N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 58, Issue 4192, 2 June 1939, Page 5

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

OTOROHANGA BRANCH. GENERAL BUSINESS. There were about fifty members in attendance at the last meeting of the Otorohanga branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, with the president, Mr L. Palmer, in the chair. Mr V. W. Simms stated that Captain Rushworth hvould address the next meeting, an announcement that was greatly appreciated. Mr H. E. Walters (Ngahape) introduced a remit for the Minister of Agriculture, that something be done to facilitate the production of molasses by farmers themselves. This valuable stock food was practically unobtainable now. The remit was carried. SHARE-MILKERS’ AGREEMENT. The members decided to protest against the terms of the new sharemilkers’ agreement on two counts — (1) the employer should not »have to pay all insurance now, but, as formerly, the milker should pay employer’s liability on any hands engaged; and (2) the owner should pay only half of the cost of extra hands for hay-making, as formerly, and not all, as now proposed. It was decided to organise a campaign for increased membership of the branch. Mr Simms brought up the question of the difficulty of carriers getting a license to transport household goods from one county to another, such as furniture, etc. The question was of importance to farmers, as there was considerable movement of farm labourers and share-milkers at this period of the year. It was decided to approach the provincial secretary with a view to interesting other branches of the Union. A deputation from the Women’s Division solicited assistance for the Division’s annual ball. It was decided to grant the usual donation. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr E. O’Brien (Mangaorongo) tabled a notice of motion that the branch take the initial steps in the formation of a bacon and pork pool. Aftdr considerable discussion the motion was lost on the voices. It was decided to protest again to the Railway Department against the stopping of carriages beyond the ends of the local platform. ■ INCOME TAX RETURNS. It was decided to urge that farmers, in making up their income tax returns, should be allowed to deduct from taxable income the full amount that any employee was allowed for board. It was also resolved tc ask the Commissioner of Taxes to simplify the farmers’ forms for Social Security tax returns, and also the returns for .medical benefits. ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Mr H. E. Walters stressed the earnestness of the delegates, and said that the manner in which they had carried on the fight for the Union’s aims against great odds deserved the greatest commendation and respect.