser was lower. The schedule was now compulsory, and carriers whose charges did not conform to it would be asked the reason why, with the possibility of the imposition of a penalty. The Apiti and Rangiwahia districts had separate agreements, except for live-stock cartage. The prices for fertiliser carriage worked on a sliding scale, the price per ton being reduced as the distance increased. It was the same with the carriage of sheep, but there was a penalty clause for inconvenient loading facilities for sheep, lambs, and pigs. The speaker thought that the price schedule would now have to be strictly adhered to. It was mentioned that there were increases this vear in charges by the Railway Department for the carriage of wool.

“I do not know how long this is going on,” remarked Mr Younger, who added that Mr Skoglund was trying to be fair. He had pointed out that in some cases there had been uneconomic charges, but on the other hand he wanted to keep the charges low enough to retain the. carrying within the domain of the professional carrier and not see the charges go to the point where farmers would be buying lorries to do their own carting. “I do not think that we, as a branch, can do much more,” said the chairman. “We at least have done what we set out to do,” remarked Mr Younger, as the discussion closed, “we wanted to give the back country farmer some relief and he has received a. reduction of Id a lamb.” SOCIAL SECURITY.

An invitation to submit views on the Social Security Act in the direction of any benefits rural ratepayers were likely to receive was to hand from the provincial secretary. The chairman said he understood there was no possibility of a reduction in hospital rates, because of the need for increased hospital accommodation. The Palmerston North Hospital I3oard was now undertaking a big building extension scheme. There was a general discussion on the subject, and it was decided to reply that the branch could see no extra benefit that would accrue to rural dwellers but the branch reviewed the rise in hospital rates with alarm. OTHER BUSINESS. The provincial secretary advised that under the new agricultural workers’ award the board allowance had been incensed by 2s 6d a week.—Received. Comments were passed by several speakers on the hardship of the land tax when another circular advised that the Government would not remit land tax where the owner had a substantial equity in the property. Speakers pointed out that hill country was deteriorating badly, yet the land tax had gone up and increased taxation was being met out of money which should normally go back into maintenance and renewal operations. At present, with this money going off the farms in taxes, depreciation was increasing. Tlie Department of Agriculture wrote enquiring if there was any old farm machinery in the district which would be available for the Centennial Exhibition. —Tlio letter was received and it was decided that where such machinery is available the department will be communicated with. Advice was received from the provincial secretary that the Government was going to institute an inquiry into the whole question of the production, quality, sale and railage of lime. Mr W. Horrobin, Dominion treasurer of the union, was to represent the union and would be pleased to receive comments. —The letter was received.

“I am directed by headquarters to propose that every step be taken toward pressing for the abolition of the hospital rate, now so burdensome and likely to become more so in the future,” stated another circular from the provincial secretary.—The letter was received, no comments being made as the matter had been referred to previously in the meeting.