FARMERS' UNION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1309, 24 April 1918, Page 9

FARMERS' UNION.

NORTH CANTERBURY EXECUTIVE. A meeting of the Xorlh Canterbury Executive of the Fanners' Union was held this afternoon, Mr D. Jones presiding. The secretary reported having visited districts in which the membership was falling off, and as a result the position was improving. The chairman said that it was merely a matter of getting out among the farmers, and members could be obtained. The secretary of the Marton branch wrote, congratulating the executive on the success of its efforts in regard to the wheat question.

Reviewing the conference, the chairman said that the Minister had stated that if, as a result of the arrangements arrived at, the price of wheat rose to, say, 8/- pjr bushel, something would have to be done by the Government, lie was sure that the farmers did not wish the price to reach an exorbitant figure. There could be no doubt that the Government had received prior information that the Australian wheat was going to America, and that Australia was being cleared up. He would appeal to the farmers to grow sufficient wheat for New Zealand requirements, in view of the very liberal offer made by the Government. The farmers had a duty to the public of New Zealand. Tf sufficient wheat was not grown for next harvest it would be due to there not being sufficient labour, although, in view of the gloomy outlook in connection with the war, it was impossible to criticise the sending away of extra reinforcements. The question of a maximum price might have to be considered later on. Mr P. G. Horrell said that if there was going to be a maximum fixed at all it ought to be fixed now. It must be made clear whether there was to be an absolute free market or not. It would never do to allow the speculators, who neither sow nor reap, to hold the wheat and force up the price. It was his opinion that there would not be sufficient wheat grown.

The chairman saiil that there was no question that the Minister's final statement was a minimum of 6/4, and beyond that an entire!}- free market. Mr Horrell remarked that in an interview he had said there would be limitation. The chairman said that it had been suggested to the Minister that the New Zealand and Australian tariff should be equal, the tariff to disappear in the event of the price rising too high. Mr Henley asked whether there was any guarantee by the Minister that, in the event of wheat reaching 6/6, the tariff would not be taken off.

Mr Jones said that if sut-h a thing were done it would be a gros3 breach of the agreement. He believed that the Government would honourably observe the agreement and that the fanners had adequate protection. Mr Henley remarked that the majority of the farmers were not of that opinion. • Mr Jones laughingly remarked that the farmer was usually suspicious. The letter was received. The secretary of the Oxford branch wrote, in reply to the executive's inquiry, that there were no heavily-mort-gaged farmers in that district. Sir Horrell: Evidently they don't grow wheat. The Auckland provincial secretary wired, stating that merchants are contracting for Australian potatoes. The southern crop was not yet available. It was considered that the Government should protect local produce. Mr R. Evans explained that the trouble was occasioned by lack of shipping. The crop could not be got away. The labour trouble at Lyttelton continued, despite the fact that the late train had been put on. The Government had very many less ships now than previously. The Union Shipping Company was doing the best it could, and did not favour the other side at New Zealand's expense. It was decided to reply, saying that although there were fair supplies of potatoes here it was impossible to get shipping. Mr G. G. Newton wrote, resigning his position as a member of the executive. —lt was decided to ask Mr Newton to reconsider his decision.

The secretary reported concerning complaints about a shortage of trucks at Ashley Bank and Springbank. It was decided that a deputation wait on the traffic manager to try ami get the position remedied, Messrs Bailey and Benjamin to net.