FARMERS' MATTERS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2762, 2 October 1923, Page 2

FARMERS' MATTERS.

PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETS. The Welington Central Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union met at Marton yesterday, Mr K. W. Dalrymple presiding. There were also present: Messrs. A. Stuart (Marton), A, Campbell (Feilding), G. L. Marshall (Marton), L. Hammond, (Huntcrville), R. G. Dalziell (Hunterville), O. McElroy (Feilding), W. McKay (Apiti), W. D. Carson (Bulls) W. Grice (Feilding), A. Kidd (Feilding) and C. G. Houghton (Waimarino). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs. L. E. Weston (OhingaJti), and D. D. McLean (Waimarine). RAILWAY TARIFF. The question of railway charges was mentioned in view of the forthcoming conference between the Dominion executive and officials of the Railway Department. The chairman touched on the various increases which had been made in certain classes of goods and mentioned that the increased charges on dairy produce had meant a sum of £74,429 9/9 to the Department. The fololwing remits touching on railway charges generally, were then endorsed: From the Rangitikel Co-op., Dairy Co. Ltd.: "That this meeting of suppliers of the Rangitikel Co-op. Dairy Co., Dtd., protests against the increased charges made by the New Zealand Railways on dairy produce as compared with other goods and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Railways and the provincial executive of the Farmers' Union." From the Rata Co-op. Dairy Co. Ltd.: "That where facilities exist tablet porters at flag stations be required to notify consignees of the arrival of goods." From the Waimartno branch: "That the 'members of the Waima—rlno bra.nch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union are firmly of the opinion that the present railway rates on wool, livestock, firewood and dairy produce are too high, but to what extent they should bo reduced, it is difficult to form an opinion at such short notice. We are cognisant of the permanently increased cost of upkeop of .the railway system and we realise that the Railway Department should pay its way to the extent of not becoming a charge on the Consolidated Fund; but to aim at making this Department a revenue producing concern, is doubtless detrimental to the development of the county." Some discussion took place on the last remit, the opinion being expressed that the resolution did not specify any point or points which were considered as being in need of rectification. It was decided, however, to affirm the principle contained In the resolution.

Mr Marshall explained that through an error the remits from his branch (Marton) had gone direct to Welling, ton. However, the Marton branch had covered many important points which members had considered were in peed of revision. He referred to t)io loss of revenue the Railway had suffered through the importation of Australian grown chaff and also the loss on the carriage of live stock, brought about by the excessive charges which compelled farmers to drive their stock on the roads. The loss of revenue on benzine and motor spirits generally was also a serious matter for the Department. The chairman referred to the unsatisfactory method the Department had in vogue for dealing with reserved seats 'from terminal stations. He cduld not understand why reserve scat ticket holders should be compelled to be in attendance at the station a quarter of an hour before the departure of the train, and from a traveller's point of view, this was most inconveniencing. Visitors from other countries were always complaining about this regulation. Mr A. Campbell considered the reserved seat question a most contentious one, and slated that the system was abused. After further discussion the following resolution was carried: —"That this meeting of the Wellington Provincial executive, while endorsing tlwi idea of reserved seats, considers that the present system of requiring reserved seat ticket holders to arrive a quarter of an hour before the time of departure is unsatisfactory and considers that they should he able ta obtain their seats right up to the time jf departure of the train." DAIRY CONTROL BILL. The meeting unanimously decided to endorse the idea, of the Dairy Control Biil and also decided that the compulsory clause? in the Bill % were absolutely necessary, as without them the object of the Bill would bo nullified. A resolution was read from tho Waimarino branch, also endorsing the Dairy Control Bill. ONE BIG ASSOCIATION. It was decided to refer to the branches fqr consideration the scheme of Mr F. S. Bowen, of Poverty Bay, for the formation of "one big Associaton." The Dominion executive has sent ,out the following remit for the consideration of the branches on this subject:^-"TJha.t'' > the- objects of the fai mera of' Now- 'Zealand ba to fwm

one big Association with, the right to set up three Boards-v-a Meat Board, a Wool Board, and a Dairy Boardj-'to control all exports or any other business connected with the general export of the New Zealand farmer, and collect a levy of not more than Id iu the £ on the exportable value tor the purpose of financing the organisation." NOXIOUS WEEDS. The presence of a noxious weed at Kakariki has been giving farmers some concern lately and recently the Farmers' Union again brought this matter under the notice of the Railway Department, Its introduction to the district was through the medium of ballast being brought by the Railway Department from the Manawatu River to the Kakariki siding. Recently, the Assistant Engineer of the Railway Department at Wanga.nui visited the locality with Mr O. McElroy and Mr J. McLennan, of Halcombe, and saw evidence of the growth of the plant. In reporting on the matter to the executive, Mr McElroy said that he was satisfied that the Department was doing its best to control the, spread of the weed. It was decided to inform the Wanganui branch that it was understood that some" of the infected metal was being taken into their district, and.to request tha.t the branch join with the executive in making a further protest. A motion was also carried thanking Mr McElroy for'his report. OTHER BUSINESS. It was decided to request the branches to render their quarterly returns promptly. In connection with the Farmers' Defence Fund, it was decided to be represented at a conference tto be hold in Palmerston North on October 9 next, and Messrs. Dalrymple and Marshall were appointed to represent the executive.

In regard to the Boys' and Girls' Agricultural Clubs, it was decided to agree to the suggestion of the Wanganui branch that a special trophy be presented for competition by the schools entering for the best root crop. The executive donated a sum of £5 towards a shield. The executive then discussed several important matters in committee, after which the meeting adjourned till December 7, at 9.45 a.m., at Feilding.