SHEEPOWNERS’ UNION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18632, 16 February 1935, Page 12

SHEEPOWNERS’ UNION

* THE ANNUAL REPORT MEMBERSHIP INCREASE EMBARCO DISCUSSION The president of tlie Poverty Bay and East' Coast Slieepowncrs’ Union, Mr. 0- j H. •Williams, in his report to he submitticT to the annual meeting on March 2, states: '■Membership and finance. — the employment ;of a canvasser on a payment by results 'basis lias resulted in an increase in membership, with the addition of about BC.OOO .sheep to- our roll. Our balance-sheet indicates that our finances are in a healthy condition, but until membership is largely increased no reduction in the annual subscription can be contemplated. “Distemper in dogs.—Following correspondence 'with the Agricultural Department and other interested parties in which it was ascertained that the introduction of the vaccine, and virus into New Zealand was imminent, a sub-com-mittee was set up to go fully into the question of distribution and administration in this district. This tilelwaited on the general meeting of the JJog Trials Association and a sub-com-mittee was appointed from them to coordinate. The Agricultural and Pas-

toral Association also appointed a subcommittee. Owing to failure, in a proportion of the tests taken in New Zealand as to potency, the introduction of the vaccine and virus lias been postponed. hut the secretary has been in recent touch with tlie Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, and it is hoped to have supplies of the preventive on hand before, t lx- winter. \Ve hope to be able io give some assistance to owners id sheepdogs in the district. ■'•Embargo <>n importation of live stock.—This quest inn is likely to come before us in the near future. It- would be advisable for members to make themselves acquainted with all aspects of the subject, so that a well-considered verdict can be arrived at when the time comes for giving our opinion. FEDERATION ANNUAL MEET!NO ' You were represented at. the annual meeting by Messrs. L. 11. Maclean, vicepresident,' S. D. Reeves, and myself. Our success in carrying out your wishes were partial. Differences of opinion in the various disti/icls must sometimes be expected, and no harm is done provided that, the solidarity of the. federation is not. affected. Accepting the verdict of the majority of our council, however, need not involve tin* abandonment of our own principles. Where we are satisfied that we- are right, we must, accept the verdict and try again later on.

"Regarding the work of the federation in geilern), there can be no doubt, that, never in our history lias it been more necessary to keep our organisation strong and ready. Tn the past -an important phase of our work has been the maintainance of our freedom, from the vexations and unnecessary restrictions of labor regulations. Viewing the condi-

tions ruling in the Commonwealth, where fanners and their employees are hedged around with innumerable restrictions ot no value to either, it must, be clear that the debt owing by the farming community of New Zealand to our federation in this respect, is incalculable. Rut to-day is the day of political experimentation : the trying out of various nostra for the betterment, of the people in all conn - tries; new and often drastic measures imposed upon industry with the best ot motives hut without the hacking of past experiences of success. Knell measures must. Ik' carefully examined and erili eised. Help and support must be given where such is deserved and vigorous and relentless opposition where we have reason to consider mistakes are being made. This is the important task before the executive of every branch of the federation and the task for which we require the support anil advice of every member. “In conclusion. 1 am glad to be able to congratulate members upon the improved financial prospects. It is true that wool prices are still deplorably low, but the material is going into consumption and the position statistically is sound. Meal prices have been satisfactory, 'but unfortunately the possible effect of quota restrictions is as yet. an unknown quantity. On this account the optimism that is oer tainly justified must be tempered with prudence.* “I have to thank the •vice-president for his assistance at all times; the committee for its diligent and painstaking attention to business; the secretary. Mr. Stock, for bis conscientious and efficient work throughout the vein - , and the press for their accurate and discriminating reports of our proceedings.”