Northland Remits At Farmers’ Conference

Northern Advocate, 28 April 1944, Page 5

Northland Remits At Farmers’ Conference

An imoportant part was played by Northland Farmers’ Union branches at last week's provincial conference at Auckland, at: which the president (Captain H. M. Rush worth) presided. The Fairtaurn-Kaiaka branch (Bay of Islands) asked that following the extension’ of the local bodies franchise the utmost effort be made to secure de-rat-ing of farm lands. The remit, moved by Mr. J. W. Jones, and seconded by Mr. Scott. Davidson, was adopted.

A remit from the Pakaraka branch took exception to the quoting by Ministers of production increases in terms of money. There had been a rise in costs since the war began and this had been reflected speedily in the higher money values of New Zealand manufactured goods. This applied also, in a lesser degree. to primary products, thus making money values quite useless as a comparison of actual production. The remit, which was moved by Mr. J. W. Jones, was adopted. Another Pakaraka remit expressed the opinion that pastures laid down since fertilising rationing was introduced should be entitled to the usual allocation in proportion to area. The president said that a speciial -sum had been allocated for this purpose, and application would be received until the end of April. On the motion of Mr. Scott Davidson (Whangarei), it was resolved: "If the national requirements are for a greater production of baconer pigs, and having regard to the very much cheaper supplementary foods obtainable by the producers in Australia this executive is of the opinion that a price above that paid for baconer pigs in Australia must be paid in New Zealand if the requirements are to be fulfilled.’’

A Whangarei remit affirming the desirableness of more up-to-date weather forecasts was adopted. Encourage Meat Producers

Mr. A. Briscoe Moore (Pipiwai) moved: “That in the opinion of this executive encouragement to meat producers is essential, if meat production is to be maintained, as indicated by the alarming drop in killings. We are of the opinion that Ihe practical necessities are increase in price, availability of fertilisers and labour, and provision for a reserve exempt. from taxation, to overtake arrears of maintenance in the past two years.” This was carried. It was decided to send copies of the resolution to the Dominion executive and the Sheepowners’ Federation.

A remit from Umawera asking that the Government be requested to require that seed potatoes should be tested for certification as free from disease was adopted. It was resolved "That if it is necessary to subsidise heifer calves it should be applicable to all dairy heifer calves reared. and the necessary monies should be paid out of the Consolidated Fund.” Mr. W. P. Begg (Arapohue), moved “That this executive is of the opinion that the figure of 1.21 d. for butterfat, fixed for labour reward, for the forthcoming dairy season is much too low, and that it will result, in the farmer having to pay out under the new scale more that he receives for every GOOOlbs. of butterfat produced. This can only result in a further diminution of output." The motion was carried unanimously.