N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 3524, 27 September 1921, Page 11

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

HILLEND BRANCH. r A meeting of the above branch of Uie New Zealand Farmers’ Union was heid on September 12, there being a fair attendance. The question of the opening of the local freezing works was discussed, and the delegates’ report of the conference of South Otago branches, held at Ealclutha on the 3th inst., was approved. Fetters were received fom the secretary and organiser of the Southland provincial district re manure prices and supplies; also from tile Chief Postmaster, Dunedin, in regard to rural mail delivery. Both subjects were briefly commented on and attended to.

SOUTH OTAGO BRANCHES. A conference of delegates from South Otago branches of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held at Balclutha on Friday, September 9, Mr J. Christie presiding. The Chairman explained that the meeting had been called at the instigation of some of the South Otago branches to consider the possibility of obtaining a sufficient guarantee to induce the freezing’ works to open. The freezing company had expressed its willingness to open if a guarantee of about 10,000 cheep could be obtained, and he invited members of other branches to speak on the matter. A letter was received from the secretary of the Lawrence branch stating that there were approximately 2650 sheep available in tho Lawrence district.

Th© secretary of the Taparmi Sub-provin-cial District wrote stating that t lie re was a much larger number of wethers than usual I vxe it district this year, but that it was difficulty to get an estimate, as farmers were uncertain what to do with the sheep. it was estimated that about 2000 would go to s . same were to reopen. .air Mathieson, representing Armours, Ltd., gave some valuable information on the possible reduction of freights and the state of the market m London. He remarked furUier that there was about .<*ooo sheep in Central Otago ready to be sent to the freezer i it were opened, and that there were other raimers who had also a number. Mr Gordon (Hillend) stated that he knew ft, * ? 1 ' er , w | I °. had at least 600 wethers, and mat pe had heard there were several thousa?l shee P available in Southland. Aftpr considerable discussion, it was resolved-- 1 hat the South Otago freezing works be asked to reopen as soon as possible” as there eeerned well over 10,000 wethers available, and that the chairman be authorised to interview the manager of the works on the matter.” It was hoped that all farmers who had wethers on hand would help to relieve the situation by sending in a proportion to the freezer.