FARMERS CONFER

Southland Times, Issue 22333, 26 May 1934, Page 6

FARMERS CONFER

EXPANSION OF TRADE EASTERN MARKETS EMPIRE DEFENCE (Per United Press Association.) Wanganui, May 25. The Farmers’ Union conference carried remits in favour of obtaining information regarding the best type of base that is suitable for bitumen roads. “That the Agricultural Department be urged to issue illustrated cards of destructive moths and insects available for the public and for schools. “That the New Zealand Broadcasting Board be asked to consider broadcasting daily between 7.30. and 8 a.m. any major news items already appearing in that day’s morning Press. “That in the interests of the farming community of New Zealand, the possibilities of trade with the East or other markets be investigated, and if the produce boards will not take up concerted action in this direction, separate steps be taken to have this done.” Mr Hugh Morrison (Wairarapa) said Australia thought trade with the East so important that the deputy-Primc Minister (Mr Latham) had been sent to Japan as the head of a delegation to exploit trade there. It was stated that in a few years Japan would be a bigger purchaser of Australian wool than Britain. Canada and the Argentine were also active in the East for an avenue of trade expansion. Mr Franklin (Wanganui) said it paid to advertise. “Where there is a large surplus of produce it would pay to give it away to the Eastern countries.” The remit, which was considered the most important before the conference, was carried unanimously. The conference carried a remit urging the Government to make adequate donations to the Imperial Government for rehabilitating Empire defence. “That all stock accounts'and bills of sale on stock and chattels be subject to a review by the Mortgagors’ Relief Commission on the same lines as farm mortgages,” was a further remit. CONFERENCE CONCLUDES COMPREHENSIVE RESOLUTIONS. The interprovincial conference of the Wanganui, Wellington, Manawatu and Wairarapa Farmers’ Union concluded here to-day. Decisions arrived at were:—(l) To seek information relative to the horseshoes suitable for use on sealed roads; (2) that the New Zealand Broadcasting Board consider broadcasting between 7.30 and 8 a.m., the major news in the morning Press; (3) that wheat-growers in the North Island be either excluded from the Wheat Purchase Board or given representation thereon; (4) that the Government impress upon the Government of Great Britain the need of bringing the Empire defences up to standard; (5) that bills of sale on stock or chat-' tels be subject to review by the Mortgagors’ Relief Commissions, on the same lines as farm mortgages; (6) that the Government compulsorily fix the maximum rate of interest at 3 per cent.; (7) that the State pay all rates in arrear on properties on which it holds mortgages; (8) that the Government be urged to approve of the principle of derating, and that, as a first step thereto, the Main Highways Board take over all roads in the Dominion; (9) that £500,000 from the consolidated fund previously paid to the Highways Board be restored; (10) that persons under the age of 20 years be exempt from the Wages or Emergency Tax; (11) that the registration of working dogs be in the hands of local bodies, and that Alsatians be charged £5; (12) that farmers’ lorri.s, when used for their own carting, be exempt from heavy traffic fees.