Manawatu Farmers Approve Proposed Pig Levy

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 235, 5 October 1936, Page 10

Manawatu Farmers Approve Proposed Pig Levy

UNANIMOUS DECISION OF UNION PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE

Mr. N. Campbell presided at a meeting on Saturday of the Manawatu provincial executive of tho New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Also present were Mossrs J. Boyce, E. O. Bond, 11. Biwling, H. J. MeLcavey, H. Sorenson, L. H. Ballinger, W. J. Gimblett, W. G. Shannon, W. E. Thomas, B. G. Gower, B. F. Lynch, G. G. Mitchell, K. C. Burnett, G. G. Mitchell, A. N. Morcom, and E. O. Nicderer (organiser). ' Tho Dominion secretary advised that all cases of hardship occasioned by the graduated land tax should bo forwarded to headquarters. A copy was received of a number of ministerial replies to remits raised at the annual conference. Replying to a letter, tho Cheltenham Co-operative Dairy Company advised that its directors had agreed to reduce the commission oil suppliers’ orders to 2J per cent whero given to the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. The New Zealand Dairy Farmers’ Union advised that it had no end of troublo with members who had orders on the factory to pay their annual subscription. It could not seo its'way clear to reduce commission below 5 per cent. The chairman was asked to approach the secretary and chairman of the latter company. A request was received from a student of Sclwyn College seeking employment during the summer vacation. Endeavours will bo made to find a billet. Mr. J. D. Balmcr forwarded his resignation from the executive. Mr. Balmer said that ho had attended the past three meetings with important business to discuss, but had been unable to make progress. He could see now purpose in continuing. Mr. W. G. Shannon said Mr. Balmer should be asked to reconsider the position, as he was an invaluablo member. Other members concurred, and it. was suggested the chairman and others should personally approach him. This was unanimously agreed upon. Mr. E. O. Bond said he could well understand the feeling that- had prompted Mr. B'almer to write as he had. Too often tho meetings had been marred by display of personal feeling qnd by a waste of timo on trival matters and illogical talk. Mr. Campbell said Mr. Balmer was one of the most valuable members of the union, acutely interested in tho dairy industry. Ho was the life of the Pohangina branch. A strong deputation was appointed to approach Mr. Balmer. Proposed Pig Levy.

Tho matter of tho proposed levy of two-pence per pound on pigs to aid research and development work, was raised, and tho majority of delegates expressed the opinion that the levy would be acceptable provided tho fund was devoted to the purpose for which it was designed. Mr. Campbell moved that the executive should express approval of the levy. Mr MeLcavey suggested that if there was no urgency, the matter should be deferred for a month. Mr. Bond said tho scheme would be admirable if the funds were not misused.

To Improve Quality.

The chairman said that the object of the scheme was to improve quality. That it would achieve this was certainly indicated by the result shown by the recording clubs now in existence. The quality would be improved in the pigs for export and for home consumption, Mr. Gimblett said his branch was in favour of the levy, but thought an assurance should be had that the rato of levy would not increase. Such levies had a habit of growing. The resolution to support the levy was unanimously approved. The meeting considered a number of requests for donations, and the chairman said it was important to frame a definitive policy. It had to be remembered that the organisation was in the interests of farmers, and funds could not be voted indiscriminately, lie agreed however tho central organisations of boys' and girls' clubs and of calf clubs warranted support. A motion was finally carried that all requests for donations should be held over until the end of the financial year when tho strength of the executive funds would bo known.

It was suggested that a conference of branch chairmen and secretaries be held, this being proposed by Mr. Buruetr.. The matter was held over for a month for reference to branches.