NELSON PROVINCIAL FARMERS' UNION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, 24 May 1921, Page 5

NELSON PROVINCIAL FARMERS' UNION

ANNUAL MEETING OF DELEGATES The annual conference of tho Nelson Provincial Farmers" Union was held to-day at the Institute. The following members of the Executive were present:—Messrs K. B. Goodall (president), M. K. Forsyth, G. L. Mead. T. C. Fargher, G. Dodson, A. N. Wilkenson, U. S. Haycock, F. Whitwell. Following delegates were also present:—Messrs A. Drummond, J. U. Jordan, L. B. Kain, J. Schwass. W. A. Ryder, W. Thorn, B. 31. Field, and C Jordan.

Apologies were received from Messrs B. North (vice-president), and II J. Wills.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

The prudent (Mr K. B. Goodall) delivered the following address: — "la giving ;i resume of the year's work, I feel that. I in est pay more than passing reference to the unparalJed crisis through which we arc now passing. As a result of the Great War, a slump was believed to be inevitable, though few thought it would come with such disastrous suddenness. With the exception of butter, the prices of our primary products have fallen Lo bedrock, and the lot of the average farmer is an iinoviable Ouo. Our wool, is, at the present time, practically unsaleable, and while wo may, in the neaf future, be able to dispose of it at a very low price, I think it will be at least two years before we may expect a return to normal or pre-war conditions. Much was expected as a result of the formation of the 8.A.W.H.A., though I am afraid that they will be able to do very little to relieve the present position to any great extent. As a result of the visit to Australia of a New Zealand representative, the New Zealand Producers' Committee have decided not to become part of the 8.A.W.R.A., but to endeavour to find somo. means of their own to overcome the difficulty. I understand that they are adopting a scheme bioughfc forward by Mr G. Witters, of Poverty Bay, and in my opinion this scheme is ' worthy of serious consideration. The scheme, to put it briefly, is to ask the Imperial Government to buy last year's, and if necessary, next year's" wool clip at half the old commandeer values, and that_ the wool so brought, bo pooled with tho present accumulated stocks, for tho purpose of reducing the average saleable prico, and so assist in saving tho £8,000,000 surplus already in hand. However, you will have an opportunity of considering this scheme at a late>* date. Our meat trade is also in a very serious position, especially for the lower grades. While the present industrial upheaval in England is likely to make the situation more acute, it is the present high rates of that are crippling the industry. It is to bo hoped, however, that the Producers' Committee, who have the matter in hand, will be able to bring the formation of a producers' shipping line to a successful issue, when wo may hope, for a material. reduction in freights. With everything in the' way of produce selling at bedrock prices, the position is indeed serious for most of us, and is made doubly so by the continued high prices of all necessary commodities and the high rates of 'wages at present ruling. However, in spite of the present hardships, we must be optimistic in regard to the future, and endeavour, by thriftiness and hard work, to increase production, for increased production is the only sure way of overcoming present difficulties. ' Let us hope also, that the present hard times may be the means of bringing the farmers into greater unitv, for there are few countries in the world that offer such great opportunities as .New Zealand for the successful operation of an organisation such as oursj \ , la regard to Union matters I much to report. Throughout the Do-' minion greater activity and keenness is noticed, and I think it will be found that the total membership will show a large increase. In this Provincial district the prospects of tho Union have never been brighter. I judge, not so much by the actual increase in members, but by the keenness and interest displayed amongst the various branches. During the year I havo visited, with the exception of Povedalo and Owen Junction, all affiliated branches, and have had most enthusiastic meetings. Ine Takaka branch has been reformed and is likely to become the strongest m the district, and my thanks are due to the Motucka branch for tho help given to Takaka on every occasion. Now that wc are assured of increased finance, the work of organising will be made easier, and I feel certain that iif properly carried out, will result m a threefold increase in membership. During the coming year, I would suggest that the Union institute a series of field competitions, for I believe such competitions would create great interest, and would be of very great benefit. A special effort should be made to encourage the growth oi lucerne, for not only is most of the flat land in Nelson suitable for the successful growing of this fodder, but its growth would materially increase the- carrying .capacity of our lands. No stone should be left unturned, in aiding and encouraging increased' production, and at the same time getting the -farmer interested in the working of the Union. Knowing that the welfare of this Dominion depends on its exports, and that 80 per cent, of the present exports are derived direct from the laud, it should be the aim and duty of every farmer to join the Farmers' Union and to make it the power in the land, which is its due, L representing the primary producers. In conclusion I desire to thank the secretary and tho members . ofthe Executive for the able manner in which they have carried out their duties, and for' the support given to me on an occasions, and I trust that the new executive will hud their work made easier as a result of the done during the past year. The treasurer read the baUnto sheet, which showed a credit or b~l motion of Mr Goodall sccmulcd by Mr Farghcr the report and balance-sheet were adopted.

REMITS Following remits were dealt with :-- "That the Provincial Executive be requested to procure copies °* ™° Provincial and Dominion *^ utl ™ balance-sheets, and forward o i to branch chairmen, to be confidential . Carried (Korere-Motupiko). "That this Provincial Executive consider that for discussion of inattere affecting each island only, a day bo set apart prior to the Dominion ConfeVcucS for a separate conference

of each island. To them should be forwarded any remits of purely South Island or North Island importance." Carried. (Korerc-Motupiko). "That two organisers be appointed by the Dominion Executive to organise the New Zealand Farmers' Union in such a way that we rr.ay farm the land of New Zealand under moru encouraging conditions."—Struck out.— (Korere-Motupiko). "That we enter an emphatic protest against Rule 17 (new Rule Book) re Provincial Delegates, and we are of the opinion that the basis of one Provincial Delegate for every 1000 nembers be adhered to" —Carried. — f.Walariki).

"Tlut the Government be urged to grant financial assistance to returned s-oldier farmers, on wool, to cover the present clip, or other assistance where hardship is incurred."—(Koere-Motu-piko). During the course of discussion, the chairman referred to remarks made by Mr 11. P. Hudson M.P., at the annual meeting of the Motueka branch, that the Government would bo prepared to assist any soldier settler who had shown that he was doing his best to work his land. Mr A. Drummond remarked that the position of the farmer was worse now than he had ever known.

Several instances of hardship were mentioned. The remit) was endorsed. "That all returned soldiers settled on Government land be credited with all stamp duty, legal expenses, and valuation fees paid."—(Matariki). During the course of a discussion, the general opinion ' was expressed that the remit was covered by the former one, and it was resolved to strike it out.

"That where it is found that a returned soldier is unable to nieet interest on existing mortgage, such interest shall be charged to capital account and tacked on to end of term of said mortgage.''—(Motiieka). A delegate said that according to his belief the remit was in operation at present. The remit was thereupon withdrawn. "That this meeting of the banners Union strongly protests against, the incidence of taxation, in that farmers' have to pay both land and income tax, while professional men and moneylenders have only to pay income tax." —(Korere-Motupiko). The remit was moved by Mr Wills. In seconding Mr J. F. Jordan expressed the opinion that the present system of taxation did not encourage thrift. . „ The chairman said he was in favour of having only an income tax. Mr Drummond was of opinion that for fanners the land tax was the best. Mr W. D. Harkness gave instances of anomalies under the existing system of taxation. It was the small farmer who suffered most . The chairman said in its present, form the remit was useless as it stated nothing definitely, and he suggested that it be altered. Mr Wilkinson opposed the remit, as the money had to be found somewhere, and so long as it was not a hardship on the farmers, tjhey should shoulder their responsibility. Mr Haycock moved, ' seconded by Mr Kain,' that the remit bo withdrawn. , Mr Whitwell said it was extremely difficult By one system to deal equitably with everyone, and that was why tlie present system was brought into operation. After further discussion the remit was thrown out by 7 votes to 5. "That where a legalised road has been opened for wheel traffic, but owing to flood or other cause gecomes blocked, the local body controlling the same shall have the damage repaired and the road opened for traffic within six months from tho time of being blocked. In the event of the local body not having the damage repaired within the stipulated time, all land which is unduly affected through the above cau,se shall have all rates and taxes remitted until such time as the road is made reasonably passable for wheel traffic—(MoThe ' remit was briefly discussed, in the course of. which delegates stated that it opened up a big question and wouM be unworkable.

The remit was lost. "That the present hardships ot back-block settlers re postal services be remedied, and that such services be supplied free to them.—(KorereMotupiko). . ; Mr Schwa&s, in moving the remit, said settlers in the back-blocks, we not receiving tbe encouragement they should. Ho "urged thati so far a_s education was. concerned, it should be Mr Mead seconded, making special reference to the lac kof telephone facilities. ;, , ,' The remit- was supported by Mr Drummond, who urged that backblock settlers should receive every consideration. . The chairman said a remit bearing on education had already been dealt with by the Dominion Conference. The remit was amended -ib read: "That the present hardships of backblock settlers re postal services be remedied, and that the initial cost or such services be supplied free to them." ~ ~ In this amended form the remit was agreed to. " "That the Provincial Conference (express an opinion, either for or 'against State shipping.."—Motueka). Mr Kvder briefly moved the motion In seconding, Mr Drummond said the uroducers of the country were bein'r exploited, and unless something was xlone. it would do great harm to the country. The chairman said he believed most of the Unions were against State shipping, but were in favour of the Government subsidising a shipping service. This was the opinion expressed by the Now Zealand Executive at the last Conference. . Mr Whitwell said he had attended I several producers' conferences, and the general opinion was in favour or a State subsidy. Co-operation was what was needed. Mr Whitwell referred to the difficulties being experienced at present bv slapping companies, many of whose vessels were coming out ?" ballast. This meant an , increase in fre Wit from New Zealand to make up for the loss. He agreed, however, that the shipping combines were getting too much power, and thought that bv co-operation, with the assistr ante, perhaps, of a State subsidy, the producers could provide their own ships. , ~ _,„ ~ ~ Air Thorn agreed with Mr Whitwell that, no-operation was the keynote to the difficulty. After further discussion, as to the suggestion of the chairman. Mr Hay-

cook moved, seconded by Mr Fargher, "That tit is Provincial Conference favours the speedy formation of a producers' shipping lino, assisted by, a State subsidy." Mr Field, who had just arrived at the meeting, moved the following amendment: 'Thati this Conference i$ of opinion that the time has arrived when all the producers, dairy companies, and farmers' co-operative associations, and fanners' freezing companies, should combine and have % shipping line of their own." Seconded pro forma, by Mr Meas. Mr Wilkinson was of opinion tha,t it would be a safeguard to have a Sjitate subsidy.—Mr Fargher agreed The amendment was put and lost; and the motion was carried ,

"Tiiat, the attention of; the Government be drawn to the excessive cost of manure ,«'»nd that such stops, be taken as will relieve the producers, and thereby enable them to increase production*.'"—(Matariki),. The benefit of obtaining cheap manure was stressed; and. the reinit was adopted. "That, this conference seek co-opera-tion with the Chamber of Commerce with the view to getting "the' Electoral Boundaries altered so as to give more community of interest in the Electorates."—(Stanley Brook). Mr Jordan, in moving the remrfj, said, fit present Stanley Brook was in the Wairau Electorate, but its interests were hound up in Nelson. Seconded by Mr Wilkinson. Mr Fargher "bitterly opposed" seeking the aid of the Chamber % of Commerce, whose interests, he said, were chiefly confined to the city. He would oppose tiio remit on. this ground. Mr Thorn understood "hat the Chamber of Commerce was not composed purely of business people. The remit dealt with the whole of the interests of the province, and the-Cham ber of Commerce was equally concernin the electoral boundaries as were the farmers. • , Mr Field said he thought the Chamber of Commerce was to te thanked for what they had done for the farmers. (Hear, "hear). . In explanation, Mr Fargher said he was "not up against" the Chamber, but he though the Union should take up the matter first, and see what could be done before approaching the Chamber. ' , L J _, Mr Field mentioned that the question would be brought up at the next session of Parliament. ' The remit was referred* t> the Executive to deal wiljjh . (Left sittang). MATARDXI BRANCH

The monthly meeting of the Matariki branch N.ZiF.U". was held in Tadmor on 18th inst., Mr J. W. Taylor presiding over a good attendance of memOii the motion of Mr Taylor the following were admitted as. members oi the branch :—Messrs Caldwell, Stevens, T. Coleman, and A. 0. Hcpgood. The branch has now a total membership of ninety. . , , Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows. ' From the Pelorous Sounds Executive, enclosing 'copies of their wdol scheme. Received. From Technical School re wool classes. Held over pending report from Pi Qvinciaf "Executive. From Mr Eaton-Burt making enquiries re proposed wool classes—As the Union is not in a position to give definite information, it wai; agreed to receive the letter, and the Secretary to forward particulars when available. Mr A. Drummond, sear, was apjpwu* cd as delegate to Provincial Confereuce in place of Mr Bowen, who was unable" to attend- \ • He Wangapeka telephone. Alter considerable discussion it was resolved, that Messrs K. B\ Goodall,, A. Drummond and T. C. FargHer wait on toe telegraph engineer, and try to come to some definite arrangement regarding .terms and form of guarantees. Mr T. C. Fargher then moved, according to notice given, "That' the Branch appoint one member in each of its several meeting places, who wiU have power to collect subscriptions and • generally assist the working of the branch." This was favourably received and Mr X W. Taylor wa"s anpointed for Sherry-Matariki, M*A. A. Biggs for Tapawera, and the Tut appointment was held over until next meeting. " . \ At the request of the Tui members it was agreed to hold the next -'ioeetr mg in Tadmor, instead of- Tui.. On the motion of Messrs Taylor and Goodall, it was resolved to send, on the following remit to the meeting Of combined branches. .' , "That the time has now when this meeting should discuss the advisability of forming, a w-opexatwe, butter factory, and that we ask the dairy commissioner to send an instructor to lecture in our district. The agenda of the Provincial Conference was then gone through. On most matters the delegate was given a free hand.