FARMING INTERESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19124, 16 September 1925, Page 15

FARMING INTERESTS.

THE COST OF MANURES. ENCOURAGING EMPIRE TRADE. TARIFF REDUCTION PROPOSED. The provincial executive of the Farmers' Union met last evening, the chairman, Mr. C. C. Munro, presiding. The Ta'neatua branch wrote requesting information regarding the high cost of phosphate rock compared with the price of superphosphate. Mr. A. A. Ross stated the price of ground phosphate rock was less profitable to,* the manufacturer than that of superphosphate. The whole question of manure charges had been investigated recently by tho Department of Industries and Commerce, which was quite satisfied there were no excessive charges. It was decided to reply in terms of Mr. Ross' statement. i A remit forwarded by tho Horsham Downs branch through the Waikato subprovincial executivo suggested that in view of the large amount of money expended on foreign goods the Government be urged to increase the tariff on foreign articles and give greater preference to British goods. A motion was carried that tho executive was not in favour of any increase in tariff, but was heartily in sympathy with any movement to encourage trade within the Empire. It considered that Empire trade would be encouraged by a reduction of the tariff. A report by Mr. Ross on the request of settlers that land be opened for settlement at Kaukapakapa stated it had been decided by the Lands Department that the land should be reserved for afforestation. The report added that investigations led to the conclusion that the action of the, department was sound and that action would be taken to plant the area forthwith. The report was adopted. With regard to the case of four settlers on - the Reporoa block whose lands were stated to be bush sick, Mr. Ross reported that inquiry had been made to the Lands Department. The facts were that the Government had agreed to place the four settlers on other sections. The question had received the fullest consideration and the price placed on tho new sections was considered to be very reasonable. Three of the sections had already been taken up. The report was adopted. A letter was received from the Minister for Railways stating the representations of the executive regarding the carriage of cream and the provision of shelters at railway stations for cream were receiving consideration.