FARMERS’ UNION

Southland Times, Issue 22728, 2 November 1935, Page 7

FARMERS’ UNION

EXECUTIVE MEETING SHEEP FOR AUCTION TO BE TICKETED The difficulty of eradicating wild turnip was the subject of a keenly interested but fruitless discussion at the monthly meeting yesterday of the Southland Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. The meeting was attended by Messrs G. Hamilton (chairman), J. Lynch, J. McLeary, C. H. Wilson, J. Middlemiss, A. R. Johnston, S. C. Bowmar, D. Dickie, E. K. Sim, W. H. Ward, L. Hill, D. Macdonald, J. Stirling, G. Chewings, W. Causer, W. B. Hopcroft, T. Hannmg, A. H. McLean, T. McCann, B. Clearwater, James Young, A. H. Sheat, KSim, A. McKenzie, E. Cameron, H. McIntosh, S. Shaw, W. G. Mackay, C. b. Stevens, W. R. Stevens and D. Marshall. In reply to a letter from the executive, advice was received from Department of Agriculture that in New Zealand practice, control consisted ot pulling isolated plants where they occurred. “When plants are numerous, the lands should be used for fed-off crops, such as rape and grass, or cultivated crops such as potatoes or mangolds,” the reply stated. “White c f°P s should be avoided as much as possible. As a precautionary measure, all threshing mills should be thoroughly cleaned down before entering the gate of any farmer’s property, as this seed is the most persistent in the soil of any seed known, and has been known to germinate after being in the ground for 60 years.” It was mentioned that a spray was used in Great Britain, but it was thought that this would be useless. Several members said that years ago they had wild turnip on their properties, but it had just disappeared. They could not give any reason. The department’s letter was received. Reject Lambs. Reporting on behalf of the meat and wool committee, Mr E. K. Sim said that the question of satisfactory disposal of reject lambs and fat sheep from the freezing works was still receiving the consideration of the committee. The secretary (Mr A. L. Adamson) tabled a list of 35 subjects suitable for discussion at branch meetings, the subjects covering almost all topics of any interest to farmers, from “The Use of Electricity” to “What Books to Read.” The chairman suggested that branches also hold debates on subjects of vital interest to farmers. It was agreed that an arrangement be made for the provision of petrol or transport for those lecturers who had consented to address meetings.

The chairman (Mr G. Hamilton), reporting upon the meeting of the Dominion Executive, said that not a great deal of business of interest to Southland was transacted. There was a good deal of complaint, particularly from the Auckland members, at so much money being spent on the Milford road and apparently their grievance was that not enough money was being spent in the north for their own primary producers. The chairman said that he had to defend the road and added that those delegates who had complained did not seem to realize that it was a national road and that the Highways Board did not exist for the primary producer. Mr David Dickie, of Gore, was unanimously nominated for life membership, Mr Hamilton adding that Mr Dickie was held in great esteem in the north, where all recognized the great work he had carried out. (Applause). Circular letters were received from the Manawatu-Oroua branch of the New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association regarding prices for exportable and unexportable pigs. It was stated that already their efforts had resulted in a reduction to ljd of the penalty for unexportable pigs. It was their opinion that the prices of the various grades of pork and bacon, both' exportable and unexportable, should be governed by the realization of those grades. Mr E. K. Sim said that pigs that were too heavy for export were just as good for local consumption and should not be subject to price disparity. It was hoped to have the penalty reduced below lid a lb. “Certainly those who export pigs have a grievance,” said the chairman; “Butchers can get these too-heavy pigs and sell them at the same price as exportable ones, thus making a big profit.”

Name Tickets at Sales of Sheep.

Speaking to the remit “That in view of the fact that the Dominion executive has passed the resolution in favour of all stock being offered for public auction being ticketed with the name of the vendor, this executive approach the Southland stock agents with the view of having this procedure carried out during the next selling season,” Mr E. K. Sim said that the practice referred to in the remit was in operation in some places in the North Island and he was anxious that it be instituted in Southland. Consideration of the remi. was held over till the afternoon, when Mr Sim reported that a deputation had met the stockbrokers during the adjournment and had been asked to draft out a specimen ticket. This had been done. The indications were that it would be very favourably received, he said, but it would have to be considered by a meeting of the Stockbrokers’ Association. He formally moved the adoption of the remit. The specimen ticket made provision for information under the following headings: “Vendor,” “Address,” “Number and specification,” “Agent” and “General Remarks.” “I don’t think you can better that, remarked Mr A. R. Johnston. Replying to a question Mr Sim said that the ticket referred only to the sale of sheep as he thought that it would hardly affect cattle. “It would be difficult to use it with horses,” said Mr Johnston. “The committee thought that it was only intended for sheep and in the meantime it would be better to restrict it to them,” said Mr D. Marshall. The motion was carried unanimously. Subsidy on Rates.

“For some considerable period this council has been urging the Government to pass legislation or to take the necessary steps to alter the basis for the payment of subsidy on general rates to county councils,” stated a letter from the Southland County Council. “The Act provides a subsidy of 5/- in the pound on general rates collected with a maximum yearly payment to any one county of £2500. This council receives yearly £2500 subsidy on • rates and on our present rating basis this works out at approximately 1/2 in the pound. The Wallace County for instance, receives a subsidy of 5/in the pound.” The letter added that advice had been received from the Prime Minister and members of Parliament that the council's claim for a £1 for £1 subsidy on all roads other than main highways was not being dealt with by amending legislation during the session. The council was again making representations to have its

claim for a 5/- in the pound subsidy on general rates recognized for the current year and asked that the union take up the matter. The secretary reported having telegraphed to local members of Parliament advising that the Farmers’ Union executive strongly supported the Southland County Council in its request for the payment of the full subsidy of 5/in the pound on general rates. The following telegram had finally been received from the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes: “Your executive's representations regarding the payment of the subsidy on general rates have been noted for consideration.” The communications were received, the chairman remarking that nothing further could be done in the meantime.