NEWS OF THE DAY

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 59, 11 March 1943, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

Phosphate Without Serpentine A remit from Whakarongo urging that farmers should be able to obtain superphosphate without the addition ot serpentine, was adopted by the Manawatu Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday. It was stated that farmers who had “grown grey" on their particular properties should know what was best for their land. Safety of Travelling Stock A suggestion that drains and swampy places running alongside main roads should bo fenced where they were a danger to travelling stock, did not find a majority at yesterday's meeting ot the Manaivatu Provincial Executive ot the Farmers' Union. The cost would be too heavy for one thing, but there were a number of other difficulties in the way. Patriotic Scholars. Apiti school children intend this year to earn money to send a parcel to each man -who has gone overseas from Apiti. As more than GO men have been farowelled by tho Apiti Patriotic Committee, tlie children have set themselves no small patriotic task. The first three parcels have this week been sent to Trooper Hugh Cowan. Dvr. Bob Prince and Sgnm. Steven Plumley and each parcel also contains biscuits made at school by the girls under the supervision of Miss Ferguson. Boys Quitting Farm Jobs Tho inconvenience farmers had to put up with as a result of boys quitting their jobs on farms, was recently mentioned to the Manawatu Executive of the Farmers' Union which referred the matter to Dominion headquarters. At yesterday's meeting a reply was received which said the only way tho boys could bo controlled was to have farming declared an essential industry. Despite tlie awkwardness of the situation, this was not desirable because of numerous dangers. It would be better for farmers to put up with tho inconvenience ot tho boys leaving. Trucking Yards at Whakarongo Tho Railway Department advised the Manawatu .Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday that it was quite impossible, on account of staff shortage, to erect trucking yards at Whakarongo. The difficulties which farmers faced were recognised and the matter would be reviewed at a Jatei date. The executive, however, had before it information that tho real reason w r as the department's intention to erect yards at As%hurst, six miles away. The Whakarongo branch of tho Union was advised to send a deputation to the railway heads in Wellington and press their case. Tyres for Farmers

An assurance that every cndeavoui will be made to supply lyres to farmers who are dependent on motor cars foi their means of transport, has been given the Farmers' Union by the Minister ot Supply, Hon. D. G. Sullivan. This information was placed before the Manawatu Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union yesterday by Dominion headquarters, the letter adding that the Minister indicated that it would be possible, he thought, to ease the car tyre position very considerably in this connection. However, the Minister pointed out that there would be no room for any abuso in regard to the provision ot tyres and the matter would have to be very carefully watchpd. No Purchase of Potatoes. Why is tho Government not purchas ing potatoes at the present time? It was suggested at yesterday's meeting of the Manawau Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union that the reason was that they were hanging back for a cheaper price which would eventuate next month when the main crops were ready. It' such w T as the case it was very unfair to those farmers who, in response to the patriotic appeal, had put in an acre or two. Tho potatoes were ready for digging and many small growers had planted them at considerable expense and inconvenience. The Government had refused, it was stated, to buy potatoes for the Army at the present time. It was decided to ask the Minister of Supply to relieve the position by allowing merchants to purchase some of the small crops immediately. The growers not only wanted to realise on the crops but also to make the ground available for other purposes.

Chaotic Stock Transport Tho chaotic position of the transport code as it applies to tho cartage of live stock in the Manawatu, was discussed at length by the Manawatu Executive ot' tho Farmers’ Union iti Palmerston North yesterday. It was stated that tho authorities in Wellington had actea weakly where breaches of the code kail been reported to them and as a result, the conditions of the code were being “winked at" by the transport industry as well as other interests. It was time the Minister cither enforced tho code or washed it out. The code had been framed to conservo rubber and petrol, but had hardly achieved that objoct so far. Further than that, Ihcro had been a great deal of inconvenience inflicted on the farming community while there was also a suggestion of victimisation in respect of certain carrying firms. It was reported that there was likely to be a 1 ‘show-dotvn " shortly. Petrol for Sick and Wounded The Dominion oil fuel controller has indicated that licenses for petrol are to bo made available to any suitable representative body such as the Red Cross Society, Returned Services' Association, local bodies or committees representing several such organisations for the pur pose of providing recreation and enjoyment for invalided sick and wounded members of tho Armed Forces of the Allied nations. The commissioner or chairman of the local body for the locality must concur in the application ot' the body to hold and administer the license. The commissioner or chairman, as the case might, be, and the district oil fuel controller will decide tb6 quantity of motor spirits to be made available in any particular circumstance or occasion. It is to be understood that licenses are not to be on a too liberal basis. Licenses might also be made available for such bodies for the entertainment of marines at present in tlie Dominion recuperating after service in, £>outh Pacific, „