FARMERS' INTERESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 14

FARMERS' INTERESTS

THE MARKING OF SHEEP KNIFE BRANDS OPPOSED The prohibition of the registration of shoep with knife-inflicted ear-marks was urged again by the Auckland executive of the Farmers' Union at its meeting yesterday. It was stated that sheepstealing was becoming increasingly prevalent in country districts and that An added obstacle would he placed in the way of thieves by refusing to accept knife brands. The matter was raised at the last meeting of the executive and a letter was sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. C. E. Macmillan. The following reply from the Minister was read at yesterday's meeting:—"The department has endeavoured, as far as possible, to eliminate the knife method of oar-mark-I ing and only marks which can be made | in the ear by means of ear-marking | pliers are allotted for registration. "For some yeam past ear-marks such as slits, slices, quarters, etc., which may be made with a knife, have not been made available for registration and are being gradually eliminated from the register. As regards, tattoo marks, I have to advise that under the Act a tattoo mark may be registered in addition to an ear-mark." A Kaipara remit urging the removal of the 45 pef cent duty, on all citrus stock imported into New Zealand was carried unanimously. Various speakers pointed out that one or two enterprising orchardists were bringing into the Dominion stocks from regions such as Palestine and Maachukuo and endeavouring to produce an ideal New Zealand orange. The removal of the duty would be of considerable assistance to these growers. Support also was given to a Franklin remit, "that the price of farm implements is too high, that the high cost of this machinery is due, in a measure, j to the number of travellers on the road, i and, further, that the duty on agricul- i tural implements be entirely removed." '