NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21544, 16 January 1932, Page 17

NORTH OTAGO.

NORTH OTAGO FARMERS’ UNION The monthly meeting of the provincial executive of the North Otago i armors Union was held yesterday afternoon. Mr R. Walker (president) occupied the chair. The Dominion executive replied in reference to the supply of trees by the State Forestry Service, stating that the decision to supply trees was in accordance with the x - Government policy to interfere as little as possible with private interests. The sale of trees to farmers had been small, and the supply was not always confined to commercial varieties, necessitating the growing of special varieties, the business not warranting the financial outlay.— The letter w r as received. _ The Unemployment Committee advised that the representations of the union in reference to assisting prospectors for gold had been referred to the Unemployment Board, and in turn to the Mines Department, —Received. The South Canterbury Union wrote m reference to the alleged unsatisfactory method of weighing trucks by the Railways Department.—A member stated that there had been a considerable loss to farmers through faulty tare weights on trucks, and it was high time the weights of : trucks were corrected, as it was a serious matter to farmers forwarding produce or obtaining coal. —In accordance with the request of the South Canterbury Union, Mr Walker was appointed a delegate to meet the Railways Board at Christchurch on the matter. The Tokarahi-Island Cliff, branch forwarded a remit protesting against the terminal charges levied on wool by the Woolbrokers’ Association, and supporting the work already done in the matter by Mr Cameron, of Dunedin. —Mr Walker pointed out that a request for a reduction had already been made, but it was not acceded to, though the brokers had made reductions amounting-to 15 per cent. It was decided to support the remit. Mr Malcolm said the union had made a request for a reduction in the railway charges in sending starving stock out of the district and on feed for starving stock, but the request was declined. Since then South Canterbury farmers, especially at Pleasant Point, had been granted relief by the Agricultural Department. A numI bef of sheep had been railed but of the i district, and if there were a few more i nor’-weeters more would have to be railed I away.—lt was decided to make an appli- ■ cation for relief to the Agricultural Department. MEAT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED A discussion took place at the North Otago Farmers’ Union meeting yesterday as to the possibility of preserving meat at the Pukeuri works, and as to the freezing of ewe mutton for distribution to the unemployed during the winter. In reply to a question, Mr J. G. M’Donald in " formed the meeting ■ that there was no possibility of installing a plant at the Pukeuri works for the purpose of preserving meat. The costs were too high, and the by-products were so much reduced in value. Mr M'Donald quoted a case of sending 4801 b of crutchings and pieces, on which the charges amounted to £3 18s TOd. while his cheque was £2 8s 10d. Jlr Chapman quoted the case of an owner of 1200 wethers being told that a certain works could not accept the stock unless he sent along Is per head. Mr Kelcher maintained the present

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT. (FBOM OCB SPSCm. COBE«8POBO«KT.|

costs were too dear because of the Arbitration Court. Mr Walker said there were wethers in Central Otago that could not be sold, and suggested that if they were fit for freezing the Government should purchase them for the unemployed. Mr W. Forrester reported on the free issue of mutton to the unemployed at Christmas. These ewes had been bought in the North Island last season by the Government at a cost of 5s a head, but it had cost 5s a head to bring 30 carcasses to Oamaru. It had been suggested that farmers who had ewes that were not saleable. or if they were charitably inclined, might give these ewes so that they could be frozen and stored for the unemployed during the winter. Mr J. G. M'Donald pointed out that fat ewes, fit for human consumption, were worth 10s a head. It was just possible a mistake was being made, for if the ewes were not saleable they would not be fat, and therefore .would not be fit for human consumption. A ewe not fit for freezing was not fit for eating. Mr Walker said farmers could not afford to give away fat ewes this season. Mr Rapson suggested that the Government should bhy fat ewes in North Otago for storing here and distribution to tiie unemployed. In reply to Mr Walker, Mr M'Donald stated that the killing charges at the works could not be reduced. It was a fixed charge, and by-products had slumped 60 to 70 per cent.

TELEPHONE RENTALS Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed by members at the meeting yesterday of the North Otago Executive of the Farmers’ Union in connection with the charges for telephone rentals in the country districts. The subject was introduced by a remit from the TokarahiIsland Cliff branch stating that the 10 per cent, cut on Post and Telegraph officials and employees should be passed on to a certain extent to subscribers of telephone rentals, especially to rural party lines, and so reduce the annual charge. Mr M. E. Austin stated that farmers on a party line had already approached the Prime Minister on the same question, but they had received no consideration as the rentals did not do more than cover the cost of upkeep and overhead expenses. Mr J. B. Chapman said he thought the cost of installing party lines at £5 a mile was prohibitive. Mr J. Newlands stated that if the farmers put up the lines themselves it would be much , cheaper. At Incholme they had put up the poles in much quicker time, he claimed, than the department would have taken. Mr R. B. Meek submitted that the telephone charges needed investigating. The charge was £5 a mile right through from Oamaru, even when the department put wires on poles already existing. On one line the department received £6O a year, and it could have been installed for that amount, but the, rentals were recurring each year. “ I think the charge is dynamite,” concluded Mr Meek. One member stated he had paid £lO a year for 15 years, but he had cut the telephone out this year. The remit was unanimously supported.

HARVEST WAGES The Tokarahi-Island Cliff branch of the Farmers’ Union advised the North Otago executive yesterday that it considered the present harvest wages totally inequitable in view of the changed conditions prevailing in the wheat and cereal growing industry, and asking that a reduction be made to Is 3d per hour for harvest wages —The secretary reported that _ this bad already been done, and the remit was received. WHEAT DUTIES The Tokarahi-Island Cliff branch of the Farmers’ Union forwarded a remit to the North Otago executive yesterday heartily endorsing the resolution moved by Mr Whatman at a meeting of wheatgrowers at Waimate on January 9, urging that the Prime Minister be approached through the Wheat Board and member for the district, requesting that'the sliding scale of duties as from March 1 be reinstated, so as to give some measure of relief to wheatgrowers, who have been so adversely affected by drought throughout Canterbury and North Otago. The chairman (Mr Walker) stated that the price of wheat was not fixed by the sliding duty on wheat, but on the price of flour in the North Island ports. The duty on flour had been reduced from £3 10s to 355, and the 2d a bushel on wheat was not going to make any difference in the price of bread. It seemed to him that if there was any loss the farmer would have to bear it. There was no chance of having the duties reinstated, but the wheatgrowers should get the 2d per bushel. Mr R. B. Meek pointed out that he had previously explained to farmers that they .would not get 4s fid a bushel. It was not so much a question of the sliding scale, but that the wheat growers would not re ceive. the price stated by the Prime Minister in his manifesto. That price could not be obtained under the present protection, and the Prime Minister should reconsider the position, as his promise to farmers could not be fulfilled. Mr J. B. Chapman considered the remit was not wise, as it opened up the question of 6s per bushel, which had met with such strong opposition in the North Island. Mr L. Kelcher said they should not be divided, but should join in with other branches in asking for the reinstatement of the duties. He thought it was possible they would get the 2d back if they did not get the duties reinstated. Other members expressed the opinion that the union‘should support the Waimate wheatgrowers, as with the opening of the wheat question again something might come of it. It was decided to support the remit, and forward it direct to the Prime Minister on behalf of the North Otago wheatgrowers.

RELIEF FOR COUNTY RATEPAYERS 4t the last meeting of the Waitaki County Council the clerk reported that the Government subsidy amounting to £3966 had been received, but owing to the fact that a reduction in the rates, amounting to nearly 271 per cent., had been made by the council for the current vear it was necessary to ascertain if the Minister of Public Works intended to exercise his discretionary power to make a reduction in the rebate or otherwise. The Minister has now advised the county clerk that he does not intend to exercise that,power, and the rebate will therefore be passed on to the county catepayers, provided their rates are paid by the end of March. The amount involved in each case will be refunded to those ratepayers who have already paid their rates for the current year. The reduction of 27i per cent, in the rates, and the rebate of 121 per cent, will afford very substantial relief to the Maitakj i alepayers in tbe payment of rates for the current year. DUNBACK SPORTS At tiie sixth annual meeting of the Dunback Picnic Sports Club, Mr F. H. Gibson was appointed chairman. It was decided to hold a picnic and sports gathering, to be followed by a dance on January 30. FISHERMEN’S EXPERIENCE On Thursday evening a fishing launch from Moeraki ran out of petrol and was driven by the wind up the coast to Oamaru. It was towed into the harbour by an Oamaru launch, and returned to Moeraki yesterday morning.

FAT LAMBS Yesterday morning advice was received in Oamaru that a further drop of id per lb had been made in the schedule price of fat lambs and ewes. MAJESTIC PICTURES There is not a dull moment in “ Son of India,” latest Ramon Novarro starring vehicle, which will be shown to-day and to-night at the Majestic Theatre. The story tells of the adventures of the son of a wealthy Indian jewel merchant. From its opening scenes, depicting a bandit raid in a rugged mountain pass, to the startling climax in which the villain is trampled to death by a maddened elephant, the plot of the Meiro-Goldwyn-Mayer melodrama constantly keeps its audience on its toes. Neither the direction of Jacques Feyder nor the acting of Novarro and his supporting players leaves anything to be desired. Featured roles are played by Conrad Nagel. Marjorie Rambenu, Madge Evans, C. Aubrey Smith, Mitchell Lewis, John Miljan, and Nigel de Brulier. This picture will commence screening at 9 o clock. MUNICIPAL BAND FETE Next Saturday a novelty attraction will be provided for the public of Oamaru in the form of a fete, which will be held in the Gardens in aid of the Municipal Band. There will be a comprehensive display of articles and goods on the large array of stalls. Competitions in baking, consisting of eight sections, will be held. A baby show of four classes should also attract large entries, and .a good deal of interest will be displayed in this section. Prizes will be given for the best decorated pram, and also the best decorated bicycle, tricycle, dobbin or other children’s vehicle. Humorous entertainment is assured from the various side shows, which should attract large crowds. A grand rooster race should prove quite a novelty, and much amusement should be'derived from this event. Afternoon tea, ice creams, sweets and soft drinks will be procurable on the grounds. This gigantic fete should prove to be an outstanding success, and it is anticipated that a large gathering of the public will be present to help the band to participate in the Wcllingtorpcontest, and uphold the prestige of the town.

PUKEURI FREEZING WORKS Since the opening of the Pukeuri freezing works over a week ago, a total oi 19,000 killings have been made. PERSONAL At the North Otago Farmers’ Union ifteeting yesterday afternoon a motion of sympathy was passed with Mr Peter Lister in the death of his wife. At the recent maternity examination for nurses, Mise Janet G. Mackay, of Oamaru. passed with honours. ~ . New Club Hotel—Mr B. Yuill, Mr K. J. Campbell, Mr J. Lyghgoe (Christchurch), Mr A. Hawddns. Mr-R. Elliott (Dunedin).

INTEREST, ARBITRATION COURT. AND DERATING A good deal of discussion was caused at the North Otago Farmers’ Union meeting yesterday on three questions brought before the meeting by the Dominion president (Mr W. J. Poison), In his letter to the executive, Mr Poison said there were three questions of urgeny to the farming community, and they should offer their assistance to the Government in accomplishing: (1) _ Interest reduction and reduction of capital; (2) abolition of compulsory arbitration; (3) regulation of petrol pricey tq allow of the complete derating of farm lands, while reducing petrol prices to consumers. All these, wrote Mr Poison, were possible of accomplishment if they showed the Government they were in earnest. Continuing, Mr Poison stated that an all round reduction of interest would _be unworkable, and would jeoparlise all invested sinking funds and superannuation funds, and would help those who did not need, help and be of insufficient help to those in difficulty. The arbitration system, submitted Mr P< son, was creating and not curing hostility between the opposing forces, and in the face of combinations, which were earning profits where competition tended to lower them, it was helpless in keeping down costs. The question of derating, wrote Mr Poison, assumed urgent importance just at present, when farmers were in such difficulties. The importation of petrol into New Zealand last year totalled 68.000.000 gallons. Every penny per gallon represented £2£3.333. The subsidiary companies were charged by the parent company 3£d instead of the world’s parity of 2Jd. and also a loading charge of Id per gallon. These two charges were clearly an imposition, totalling £566,666. It was estimated that a tax of Hid would enable them to totally derate the farm lands. Extra dutv would bring the price up to 16.90 d. and allowing 3d per gallon to retailers, it should be sold within a radius of 10 miles from ’bulk tanks for, say, Is 8d per gallon. A further loading of 2d per gallon should distribute it all over New Zealand, and bring the price to an average of Is lOd. An increase in the petrol duty from fid to lOd would yield £1,133.332. which applied to derating would relieve county ratepayers. The price of petrol to consumers would be reduced to an average of 4d per gallon—another saving to the consumer of £1,133,332—0r a total benefit to ratepayers and consumers of £2,266,664. Petrol carrying 8d tax at Home was selling for Is 5d in Great Britain, although the distance from the United States was greater than to New Zealand. The chairman (Mr Walker) said they should do something to reduce costs. Mr Poison’s views about the petrol question were valuable, and they should support him. Interest reduction was a difficult matter, but he did not agree that superannuation should not be reduced. Superannuation should be reduced, and Government bonds as well. The cost of living had been reduced, and those benefiting were so much better off. The abolition of the Arbitration Court had been dealt with by the Dominion Executive, and it had been decided to agree to compulsory conciliation and optional arbitration. They wanted to go for the total abolition of the Arbitration Court.—(Applause.) Mr J. Rodman said a reduction of principal was coming automatically whether they liked it or not. A number of mortgagees had made arrangements with the mortgagors already. He would not say the Arbitration Court should be abolished, but there was need for some adjustment, and they should asx for a modification to comply with present conditions. The Government had moved to a certain extent on the question of the petrol tax and derating, by granting ,i subsidy for rebate on rates. That was a system of derating and would help the farmers to carry on. They should not pay more in New Zealand for petrol than iu the Homeland, and lie thought they might get some redress in this matter. Mr L. Kelcher said Mr Rodman had stated the Arbitration Court had done good work. There was no doubt it bad done good work, said Mr Kelcher. and brought them to the present state of conditions. If the Arbitration Court were continued there would be a crowd of unemployed in the winter. The speaker compared conditions prior to the Arbitration Court with the present time, in favour of a man being paid in wages'what he was worth, and added that it was “ not sweated labour either.” He thought Parliament should wake up. J. B. Chapman also supported the abolition of the Arbitration Court. Whether a man was a “loafer” or a worker, he received the arbitration wage. The Arbitration Court was responsible for a great deal of unemployment to-day Mr Walker, in reply to Mr Chapman.

said the co-operative petrol company would not help them to derate farm lands. Auckland had asked for derating by wiping out special loans, but they could not agree to that. Mr Poison’s idea was to ask the companies to sell at a reasonable figure. Mr E. S. Brewster stated that it would be a difficult matter to put the screw on companies except by competition, which would cost the Government a large sum of money. He did not think the Government was in a position to enter into competition, and therefore was not in a position to put the screw on. i After further discussion, it was decided to support Mr Poison on these three matters.

WORLD WALKING TOUR Frank Danford (Rakaia) and Harry Clouston (Wanganui), both New Zealanders, who are on a walking tour of the world, arrived in Oamaru from Waimate yesterday afternoon. They left Whangarei on October 24 to walk 50,000 miles. The present record, held by a Canadian, is seven years, but they plan to do the distance in six years. They will leave Oamaru this morning, arriving at Dunedin over the week-end, and hope to leave the Bluff at the end of the month for Brisbane. Thence they go to Sydney, in time for the opening of the big bridge in March; then on to Melbourne. Adelaide, Perth, and the East.