FARMERS' UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 12

FARMERS' UNION

OTAGO FIRE INSURANCE ASSOCIA- . # TION. At a meeting' of directors of the Otago Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Association held" on Wednesday Mr Wm. Grey, chairman of directors, presided. The Secretary reported an increase of £8719 in the * total of insurances effected since last meeting. OTAGO PROVINCIAL CENTRE. The Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, Otago Provincial Council, met on Wednesday, Mr Alex. Eraser (president) in the chair. . A letter was received from the Prime Minister stating that farmers' interests will receive full consideration by the Imperial Government Supplies Department. A letter was received stating that no change in the personnel of the New Zealand Overseas Shipowners' Committee is contemplated, and that the temporary advantage which. Wellington had in shipping has now been remedied. The Minister of Agriculture wrote stating that the whole of iho overseas shipping is controlled by the Shipping Controller in England, and all information in connection therewith is secret and confidential during the war period. He also stated that each port was being treated alike as to tonnage, etc., as far as possible.—The Prime Minister wrote stating that the contract with the Imperial Government provides for the payment .of meat f.0.b., and it is to be continued until three months after the war; also stating that unless shipping space becomes very short, it is hardly advisable to bone prime beef, but that the Government is considering boning some other qualities of beef before shipment.—The Minister of Defence wrote regarding the union's protest as to holding of camps during the war, stating that Tahuna Park camp is a voluntary one, and the department holds the employers' certificate consenting to. their employees being present, so that it would therefore be seen that work on farms is not being interfered with. —Major Cooper wrote stating that no daylight parades are being held, with the exception of one week's annual camp in any territorial country district, and that there are only four parades per annum for cadets in countrv districts, and these must bo daylight to be of any practical value. Annual camps are hold to suit the general feeling of employers.— The Secretary of the Board of Trade wrote stating that the question of the price of manures would be looked into by the Board of Trade as requested—The Secretary reported _ that no report had yet been received.— The Secretary, Poard of Trade, wrote stating that Mr M'Phcrson, of Oamaru, had been appointed to act in farmers' interests on tho Advisory Committee to ■ the Wheat Controller.—The Dominion Executive wrote enclosing circulars sent to branches to obtain information regarding labour required for harvest. It was resolved to report that export labour is scarce, and farmers will have R-reat difficulty in completing their harvest work. The executive also wrote asking that branches be requested to give an opinion as to how 'the heavily-mortgaged farmer can bo protected from having to bear "an unduly heavy burden, and to give where possible specific instances of hardship due to the taxation imposed under "The Finance Act, 1917."—The Secretary reported that branches had been circularised accordingly.—Mr J. Me.nnell wrote inviting members 'to inspect his plant at Port Molynoux for the manufacture of manure from fish offal.—Messrs Jasper Clarke and John Christie were appointed to inspect the plant and report to next meeting.—The Now Zealand Farmers' Fertiliser Company (Ltd ) wrote asking permission to attend next executive meeting to give particular* a« to the company. Mr Thomson (representative of the company) was present at the

meeting, and explained the working and methods of the company. —It was resolved that the executive approves of the New Zealand Farmers' Fertiliser Company (Ltd.), and considers it worthy of consideration of farmers.—A letter was received intimating the formation of a branch with 16 members for a start at Waitahuna.—'The Balclutha branch forwarded a report covering the following resolutions, which were approved:—"That a department of forestry be set up by the Government of the dominion of New Zealand in order that the present inadequate system, or want of _ system, shall be by # a more vigorous, energetic, and scientific policy of afforestation." " That it is the duty of the Government to financially assist 'the Acclimatisation Societies in stocking the waste forest and scrub land*? of the great Alpine Range with fur-bearing animals."—The Clydevale branch wrote asking that farm labourers be released from camp for harvest. —The Secretary reported having re- ? resented this view to the Government.— 'he Southland Provincial Executive wrote intimating that it-had nominated Mr W. D. Hunt as representative |for Southland on the Wool-growera' Commjittee, as requested by Marlborough.—lt was\ resolved to nominate Mr W. D. Hunt to represent Otago if such a committee is appointed. It was resolved that the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald ask the Board of Trade to report on landed costs and selling price of phosphatic manures used in the dominion; also that the Efficiency Board be asked if it can suggeet...an"y way for remedying the high price being charged for binder 'twine.