FARMERS IN CONFERENCE

Otago Witness, Issue 3594, 30 January 1923, Page 15

FARMERS IN CONFERENCE

WELLINGTON, January 24. Strong comment on the high railway charges was made by the Farmers’ Union Executive to-day when attention was drawn to the fact that in Taranaki dairy produce was charged at the rate of 11s 3d per ton for a distance of over 19 miles, as compared with the pre-war charge of 5s sd. No action was decided on, it being thought desirable first to gather the facts for a full case. The Agricultural Department notified regarding deer that protection should be lemoved except in certain areas, the farmers being empowered to kill deer outside these areas. The meeting resolved that the Department of Internal Affairs be asked whether it had any objection to legislation giving local bodies power in their district to remove the protection on deer. The question of agricultural banks was held over to enable members to consider the draft Act. Mr Poison said if was hopeless to discuss control with wool going up in price, and “Bawra” going out of existence. There were some steps they could deal with, such as insurance, but they could go no further with the market as it was. The meeting decided that Mr Anderson (Mahau, Marlborough) should bring dbwn a report suggesting a scheme to deal with wool control. It was decided to bring before the Government the excessive price charged for Nauru phosphates.