FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17942, 22 May 1920, Page 7

FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

Tho following- remits will be introduced at the annual conference of tho Farmers union to ba held in tho Eixpreas Company s board Toom on Jims 4: — Military Training.—That tho conference profits against military training camps extending over (i period of moro than throo or four months, as in its opinion the system in vogue before tho win was ample. Fixed Prices. —That jib tlie Government forces fstrmerß to sell at flxod prices these should bo revised to meet the increased oost of production. Meat Industry.—That the Government should bo urged to take stops to prevent meat trusts monopolising the export trade of the dominion. Experimental Farm in Otago.—That the Department of Agriculture be requested to establish, in addition to the present experimental farm at Central Otago, a further experimental farm at the most suitable spot between Dunedin and Waipahi. In the event of this being granted, it is confidently anticipated that theTo will bo no difficulty in securing locally tho necessary capital to establish one or more demonstration farms on the lines of the one established at S'ratford.

Analysis of Soils —That, owing to tho failure of the turnip eropa in Central Otago for tho past two years, that Government bu urged to have tho soil in the different localities analysed to find out if it is suitable for luoerne growing. Protest re Undesirables.—That tho Minister of Justice bo written to protesting against undesirables being Gsnt into tho country by the city magistrates. Fixing Price of Wheat by Government. — That the Government ve aaked. if fixing the price of wheat, to deal with the matter not later than November in each year, to allow the farmers to prepare for growing orops. Shipping Company.—TTiat this conference considers the timo has arrived for «. shipping line to bo ownod by producers and the Govern, merit, and that the capital be raised by levy on exports and subsidy from the Government.

Cost of Production on Farms.—That the truo position regarding the cast of production, etc., bo put before the public through the Dominion Conference. - Arbitration twid Conciliation Acta. —That the cotiference discuss the working of the Arbitration and Conciliation Acts in relation to the farmmg industry, with a viiw to getting an opinion a« to tho advisability of having them repe-alod. Woollen Mill.—That the of the establ iahment of a Farnwrs' Union co-opera-tive m'll in Otaeo be dificii(?.9edi. Harbour Board Levy.-—Tlie executive be asked to oppose Harbour Board levy on country districts. , Flax Fibre for Corn Sacks.—That the executive be asked to make inquiries as to whether flax fibre could be used for making corn Kicks and wool packs, in view of the high prices.

Noxious Weeds Act.—That experience Las shown that the methods of destruction of the ' ragwort and Californian thistle as enforced 1 in the Noxious Woods Act have not brought ! tbout the desired effect, and are not likely to, j •nd that these woods should therefore be ye- j noved. from the schedule. |

Levy on Local Bodies,—That in the opinio] of this conference of formers ihe levy 01 local bodies for the purpose of raising th< necessary funds for hospital and charitabli aid purposes unduly taxes the holders of rura. properties, and that the Government be asked to alter the law, so sis to raise money on a more equitable basis. Kabbii Act. —That in opinion of this conference the provisions of clause 2 of "The Rabbit Act Amendment Act, 1918," are grossly unfair and oppressive, inasmuch as they put far too much power in the hands of ihe inspector. London Commissioner.—That a commissioner in London bo appointed to represent the producers of the dominion. Tare on Wool.—Payment for woolpacks: That renewed efforts be made to liavo the tare on wool abolished, and also to have some payment made for woolpacks. Private Railways.—-That all private railways should be taken over by the Government. That the railways should be '.ontrollcd by a board of directors, instead of by a Minister of Railways as at present. State Coal.—That the State coal should bo run on co-operative lines, also under a board of directors. "

Auctioneers' Liability.—The conditions under which stock is sold by agents be amended, the present conditions giving agents power to repudiate any liability as regard 3 tlie purchaser, at the same time being entitled to their commission on the transaction.

Unloading' Stock.—That when unloading stf'ck at sidings which happen to be on inclines, tho Railway Eepailment should be urged to give instructions that trucks should be left at the top of the incline so that there would be no necessity fox pushing them up bill.

Condemned Pigs.—That the present system of inspection of pigs is wrong, and that the fanners Jfequest that the inspector .inspect pigs before slaughter on the farm. Secondly, that the time has arrived when the price paid for compensation of condemned pork be raised to 6d per lb. Income Tax. —Tlhat the' conference discuss the injustice under which many farmers labour m connection with the payment of income tax in not being allowed to make any reduction from their gross income for the work done by their wives. Sales and Importations.—That the Farmers' Union proceed to take up the sale of farmers' produce, and also to look into tho matter of tha importation of farmers' requisites, it being considered that the merchants are exploiting the farmer in many instances where imports are concerned. Manufacturers' Balance Slifcei. —That manufacturers of all articles on which there is an import duty for protective purposes should hand to the Government for publication an annual detailed balance sheet.

Wool Commandeer.—Thai the Provincial Executive urge the Government to take possession of all wool Bhorn in the dominiom before the expiring of the commandeer, and that they also guard against manufacturers selling clothing manufactured from commandeer wool at extreme prices after the commandeer is removed.