Bay Farmers’ Union Meeting

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 52, 28 September 1934, Page 8

Bay Farmers’ Union Meeting

Various Remits Considered A meeting of the Bay of Islands Sub-Provincial Executive of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held at Ohaeawai on Monday when there were present Messrs. T. J. Coulter (Fairburn), W. Rose (Awanui), A. G. Bell, T. S. Houston, C. Clarke (Kaitaia), H. Leslie (Kaeo), H. K. Hatrick, S. Pennefather (Waimate North), E. L. Walker, S. Smith (Pakaraka), V. Taylor, W. Noy (Kawakawa), A. Fell (Waimamaku), H. M. Rockell, W. H. White, P. S. Maxwell, A. S. Barriball (Taheke), H. Bates (Kerikeri), P. Robertson (Broadwood), R. J. Harrison (Umawera). The President, Mr. J. W. Jones was in the chair, and Mr. H. E. Mellsop, President of the Auckland Executive, and Mr. T. F. Jolly, organiser, were present. In the unavoidable absence, through pressure of work, of the Secretary, Mr. A. E. Robinson, Mr. H. Bates acted as Secretary. Remits Considered “That the Government be urged to ratify the Belgium trade agreement, i.e., the exchange by barter of our surplus butter, pork, boned meat, and other primary products for basic slag.” In moving the remit, Mr. P. Maxwell pointed out the advantages of such a measure which could be extended to other countries. The remit was seconded by Mr. H. M. Rockell.

Mr. Rose asked why not start with Britain in any exchange of goods ? In supporting Mr. Rose, Mr. Bates said that if New Zealand v/as trading with Britain as it should, then Britain could take our products.

As the remit required expert con-

sideration, it was decided to refer it to the Auckland Executive for consideration.”

“That delegates of Sub-Provinces attending Provincial Conferences and proposing to amend any resolution coming from their own Sub-Province shall first obtain permission of their respective Presidents.” This remit from the Executive was passed with little discussion.

“This Branch protests in the strongest possible manner against the betrayal of Britain by the non-sensical and almost useless alterations in the Customs Tariff, the sum total of which are not a fraction of the increased protection afforded to local manufactures through the raising of the exchange, effected since the Ottawa agreement solemnly pledged New Zealand to reduce such protection to a point which would allow fair competition with British goods. In addition in the penalizing of British as against New Zealand-made goods, Australian goods have been favoured. This branch considers that the Government has brought about a position in which Britain has been compelled to take drastic measures, because New Zealand had not seen fit to honour the Ottawa Agreement.” In moving this*remit, Mr. Taylor said that it spoke for itself, and in seconding it, Mr. White said that tariff walls were the chief obstacles to trade.

A remit from the Kawakawa Branch regarding the Union extending their activities to giving free legal service was referred to the Auckland Executive for their consideration. It was explained that at present legal advice could be obtained but members thought that this service could be extended if it were possible.

The following remits were passed : “That this meeting strongly protests against the lease of a large area of the Kaitaia Swamp Area for gum digging purposes, as much of this area is good farming land, and the Branch asks for fuller investigation before lease is completed.” In moving this remit Mr. T. S. Houston said that 2,000 acres of the

Kaitaia Area was to be leased to a Company for gumdigging purposes, and it was contended that these operations would spoil the land for farming purposes. The cost of draining the Swamp was now being borne by the farm lands in the borders of the Swamp. There was a large area of Crown Lands in the Swamp Area fit for settlement, but not one acre had been opened for selection since the area was drained although people in the district were desirous of taking up the land. The Union and the settlers of the district have fought for years to have this land opened up for settlement. With gum washing the oil-bearing soil will be left on top and nothing will grow on this. Other speakers supported this remit, and cases were quoted of land being ruined by gum washing. The remit was passed and the Kaitaia delegates are to supply full data regarding the position to the Auckland Executive. “That a standardised form of bal-ance-sheet be used by all Dairy Companies in New Zealand, the balancesheet to be as informative as possible.”

This remit was moved by Mr. A. G. Bell and seconded by Mr. H. K. Hatrick. It was stated that the Northern Dairy Companies had discussed the position, and in North Auckland an improvement had been effected in the presentation of Dairy Companies’ balance-sheets, but this had not gone far enough. Another point raised was that the trading account should be shown separate from the butter account. This remit met with general support, and was carried. “That goods and services form the basis upon which our purchasing power be issued.” “That the Union definitely lay down a policy regarding the reduction of farming debts.” These two remits were passed after a good deal of discussion, The second remit was moved by Dr. Clarke and carried. The first was the result of a long discussion, a remit, moved by Dr. Clarke, being amended to read as above. It was pointed out that the Auckland Executive was striving for the raising of the price return to the farmer by way of currency reform. Address by Auckland President Mr. H. E. Mellsop, President of the Auckland Executive of the Union, addressed the meeting on questions effecting the Union and of the Union’s activities. This address was taken in committee and after delegates had heard the President, he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. An interesting discussion took place on the measures that could be adopted to promote the interest in the branch meetings and the Union generally.