FARMERS UNION

Southland Times, Issue 19508, 6 May 1922, Page 10

FARMERS UNION

INVERCARGILL BRANCH MEETING The annual meeting of the Invercargill branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held yesterday afternoon, the president, Mr J. D. Trotter presiding over an attendance of fifteen members. The chairman, in his, annual address, said that from a producer’s point of view the outlook had brightened since the last annual meeting. The prices for cross-bred wool and meat were far from satisfactory, but no doubt the wool would right itself when the accumulated stocks were disposed of. With regard to beef South America could compete on better terms than New Zealand. It did not seem fair that New Zealand farmers should be cut out from this trade, and a duty placed on South American beef going on the British market would make things right for New Zealand producers, but that would increase the price to the consumer. During the year the producers appointed a Meat Producers’ Board, which did good work in reducing charges. Farmers would be well advised to confine their attentions to raising fat lambs and dairying, and leave beef alone. Though the depression seemed to be lifting, there were many farmers who would have difficulty in carrying on, especially those who had recently bought their farms. It behoved the commercial firms to extend the helping hand to these and keep them going until times were again normal. The War Funds Association would no doubt render assistance to the soldiers requiring help, as the fund was collected for that purpose. It was unsatisfactory to notice that the railways were being run at a loss. It was not clear whether this was due to inefficient management or just the bad times. He was of the opinion that farmers should protest against the high charges, as goods were being carried by motor cheaper than by rail. The roads cost a great amount to keep in repair and this competition with the railways means that they would cost a great deal more. It would pay the raiiways better if the rates were reduced. It was satisfactory to notice that the freight on produce was being reduced and the Government had reduced the railage on beef. The freezing companies would have to fall into line and reduce their charges. Many complaints were heard that the freezing charges had not been reduced months ago, especially when they knew what huge profits were made during the war, and the bad times the farmers were going through. Last yftar the Union was instrumental in securing for its members cheaper manure, and the same policy was being followed this year. The high price for lambs would induce farmers to sell every lamb approaching fat. There was always the fear of sending too many of the best lambs away, and leaving the culls to breed from. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The following office-bearers were appointed President, Mr J. D. Trotter; vice-president, Mr A- Roy; Messrs W. J. Caldwell, Jensen, John Mitchell, T. A. Stephens, J. M. Keen, D. McCallum, Aitken, W. Irving, P. Culhane, W. Robertson, A. Roy, A. Gerrard and Bell; delegates to the provincial conference’ Messrs W. J. CaldweU and T. A. Stephens