FARMERS' RALLY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 19

FARMERS' RALLY.

MEETING at DANNEVIRKE. DANNF.V IRKE, February 4. A monster farmers' rally embracing the district from Woodville to Hastings” was held in the Dannevirke Town Hall last evening in continuation of the - Farmers’ Union’s campaign to enlighten the townspeople on the conditions which farmers have at present to contend with ar>’ enlist their sympathy. The speakers included the Mayor (Mr A. J. C. Runciman), Messrs W. J. Pol(Domiwnn president of the Dominion Farmers’ Union), General Sir Andrew Russell, and Mr J. S. Jessep (vice-chair-man of the Meat Board). In thft course of his address Mr Polson touched on the high cost of production, the necessity of a reduction in the taxation of farmers, financial assistance, the exploration of new markets, tariff reform, and labour problems. He advocated a square deal for the farmers, and said that if the town and country people pulled together they would be able to get legislation passed which would right their present wrongs. Sir Andrew Russell said the standard of life was what they could dig out of the soil—that and nothing else. Far-

itieis did not want to pay lower wages but wanted a better reward for what they P-ud and a bigger output. He touched ok the necessity for cheap money, a better knowledge of farming, hard work and thrift. Mr Jessep commented upon the present unemployment, which he said was a cry*. ing shame, and attributed the blame largely to the Arbitration Court, whic> had outlived its usefulness, and had become merely a wage-fixing court without regard to whether industry could stand the increases or not. Resolutions were carried similar to those at the Wanganui rally in December referring to the scarcity of labour, economy in public expenditure, and a reduction of taxation, rural finance, and markets. A branch of the women's division of the union was formed during the afternoon. MATAURA STOCK SALE. GORE. February 3. The monthly stock sale was held at the Mata lira yards to-day in fine weather, and before a fair attendance of farmers. Fat Sheep.—The offering was small, and comprised 82, some of which were fairly good wethers. Values were easier, and good wethers made 24s 3d, while fat ewes made up to 15s Id. Store Sheep.—ln the store pens 1006 sheep were offered, the bulk of which were store lambs, for which there was good demand at firm rates. Sales were made at from 18s to 20s. A couple of pens of failingmouth ewes were offered, and ono line realised Ils 6d. Fat Cattle. —The offerinrr comprised 10, head of fairly good cows, for which there was fairly good competition, and all were disposed of at from £5 to £6 12s 6d. Store Cattle. —There was a mixed offering of 20 head, and the market was on a.' pur with recent sales. Cows in milk made £4, and springing cows £6 10s, while store cows realised from £2 2s 6d to £5. Yearling steers and heifers realised from £3 to £4 ss, and aged bulls sold well up to £7 15s. TIMARU WOOL SALES. DUNEDIN PRICES REALISED. TIMARU. February 4. The second wool sale of the season wan held here to-day before a full bench of buyers, representative of all the woolconsuming centres of the world. A total catalogue of 17.177 bales was offered, and. nearly all sold at higl’ily satisfactory prices. The sale was fully equal to the Dunedin sale of this week, when the peak prices of the season were reached, and merino wool was even firmer than at Dunedin. There was strong activity by the Continental buyers, but the Dominion buyers secured a good proportion of fine wools. The demand for the best pieces, especially necks, was very strong, and a pronounced feature of the sale. The catalogue included most of the upcountry clips, although, owing to frequent interruptions by rain, shearing on one or two stations is not yet completed. Generally speaking, the wool came forward in a very attractive condition, buyers stating that the merino was thebest they had seen this season. The following is the official range o£ prices:— Merino.—Super. 23jd; average, 201 d to 21d; inferior, 18fd. Halfbred.-Super. 20Jd; average, 19Jd- inferior, 15d to 17d. Medium Halfbred.—Super. 193 d: average, 19d; inferior, 14d to 16d. Coarse Halfbred.—Super, 19d; average. 17|d; inferior, 164 d. Crossbred.—Super, 16Jd; average, laid; inferior, 13Jd. Medium Crosscred.—Super, 13Jd- average, 12d; inferior, IOJd to lid." ’ Bellies and Pieces.—Merino, good to super 173 d, fair to medium 164 d; halfbred, good to super 16d to 17id“ fair to medium 14d to crossbred, good to super, 122 d, fair to medium lid to 12d Crutehings.—Medium to good, 71d to 9.jd; inferior, 64d. Locks.—Merino. 10d: halfbred. BAd"ossbred 6d; cottcd, lOld to Mid; dead, uja to 17d.