Untitled

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17522, 21 March 1931, Page 6

■‘We did a lot for nothing in the past, but we cannot do it now,” commented Mr. J. 0. Field at the Farmers’ Union meeting to-day, when the president, Mr. F. S. Bowen,’ intimated that he did not intend claiming his expenses in connection with the recent trip to Wellington with the railway delegation. Mr. Field maintained that the executive, should insist that Mr. Bowen be reimbursed for the expenses lie incurred, for the president had acted on behalf of the union. The executive agreed to Mr. Field’s suggestion. “This is a matter for the Government lo balance its budget, and we must let it do it in its own way.” Using these words, Mr. M. T. Trafford moved at to-day’s meeting of the Poverty Bay executive of life New Zealand Farmers Union that no action should be taken iii respect of a letter from tho Locomotive Engineers, Firemen and Cleaners’ Association complaining about the proposed reduction of 10 per cent, in wages in addition to Iho 1022 cut. Ihe meeting. while expressing sympathy with these men. adopted Mr. Tra fiord’s motion. Replying to congratulatory references in respect of his economy proposals, Iho Prime Ministoi. Ihc Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, wrote as follows to the Farmers’ Union executive in Gisborne, which met to-day, pointing mil that the comprehensive proposals designed to assist tho farmers' financial problems could not bo carried out successfully unless the people as a whole agreed to share in the necessary sacrifices and support tho Government in its endeavor to meet the economic eri ;is. The letter added: “f can assure your branch that the Government is fully sensitive of the necessity of having Hie best- possible organisation in the matter of the sale, and distribution of primary products overseas, and everything possible is being done to achieve this object.” “'lie certainly has our sympathy in a very unpleasant job.” commented the president, Mr. F. S. Bowen.