Federated Farmers Sub-provincial Executive

Northland Age, Volume XVIII, Issue 77, 8 July 1949, Page 1

Federated Farmers Sub-provincial Executive

Held on Tuesday in Kaitaia and with the president, Mr. J. Morrison in the chair, the Bay of Islands Sub-provincial Executive had a.meeting at which many matters of deep interest to the farming community * were discussed.

Following are the remits which were brought fQrward for discussion and approval : Gorse Kaeo Branch. —That while appreciating the value of gorse seed weavil in controlling the spread of gorse, this Branch feels that in the north where the spread of gorse is so rapid because of favourable climatic conditions, measures for its complete eradication by the parasite which destroys it should be taken. This remit was sponsored by Mr. Moors who stated that farmers in the South Island were holding up this research by requiring gorse for hedges and in some instances, sheep fodder. This, the speaker stated, was merely penalising northern farmers. The speaker went on to say that though there was a weevil which attacked the seed and aiTested the spread of the plant, this was not sufficient for this climate, and a parasite was needed that would eradicate the weed. Fencing Kaeo Branch. That Federated Farmers endeavour, through the appropriate authorities to effect an alteration in the Fencing Act in regard to the erection and maintenance of fences, insomuch as it affects private land owners adjoining Crown and or Native lands. This branch went on to state that the majority of its members felt that the private owner should have assistance with boundary fences in cases referred to in the remit. Mi - . G. B. Hayes was the mover, and other delegates present speaking to the motion, stated cases where this was particularly applicable, one instancing his own pioperty which was bounded on one side by a scenic reserve for 90 chains, and on the other by Maori Land for approximately the same distance.

allocation 0 f railway stock wagons in Northland.

All the foregoing remits were passed without dissent, and after the luncheon adjournment further remits were brought forward firstly by Awunui Branch which ststted that they re-affirm their opinion on derating, and that they endorsed the Federated Farmers’ attitude and action relative to the compulsory acquisition of lands for rehabilitation. Roading A further remit stated that with the high incidence of both Crown and Maori Land, and consequent loss of rating revenue, coupled with the la<i# of adequate railway facilities, the Government should give greater re--cognition to its responsibilities for road maintenance in the four northern counties. Members were urged to approa It County Councils in a joint claim to secure special financial provision for county roads. Mr. Jack Cowie pointed out that already Hokianga County had be n successful in acquiring a roading grant, and that this should apply also to the Mangonui, Whangaroa and Bay of Islands Counties. * Mr./1. J. Berghan told those present that the Mangonui County Council had already approached the Minister of Works for a road metalling grant. Overweight Bales Victoria Valley branch brought forward a remit protesting against the drastic imposed for overweight wool bales. • Cement Shortage Victoria Valley brought forwar 1 another remit criticising the acute cement shortage, and asked that a higher priority be given farmers that they might secure supplies of this commodity which would enable them to carry essential farm develop-

One third of the boundary fence on the Maori Land was not completed yet even after 40 years. He had been unable to get any aid from that department for the purpose. The speaker instanced where a government department had felled a Matai tree for line erecting, and it had lain there for some time. He had asked for the tree, so that he might be enabled to erect the boundary fence which was hard by. He was told that he might have the tree, but the conditions were that he would have to pay 8/- a hundred for the battens he cut therefrom. This was received with loud laughter by the delegates. Mr. C. B. Michie in support of the remit, said : “In the old days, there was perhaps loom for apathy by the Crown, but it is time that the Government realised that it is now nearly 1950, and

ments during the efi, season. Fertilizer Delivery Kaikohe-Taheke Branch tabled a re mit which sought notice of fertilize' delivery dates to enable farmers t< cancel their orders in the ever o undue delay. Stock Watering Kaeo Branch proposed that in-pro ed stock watering facilities be sough on Northland State Highways. The meeting decided that an ap punch be made to the Ministry o Worts on these lines conce-nirg high war within the rub-provincial arei consideration of the matter cr a na tional basis not being favour ed. All these remits were passed.

whilst it is 1950, we are suffering from 1850 interpretation of the Act. It is not sufficient to say that the Crown is beyond the law, and they should have to obey its interpretations and sections every bit the same as does the individual.” “I would like to see this remit carried unanimously, and then let us pursue it with all the vigour at our command,” concluded the speaker amid an outburst' of applause that heralded the speaker’s wish. Butter Rationing Kaitaia Branch.—That the Auckland Executive be asked to investigate the provisions controlling the butter rationing as between European and Maori functions. « This remit was proposed by Mr. C. B. Michie who stated that it was' a remarkable fact that the rationing officer would allow only 3 lbs of butter for any European function, whilst it was well known that a Maori func-

tion could acquire almost any amount. “I don’t want to create any distinction or trouble between the races,” concluded Mr. Michie, “but it must be remembered that it is not of our making, but that of the Government’s.” Opua Port Kaitaia Branch. —That the Conference go into the matter of opening the port of Opua for overseas export. Kawakawa Branch.—That the originating branch of a remit be advised of the progress of such remit through Provincial Executive and Dominion Council. Railway Wagons Okaihau Branch.—That the Executive inquire into the position of the