THE FARMERS’ UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3869, 8 May 1928, Page 17

THE FARMERS’ UNION.

NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL . CONFERENCE. - CO-OPERATION WITH EMPLOYERS. • WELLINGTON, May 3. “ If the conference has done nothing else it has had the fine effect of bringing the farming bodies into direct touch with one another,” said Mr W. J. Polson at the meeting of the Dominion Executive of the banners’- Union to-day, when submitting a report on the National Industrial Conference. “ VVe had a conference of the various farming .organisations in this country,” said Mr Polson, “ and we succeeded in establishing a very much better under standing than we have had in the past. It is of importance that a good understanding should be maintained. I am perfectly convinced that it is essential that we should be united on main questions of policy in connection with the primary industries in this country. It will be our own fault if we do not maintain the united attitude we are showing in connection with the important questions we are considering before the industrial conference at the present time.. We have also come into close touch with the Employers’ Federation, and we have derived a great deal of benefit from that association. We have found, for instance, that their ideas and our ideas are not so very wide apart after all. I think it is possible for us to get a long way along lines of agreement on important questions.” Mr Polson said the farmers might well consider getting into closer touch with the employers. He believed it was desii able that the employers should have some central organisation. It had been of ad vantage to the workers, to havo a centra) dl’ganisation, and he believed the employers as a whole would derive similar benefits. THE FREEZING INDUSTRY. The executive passed the following motion :—“ That it be a recommendation to the Meat Producers’ Board that a com mission be set up to inquire into the freezing industry in ths country.” WHEAT GROWING. Details of an effort in Canterbury to carry out research work in regard to wheat were placed before the executive by Mr Mulholland. He said an institute had been established, and a' small levy was to be imposed on flour, payable by millers and bakers. This was to be adjusted to make the payment aboirt Id per week per bushel. The Government would give a subsidy of £ for £. ■ The objects were to improve the method of growing wheat jn order to get the best possible flour, and to go into the question of moles, etc., in'flour. The institute would also consider the difficulties in the way of . getting the right strength of flour and ■of making a good uniform loaf. The staff would consist of a chemist, the necessary assistants, and a cereal expert, and steps are being taken to establish a laboratory. “"“'WELCOME TO DR REAKES. “ I have great pleasure in welcoming back to our midst a very faithful servant of the producers of this country—Dr Reakes. We have complete confidence in him, and we know he has fulfilled his mission,” said the president at the executive meeting in welcoming the Directorgeneral of Agriculture (Dr C. J. Reakes), who recently returned from abroad.” We are satisfied ” said Mr Polson, “that Dr Reakes has come back even better equipped that he was before to handle the problems of our industry. It is a great thing for a civil servant to know that he has the confidence of the producers. Dr Reakes has our complete confidence. We know that he is working entirely in cur interests.”—(Ap plause.)

In returning thanks, Dr Reakes said he hardly felt able to express how deeply he appreciated the warm welcome extended to him, and further how deeply he appreciated the remarks of the president “ I can honestly say," he added, “ that I have always tried to do my best in the interests of both the agricultural and pastoral communities. It is my job. It has helped me very much indeed to feel that you are all with me, and that you aic all trying to help me. That, of course, makes for better working and better results.”