NELSON FARMERS’ UNION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 21 July 1925, Page 2

NELSON FARMERS’ UNION

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE

i A meeting of the executive commit - ‘tee of the Nelson Provincial Farmers' •Union was h'eld-’at the W.iimen. County iCouncil’s office to-day. There' were present Messrs T. 0. Farghar (arestiit.ent), C. K. Jordan, W. Jordan, A. A. 1 Biggs.- F. R. Gill, A. Max, G. \V. Ksn7,ett. M,. K. Forsyth. \V. A. Ryder, 0. C. Wilkinson and \V. 1L North. On the motion of the chairman Mr •Wilkinson was appointed' to the committee.

CORRESPONDENCE

A letter was received from Mrs Massey acknowledging vote of sympathy. The Prime Minister wired acknowledging the Union’s congratulations on his appointment.

UNION ORGANISED Mr Wilkinson, organiser, verbally re ported on-liis visit to- the Takaka dis trict.'

Some exception was taken by members to the action of the Dominion headquarters taking -control of the or'ganiser and not meeting his travelling ‘expenses: It was resolved that the president and'Mr North go into the matter with .the' dominion executive.

VETERINARY SURGEON The Dominion Secretary wrote in regard to a veterinary surgeon being stationed at Nelson, stating that one had just arrived from England and would bo willing to practice in Nelson jif £SOO a .year could'be guaranteed. ■ In'reply to. Mr Max, the chairman said that the .services of the veterinary surgeon would not be free, but lie understood if the fees fell short of the amount guaranteed, the guarantors would have to "find the balance. It was resolved that the' matter he referred'to branches for consideration.

It'was generally: agreed that the need for a veterinary- surgeon in the' province was of much importance. It was also resolved to ask the Department if a subsidy would also be forthcoming.

RIWAKA REMITS Following remits were received from the Riwaka branch • for consideration : (1) “We recommend that tlie whole of our first-grade’ mutton anil 1 Jamb be sold under a national brand”; (2) "In view v ot' : the fact that branding is detrimental- to" the value of the fleece, the Government 1 regulation re fleece' branding- be abolished.” In moving remit (1) Mr Ryder pointed out that, the Canterbury brand always brought good prices, whereas it was no better in quality than some other brands. Mr Wilkinson stated that since Australia had had a national brand for butter sales and price had increased. It would' not be necessary if meat was sold with national brand to eliminate

“Canterbury.” Mr W. Jordan considered the local brand should not be eliminated even if sold under a. national brand.Mr North considered little. benefit would be derived l under the' proposed change. Those who sold meat under brands would not give it up without a struggle; and he did not think such a proposal would oyer be adopted.

’ It wtls resolved to forward the remit to • the Dominion Conference.

Remit (2)‘ was also m'oned hy Mr Syder, who considered that’ if it was put into- effect' would be of benefit to manufacturers at’ Home. At present some' farmers used - harmful ingredients ,in their branding materials. Seconded by Mr Forsyth, who said the manufacturers had complained of the harmful results to wool when branded with" certain material.

Mr W, B. North said that so long as branding was an optional matter he would not object. He knew that it was not compulsory in some districts. As the'remit.'was worded, he objected to it very strongly. Mr Wilkinson' said’ some* farmers did not use their brands with discretion, and consequently harm was done to tlie Wool. He thought if' the" matter was brought to the attention of the Government something might be done. It was resolved to forward the* remit to the Dominion Conference.

GENERAL Mr Tver mail was re-elected secretary for the ensuing year at a salary of 2/6 pci' financial member. The president intimated that he would be unable to attend the Dominion Conference; and it was resolved that Mr Wilkinson act ac liis substitute.

Thp. meeting adjourned after several other matters had been dealt with.