FARMERS’ UNION

Southland Times, Issue 18969, 16 June 1923, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE IMPORTANT POINTS DISCUSSED' The provincial conference of the New Zealand Farmers Union took place in the Y.M.C.A. lecture hall yesterday, the president (Mr P. Arnott) presiding over a good attendance of delegates of the various branches of the Union throughout the province. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, said:— PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. The increases in our different articles of export bring to the question of greater production. Our province of Southland is capable of producing a much larger quantity than we now export annually, and an increased volume of exports would greatly benefit every one in the province. Opinions differ as to th? best method to adopt to bring about this desired increase. The elimination of the scrub bull, and the introduction of herd testing are two suggested methods that have been recently, in my opinion, <mioh- over-done. There is nerd in Southland for an active campaign to promote closer settlement, and in my opinion no movement would be more likely to bring about the desired increase in our production than a movement in this direction, and yet we rarely or never hear it spoken about of. We have in Southland tracts of splendid land, held in large blocks that could with great advantage he subdivided into farms ranging in size from 100 to 200 acres and I will venture to say that if this was done the production of the land so subdivided would be increased fully fourfold. To give you an example. For the year ending April 30, 149,000 crates of cheese were exported from Bluff, and over 50,000 of these crates, or more than onethird, were manufactured in eight factories in the Mataura Valley. These factories draw their supplies form a block of land that does not, I am sure, exceed 70,000 acres. This same block of land grows a large proportion of our oats, and also a not inconsiderable number of fat lambs, and fat cattle, and is still capable of further subdivision and development. But, gentlemen, just imagine, if all Southland had produced during the past twelve months in the same proportion as this block of land I refer to, how enormously our exports would have increased, and what a river of wealth would have flowed through this town of Invercargill. All are interested in the progress and development of Southland, and to further closer settlement we require some system to finance men of small means, so that they may settle on the land on small farms, and assist in bringing about the increase that everyone desires. Mr Polson’s banking scheme may do this and that there is urgent need for some such system all will admit. Another very urgent need of to-day is an improvement in our shipping service. Previous to the war we shipped, our produce from the Bluff once a fortnight, and the ship rarely failed to connect. To-day the service is irritating, and very costly, owing to its irregularity. The Invercargill Chamber of Commerce has done good work during the past year in pushing the claims of Southland for a better service and your executive has given it what support it could, but so far without gaining much of the desired improvement. During the year we have had our full share of matters political, the Parliamentary elections taking place in December and local body elections in May. The latter created considerable interest, and I think the results were generally satisfactory. This cannot be said of the Parliamentary election, as none of the three parties secured a working majority. It is doubtful if the interests of the primary producers would be made a first consideration by any one of these three partita. The Reform Party has disappointed the hopes of many who supported it. Its political progress has not been unmarked by broken promises and unredeemed pledges, and to-day we find many farmers who were once enthusiastic supporters of Reform, continuing their support, not because they entirely approve, but because there is nothing better offering. The chief stock-in-trade’ of the Liberal Party is the achievements of past statesmen, whose greatness and example they do not even attempt to imitate, while the platform and speeches of Official Labour make an agreement between that party and the producers impossible. Many of our members maintain that our political future lies in the formation of a Farmers’ Political Party, but I myself am somewhat apprehensive, feeling that any such movement would tend to dismember the Union. The future, politically is full of interesting possibilities. During jny term as president I have made it my business to visit the five soldier settlements situated in the. lower part of Southland. I looked over a number of the sections and had conversations with a large percentage of the settlers. I found these settlers to be of a very fine type indeed, and Southland has reason tn be very proud of their character and calibre. As this matter has been the subject of inquiry by a special commission, which has not yet had its report published, I will not make any comment. There is one phase of this subject, however, on which I think I am justified in touching upon, and one which I think should be kept prominently before the public. It is nearly five years now since hostilities ceased, and one would naturally think that five years would be sufficient time in which these men could get back to a normal state of health and recover from wounds received and sickness engendered by war service. I found that a large proportion of these settlers are still very heavily handicapped by old wounds and by illness, the result of their war service. In fact, gentlemen, I found hardly a sound man among them. In our future treatment of these men this phase of the matter must be taken into full consideration.

The work coming to the executive during the past year has been very heavy. We have dealt with a large amount of correspondence and with a multitude of matters affecting the farmers’ interests. Eleven executive meetings have been held since our last conference, and some of these meetings were very lengthy. The attendance of executive members has been very gratifying, and the interest that has been shown and the desire to further the affairs of the Union manifested by every member has been very pleasing to me as president.

Gentlemen, I do not hesitate to say that the Union is growing in. strength and in importance. We are recognised by all sections of the community as the official mouthpiece of the farmers. We endeavour to live up to this, and try to push the farmers’ interests in every way. We also constitute ourselves the watch-dog for the farmer and protest for him against anything that we consider antagonistic or detrimental to his interests. The executive during the year has devoted some attention to organising, with fairly satisfactory’ results. The need for further efforts in this direction is great. I hope that during the coming year we will be able to do more .and achieve better results. In conclusion, I desire to thank the members of the executive for the loyal support they have given me during the year. I have been extremely proud of th? position of president of the Southland Farmers’ Union, and highly sensible of the honour of presiding over a board of such level--headed and capable men. Mr A. McKenzie, ih seconding the motion. stated that they all recognised that the position of the Union was thoroughly satistory and in striking contrast to what it was a few years ago. In reply to a question the chairman stated that the Union had a membership according to the returns so far received, of 855 financial members and there were about 13 branches yet to send in their returns. There were 39 branches throughout the province affiliated with the Union, nine of which had so far failed to pay their levies. The balance sheet showed a credit balance £415 Ds V

OFFICE BEARERS. The following office bearers were elected? President, Mr P. Arnott (re-elected); vicepresidents, Messn A. McKenzie, A. Roy, Jnr; D. J. Heenan, E. Bowmar, H. Smith. Executive: Messrs G. Earwsker, J. Smith, C. Major, J. Marlin, T. R. Eades, C. Gardiner, R. L. Byers, H. E. Bacon, J. Cowie, R. Sims, E. Sim, R. N. Taylor, and J. J. Crampton. The report of the Fertiliser Committee was taken in committee and a motion, ex pressing the thanks of the conference for the work the members have done during the past twelve months, and continued confidence in their efforts on behalf of the farming community generally, was passed by acclamation. SHIPPING. Wyndham.—That the executive be urged to act with other interested public bodies in the matter of procuring adequate shipping accommodation for the carriage of the produce of the Dominion to its market!.— Carried. Orawia.—That this conference urge the necessity of having freight charges on dairy produce substantially reduced.—Carried. FERTILISERS.

Dipton.—That this conference approve of the principle of the installation of a fertiliser crushing plant controlled by the Farmers’ Union at Bluff and that it be a recommendation to the executive of the harmers’ Union to consider the establishment of a company to assume controL— The remit was lost.

Gore.—That it is desirable to take steps to amend “The Fertilisers Act, 1908” in the direction of simplifying the analysis of Fertilisers by deleting the last clauses of section 3 (2b) relating to phosphoric an hydride and potash, or enacting that the chimical analysis of the three plant foods be given in element form, and by requiring that the vendors shall name the materials of which the fertiliser is made; that the chimistry division of the Department of Agriculture be consulted on the matter; and that thereafter Parliament be petitioned for an amendment of the Act if an understanding can be arrived at by the officers of the Department of Agriculture, and representatives of the Farmers’ Union.” Mr Dickie moved the remit and said there was more in it than appeared, to make his subject clearer he would us? a chart to demonstrate his point. In the analysis equivalents were shown which were of no value to the fanner. The present Fertiliser Act was carried in 1908 and was modelled on the British Act. The British Act had been amended, but when an attempt waa made to amend their Act the merchants strongly Objected. He was of opinion that if the Union took the matter up it, might be able to get an amendment through. The remit was carried without furthet discussion. FINANCE. Waiau.—That the Union do all in its power to bring pressure on the Government to form an Agricultural Bank.—Matter deferred pending visit by Mr Polson to explain fully the position. Mataura Island.—-That in the interest of the farming community we urge that the Advance to Settlers Office be strengthened by larger allocations of loan money so as to give immediate relief to those in need of cheap money. Mr J. J. Crampton moved the remit, saying the farmers’ bank would not bring immediate relief to the farmers. The Advances to Settlers office would fill the position in the meantime, and when they had their bank established it could take over the finance of the farmers who had advances from the Government. Mr W. Coueer seconded the remit and said that for years after its inception the Advances to Settlers did great work, but during recent years its operations bad gradually diminished until they had great difficulty in getting money from the Department at all. The remit was carried. WOOL.

Waiau.—That reprezentatione be made to Wool Brokers’ with a view tp securing a reduction in handling charges, the abolishment *of deduction for tare, and for securing for vendors half value of wool packs and that this conference considers that 10 per cent, reduction on the chaiye of }d per lb. for receiving, weighing, claasifying, etc., the wool for the market, is not sufficient, and wishes the Union to press for a further reduction in these charges. The Waiau delegate moved the remit saying the subject was an old one and had been before the Union many times. They had one pound per cwt. deducted from their wool, while they were allowed nothing for the bales. The merchants allowed them something on grain sacks, and they should get something for their packs. Mr Harrison, Dipton, seconded the remit and Mr J. Martin supported it. The latter said that last year Dipton had brought forward a similar remit and they had accused alO per cent, reduction. He was of opinion that they should again approach the mercantile firms for another reduction. They were not getting a fabulous price for their wool. They got alO per cent, reduction last year, and they should get a little more this year. The remit was carried. PUBLICITY. Mataura Island.—That it be recommended to the incoming executive to acquire an interest in a newspaper circulating in South land, paying special attention to farmers interests. Mr Couser moved the remit and amid laughter said that the remit was an important one. Newspaper propaganda often carried matters, which would have been turned down by farmers if they bad more information. He instanced the electrification scheme. The remit was seconded by Mr R. Arnott. Mr J. J. Crampton said that they acquired other interests, and there was no reason why they should not acquire an interest in a paper. A delegate said that they should support their own paper. If they could not run a Dominion paper they could not run a provincial one.

The remit was carried. EDUCATIONAL. Pukerau.—- That this conference considers that the Education Department should supply all school books for public schools or retain the same copies from year to year so that they could be handed down, thereby saving expense to parents. An amendment, moved by Mr Trotter, that the Government should be urged to print and standardise all school books and to provide them to the school children at cost price was carried. Executive—That this conference views with alarm the large percentage of uncertificated teachers employed by the Southland Education Board, and Vho are largely employed in country schools, and that the Board be urged to take drastic stops to improve the standard —Carried. Executive—That this conference recommend that the principle of centralisation of country schools be applied to Southland in districts where parents are agreeable.—Carried. Wyndham—That this conference considers that legislation should be passed pro hibiting the sale, as dairy cows, of stock affected with contagious diseases.—Carried. MILITARY TRAINING. Wyndham.—That the conference conoid ers the present system of military training a waste of public money, more especially in relation to cadets in the oeuntry, as we consider any knowledge they acquire is overbalanced by the bad habile they learn. Mr 8. Shaw, Wyndham, moved the remit, saying that his branch had a similar remit forward last year. He was of opinion that all military training should be completed at school. The remit applied more particularly to cadets. For all the training the cadets received it was only a waste of money.

Mr John Smith seconded the remit and Mr R. Arnott supported it, and said that he was more concerned with the training

given to cadets and was of opinion that they only learnt bad habits during the time they were attending parades. Mr C. Gardner spoke in favour of military training as it instilled discipline in the young. The remit was carried. DAIRYING. W T aikaka Valley.—That the time is opportune for the - establishing of a Dairy Produce Control Board along lines similar to those of the Meat Pool. Mr R. Cumming moved the remit and said the dairy pool was necessary to-day to combat combines. They wanted a central control to handle their produce right to London. Something wanted to be done to get the dairy market stabilised, so that the dairy farmer would get all there was in I it. The dairy pool would stop many leakages. Mr Saddlier seconded the remit and Mr O. E. Neiderer supported it, saying that there was no doubt that they wanted some | control. Mr H. E. Baan said he had been working 15 years to see a pool established, and was pleased to see that there was a chance to have something done. The remit was carried. Gorge Road.—That in view of the way the Dairy Farmers’ Union is gaining support throughout New Zealand, the N.Z. Farmers’ Union do everything possible to bring about a federation between the two Unions. Mr O. E. Neiderer moved the remit, saying it was an important one. They would all remember that Mr Fear, organising secretary of the Dairy Farmers’ Union, had visited Southland and the speaker recently had a letter from him asking that 20 meetings be arranged throughout Southland. He was unable to assist Mr Fear, and had handed the letter to the executive. Unless they did something Mr Fear would visit Southland in spite of them and that would not assist the Union. The Dairy Farmers’ Union was assured of its revenue, and a body in that position could achieve much. It would be a pity if a federation could not be achieved. He had asked Mr Fear about this, but the reply was that, owing to the high standing taken up by Auckland unions the Dairy Farmers’ Union could not get a conference. The Dairy Farmers’ Union was not going to be killed, but was going to continue. They should attempt to get a conference. Mr J. Smith said that he was surprised to learn that the Dairy Union was making such good progress.

The remit was carried. That the Southland executive and all branches do everything posisble to foster and encourage herd testing in Southland.— Carried. Nightcaps.—That in view of the huge indebtedness of the Dominion owing to the great world war, and the greatly increased amount required to meet the annual account for interest, also that the producing power of our manhood is greatly reduced through the same cause, we realise that it is absolutely essential that other means of increasing our productivity shall be sought out. We therefore realise the great importance of the dairy industry desire to point out that while the average production of butter fat throughout the Dominion is approximately only about 1701bs per cow, it is considered quite possible to raise it to 2501bs or even 3001bs per cow. We suggest that there are two means of herd improvement open to us, viz., (1) herd testing with dras.tic culling of inferior cows; an energetic propaganda in this direction being necessary, with, where possible, the formation of herd testing associations; and (2) though of equal importance, breeding only from bulls whose progenitors are of proved merit. That therefore the N.Z. Government be strongly urged to at once establish in the South Island as in the North, herds of various dairying breeds, where first class bulls may be hired by bona fide dairymen at reasonable rates. Mr McLean referred to the fact that this question had been brought before the Dairy Association some years ago, but had been opposed. He asked whether the herds were being used to the best advantage, and in the. interests of the industry generally. Personally he thought they were not. The best bulls • were being brought out by the Government and sold to the fancy. H was of opinion that the rank and file should have an opportunity of using these animals, and that facilities for doing this should be similar to what the North Island farmers were in receipt of. The remit was carried. Mataura Island.—That in the interests of the dairying industry in all its branches, we consider that some steps should be taken to find a solution of the drainage of refuse from dairy factories and that the Government be requested to take immediate action. Mr Dunlop moved the remit and said that all factories were anxious over . the recent Supreme Court decision. The only sludge channel in Southland was the Mataura river, and many factories, unable to use it, were trying to solve the drainage problem. One was was that the by-products should be utilised. If the Mataura was the only sludge channel in Southland then almost every factory in Southland was liable to have an injunctiop made against it. They should ask the Government to declare creeks carrying sufficient water sludge channels.

Mr W. Couser, in seconding the remit, said that it affected the whole dairying industry. The dairy industry was one of the most important in the country, and to assist it every stream should be proclaimed a sludge channel. If any society objected to this then the society should take a secondary place to the industry. The creeks would then be carrying out their original purpose—that of carrying away refuse. Mr Crampton supported the remit, and said that large factories, which could cart their whey, were in a different position to the small factory which was forced to drain its whey. Many streams, into which whey was drained, contained fish in abundance right at the intake. If any societies objected to the drainage then they should have the streams declared sludge channels. Mr A. McKenzie said that there was a danger in sludge channels. It was all right for those above the intake. The pollution of streams was a serious matter. Mr H. E. Baan said he had had experience in many factories with regard to drainage. Septic tanks had been suggested, but the proper method was to provide settling tanks. These tanks should be cleaned out repeatedly, and if this were done they would overcome the drainage problem.. Mr Dunlop briefly replied, saying that the present cry was for more and more production, but if drainage of factories were stopped, then many would be driven from the farms. ORGANISATION. Waianiwa. —That it be a recommendation to the executive that they assiduously pursue their organisation work throughout Southland.—Carried. Gorge Road. —That in view of the difficulty in collecting the annual subscription to the Union, this conference recommends to the provincial executives the subject for mature consideration.—Carried. Executive. —That the president, vice-presi-dents and members of a provincial executive be elected by the various branches in a district, the basis of voting being 2 votes for first 25 members and 1 vote for each succeeding 25 members with a maximum of 5 votes. Nominations signed by candidates seeking election to be in writing and in the hands of the provincial secretary twenty-one days before the date of election fixed upon by the Provincial Conference. —Lost. IMMIGRATION. Invercargill.—That this conference of Southland farmers urges the Government to immediately arrange for the issue of through passages to Bluff to immigrants for Southland. Mr Trotter moved the remit which was carried without discussion. He stressed the disadvantages Bluff was labouring under through no direct ticket being issued by the companies. He would like the delegates to the Dominion Conference to advocate Bluff’s claims for immigrants. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mataura. That this provincial conference of the Fanners’ Union is of the opinion that every branch of the Farmers’ tlninn

is entitled to one member on the provincial executive with full voting power. An amendment, that it be a recommendation to the executive to invite branches not represented on the executive to send a delegate to the executive meeting, such deledate to have full voting powers was carried. Mataura Island.—That it be a recommendation to the executive to make representations to the postal authorities to have the hours observed at the various bureau stations extended until 7 p.m.—Carried. COST OF LIVING. Oteramika.—That the Provincial Executive consider the advisability of having quarterly quotations of hardware such as wire, iron, etc., cabled out, and to take into consideration the desirability of handling same on similar conditions as manure and lime.—Carried. ROADS AND BRIDGES. Waianiwa.—That this conference draft a remit to go forward to the Dominion Conference praying that they make early representation in Parliament with a request that a strong commission of councillors (and others if necessary) be set up to inquire anent; (a) Users and abusers of all public roads. (b) Best formation for modern traffic. (c) An equitable basis of taxation in the maintenance, keeping in view the lessening of the burden of owners of agricultural and pastoral lands, by making all users of the road assist in the maintenance, proportionally, whether ratepayers or otherwise, and any other Qualification relative thereto which this conference deems advisable.

Mr R. Sim moved the remit, and said they all knew*their roads were getting worse and worse. This was troubling the county councils as well as the farmers. The motor lorries and heavy traffic were making a difference, and they had come to stay. They would have to find something to cope with this traffic, and find out the main cause of the destruction. There was to be a conference of county councils to discuss this matter, and they should forward the remit to that conference. Many said that the chemist was going to play an important part in the making of roads in the future. River gravel was of little use. He had been paying rates for ten years, and his rates had gradually increased from £l3 to £3O. They should see that the people who use the roads should pay towards the upkeep, and the ratepayers were justified in asking that the users of the roads should contribute on an equitable basis towards the upkeep. Mr W. Couser seconded the motion. Mr E. Bowmar said that Southland was the first county to put a heavy tax on lorries. Those rates had been considered excessive, but the recent finding of the Supreme Court had upheld the council. Many counties were awaiting that decision. The Southland County was more concerned in getting the side roads in good order rather than the main roads. The tire tax had yielded £90,000 last year, and the total amount available was £120,000. He was glad they were sending this remit up to the conference, as it would give the conference an indication of the feeling of the ratepayers. Mr A. McKenzie said they should get the railway freights reduced, Sd thus put the motor lorries off the main roads at least. The remit was carried. The conference resumed after the dinner adjournment at 8.35 p.m. Dipton.—That whereas the cost of living is still very high despite the fact that raw materials have reached a low level thereby hindering a return to normal conditions, this Union respectfully request the Government to take such steps as it thinks necessary to ascertain the cause thereof, and continue doing the same from time to time, (a) The cost of manufacture of our principal raw materials with special reference to wool, leather and flax; and (b) The nett landed cost of imported articles. Such information, together with the retail prices of same to be published at intervals in the Journal of Agriculture.—Carried.

RABBIT PEST. Dipton.—That whereas the extermination of rabbits by means of trapping has proved by past experience to be a failure, and practically every officer of the Stock Department agreeing thereto, it be a recommendation to the Conference that the Government be asked to prohibit trapping during the months of April to September inclusive, and the land owners be asked to poison or dig the holes out, also all other means acceptable to the Stock Department. —The remit was lost, many speakers contending that it was wrong to leave such drastic powers in the hands of the inspectors. Balfour.—That all persons poisoning rabbits with strychnine be liable to a fine not exceeding £lOO, if carcases are not buried or burnt.—Carried. RAILWAYS. Lumsden.—That whereas a great waste is occurring by the destruction of truck tarpaulins that would still be of service to farmers, the Union be urged to continue its efforts-to make these available under proper safeguards and conditions, viz., a register kept of all condemned covers sold to farmers, the remains of such covers to be returned to the Railway Department on making application for a fresh issue, prices to be reasonable, covers to be issued in the order of application.—Carried. Executive.—That the Dominion Executive be asked to take steps to have the railway freight on dairy produce reduced to a reasonable level. —The chairman stated the railway charges on dairy produce was much higher than on other classes of merchandise.—The remit was carried. STOCK. Gore Sub-Executive.—That the Government be asked to comprehensively investigate the causes of foot-rot in sheep and also the best methods of control and cure. —Mr Gardiner, Waiau, said a very bad form of foot-rot had been prevalent, in his district, the last two years on which he thought the veterinary officers should give an opinion.—Remit carried. Knapdale.—That owners or users of all kinds of stock be held responsible for any damage done by such stock when not on the owners’ or users’ property.—Carried. Knapdale.—That owners of dairy cattle, amongst which an infectious disease breaks out, shall give notice of the fact to the Stock Department so that measures may be taken to prevent the spread of the disease. —Carried.

Waikaka.—That it is desirable that greater efforts be made to improve our flocks and herds.—Carried. Dipton.—This conference if of the opinion that in the event of stock being sold for forward delivery, a deposit of per cent be paid by’the purchaser on the signing of the sale-note, and in the event of the bargain being broken by the purchaser, he (the purchaser), loses the deposit.—The remit was lost. PROFESSIONAL CHARGES. Isla Bank.—That the Union take steps to have the exhorbitant charges of professional men, such as doctors, dentists, lawyers and chemists moderated.—Carried. . TAXATION. Knapdale.—-That farmers be free from Income Tax on all income derived from farming operations. The tax was levied as a war rfieasure. We are of opinion that it should not now be put in operation, as heavy special taxation is seriously hindering production.—Carried. Gorge Road. —That the Government be asked to remove the duty from the lighter makes of motor-cars and chassis, light tractors and trucks. —The remit was lost. FROZEN MEAT. Waikaka. —That while approving of much of the work done by the Meat Pool Board, this conference protests against the killing of as many poor quality lambs, and recommends that for the sake of the reputation of N.Z. lamb, steps be taken to ensure that only prime lambs are slaughtered.—Mr Johnson said it should be their endeavour to do all they possibly could to boost Southland and it was a very bad advertisement to allow so many second class carcases to be killed.

. Mr McPherson said a great many people were of opinion that a second class lamb was not fit for consumption, but that was not so. He had taken the trouble to investigate and had found that a second class lamb had brought as much in the Home market as a first grade.—The remit was declared lost. HOUSING. Dipton.—That whereas a large amount of public money is being expended annually on housing, and whereas most of this money is being spent on wooden houses that will only Inst until the loan on- same expires, and whereas many of these houses are built of unsuitable timber and the cost of upkeep and insurance is high, that this conference urge the Government to build only in concrete or brick or other permanent material thereby adding greatly to the State’s securities at no extra cost.—The remit was withdrawn. ARBITRATION COURT. Knapdale.—That the Farmers’ Union press for the abolition of the Arbitration Court in so far as its awards effect farmers operations.—Mr Miller said it was not so much the question-of wages as of the ridiculous hours imposed that he brought forward the remit on behalf of his branch.—The remit was carried. WHEAT. Otama.—That this conference protest against the high charges collected for transit of wheat from, country siding to f.o.b.—Carried. Morton Mains. —That this conference of the Farmers’ Union request the executive to urge the Government to carry out their agreement with the growers in regard to the price of last year’s wheat as promised by Messrs McPherson and Waters in Allans Hall in June, 1920.—The remit was allowed to lapse owing to the delegate not being in attendance. PUBLIC HOSPITALS. Executive.—That the present system of raising money for hospital and charitable aid purposes is not an equitable tax and that legislation be asked for on a more equitable basis.—The chairman said > the Government was gradually shifting the burden from the Consolidated Fund on to the shoulders of the tax payers.—The remit was carried. SEEDS. Balfour. —That the Government be urged to make it compulsory that all seeds imported into New Zealand for sale be “colour branded.”—The remit was declared lost. SOUTHLAND ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME. Mataura Island.—That the sub-commit-tee’s report to the provincial executive regarding operations and policy of the Southland Power Board be tabled for discussion.—An amendment moved by Mr Johnson that the conference should obtain a legal opinion on the question of those who have not yet signed up with the Power Board be obtained was carried by 14 votes to 12.

VALUATION. Gore Sub-Executive. —When land is about to be valued by the Valuation Department for the purpose of local and general taxation, the Departmental . officers appointed for the purpose shall, prior to making their final valuation, give the owner of such land or his agent, an opportunity of discussing on. the spot the values of the land and improvements thereon. —Carried. Gore Sub-Executive.—Considering that the present method of arriving at the unimproved value of land is faulty, in that no consideration is given to such matters as liming, manuring and good farming generally, and this resulting in certain cases in the inequitable raising of unimproved values as a direct result of energetic handling and capable management. We therefore ask that, in making a valuation full consideration be given to all classes of improvements, affecting the selling value of land. —The remit was carried. Gore Sub-Executive. —That no valuer shall be hampered by set limits as to value of improvements seeing that local conditions often render such work unusually costly.— Carried. Gore Sub-Executive.—That improvements such as draining, levelling, planting or clearing be valued on a more liberal basis than at present.—Carried. STOCK. Invercargill.—That in view of the great amount of damage caused to beef when yarding and trucking cattle, and also the loss occasioned to dairymen, this conference of N.Z. Farmers’ Union urges the Government to make it compulsory for farmers to dehorn all horned cattle with the exception of purebreds.—The remit was lost. Invercargill.—That the freehold be granted to lesees of educational endowment lands and the proceeds be expended in purchasing suburban city lands.—Carried. Wendonside. —That this conference considers that the County Councils should be approached with a view to supplying rabbit netting to farmers at cost price.—Carried. The conference terminated at 10.30 p.m. with a vote of thanks to the chairman.