FARMERS’ UNION

Southland Times, Issue 20201, 11 June 1927, Page 8

FARMERS’ UNION

Branch Delegates Confer

CONSIDERATION OF REMITS The annual conference of the Southland Provincial Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held at Invercargill yesterday, the president, Mr Henry Smith (Waikaka Valley) presiding over an attendance of some 60 delegates. Following the consideration of the annual report and balancesheet, and the election of officers, some 50 remits concerning various matters of agrarian interest were dealt with.

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME. The chairman, in opening the meeting, extended a welcome to those present, and voiced special pleasure at the presence of Mr Ingley, secretary of the Southern Hawke’s Bay Executive. In acknowledgi ing Mr Smith’s remarks, Mr Ingley referred ■ to the increasing importance of the Farmers’ ■ Union. He urged upon the farmers the ; necessity for co-operation and spoke in complimentary terms of the province of Southland. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report presented by the secretary, was as follows:—? “It is my privilege as secretary and ' treasurer to report briefly upon the year’s work just completed. You have the right to ask of your executive what the position is, more particularly with regard to J financial matters and membership rolls, and l it is part of my duties to give you a certified statement of receipts and expenditure showing how and where the income is derived and how it is spent. I have here a statement of receipts and expenditure with the auditor’s certificate attached thereto which is available for inspection by any who would like to peruse it. Copies however will be taken off and distributed amongst the branches. “I will read the statement to you directly but in the meantime would take this opportunity of passing a few remarks regarding the organising campaign which has been carried on within the province for the last eight months. “In view of the more or less unsatisfactory position regarding membership and also the difficulty experienced by branch secretaries in collecting the annual subscription your executive decided early in the year to secure the services of one of the Dominion organisers and arrangements were made with the Dominion Executive for Mr W. R. Harris to engage in the work. Mr Harris commenced at the latter end of September and has been steadily at work since that time excepting a break of three weeks at New Year. During that period up to the 4th inst. he has secured 309 new members, collected cash or secured' orders from 264 old members—a total of 573. Out of this number 537 have signed orders for their subscriptions, the majority being for three years. “The first of these orders came due on April 1 and all have been paid with the exception of a few which probably will yet be paid, their non-payment being due possibly to oversight on the part of the institutiori upon which they were drawn. I have now received in addition to that already accounted for in the financial statement the following amounts:—Received from head office £270 15/-, less due to branches, £lO4 6/-; total, £166 9/-. The portion which is due to the branches will be sent on within the next few days. Now that the order system is well established in the province I commend it to you with the hope that in all branches it will be established as it is of great advantage in that it obviates the necessity of a branch secretary applying to his members for their subscriptions—which in many cases has to be often repeated. “The organising campaign has been costly but the work accomplished by Mr Harris is in my opinion, sufficient recompence for the expense involved. Other provinces are in more urgent need of the organiser now and it is possible that his services will in the near future be lost to this district. In that case it will be necessary to make local arrangements for continuing the work which is yet far from completion. There are a number of branches urgently requiring assistance which I hope to arrange for very shortly.

“In connection with receipts of levies from the branches the position is as follows: “Arrears £123 15/-, current £622 10/-, advance £2 5/-, total £748 10/-. “Compared with 1925-1926 as follows: Arrears £65 5/6, current £794 10/-, total £859 15/6. “On checking up Mr Harris’ returns submitted by him each week it is found that he collected cash from 57 members and 115 became financial by including on their orders payable on April 1, their subscription for last year. So that the total amount of current subscription collected for the year is £764 representing 1001 financial members. Since the cash book was closed a few belated levies have been received amounting to £9 15/-, from 13 members. “Generally speaking the union is suffering like all other associations and Is feeling the effects of the prevailing depression and it Is difficult in some quarters to collect members’ subscriptions but it is hoped that better times are ahead and that the union will participate in them. In the meantime it behoves everyone to stick loyally to his union and to see to it that he constitutes himself a recruiting agent and enrol his neighbour as a member. “In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet the chairman referred to the decision of the Dominion Executive to engage paid organisers. The executive, he said, had recognised that this was the only way in which the union could be placed in a sound position and the system had proved very satisfactory. The Southland branch had been rather diffident about engaging an organiser but they had done so and the results had also proved very satisfactory. “The secretary explained that he had been unable to obtain copies of the report and balance-sheet to place before individual members as the auditor’s certificate had come to hand only the previous day. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet the chairman stated that the executive had an unusually heavy expenditure, particularly in regard to organisation. It was held to be a sound scheme to engage a paid organiser and the results had proved that the practice was a most satisfactory one as it had placed the Dominion Executive in a very sound financial position. The Southland Executive, he said, had at first been diffident about engaging a paid organiser but was now convinced that the scheme was a sound one. The results, he felt sure, would be right. He moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet. Mr T. Major (Mataura) seconded. DELEGATES DISSATISFIED. A short discussion followed concerning the number of new members enrolled by the Dominion organiser (Mr Harris) and several voiced their disappointment and dissatisfaction that members had not been afforded an opportunity of examining the balance sheet prior to the meeting. The secretary (Mr A. L. Adamson) stated that if he could get the returns from the branches sooner he could prepare the statement of receipts and expenditure earlier. Mr P. Arnott moved an amendment that the report and balance sheet be referred to the executive for consideration, but on being put to the meeting it was lost, only 18 delegates supporting it. The chairman’s motion was then carried, Mr P. Arnott stating that the Conference

had adopted a document about which it knew practically nothing. RETIRING CHAIRMAN’S SPEECH. The retiring president, Mr Henry Smith, then read the following address: “We welcome you once more to our annual conference and hope that our interest will be stimulated in matters relating to the welfare of the Farmers' Union generally. We hope that some good may also come in meeting our fellows from different parts of our province and in talking over the problems that affect us as primary producers. It Is possible that critics will say that farmers should stay at home and work their farms instead of attending conferences and let the brainy business man attend to the marketing of produce and other matters concerning the welfare of farmers. The year 1926-1927 has been one of lower prices, with an indication of more stability. All sections of the primary producers in the Dominion, as in other countries are endeavouring in some way to adjust their finance in line with their decreased incomes. The cost of production has remained at a high level and though we may attack it from different angles so many factors enter into the question that we have to admit it is very complex. This being the case we must turn our attention to increasing production, and also to securing the best possible markets for our products. Many years ago it was found that Southland land was doubled in fertility by the application of lime; and in a like manner to-day farmers realise that by treating pastures by top-dressing with fertilisers, they will again substantially increase the stock-carrying capacity of the land and in addition materially lengthen the life of the pastures. Although this method of improving pastures is in its infancy there has been a remarkable improvement in the production of dairy produce, wool and fat lambs and it is quite apparent that the coming season will see a very much greater increase so far as the fat lamb trade is concerned. Other countries have realised the importance of scientific research in connection with pastoral lands. During the present month the Federation of Graziers’ Association of Australia will meet in conference and will consider a most important proposal—to raise £200,000 by voluntary subscription for the extending of scientific pastoral research. The scheme covers investigation into diseases of stock, animal and vegetable pests, the improvement of pastures, and nutrition and feeding problems, and the relationship between the characteristics of wood fibres under varied climatic conditions, and any other factors that affect its growth. Our exports are meeting very keen competition in the world’s markets, therefore it is of the utmost importance that any increase in exports be accompanied by the maintainance of quality of a very high standard.

During the coming session of Parliament the matter of tariff revision will be one of the most important questions under consideration. The matter has been before us as a Union for some time, a resolution being passed by the Dominion Executive objecting on behalf of the farmers to any increase in the tariff of this country at the present time. At the last Dominion Conference very strong pressure was brought to bear upon the Meat Control Board to urge the Government to pass legislation empowering the board to merge all the freezing companies operating in the Dominion. The board, however, with more knowledge at their disposal, advised freezing companies (where conditions were favourable) to form local mergers. The Dominion Executive is also urging upon the Government to pass the necessary legislation this coming session to give full effect to the Royal Commission’s report on rural credits, so that cheaper money on long-dated terms shall be provided and land values stabilised. Dairy Control Board matters have been very prominently before the public during the year, owing to the difference of opinion on the board and in the administration of the policy laid down. This difference of opinion has affected the membership of the Union in the North Island where feeling has run very high. I would like to mention a few matters of provincial interest that have been dealt with during the year. For some years mortality in lambs at a certain age has been discussed and during the past lamb season an effort was made to do something more definite. Farmers were advised to report any loss to the Veterinary Department, but only a few did so. The Southland A. and P. Association, Southland Frozen Meat Company and the Farmers’ Union set up a committee associated with Mr Danskin of the Veterinary Department and Dr. Owen-Johnston of the Southland Hospital. The committee has met from time to time and a number of questions have been formulated to get information with a view to prevent this mortality. Representative farmers throughout the province have willingly offered to assist the committee.

Complaints regarding dressing of grain: The Government grader submitted samples of oats to members of the executive during the year and suggested that an improvement was desirable. Meetings were held in Invercargill and Gore of farmers, a millowners and seed merchants, with the result that certain conditions were agreed upon. The Government grader advised our office some weeks ago that the grain is coming in in quite a satisfactory condition. As most of you are aware we have attempted to increase the membership of the Union in Southland. Mr Harris has been enrolling members during the past eight months under the order system. We have something between 4000 and 5000 farmers and of that number about 22 per cent, are members. It may surprise you when I tell you that Southland holds "the premier position of the provinces, having only 13 per cent, of the farmers as members.

It was felt that something should be done to stimulate interest in the work of our organisation, and a pamphlet was printed giving achievements of the executive, and a copy was posted to every member of the Union throughout the province. A remit appears on the agenda paper desiring your consideration of its merits. I cannot let this occasion pass without referring to the very important work being carried out in our province by the Department of Agriculture and by the officers in charge. We value the services so willingly offered and we also know that as time goes on an increasing call will be made upon them. The money spent in agricultural research work in the Dominion will have a very marked effect on the property of New Zealand.

It is fitting that I should to-day make mention of the fact that we are pleased to have two branches of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in Southland. This division has not been in existence long, but is rapidly gaining ground, and should commend itself to all women in the coun-

try districts. There are so many matters in connection with the family and the home that only women can deal with. It is a splendid idea for country women to meet together at regular intervals and talk matters of common interest. Mr R. Sim complimented and thanked Mr Smith on his report and commended him for the assiduous manner in which he had devoted himself to the duties of his office. His time and energy had always been given unsparingly to the business of the executive and he (the speaker) was convinced that Mr Smith was one of the best presidents the Executive had had. (Applause.) Mr Smith returned thanks, voicing his appreciation of the loyal support and cooperation of the executive during his term as president. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—President, Mr E. K. Sim (Pukemaori) ; vice-presidents, Messrs D. Dickie, E. Bowmar, R. Sim, R. Arnott and R. L. Byars; executive. Messrs A. McKenzie, A. R. Johnston, T. Major, P. Arnott, W. H. Ward, J. Drysdale, O. E. Niederer, F. Walker, H. E. Bacon, G. R. Herron, W. G. Campbell, D. J. Heenan and C. Gardner; delegates to Dominion conference, Messrs E. Bowmar, O. E. Niederer and Henry Smith; auditor, Mr C. E. Borne. CONSIDERATION OF REMITS MATTERS FOR AMENDMENT. The conference then took up the consideration of remits forwarded from the various branches throughout the Province. In order to ensure concise discussions it was agreed that five minutes be the limit for the movers of the remits, and two minutes for the seconders and subsequent speakers. WORK AND WAGES. Knapdale Branch—That this conference of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union strongly supports the Hon. Mr Coates in his attitude towards the unemployed. We consider he errs on the side of beneficence as it is not the duty of the Government to find work for anyone. The mover contended that immigrants should get out and look for work in the country as the colonists had done^ —Carried.

Pukerau Branch—That the Government be urged to encourage piece-work wherever possible. Mr. Herron said good workers should be permitted to reap good wages and not be held back by slower and inferior men. The remit was carried unanimously. POLITICS. Lumsden Branch.—That the conference having affirmed the principle of submitting a questionnaire to candidates for country constituencies at next general election, compile a questionnaire for the approval of the Dominion Executive. This remit provoked considerable discussion and it was finally agreed to frame the remit as follows: “That this conference affirms the principle of submitting a questionnaire to candidates for country constituencies at next general election, the executive being given power to act.” TRADE AND COMMERCE. Lumsden branch—(a) “That this conference urges the Government to introduce a Fair Trading Act prohibiting excessive profits.—Defeated, (b) Prohibiting wrongful description of goods either verbally or by advertisement. Mr Ward said that men were going round describing things wrongly and inducing people to take up shares in things that were “duds.” These men should be liable for their misrepresentation—Carried. (c) “That it be the duty of a local departmental officer to ascertain and publish the Wholesale and retail prices of all primary products. Mr Ward said there was too great a discrepancy between the price the farmer received and the price charged the public. Farmers did not get anything like the prices quoted in the papers.”—Remits to go forward. Waianiwa Branch—“ That the incoming executive endeavour to bring into existence a farmers’ trading association in Southland.” Mr Ward said there was no reason why such a scheme should not be practicable if thoroughly gone into. They wanted the key of the door of the commercial houses. They used labour as a lever for profitable working.—Remit seconded by Mr Heenan and carried. Lumsden Branch.—“ That this conference is strongly in favour of the union supporting co-operation.” Mr Ward remarked that co-operation would benefit everybody. It should, however, be started in a small way. Mr. Sim said it was a very big scheme and he did not think they would find a man prepared to give the time to work it out. On being put to the vote the remit was carried.

Orawia and Wyndham Branches.—“ That this conference expresses its dissatisfaction at the present situation in regard to price of manure, and urges the Provincial Executive to take steps to bring the price more in line with what obtains in the North Island.” The remits from the Woodlands Branch and the Waianiwa Branch in connection with the analysis of lime were considered together and it w r as finally decided that the Government be requested to place the Fertiliser Bill on the Statute Book this session. This was agreed to on the recommendation of Mr. Bowmar who said that the passing of this Bill would deal with the question. Oteramika—Gorge Road Branch—“ That this Provincial Conference is opposed to the Government liberating any insect or bacteria for the purpose of destroying gorse.” Mr Niederer said that there were miles and miles of gorse hedges and their importance as fences and shelter must be realised. The remit was on right lines.— Carried. Lumsden Branch.—“ That this conference objects to any increase in duty or railway freights on imported timber.”—Moved by Mr. Ward seconded by Mr McGregor and carried.

Gore Branch.—“ That the Government be urged to abolish the duty on cement.” — Carried.

Lumsden Branch—“ That the Government be urged to take action to prevent the dumping of Canadian oats in New Zealand •to the detriment of New Zealand producers; also to prohibit the importation of Chilian and other foreign oats.” The mover stated that at the present time oat-growing was a precarious undertaking. People did not seem to realise the food value of oats. He would be inclined to ask for an increase in the duty on the foreign article. New Zealand was a producing country and she, should not go outside for food to eat. The seconder said it would not be long before oat-growing had to be given up. A third speaker referred to the contemptible action of a certain firm in taking a large shipment of foreign oats to the detriment of New Zealand growers. Mr. Bowmar took the opposite view, stating that it would be unwise to seek protection. If protection were given the oat growers, all the manufacturers would seek the same concession and the farmer would lose hands down. After considerable discussion the remit was adopted. BANKING AND INTEREST. Lumsden Branch.— (a) “That. Parliament be asked to pass legisation giving effect to the short term loan proposals in the Rural Credit Commission’s report; (b) That the maximum amount of long term loans be increased from £5,500 to £7,500; (c) That the Rural Credits Act be amended to provide that bonds can be issued against the assets of the Rural ’ Credits Branch, and advances of the Government, to the branch; until the mortgages are available; and thus shorten the time between the approval of the loan and the payment of the money to the applicant. Mr Dickie said this remit ; had been recommended by Mr Polson and i then went on to give details of the working iof the Act. The remit was carried without discussion. | Knapdale, Mat aura and Lumsden j Branches.—“that the only fair and equitable way to tax motor vehicles is a tax on the tyres, the tax to be collected through the Customs.” Mr A. Beath contended that the present flat rate on cars was anything but satisfactory, whereas, with a tax on the tyres the man who used his car most would pay a i fairer proportion than he did in the case of the petrol tax. Further, petrol was used for many purposes apart from motoring. Mr T. Major (Mataura) seconded, and expressed his branch’s opinion that the tyre tax was the most equitable. Mr Ward remarked that more money would be forthcoming from a tyre tax than that produced by the petrol tax. Knapdale Branch.—“ That this conference is also of opinion that farmers should be exempt from motor vehicles’ tax, as they pay more than their share of the upkeep of roads through the road rate.” Mr Beath supported this remit on the lines indicated therein. j Mr T. Major asked that the Mataura remit favouring the abolition of the annual car license be substituted for the Knapdale one. i It was considered, he stated, that all taxes I necessary should be collected by medium of a rate on tyres. The Knapdale representatives agreed to

33 this and Mr A. McKenzie seconded the Ma- ~ taura remit. ZZ It was decided that the remit be amended 3Z to read, “That the annual car tax be done 33 away with,” this being carried. = Gore Branch.—“ That an effort be made ZZ to introduce legislation compelling drivers ZZ of motor vehicles to take out a tl?ird party = insurance policy.” “That legislation be * enacted to free from liability from accidents zz the owner of a motor vehicle if he is not the driver.”—Carried. = TAXATION. ZZ Gore Branch.—“ That this conference re--32 commends a reduction in the Customs = Tariff, and an increase in the Graduated ~ Land Tax in order to make up any deficzz iency in revenue caused by such reduction.” = Mr Bowmar, in moving this remit, stated that he was in complete agreement with ~ its principle. Proceeding, he appealed for = unanimous approval of the remit as it was a crucial point and one on which they should all be agreed.—Carried unanimously. = EDUCATION. zz Dipton Branch.—“ That the Education 23 ' Department be urged to establish a travel- ! ling dental clinic for country districts so ~ ; that country children can have the same | advantages as town children.” 3; i Mr Milligan said that it was only fair that I country children should be treated on the ~ , same favourable terms as were the town

| children. Mr Martin seconded the remit, and asked | whether they could wonder at the drift of the population to the towns when urban dwellers could obtain so many decided advantages and conveniences. The remit was carried. CHARGES ON WOOL. Dipton Branch.—“ That the attention of the woolbrokers be drawn to the fact that the woolpacks supplied to farmers are 11b. short of the weight taken off for same by brokers and buyers. Taking into consideration the fact that buyers get. 11b per cwt. tare on wool, we ask that the brokers be requested to deduct only the weight of the

pack.” Mr Milligan moved the remit, stating that present concessions were all in favour of the buyers. Merchants should make fair concessions if they desired to do business with the farmer. Mr Martin seconded the remit. The chairman: This is not a contentious subject. Are you prepared to vote? The motion was carried. Balfour Branch. —“That this conference draws the attention of the railway authorities to the excessive railage on wool.” Mr Niederer stated that from personal investigations made, especially in regard to the carriage of dairy produce, lie could assure the conference that present rates were as reasonable as they could expect to get. The remit was lost. MISCELLANEOUS. Invercargill Branch.—“(a) That this conference urges upon the Government the necessity of a universal half-holiday.” (b) “That in the meantime, where a vote is taken that all sections of the community be compelled to observe the day appointed by ballot.” Mr Stevens said that the results of ballots on the half-holiday question were not given effect to by tradesmen and the Invercargill Branch considered that legislation should be enacted to compel shopkeepers to respect the decisions come to by plebiscites. The remit was duly seconded, and Mr Bowmar expressed his entire agreement with it. Mr A. McKenzie questioned the wisdom of the farmers’ legislating for the people of the towns. Mr Martin thought that the conference was quite entitled to take the matter up because farmers were put to a great deal of inconvenience under present conditions. The remit was carried. Wyndham Branch.—“ Daylight Saving Bill —That in the best interest of the farming community, this conference protests against the introduction of the Daylight Saving Bill.”—Carried. Waikaka Valley Branch.—“ That this conference protests against the Government charge for inspection of electric motors.”— Carried. Provincial Executive.—“ That this conference discuss the question of publishing and distributing amongst members of rhe union the annual report and list of members.”—Carried. Provincial Executive.—“ That considering the success of demonstration trains in other parts of the world in directly educating the farmers to work more on scientific and economical lines which leads to better farming, and considering the vital importance of the agricultural and pastoral industries to the progress of our Dominion, the Agricultural Department be urged to immediately arrange to have a' demonstration train in New Zealand as we must keep abreast of the times.”

Mr Niederer said the matter was one of considerable importance as the best means of educating the farmer. It had met with considerable success in other countries and, as it was of such importance to the primary producers, he would like to see the Farmers’ Union behind it. Mr H. Smith seconded, and the remit was carried unanimously. Waimatuku Branch. —“While farmers ap- • preci ate the work done by the Agricultural Department this conference moves that the Provincial Executive bring under the notice of the department the menace to turnip growing on account of the spread of club root and ask that no expense be spared in the attempt to find some means of combating the trouble.” —Carried. Toi Tois Branch.—“ That this conference objects to the Government increasing duty on Australian flour.”—Carried. Mataura Island Branch.—“ That the farmers urge the Government to immediately reduce departmental expenditure, reduce official salaries and do everything possible to bring about an economic equili- . brium.”—Carried. Mataura Branch—“ That this Conference 1 of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union pro- ’ tests against the Associated Banks increasing the rates on overdrafts and advances of 4 per cent., and considers the banks are taking an unjust advantage of the monopoly they hold, and claim that the Government should take action to protect the pro- | ducers.” Speaking to the remit, Mr J. Buckly re- 1 marked that this was a burning question and one which farmers had at heart. The trouble to-day was that about 80 per cent, of the New Zealand farmers were short of capital. Proceeding, the speaker mentioned that in 1894 Mr Richard Seddon had come to the aid of the farmers in respect of finance to help them. carrv on, and the position to-day was identical with that ruling 33 years ago. The Government should take some step in the matter. Mr A. Robertson said he had expected that farmers would have had agricultural banks to fall back on, but as this was not the case some steps should be taken to alleviate the position by other methods. | The remit was put to the meeting without further discussion and was carried unanimously. ANNUAL PINNER The annual Farmers’ Union dinner, which ! was- attended by members of the ladies’ division, members of the union and representatives of commercial and business interests, w*as held in the A.C.M. buildings last evening, Mr E. K. Sim, the newlyelected president of the union, presiding. In proposing the toast of “Public Bodies,” Mr D. Dickie said the community owed a great deal to the public men who gave up so much of their time in the interests of their town. To these men the 1 people looked to safeguard their interests and they seldom failed to justify the confidence placed in them. Invercargill had a particularly able body of men at the head of affairs and he thought it only right that those present should pay some tribute to their work and give credit where credit was due. Replying to the toast, Mr W’. Hinchey, president of the Southland League, said that as far as his personal observations went he had found that men on public bodies had worked conscientiously and given of their best in the interest of the public. He had never yet met a man who had not endeavoured to do his best in the work entrusted to him. Sometimes mistakes were made, but not intentionally, and taken all round they managed to get I through pretty well. Men in public positions did not want monetary compensation for their work. If they found that they were being appreciated it was a sufficient reward and they were prepared to give fur- ■ ther time to the job. Mr T. Vickery, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the chamber was composed of representatives of all branches of commercial activity. Farmers could rest assured, however, that various matters affecting them generally would always re- . ceive full consideration.

The task of proposing the health of the commercial interests fell to Mr R. Sim. The relations between farmers and commercial men svere very cordial indeed, he said. During the last four years there had been extraordinary developments in regard to farming, and these developments had called for an extraordinary expenditure. Farmers did not know where to get money so they went to the Government like the Prodigal Son. Unlike the Father the Government had not done what was expected, and had killed the fatted calf with the Associated Banks.— (Laughter.) However, the commercial men were helping the farmers along in time of stress. Mr J. H. Reed, chairman of the Technical College Board of Governors, in reply, said they were all having troublesome times, but they must keep smiling. If they did so the difficulties would all be overcome. The interests of commercial men and farmers were indissoluble and this fact was recognised by all business-men. The remaining toasts honoured were—- “ Farming Interests,” proposed by Mr D. Rutledge and replied to by Messrs G. Herron and J. Milne; “The New President,” proposed by Mr T. McKenzie and responded to by Mr E. K. Sim; “Parliament,” proposed by Mr P. Arnott and responded to by Mr Adam Hamilton, M.P.; “Agricultural Department,” proposed by Mr A. R. Johnston and replied to by Mr R. McGillivray; ‘Women’s Division,” proposed by Mr R. L. Byars, and “Secondary Education.”