FARMERS' UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 3337, 27 February 1918, Page 13

FARMERS' UNION

REQUISITIONING OF WOOL AND SKINSy The following is the complete circular relating to the requisition of slipe wool, etc., which" has been sent out by the Prime Minister to all the branches of the New Zealand Farmers' Union: — " Sovcral communications have been made by the New Zealand Government to the Imperial authorities with reference to the following matters:—(l) The desire evinced by the majority of freezing companies that the appraisement of this season's slipe wool shall be made in New Zealand; (2) the c.iscrepancy disclosed last season be tween the not returns for butchers' and country skins and those from sheep slaughtered at freezing works; (3) the disposal of freezing companies' pelts; (4) the requisition' of hider. and calfskins for 1918. Replies have been received from the War Office covering very important proposals, to the effect that —(a) Providing all slipe wool from freezing companies, and the resultant *lipe wool from butchers' and country skins, are finally appraised in London, and also that lamb pelts are shipped only to England, the War Office will consider relinquishing tho purchase and fellmongering of butchers' and country skins, (b) It is desired during the present year to purchase for Imperial requirements only hoavy-weigbt hides. These proposals are of such importance, and will have such a far-reaching effect on the disposal of the country's produce, that it is considered advisable to hold a , conference in Wellington in the very near future of all the parties interested' to discuss the position. "I shall be glad, therefore, if the various branches of the New Zealand Farmers' Union will consider the proposals as promptly as possible, and appoint six delegates from each island, with full power to act, to represent their interests at the conference. "The main points to be considered are to what extent will the interests of the country and the farming community bo Affected by—(l) The desire of the Imperial Government that final appraisement of slipe wool be made in the United Kingdom; (2) tho proposal to abandon the requisition of butchers' and country skins, and leave samp to be purchased by fellrhongers and dealers, rhe resulting slipe wool and the lamb pelt.* io be taken ever by the Imperial Government ; (3) the abandonment of the requisition of calfskins and all hides under 451 b weight " Mr James Begg, president of the Otago Farmers' Union, has been appointed to represent this union at the conference. Failing Mr Begg, Mr A. S. Orbell will be the delegate. ,