Fanners’ Union

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 5

Fanners’ Union

MANAWATU PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETS The Manawatu provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union met yesterday, Mr H. J. McLeavey presiding. Also present were Messrs J. D. Balmer, E. O. Bond, C. P. Jensen, W. H. Gimblett, G. G. Mitchell, G. J. Wilde, C. M. Kebble, T. J. Spelman, B. y. Lynch, L. F. Ballinger, L. Wilton, X. Campbell, A. N. Morcom, J. T. Kent, A. G. Dear, H. Sorenson, H. Bowling and C. Webb. Advice was received that the interprovincial conference would be held in Wellington on May 24 and 23. In regard to the compensating price campaign, it was decided that a district organisation be set up, comprising a representative of each dairy company and two front the Farmers' Union. A remit from the Pohangina branch suggesting that the provincial district was two large for efficient working and recommending that it be divided into two provincial districts, was defeated. It was decided to hold over, pending further inquiries, a Linton branch remit: “That the executive make inquiries from the Government as to the fanners’ position in connection with the delivery of benzine if the present private road facilities are absorbed by the Government.' ’ Arising out of a remit from the Linton branch, it was decided to inquire from the manure works of the railways the reason for under delays in the delivery of manure by rail. The Levin branch suggested in a remit that, as the spread of ring fern or scented fern was becoming serious, atteutiou should be given to the matter. It was decided that the Department of Agriculure should be asked for advice to its eradication.

It was decided that the secretary should make further inquiries in regard to two remits regarding benzine for agricultural purposes, as follows: “ That the union approach the Government with a view to enabling farmers to purchase petrol for agricultural purposes at wholesale rates” (Linton); and ' That the union ask for a full rebate of 10}d per gallon on benzine used for agricultural purposes, as when this extra tax was imposed, a promise was made that the full amount woud be refunded, as against the 6d we are still receiving” (Rangiotu).

The following remits were approved for forwarding the inter-provincial conference: —

• In view of the Minister’s own statement that over £6,000,000 was collected last year, enough to pay all rates twice over, we protest against such a condition of affairs continuing while farming costs have gone up beyond all reason” « Rangiotu).

“That the following procedure be adopted universally throughout the union; that branches be allowed the right to request that any remit to provincial executives be circulated to all branches before being finally considered by provincial executives. Likewise pro-

vincial executives be allowed the right to require that any remit to Dominion executive be circulated to all provincial executives prior to final consideration by the Dominion executive. -\nd that a remit passed by a majority

•*f provincial executives be immua! from rejection by the Dominion executive.” (Opiki). “In order to support headquarters, this branch protests against increased tariffs on imports from Lnglariv*.” { Rangiotu.

“That men might be usefully employed by the Government in cutting posts for farmers during slack periods, on some of the lands of the country which are more or less unproductive, thus enabling farmers to secure at a reasonable price, thereby inducing farmers to improve their fences as opportunity nri>es.” (Tokomaru).