FARMERS' UNION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 12 October 1926, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION

MEETING OF PROVINCTAI COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Provincial Executive Committee of the Nelson branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held to-day. There were present: Messrs T. 0. Fargher (oretfidenU, A. E. Wax (vicopresident), t. Oiil, K. B GoodMl, W )} North. A. 1.. Guv,' VV. A. Ryder, M K. Forsvtb, J. Fish, J. IV. Taylor, .1. K. Wells', (:. K. Jordan, XV. A. .'Jordan, and 0. C. Wilkinson (organiser). lief ore the minutes were read the chairman extended a welcome to Messrs Fish (Golden Bay), Wells (Wakefield), Guy (Ngatimoti) and Taylor (Matariki). The delegates concerned briefly replied. ORGANISER'S REPORT

The organiser, reporting on his visit to Mnrchison. stated that 43 financial members had been enrolled, and it was expected that the number would increase to GO or 70. He had also visited UlO West Coast, where the farmers were fully alive to tlie necessity for organisation. A;, the invitation of the miners he had addressed a huge meeting at Millerton. "If farmers, said Mr Wilkinson, attended to their organisation as well as the miners did. lie was sure the farmers would derive more benefit from the produce of their labour than was the case at present. Mr Wilkinson added that he had now finished his tour oi' the province, during the course of which branches had been formed at N,gatimoto, Pokororo. Wakeefild and Riwaka. The chairman spoke in appreciative terms of the work of Mr Wilkinson, and moved that, the thanks, of the Union be extended to him. The motion was carried by acclamation. NEW BRANCHES The Wakcfieid, Ngatimoti and Pokororo branches were admitted to membership.—The chairman congratulated the districts on the establishment of branches and hoped they would prove really live bodies, lie trusted delegates would be regular in their attendance at executive meetings. GOLDEN RAY SUR-RRANCH In regard to the proposal of the Colden Ray sub provincial branch to break from Nelson and have direct representation on the dominion executive, MiFish fully explained the position from the point of view of the branch. The chairman thought, it regrettable that such an action should be contemplated. He thought that if Golden Ray became simply a- branch of the Nelson Union more assi dance could be afforded them. He agreed to the suggestion of Mr Fish that some of the executive should pay a visit to the Ray district. Mr North agreed with the chairman that it. would lie better for the district to form branches and join with Nelson. However, if the Ray preferred to form a sepax/ite provincial union then nothing should be done by the executive to prevent it.

The chairman said it was hoped next year 10 extend the winter school to the Bay district, and to procure two more instructors— one for Nelson and one for Golden Ray.

'The general opinion of delegates was thai Golden Ray should not break awav.

T| was eventually resolved "That this' executive committee will not stand in the way of Golden Ray forming a separate district, but consider the interests of the Union would be better served if Golden Ray joined in with Nelson and worked the both districts as one. The discussion arose out of a letter from the Dominion executive asking the meeting for an expression of opinion on the matter. The matter of arranging for a visit to Golden Ray of (he executive was left 10 the chairman. REVALUATION ASKED FOR A remit from the Pokororo branch urging upon the Government the desirableness of a re-valuation of the whole country with a view to having the rates adjusted fin an equitable basis, was approved and referred to the dominion conference. FREIGHT CHARGES A remit was received from the Ngatimoti branch urging thai shipping companies be approached to let cor tracts foi a term of years with a view to reducing the rates on phosphates and other manures. It was resolved that the remit he held over until next 'nesting, pending infer Dintion being obtained as to what action the dominio'i executive was taking. RATES A second remit from the same branch protested against the excessively high rates—the hospital rate pai Ocularly. It. was stated that the dominion executive was inquiring into tlie. whole matter of rates; and it was resolved to withhold 111-' remit meinlhiie . WOOL RALES Tll connection with the proposed new wool pack, Mr Wilkinson said manufacturers had recommended turning the bales inside out in order to pi event jute fibre getting among the wool. He hoped farmers would take note of the recommendation. Mr Max said farmers did not realise what it cosl to clean wool of jute fibre. He. trusted tranches would make the recommendation of tic. manufacturers as widely known as possible. In reply to Mr Ryd-jv, who said the published report of the ifiitter did not make it quit-' clear. Mr Wilkinson said it. was recommended to pack the bale inside out. Mr Max said a wool buyer hail informed him that he would give preference to growers who packed their woolbales turned inside out. (Left sitting)