MANIOTOTO FARMER'S UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3414, 20 August 1919, Page 11

MANIOTOTO FARMER'S UNION.

At tho quarterly meeting at Wedderbum of the Maniototo Branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union Mr C. Inder, who presided, congratulated Mr Lewis on having won tho Mathias Shield for shooting, and it was decided that in future the competition should be hold at the end of January or the beginning of February. In connection with the visit of Mr W. Alexander (Fields Instructor), it was suggested that Mr Alexander should give a lecture on. the subject of soil analysis. Mr Lewis said he did no! think much of the department's work. He sent a sample of soil to Wellington, and received back a reply that the ground was not worth cultivating. The sample was taken from the only part of his property where he could grow a crop. The subject of the wool commandeer was discussed", the chairman giving a resume of a pamphlet by Mr W. D. Lysnar, alleging that producers were net receiving the full and fair value of their wool. Mr Davis said he thought wool-growers had not been treated fairly. Mr Malcolm declared that the valuation was not on a fair baeis. and he and Mr Lobb asserted that they did not receive the 55 per cent, increase on the pre-war price. The chairman said the price received was "sheer luck." The Central wool was averaged, and they received 55 per cent, on that. He nearly lost l£d per lb through putting a fleece or two of poorer quality in a bale. One of these fleeces, waa pulled out when the valuation took place. On his asking for a revaluation, the mistake was shown and the difference allowed. It was resolved to try and obtain a copy of the terms of agreement of the purchase and particulars of how the sales wero carried out. and, if deemed advisable, to call a special meeting. It was decided to susgest that the Farmers' Union Insurance Office should charge only one rate for all classes of farm work, and that when a man pays his premium it should cover every class of labour on his farm.