Farmers’ Union

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 148, 25 June 1938, Page 8

Farmers’ Union

SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY GENERAL BUSINESS AT MONTHLY EXECUTIVE MEETING At the monthly meeting of the provincial executive of the Southern Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Union at Dan nevirke on Thursday, the president, Mr. J. C. Bolton, of Woodville, presided over Misses Bernstein, W. H. Smith, A. Kinghorn, H. B. Stuckey, D. F. Ellingham, J. W. Murray, A. S. Aldridge, O. R. Redwood, S. Thompson, G. N. Buchanan, C. F. Barker, H. Stratford, o. McKenzie, Voyce, J. Livingston and others, and the secretary, Mr. H. S. M. Quigley. Mr. H. B. Stuckey was nominated as. a delegate to the electoral committee of the N.Z, Meat Producers’ Board. The chairman urged the importance of voting in support of this nomination and on the suggestion of the secretary, it was decided that all sheep-farmers entitled to a vote were to be circularised by the provincial authority, just prior to the issue of the ballot papers. A circular letter with questionnaire attached was received from the promoters of what is known as the “Tell New Zealand Campaign.” Tho questions were of such nature that the chairman remarked that to answer “them would be skating on very thin ice, as they touched on party politics. Mr. W. H. Smith agreed that tnc union should be political, but not enter party politics, and no action was taken with regard to the circular.

A letter was also received from Mr. G. Cammock-expressing regret that one of the provincial district’s two deio gates to the forthcoming Dominion conference was not a dairy farmer. The chairman said that it would be quite a good idea and at the samo time announced that he himself would be unable to attend the conference.

It waa pointed out that as a rule a full 50 per cent, of the delegates at the conference were dairy farmers and also that at the time tho delegates for this district were chosen, no objection had been voiced and at any rate the dairy farmers had their own remedy by attending tbc meetings. Mr. J. Livingston was then appointed the second delegate. Failing Mr. Livingston’s ability to go, Mr. J, W. Murray will travel. A letter of thanks is to be sent to the Porangahau branch for a share of their ball proceeds to the funds of the union. Position of Farm Labour. Iu accordance with a resolution of the provincial executive, branches unaei its aegis were circularised with a view to ascertaining the position in their districts with regard to farm labour. The Pongaroa Union reported the discussion of the matter at its last meeting and said that the general opinion was that tho situation now was not nearly so bad as previously, although there is u shortage caused by local authorities requiriug all available labour to repai* flood damage. Also in this connection, Porangahau said there was a shortage there and that it was evident that not enough, young men were taking on shearing. Retailing of Meat.

Asked by the Dominion Executive for its views as to whether freezing companies should bo allowed to retai. meat, a resolution was carried to the effect that the Dominion body could arrange whatever it liked so long as there was no detriment to the producers and the meat went on the market.

The chairman, Mr. J. C. Bolton, remarked that the meat offered in the works retail shops was good meat but perhaps being bruised in one quarter, was not up to export standard. He said that he felt the works would bo perfectly willing to close these shops if the butchers in the towns would be prepared to take the meat.

Mr. H. Stratford said that if the works were unable to sell the damaged carcases or otherwise dispose of them, they would be sent down the shoot and would become a dead loss to the producer. It was also pointed out that there was no restriction on the retailers’ selling meat killed at freezing works. Services Lauded. The meeting unanimously decided to recognise in some tangible manner the fourteen years’ service of Mr. J. Livingston as president of the executive. Touching on the recent visit to Dannevirke by the West Coast farmers, opinions agreed that the visit was thoroughly successful and enjoyable from the viewpoint of the visitors, and thanks are to be conveyed to all who helped in the organisation and entertainment of the tourists. An officer of tho Railway Department waited upon the meeting with a view to arranging a return visit and a suggested itinerary was tabled. It was decided, however, that the season was too far advanced for such a trip this year, but arrangements are to be set afoot to pay a visit to the South Island next May. Farm Survey. With regard to a farm management survey iu this provincial district, the Minister of Agriculturo wrote as requested by the executive, explaining the surveys undertaken which were three:— 1. Soil survey for minerals. 2. Pasture survey with reference to carrying capacity, etc. 3. Land utilization survey to discover how the land was being used and tho ratios of expense and return for the various crops and products. Tho Minister asserted that tho general information gleaned would bo available to tho general public and the farming community for the genera: good as science knowledge should be. Mr. S. Thompson said that the union should apologise to the Minister for the doubts thoy had had regarding the purpose of tho survey, as the information

in his letter was a duplication of what they already knew. Tho chairman pointed out that any information previously held was without official substantiation, and rumour.-, were apt to get about. A resolution was carried to the effect that the survey was entirely in the best interests of the union. Agricultural Instructor. Iu reply to a request for an instructor iu agriculture for the Dannevirke district, tho Department of Agriculture wrote saying that no suitably qualified person was available at present, ana suggesting a new graduate at the end of the year.

It was stated that a large number oisuch men could bo placed in the country if they could be found and also that it was doubtful wisdom to appoint; a newly graduated person, lacking perliape in the practical experience to such a position. Mr. J. W. Murray urged that the Government should see that men were in training for such jobs. He said also that there was, too, a shortage of vev erinarians.

Favourable reference was made to the Howard Estate training farm and its tuition praised by a member of the Advisory Board, Mr. J. Livingston. He said the administration had converted what was almost a wilderness into a model farm.

There was some discussion on the recent interprovincial conference ana tho chairman stressed the need for branches proposing remits to be represented so that they could be dealt with being fully understood. He pointed out that anomalies were created when a delegate from a district moved a remit pro forma but did not appreciate its significance or as sometimes occurs, does not support the remit himself. The several remits supported or proposed by branches in this province and which are to be considered by the Dominion Conference shortly, were then mentioned.

The chairman paid a tribute to tho way Mr. J. Livingston had con- ted the interprovincial conference as its chairman and tho secretary, Mr. Quigley, reported that every delegate from, this province had done his job and given tho impression that the Southern Hawke’s Bay Union was flourishing and progressing.

Messrs. J. P. Robinson, F. R. Cowper, O. Parker and J. Sedcole were elected new members and the resignation oi Mr. W. K. Lang, of Pongaroa, was accepted.

It was decided to write the General Manager of Railways for information regarding responsibility to maintain railway fences.