Bay Farmers’ Union

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 15, 12 January 1934, Page 5

Bay Farmers’ Union

Meeting of Sub-Provincial Executive A meeting of the Bay of Islands Sub-Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held at Ohaeawai on Wednesday of this week, when there were present Messrs. J. W. Jones (president), H. M. Rushworth, M.P., B. Michie, T. S. Houston (Kaitaia), W. Rose (Awanui), T. J. Coulter (Fairburn), H. Leslie (Kaeo), E. R. Walker (Pakaraka), P. Robertson (Broadwood), R. Harrison (Umawera), and the Secretary, Mr. A. E. Robinson. Transport of Stock to Freezing Works.—A discussion took place regarding the transport of live stock over the roads to the Freezing Works and past the railway. Members pointed out that at present the railway were not offering the facilities for loading and unloading at either the Kaikohe or Okaihau stations and the service of the trains was not frequent enough to warrant transhipping from lorries. The damage to the stock through transferring and loss of time made for loss of weight and lower return for the carcases. Dehorning of Cattle.—A remit from the Kaeo branch supporting the compulsory dehorning of cattle was received. A further remit, “That the Government be requested to abolish all tariffs on British goods imported into New Zealand,” was endorsed. Bull’s Road. The advisability of opening up Bull’s road for general traffic was stressed by a letter from the Kaeo branch. Members pointed out that work had already commenced on this road and stock were now being driven over it. Derating.—A very interesting discussion took place on the total derating of farm lands, the subject being raised by a letter from the Taheke branch. Small Farm Settlements.—Various questions affecting the Small Farms Settlements in the district were discussed, and it was decided that the president (Mr. J. W. Jones) and the Member for the district visit the various settlements to obtain firsthand knowledge of the conditions of the settlers, and to take up with the proper authorities any case that needed redress. It was decided that settlers under the Small Farms Plan, whp so desire, be admitted to honorary membership of the Bay Province of the Union for the current year. The question to be reviewed at the end of that period. Ragwort Menace. A discussion took place regarding the spread of ragwort in the North. Delegates pointed out that, from their own experience, they were sure that the pest had been introduced with grass seed and suggested that the harvesting of grass seed in ragwort infested districts be prohibited. Mr. Michie stated that the Kaitaia Dairy Company was very concerned regarding the spread of ragwort in the North, and the Company had written to the Minister of Agriculture regarding prohibiting the harvesting of grass seed in ragwort infested districts, but the Minister had stated that the application of such a law would be very hard to carry out. It was pointed out by the secretary that it. would create an unnecessary hardship to farmers, as a large area of New Zealand could be classed as infected as the seed carried many miles. After further discussion a resolution was carried that the Government be requested to intro-

duce legislation prohibiting the sell

ing of grass seed containing ragwort seed. Stock Import Regulations. The very grave risk of introducing foot and mouth disease into New Zealand if the regulations governing the importation of stock into this country are lifted or relaxed was stressed by speakers and a resolution was passed protesting against any relaxing of the restrictions, as delegates considered that if once the disease started in this country it would be almost impossible to stamp it out, and it would practically ruin the primary producers of New Zealand. Annual Conference.—Various matters affecting the annual conference of the Bay Province of the Union and of the election of the provincial officials and executive were discussed, it being decided to forward a remit to the Auckland executive favouring the holding of separate conferences for each sub-province, and that the Bay Conference be held at Ohaeawai.