OTAGO FARMERS’ UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 3195, 9 June 1915, Page 20

OTAGO FARMERS’ UNION

MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE. The tenth annual meeting of the Otago Farmers’ Union Mutual Fire- Insurance Association was held in the Expansion League's Committee room on the 2nd inst. Mr W. Grey presided over a fair attendance of members. The Secretary stated that the actual reserve of the association was now over £io,ooo, represented by cash and premiums. In moving the adoption of the annual report the Chairman said ho looked back with pride at the success they had had in spite of adverse criticism hurled at them, which, of course, came from those interested in other companies. The total insurances at the present date were £225,741, which gave the satisfactory increase of £37,507 for the year. The Reserve Fund had again been increased owing to another successful year’s work. It had boon suggested that the incoming directors should consider a further reduction in rates. It must be remembered that the rates wore now considerably under those of other companies. Apart from this strong inducement tor farmers to give their business to the ■Mutual, it was well to remember that the association was the farmers’ own institution, and that the benefits derived went straight to the farmers; the larger the business the better they could help farmers; the Mutual dealt only with farm insurances, and their expenses wore very low. Ho again urged upon them and their friends the claims of the Mutual for support. Mr John Clark (Clinton), in seconding the motion, expressed satisfaciton with the affairs of the association and the greatest confidence in its future!

Mr John Christie (Warepa) asked for an expression of opinion as to the association taking up accident insurance. Mr A. S. Orbell (Waikouaiti) said he was strongly opposed to the association taking up accident insurance. If they wished to start accident insurance lot them start a separate association on similar lines, but leave the fire insurance association to carry its own burden.

Mr Mitchell explained that, legally, the two concerns must be quite separate. Mr P. Sim (Crookston) said he thought it would bo a mistake to reduce the rates at the present time. Mr James Begg (Mosgicl) pointed out that the only use of the reserve was to have something to fall back on in case of extraordinary circumstances. There was a certain point beyond which it would be useless to keep building up a reserve. Mr D. M. Philip suggested a rebate rather than a reduction.

In reply to a question the Chairman said it was proposed to reduce the rate from 7s 6d to 6s Bd.

Mr J. Chapman (Dunback) said he thought it would be to the advantage of the association to reduce the rate somewhat.

Mr J. Clark (Milton) also favoured the reduction of rates.

The Chairman said they could start accident insurance, but it would mean a lot of extra expense right away. When men had an accident, they would not got better as long as they were being paid. He did not think the accident insurance was too high at the present time. He had been the mover in the reduction of the premiums, and he still thought it would be a good thing for the association. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. Mr Orbcll referred to the fact that one who had been a director of the association from its inception, Colonel G. H. Stewart, had joined the Expeditionary Forces, and was about to go to the front. He thought that in view of Mr Stewart's services to the association it would be a graceful thing if they reappointed him to the board. He moved —“ That this meeting wishes to convey to Colonel G. H. Stewart its very high appreciation of his action in volunteering for active service, and the members of the Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance wish him well and a safe return.”

Mr J. Begg seconded the motion, which was carried with applause. The following board of directors was unanimously, re-elected: —Messrs W. Grey, G. H. Stewart, D. M. Philip, A. S. Orbcll, J. Clarke, J. Christie, and A. J. Webb. Mr T. H. Thompson was re-elected auditor.

The directors’ fees were fixed at the same amount as in the previous year.

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE. The fifteenth annual conference of the Otago Provincial Council of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was hold in the Expansion League's committee room at 11.30 a.m. on the 2nd. Mr J. Begg presided over a full attendance of delegates.

The delegates were as follow;—J. B. Norrie, J. Clark. N. M‘Arthur (Milton), D. M. Philip (Dunback), R. M'Konzie, D. Sutherland, A. Fleming (Palmerston), G. Gould, W. MTCerrow, D. J. Ross, W. S. D. Trotter (Hampden), J. "U. Edgar (Tapanui), T. M'Math (Lauder), A. MTvinnon (Middleman?!)), P. Sim (Crookston), R. Tout (Clydevale), C. J. Indor, A. B. Armour, R. Scott, M.P. (Maniototo), J. U. Wallace, W. Scott, J. Clarke (Clinton), A. Fraser (Lawrence), W. A. Aitehison, J. Rutherford, D. Eraser (Kaitangata), G. M. Love, G. Throp (Moa Flat), W. S. Thomson, J., Christie (Balclutha), J. Craig (Greenfield), A. S. Orbcll (Waikouaiti), J. Bcgg (Mosglel). ANNUAL REPORT. The Committee’s annual I’cport began by referring to the war now being carried on. Like all other bodies of a public nature, the union had had to stop m and do its share of the work and share the anxieties consequent on such a state of unrest. A largo proportion of its members had responded, and still were responding, nobly to the Empire’s call, not only in sending

to the front many of their sons, but also in contributing largely in money and kind. The Otago branch of the union had contributed to date, through the channel of the union over £6OGO value in cash and kind, and, in addition, members contributed largely through various local organisations. The Government made full use of the union in getting into touch with those in the country districts who had suitable horses, horse feed, and much of the equipment required by the military authorities. The committee wished to convey again its gratitude for the splendid service and response given by branch secretaries and members to the appeals made from time to time during the year. The committee felt proud that the union had again proved its usefulness in the time of the country’s need, and felt that the efforts put forth from time to time as a union should serve to strengthen their organisation and enable farmers throughout the dominion to realise the value of united effort among them. During- the I year many subjects of interest to members and farmers generally had received attention, such as land, legislation, rural education, Farm Labourers’ Award, immigration, iiadgwick {migration scheme, hospital and charitable aid, trading reciprocity, afforestation, analysis of soil manures, proportional voting, farmers’ co-operatives, export of oats, etc., buyers’ and sellers’ names of stock being supplied by agents, grass fires on railway linos, advices of consigned goods at flag railway station, loss of cornsaeks, pumice as a fertiliser, elective - executive, National Endowment Act, Huntly disaster. Food Commission, adulteration of milk, lectures on agriculture, Melbourne, Bluff, and Dunedin shipping services, fare on wool packs, rings in railway trucks to secure valuable cattle while in course of transit, and numbers of matters of local interest to the various branches. It would be seen that farmers’ needs were looked after closely, and no opportunity lo=t, either publicly or privately, by the union and its officers of advocating the farmers’ case whenever and wherever possible. Members would bo pleased to note that their president, Mr James Begg, was appointed by the Government as a member of the Food Commission. The committee sincerely trusted that, during the current year, a lasting peace might bo established. Colonel Stewart, another valuable member of their executive, had accepted a commission in the Reinforcements, and was now on his way to the front. They all wished him God speed and a safe return homo. The report was adopted. PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. The President, in the course of his retiring address, traversed the principal events of the past year, particularly as they had aflbeted the farming community. The war, of course, overshadowed all other events. They believed that we must emerge victorious, but it was evident that great sacrifices were necessary in order to bring about a speedy victory. He expressed the pride they felt in the splendid courage and fighting qualities of their own contingents.— (Applause.) Their sympathy wept out to all friends and relatives of those who had fallen at the front, and to all who were anxiously waiting for news at the present time. When the call came for men, horses, and money the farmers responded very heartily. Large numbers of our finest young men had left the country districts to do their share of the fighting, and as further reinforcements were required -he had no doubt they would continue to send their full quota. The country districts had also subscribed liberally to the patriotic funds, and would continue to do so. Largo x>Rits of the dominion had suffered from drought during the year and some parts were still suffering from want of moisture. The parts of the North Island that were affected had had good rains, but parts of Otago, Canterbury, and Marlborough were still very dry. For a time the outlook for cereals, was very bad, but tamely showers about midsummer did a lot of good, and ultimately wheat yielded a good average crop of quite 20 bushels. Oats were- a partial failure, except in Southern Otago and Southland, where excellent crops were harvested. Tho shortage of shipping, with insulated space, lad caused great inconvenience and considerable loss to farmers, especially in Canterbury, where feed was very scarce. A large number of ships were now on the way out, and the position should be very much improved in a few weeks. A number of causes contributed to the shortage of ships. Tho hurry to got troops away to the front led to come insulated ships being commandeered by the Government for troopships. Then several were sunk by the enemy. Ships under construction, which might have been in commission this year, wore still on tho stocks owing to pressure of naval work in the dockyards at Homo, and, finally, extremely high freight rates all over tho world had tempted away ships which might otherwise have come here. An attempt had boon made to fasten the responsibility for the shortage on tho Government, but in view of the above facts th’s seemed to him to be qdite unfair. If the war continued there was a danger that next season the trouble might recur. It was clear that it would be necessary to arrange well ahead for sufficient ships to transport our next season’s produce. The Government on the outbreak of war prohibited tho export of wheat, and had subsequently stopped tho export of both oats and butter, and had also, acting for the Imperial Government, taken over all the meat for export. The prices paid for the meat had, he thought, been quite satisfactory to farmers. While they all agreed that there wore circumstances in which it might bo tho duty of the Government to secure tho food for the use of tho people, they must emphatically protest against "any interference with or restriction of the export trade in normal times. Subject to this ho thought they could support the Government in its efforts to keep supplies normal in a time of national stress.

The Government set up a commission to investigate and report on the prices of foodstuffs. Ho had been asked to join the commission, an ! feeling it was right that farmers should bo represented on it, he accepted a seat. Canadian flour was coming fairly freely into the dominion at present, and was compel ing with South Island flour in the Auckland and Wellington markets. This seemed to show that local wheat and flour were just about level with the world’s market.

Despite all the troubles which ho hod been dealing with we could congratulate ourselves on having had a very good yea;-. The exports had increased by £4,000,000, and now stood at £27,000,000. Hie great bulk of this was, of course, farmers’ pro, duce. The £4,000,000 of increase did not all go into farmers’ pockets, though a considerable proportion of it did. Large quao>

titles of wool and dairy produce were sold to merchants and sxieculators before the big rise in prices began. Still farmers had had an excellent year, and that was reflected in the continued prosperity of the whole community. Referring to the matter of war taxation he said the favourite proposal seemed to bo that all the taxation should bo put on the land. The , proposal seriously put forward by the Engineers’ Association in Wellington was simply one of wholesale plunder. Many people who» had • not inquired into it had an idea that somehow tfie land-owner was escaping. The farmers should bring forward generous proposals of their own. They wanted to do their full share, but they would like a little bit left for the others to show their patriotism by. He made special reference to the great services rendered to the union by Colonel G. H. Stewart, who had been a member of the union since its inception, and had acted both as vice-president and as president. Ho proposed that his name should be retained and put first on the list of the committee. They were all proud that he was going to the front, and followed him with their heartiest good wishes. —(Applause.) A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the chairman for his address. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for the ensuing your: —President, Mr J. Begg; vicepresident. Mr R. MTionzie; auditor, Mr Crosby Morris; committee —-Colonel G. H. Stewart, Messrs J. Ciarke, A. Eras, r, j. D. Rougt.rs, o. ouu'R, G.- A itch; son,, K. Soott, M.F., H. E. Steel, W. Grey, J. Christie, W. D. S. Trotter, J. Craig, D. J. Ross, A. S. Orbell, W. T. Thomson, iJ. M. JL-'biiip; delegates to the Dominion Conference —Messrs J. Begg and R. MTCenzie. , NAVAL DEFENCE. Mr Orbell moved the following remit coming trom a general oonierence in Wellington: —"That in the opinion oi this executive, athough the unity of the Empire fleet must aiways remain imperative, the heart of the Empire being vital to the extremities, yet some form of local defence is a necessity and will tend to develop the sentiment ox personal interest and sacrifice to the Empire to a greater degree than a purely monetary subsidy.” On the broad question of control of the fleet, ho said he though there could be no doubt that that should be with the Imperial Government. At the same time he felt that Australia, in endeavouring to form a small fleet of its own was on the right linos. We ought either to form a smaller fleet of our own or to enter into combination with the Australian navy. Ho referred to the great services of the Australian navy to us at the outbreak of the war. Personally he fav-_ oured the dorfiinion forming a small fleet of its own. While in England they paid 16s per head towards the cost of the navy, we in New Zealand paid less than Is a head, and those in Australia about 2s a bead. We were just as well able to contribute to the support of the navy as were the jieoplo at Home. _ i Mr J. Christie seconded the motion. The Chairman said he understood that the Government loaned towards some form of local naval defence. Mr Scott, M.P., endorsed all the remarks of Mr Orbell on the subject. After the experience of the last nine months he thought that every man in New Zealand must realise that a local navy, small though it might be, would bo a source of protection to us. As soon as this war was over wo must prepare for the next, and we did not know where it would come from. He supported the resolution, and hoped that it would be carried in its entirety. Mr A. Fraser also supported the motion. Mr J. Clarke characterised the subsidy to the British navy as “a mean way to shuffle clear of our responsibility.” He hoped the resolution would bo carried. ' The Chairman said that personally ho did not agree with the idea of a local fleet. He fully recognised the value of the Australian fleet to us, but he held that if it had not boon hero other provision would have been made for our protection by the Imperial Government. We should not only pay our full share on the sane basis as •was paid at Home, but„we should send men to man the ships—(Applause.) The idea of a local navv was attractive, but it would involve local control in time of peace at least If each dominion had its own fleet > the war would probably bo over before the Admiralty could gee all the in its together. The controlling body in time of peace should be the same as in time of war. The motion was carried without dissent. | WAR TAX. Mr A J.' Webb moved the following resolution; “That if a war tax has to bo imposed, the union would urge that everyone in the dominion should bear a fair share, and that it should in no sense bo a class tax.” tie asked leave to add, • and should bo levied according to real wealth.” He pointed out that wealthy people who wore not generously disposed could almost entirely from the various philanthropic appeals that were being made. Ho t

suggested that in some cases largo companies should be taxed, and opposed import duties and land and income tax. Mu. M'Kenzie seconded the motion, and said that no system of taxation would bo acceptable that did not touch both young and old, and great and small. The Chairman agreed with the remit, but said he thought it was too shadowy and indefinite to carry much weight Everybody agreed that everybody should bear a fair share of the burden. . They should make it clear that they as farmers did not wish to escape paying their full share of taxes. The remit proposed by Mr Webb came from the Dominion Executive. Mr A. Fraser said ho thought it would be well for the Government to reduce the land tax exemption of £SOO. It would mean that many more people would have to pay the tax. Mr James Hartstonge said that to catch every man by taxation they must tax through the Customs, and to do that would mean a heavy tax on people with large families. The fairest way to levy a war tax would be to impose a property tax. under which every person would pay taxation on his property, whether real or personal. He moved as an amendment: “That it be a remit to the Dominion Conference that, in order to impose a war tax, the country should revert to the old system of property tax as imposed 30 years ago. Let the Government fix the exemption, and then impose a graduated tax above that amount. Mr Webb pointed out that incomes would not be taxed under the property tax, and a great many people would escape taxation. " Mr Jasper Clarke said he favoured a property tax, but thought incomes should not be exempted. Mr Orbell said it was difficult to in-' dividualise or say hew the tax should bo imposed. The farmers were ready to pay their share of the >var tax, but it would be unjust to ask the farming community to pay the whole of it. Ho had drafted the following motion: “That a war tax should be imposed, and the union suggests that everyone in the dominion should bear a fair shave. The community is quite prepared to pay their just share of the tax, but it should be in no sense a class tax.” Mr Christie seconded this motion. After a short discussion, Mr Orbell’s motion was accepted by the meeting and agreed to. FROZEN MEAT TRADE. Mr Trotter moved : “ That the conference views with surprise and regrets the fact that the Farmers’ Union has not been officially recognised in connection with the arrangement being made in the commandeering of the meat supplies of Now Zealand, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Prime Minister.” The Chairman said a notification to this effect had already been sent to the Prime Minister. The motion was carried. Mr R. Acton Adams moved—“ That a committee be set up in Dunedin, comprised of shipping, freezing, and farmers’ interests, whose duties it will bo to deal with the dislocation of the frozen moat trade, and generally to act in the direction of guarding producers’ interest by co-operating with the committee in Christchurch.” Ho suggested that the Prime Minister should be asked to set up a committee in Otago to decide every month the price that export buyers should bo bound to pay growers at the works. This had been done in Christchurch, and why not in Otago ? Southland should also sot up a committee to act with Otago and Southland, and co-operation between the committees should be close, in order to arrive at a fair thing. The committee should not act in a parochial spirit, but in a way that would benefit the dominion as a whole. After a discussion the motion was withdrawn, and it was resolved to appoint the president, vice-president, Mr Acton Adams, and Mr Philips as a committee to wait on the Sheep-owners’ Association and the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, with a view to forming a committee of control during the period of the war, the committee to watch the _ allocation of shipping and to give information to farmers as to the value of their stock. NOXIOUS WEEDS. Mr W. S. Thomson moved: “(1) That this conference would suggest that the Noxious Weeds Act should bo stringently enforced in cases where the land is capable of close cultivation, but in such cases enforcement should only take place after consultation with the fields inspector and the members of the local body in whose district the land is situated, and in all cases the local bodies should be the power to decide as to what portion of the Noxious Weeds Act should be enforced in their particular district. (2) That the Board of Agriculture bo urged to have an illustration book of the weeds of Now Zealand, on somewhat similar lines to that issued by the Agricultural Department of the Dominion of Canada-, published, ■ with partiular relation to the conditions in New Zealand. , (3) That the Crown should clear the noxious

weeds from Crown lands, reserves, river frontages, railway lines, prison camps, and other Government property where such weeds have been declared noxious weeds by the local body. (4) That the Government be requested to introduce legislation empowering loco 1 bodies to excise from the schedule of tho Noxious Weeds Act any noxious weed previously declared by such body in their district.” Mr Christie seconded tho motion.

Mi - Edgar moved as an amendment, and Mr J. Clark Seconded—“ That the Government bo asked to repeal the Noxious Weeds Act with regard to Californian thistle.” Mr Sim said tho local bod ; os had plenty to do without bothering about noxious weeds.' Ho hoped the Act would not be repealed. Mr W. Grey said he thought the inspectors wore not strict enough on farmers. Some farmers ought to be prosecuted year after year for neglecting to keep down the Californian thistle. Mr J. Craig caked why should a small farmer be compelled to cut the thistle when it was allowed to grow and spread on Crown land next his holding? Some members expressed the opinion that the thistle should be cut in the bloom, and others said it should be cut when it was younger. Mr A. Fraser moved as a further amendment—“ That the matter be postponed until the next conference, and that the items „dealt with in the motion bo separated.” After further discussion Mr Edgar’s amendment was earned. SHIPPING FACILITIES. Mr D. M. Philip moved —“That the conference urges that stops be taken to inaugurate a movement so that, when tho present war is over, steps may be taken to prevent shippers being entirely at the mercy of shipping companies.” It would be advisable to keep this matter in view, so that something l might be done after the war. Exploitation by the shipping companies had been going on in connection with freights, and in tho future the farmers must devise means to combat that difficulty. Mr John ..Clark seconded the motion, which was carried. PRICES OF COMMODITIES. The Chairman moved —“ That this conference is prepared to support the Government in its efforts to keep the prices of oats, wheat, butter, and other commodities at a moderate level during the war; but wishes to emphasise its opinion that these must bo regarded as purely emergency measures, justified only by the country being at war.” Ho said they ought to support the Government in its efforts, which he regarded as honest efforts. _There was a degree of national stress in which a Government was justified in acting, and would indeed be to blame if it did not interfere. Any action taken in a time of national stress must not bo taken as a precedent for the future, and while they were prepared to approve of what had been done they should emphasise their opinion that this action must be regarded as purely emergency action. Mr R. Tout seconded the motion. In reply to a question, the Chairman said a remit had been received from Clinton, which was too late for inclusion in tho agenda paper, as follows: —“That the Government should not prohibit the export of produce unless it guarantees to farmers the price ruling at the time of prohibiThe Chairman said a Government, in prohibiting exportation, might pick a day on whioh the price of produce was low. A discussion took place, after which tho motion was carried. LETTER FROM COLONEL STEWART. Colonel Stewart, of Crookston, a member of the Otago Provincial Executive, who is at present at Trentham, wrote stating that he would bo leaving New Zealand shortly, and tendering his resignation-of his seat on the executive. On his return he would be glad to again assist in the work of the Farmers’ Union. Tho reading of tho letter was received with applause. It was resolved to forward a reply to Colonel Stewart expressing appreciation of his letter, informing him of his re-election to the executive, and offering him good; wishes for a safe return. OTHER MOTIONS. Mr Win. Grey .moved, and Mr .Sim seconded —“That the Minister of Railways be asked to make some concession in connection with the demurrage on trucks of lime.” —After a discussion tho motion was lost. After a discussion tho following motion was withdrawn —-“That tho Government bo asked to introduce legislation to prohibit tho killing of stoats, weasels, and cats, also to stop all trading in the skins of the above-mentioned animals.” GENERAL. The following motions were carried: Moved by Mr D. J. Ross, seconded by Mr Jasper Clarke—“ That the executive of the Farmers’ Union- expresses a wish to tho Government to give passages to Belgian

refugee women, girls, and boys, who might come to New Zealand, and who are su.table for domestic service.”

Moved by Mr J. Christie, seconded by Mr Jasper Clarke—“ That the Government be asked to find some employment for alien subjects who are not interned as prisoners of war, but who may have been thrown out of employment, so that they may be enabled to ina.ntain themselves and families, as if unemployed and without means of support they may become a menace to the dominion.”

Moved by Mr John Clark, seconded by Mr Jasper Clarke—‘‘That the conference expresses approval of any scheme whereby the system s of Government by an Elective Executive would bo given a trial.” Moved by Mr John Clark, seconded by Mr W. S. Thomson—“ That the conference is in favour of the suggested amendment of the National Endowment Act in the direction of granting the freehold, considering that under no other system of tenure than the freehold can the land be farmed to the best advantage.” Moved by Mr A. Fraser, seconded by Mr W. S. Thomson—“ That the conference again protests against magistrates sending undesirables into country districts where police supervision is much less easily exercised than in tho towns.”

Moved by Mr Jasper Clarke, seconded by Mr A. Fraser—‘‘That the Government bo asked to give a bonus to any company or private individual who establishes the manufacture of fertilisers from fish.”

Moved by Mr J. D. Edgar, seconded by Mr Clarke —“That tho Government be asked to secure some of tho islands containing phosphate and guano in the Pacific, so that the farmers may get fertilisers at reasonable price.” Moved by Mr A. B. Armour, seconded by Mr Inder —“That tho Stock Act bo amended so that it will bo made compulsory for landowners with unclaimed sheep to send to tho nearest, stock inspector during tho month of May in each year the description and ir.aks of such sheep, and that the stock inspector keep a list of such sheep, which may be inspected by sheepowners.” VOTES OF THANKS. A. hearty vote of thanks was accorded tho chairman for the manner in which he had carried out his duties.