FARMERS’ UNION

Southland Times, Issue 21218, 20 October 1930, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION

SOUTHLAND EXECUTIVE.

MONTHLY MEETING.

The monthly 'meeting of the .Southland executive of the Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday. There were present Messrs E. Bowmar (president, in the chair), W. J. Martin (vice-president), R. Sim, G. A. Hamilton, O. E. Niederer, W. Couscr, A. McKenzie, G. Earwalker, F. Linscott, A. W. Clark, J." J. Crampton, A. 11. McLean, A. McLeod, G. Mackay, S. Shaw, L. Hill, T. Major, - A. R. Johnston, 11. Smith, D. Dickie, W. H. Ward, E. K. Sim, W. B. Hopcroft, G. Evans, A. H. McNaught, T. Giller, J. Johnston, A. Roy, P. Arnott, IL Grieve.

Promises for support or consideration to the executive’s objections to the removal of any duties on stock foods without any reciprocal concessions were received from the acting-Pririie Minister (the Hon. E. A. Ransom), the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. A. J. Murdoch), the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle), Messrs Adam Hamilton, Vincent. Ward and D. McDougall, members of Parliament. Shipping Subsidies.

Acknowledgments of receipt of the terms of the executive’s resolution urging'that all shipping subsidies be reviewed and discontinued were received from the acting-Prime Minister (the Hon. E. A. Ransom), the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle), Messrs Adam Hamilton, Vincent Ward and D. McDougall, members of Parliament.

Mr Ransom’s letter stated: I have noted the terms of the resolution and also the views which you have expressed on behalf of your executive and shall be glad to arrange for them to receive careful consideration. ' f A litter from the secretary of the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce stated that the Dunedin Chamber had requested the Invercargill body to put its views on the question before the executive. “The Dunedin Chamber considers that the subsidy is justified and that it should be continued,” stated the letter. Control of Bush Reserves. The following remit was received from the Gummies Push branch: “(a) That bush reserves set aside for the use of settlers should be open for that purpose only for a definite limited period, instead of for an indefinite period as at present; (b) that where firewood and fencing timber may be procured at reasonable cost, a reserve should be closed without further delay; (c) that when disposed of, the area of any such reserve is not sufficiently large for a single holding, preference should be given to applicants owning land adjoining or in the immediate neighbourhood; and (d) that these proposals be given effect to by representation to the District Lands Department or in such other way as may be deemed necessary.” In a covering letter from, the branch it was stated that owing to altered conditions in late years the whole matter required review. “Whereas in the past lack of roads or bad roads made settlers dependent upon local timber, they, may now get what they require by rail and lorry at reasonable cost almost anywhere in the province. Because of the serious handicap to settlers in the vicinity by the spread of weeds and rabbits, these reserves should be closed as soon as circumstances will permit. Every weed in the catalogue is soon established, coming in the horses’ feed from all points of the compass. With men and dogs constantly coming and going, it is impossible satisfactorily to trap or poison rabbits. As long as the bush is open, some settlers will make no provision for the future by planting for their own needs. A stated time-limit giving adequate warning would allow settlers to make necessary arrangements. They would not be taken unawares as they may be at present. The useful timber is soon cut out and land suitable for settlement should not be allowed to deteriorate.”

Members expressed the opinion that the executive should not take any action and the question was referred back to the branch to make the necessary representations. Organizer’s Report. The organizer (Mr 0. E. Niederer) submitted the following report: "All our branches in Southland have been visited and in most cases arrangements made for the re-signing of orders on banks and mercantile companies, which run out at the end of the present financial year. No special effort has been made up to the present to bring in new members. However, from now on as each district is visited an endeavour will be made to bring in all who are eligible' Apert from the ordinary organizing work, I was associated with the series of winter lectures delivered under the auspices' of the Farmers’ Union. The lecturers were: Mrs Allen, of the Home Science Department, Otago University; R. B. Tennant, Superintendent of the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture for Otago and Southland; Bruce Levy, Agrostologist, of the Department of Agriculture, and Mr Dayns, Superintendent of the Live Stock Division of the Department for Otago and Southland. Afternoon and evening lectures were given. In conjunction with these winter lectures, officers of the W.D. formed new branches at Dipton, Otautau and Thornbury. A canvass for the support of a proposed official paper for our union was undertaken for several weeks. All orders signed have been sent forward to headquarters and the Dominion executive will decide whether or not it is advisable to go on with the venture. By a' unanimous resolution of our executive, I assisted in an organizing campaign by the Women’s Division to endeavour to form new branches. The result was very satisfactory, new branches being formed at. Riverton, Tuatanere, Clifden, Ohai, Nightcaps, Hedgehope, l „ Oteramika-Gorgc Road, Mataura Island and Edendale. Having branches of the Women’s Division in each centre will undoubtedly be a factor in having a better attendance of members at monthly meetings, as in most cases the women are arranging their meetings the same night as the men. In some districts it may be advisable for two or more branches to hold combined meetings—say quarterly—and arrangements made for an officer of the Agricultural Department or some other lecturer to be present. My thanks are due to the farmers in all districts for their hospitality.” The report was received.

WOMEN’S DIVISION

MONTHLY MEETING. The monlhly meeting of the Southland branch of the Women’s Division, of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Girl Guide room on Saturday, the president (Mrs W. 11. Ward) presiding over a good attendance.

Several new members were present and were welcomed by Mrs Ward. It was decided to have a discussion on the Home Science Extension scheme at the next meeting, part of the time to.be spent in exchanging useful hints on sewing if possible.