FARMERS’ PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1933, Page 4

FARMERS’ PARLIAMENT

MANY PROBLEMS DISCUSSED NORTH TARANAKI CONFERENCE. IMPORTANT REMITS PASSED. t THIRTY BRANCHES REPRESENTED. Thirty branches embracing the area from Awakino to Rahotu and ■ inland as far as Whangamomona were represented at the tenth “annual conference of the North Taranaki provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union at Inglewod yesterday. The “farmers’ parliament” spent a busy day discussing 45 remits dealing •with problems, affecting the community. The conference, which started at 10.30 a.m., concluded at 5.40 p.m. Mr. H. E. Blyde presided, the following delegates being present: Messrs. W. H. C. Clemow, M. Steiner (Cardiff), C. H. Sorenson, T. Martin (Hillsborough) W. Adlam, R. Gilbert (Hurworth), W. Hall, E. S. Allen (Huirangi), J. Woods, N. B. Fletcher (Huiroa), A. Chapman, W. T. McCaw (Kaimata), E. Hellier (Lepperton), M. Davies, J. Schumacher (Midhirst), J. N. Bryant, D. Sutton (Mokau), A. Busing, G. T. Mace (Mangorei), M. G. Trotter, H. A. Hunt, N. B. Fryday (Stratford), C. J. O’Neill, M. P. Ford (Strath-more-Te Wera), T. T. Murray, L. Marfell (Toko), W. P. Warren, A. McKairf (Tarttfutangi), IA. Cowley, E. Mahon, H. Rumball, J. Browning (Tariki), A. E. Denne (Okoke), N. Wells, C. .J. Harns (Oakura), H. T. Paul, L. D. Hickford, C. G. Cocksedge, W. Bridgeman (Omata), F. Calvert, J. B. Carr (Okau-Tonga-porutu), W. Maloney, -R. D. Spence (Omata), A. L. Long, 'M. Nolan Rafapiko), R- B. Fleming (Rahotu), H. W. Lovell, C. W. Goodwin (Tarata),’J. H. Paulger, A. Alexander (Tikorangi), L. Bunn, R- Corry (Mangaehu), J. F. Phillips, C. Topleshs (Urenui), A. R. Alpe, S? S. Butt (Uruti), D. L. A. WKay, B. A. Richmond (Wharehuia), M. McCutchan (Whasgamomona), R. B. button, W. R. Moir, J. H. Shute (Inglea civic welcome to delegates the Mayor of Inglewood (Mr. J. Gibbs) trusted that the. farmers would have a successful conference and that when they met next year prices for produce would be much more encouraging. Leading men in the country seemed to think that the worst had been reached, and he hoped such ‘would prove to be the case» - The Mayor was accorded a vote of president welcomed members to the conference, particularly Messrs. E. J. Betts (president), J. Cocker, ,W. E. Carter and W. Seed,’-members of the South Taranaki executive. PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. Tn moving the adoption of the annual report (already published) the president Kaid that for the first time in the executive’s history there was a credit balance which amounted to £B5 9s. 4d. It was due to the fact that the executive was receiving 2s. 6d. per member additional from the head office. A debit balance of £36 16s. 3d. had been wiped off, the organiser’s expenses totalling £l4® Bd. had been met during the yean though the results of his work should benefit the branch over a number ox

executive had for some time been considering a scheme for assisting ' branches to meet expenses incurred in ■i attending meetings of the executive, and it waa now felt that as the result of the extra capitulation allowed by headquarters the executive, should be able to pay 3d. per' mile on every mile over and above 30 miles towards the expenses of delegates attending both the sub-pro-vincial executive meetings at Stratford and the executive meetings at New Fly-, mouth. It was- also suggested that the provincial executive meetings should be held once or twice a year at Stratford. Referring to the work in the province generally, Mr. Blyde said that the erased activities shown, while resulting ■ in increased expenditure, had also resulted in increased interest and zeal on the part of nearly all the branches. That had -been most evident in the visits to the annual meetings of branches. The membership had steadily and they could now consider themselves from a union point of view the best organised provincial area in New Zealand. Mr. Blyde briefly spoke of the work of the union with reference to the past, to the present and to the future. In the early days interest in the union was shown mainly by those who were in a comparatively big line of farming. Perhaps most of its members were men who had a very large stake in the country and were perhaps men who were fairly wealthy. That to a certain extent retarded the progress of the union because those farming in a smaller way were suspicious of the actions of those at the head of affairs, feeling, perhaps unjustly, that proposals brought forward were not in the interests of the working farmer. However, much good work was done by the pioneers and the movement to-day owed a tremendous amount to them. MOUTHPIECE OF FARMERS. The union to-day was undoubtedly the mouthpiece of-the working farmer ot the farmer who had in his farm all his assets, his home and all his hopes for the future. The majority of the members were men who to-day felt that they had lost practically the whole of their assets by the fall of world prices, and that although they had developed their farms, improved them immensely and increased the production, they were not receiving anything like an adequate return for their efforts. He thought, too, that farmers generally were realising that if- they were to be enabled to get out of their difficulties it was vitally necessary that they should have an organisation which would place before the people of New Zealand the facts of the case. , Mr. Blyde thanked the executive for its help and loyal support. No provincial executive in New Zealand had members that showed more zeal, interest or ability than the members of the North Taranaki provincial executive. ine members represented all classes of farming all classes of country, and were spread fairly uniformly over the area, so that the interests were wide and varied. He made special mention of the zeatous and efficient work of the provmcS secretary, Mr. D. Le Oren Morgan , who was largely responsible for the ««»«* Mr - di ?,: The work had increased tremendously over the past ten years without the^ cr ®‘ tary’s salary having been that they must agree that the secretary wl not deceiving adequate remunemtiom The president paid a tribute to the . help given by the members and branches of the Women’s Division by the Press, whose reports were most In seconding the motion Mr. thanked the president gr the interest taken m the out ymg branches. The fact that the p and secretary had visited the majority of the branches had created considerable’ interest in the work of the union. Mr. Murray considered the union and ths Counties’ Association should get to-

gether and define >a policy on tvzo important matters —de-rating and noxious weeds control. As a. member of both a county council and the union he realised that there was lack of co-ordin-ation between the two bodies.. Mr. Trotter also congratulated the president in his very able report. The farming community was now practically in extremis and' must get together to devise some scheme for improvement. Mr. Hunt took exception to the statement made by the president that in the early days the - union was only for the big man. Farm employees also were allowed to joini Mr. Fryday said- that 40 years ago as a poor farmer he had assisted to organise the union. ' . Mr. McCaw agreed that co-operation with all sections was desirable, and his branch held that they should also endeavour to co-operate with, the labour unions. In the event of a dispute they should endeavour to have a conference with the labour organisations. The president said that at all times the union was prepared to meet the other side, and understand its viewpoint. That would be done more in the future. He did not say they would agree on all points, but they, would agree where they could. Though the farmers produce was affected by any dispute the farmers were not allowed, to give evidence or take any part in.the settlement. APPRECIATION OF SECRETARY. Mr. Richmond spoke very highly of the work of the secretary. He said the strong position in the union in the province, together with its large membership, was largely due to the hard work, organising ability and keen interest taken in the work by the secretary. The work was now practically a full-time job, and as a member from the other end of the district who could not be -accused of bias he suggested that the conference should increase Mr. Morgan s .salary. The president, stated, that..in “ the times Mr. Morgan preferred that the matter be held over for twelve: months. Messrs. Harris and others considered that the salary should be raised at lea, a little in appreciation of Mr. Morgans Mr Bunn said he appreciated the attitude of Mr.-Morgan. As a membet of the Stratford County Council he had recently assisted in reducing salaries, and wages and he would be placed in an invidious position if, as a tae'mber of the union, he now agreed to ah Hwrease. Mr. Davis agreed that, the tendency now was to reduce salaries. Several other speakers also spoke appreciatively of the secretary’s work, holding that at £159 per annum he was doing the work at a loss. ", '■ Mr. Richmond stated that he had; brought the matter forward because, he felt that the secretary was not being adequately remunerated. ' After Mr. Morgan had replied stating that he would prefer the matter to be held over for twelve months the matter was dropped. . . , ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers were elected as follow: Presi-; dent, Mr. H. E. Blyde; vice-presidents,, Messrs. T, T. Murray (senior) and H. R.‘ Marsh; treasurer, Mr. H. C.. Sorenson; auditor,' Mr. " C. Hl Wynyard, delegates to Dominion conference, Messrs.: Murray, L. D. Hickford and Marsh. . ■ were appointed to various bodies as follow: Tafanaki- Agricultural Society, Mr. W. Hall; Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, Mr. H. E. Blyde; Taranaki Automobile Association, Mr. A., Busing; Taranaki Employers’ Association, Mr. M. Davis; competitions committee,; Messrs. S. Topless, L. Marfell’ and R. B.' Sutton;- New Plymouth S.P.C.A., Mr. W. J. Maloney; New Plymouth Boys .Unemployment Committee, Mr. A. Busing. SODIUM CHLORATE. Mr. L. A. Bunn (Mangorei) . moved that the Government be urged to investigate the price of sodium chlorate and to bring down regulations governing the quality. Mr. Richmond in seconding Stressed the necessity for a standard being set and for there being a basic price. . . ■ The president stated that the Dominion executive had the matter in hand. , Mr. T- Marfell’ considered- 'that. the. union executive • should: consider, pur-;, chasing sodium chlorate in bulk. In-, stances of . variation-in prices were men-; tioned by-members. Mr. McKay pointed out that prior to being used for destroy-! ing weeds sodium, chlorate, which was a residue from electrical works,-had been a waste product. - • ' • " The remit was earned. ■ • ; REDUCTION OF INTEREST. , On the motion of Messrs. Corrie and' Bunn it was resolved, that the; conference considered the time long, overdue for a, further substantial'reduction of.interestyg.fpgt, ' Mr. Kain said the reduction’.of interest; was only a- palliative. . The conference should seek to place the country on a sound basis by having, a reassessment bf land values with regard to mortgages. I ■ The Omata .branch brought forward a remit that the conference press on .theGovernment the necessity for , the re-, valuation of land on-a production basis. Mr. Maloney said that most of the farmers were agreed on the necessity, for a revaluation. High .valuation of land' to-day was- one of the main troubles that a. farmer had to face, -There was/ of course, the question of interest charges on overseas debts, and unfortunately in the latter connection raising the-'rate-of exchange had increased the difficulties. Land should be valued on a production basis.. . • In seconding Mr. McCaw said that at present a lot of land was valueless for farming purposes and was at the same time a menace to the adjoining land. Mr. Corrie held that a re-valuation should be made on a flat basis. A farmer should not be penalised for good farm--ISIMr. Davis asked what was considered a productive basis, as in the event of butter-fat prices improving the mortgagees could ask that the valuation be increased. Mr. Sorenson considered that the matter was of such importance that it should not be decided at that conference. . It should be either deferred or referred back to the branches. The chairman agreed that -the subject reniiired deep consideration. He favoured holding public meetings throughout the district in order to discuss various schemes as he understood was being done at S'.ratford. The president moved an amendment that the matter be deferred to be dealt with at meetings to be held at Stratford and New Plymouth. This was seconded by Mr. Maloney and carried. ASSISTANCE FOR SIDE ROADS. “That this conference request the Government to amend the Main Highways Act so that 25 per cent, of revenue obtained by the Main, Highways Board from petrol and other motor taxation be especially allocated for expenditure on side roads.” (Oakura). Mr. C. J. Harris said that it was only fair that a certain percentage of the tax should be expended on the i>y-roads. It was a step towards de-rating. He pointed out that farmers used considerable benzine in travelling along the by-roads to reach the highways, whilst outside traffic also used the by-roads very freely; yet all the revenue from the petrol tax was expended on the highways. This was seconded, by Mr.. Levi Bunn and carried. '

REDUCTION OF TARIFFS. “That the Dominion president’s and union’s efforts to have tariffs on goods coming from Britain reduced be heartily endorsed by the conference.” (Oakura)., All would approve of the remit, said Mr. Harris, because unless they carried out the spirit of the Ottawa agreement they would be in a very bad way. ; This was seconded by Mr. Paulger and : carried. RELIEF TO MORTGAGORS. I “That the State Advances Department grant relief to mortgagors by remitting payment of principal dur- ■ ing the present financial stringency.” This was proposed by Mr. Richmond, who stated that' such a proposal would give the farmers great relief. : .The motion was seconded by Mr. Trotter. 1 ' . The president read correspondence ■ from the department stating that the policy dictated ' by the times must even in -, its own interests be to render its mortgagors the utmost relief that circumstances warranted. Each case must be treated on its merits. The remit was carried. EXEMPTION OF BENZINE TAX. “That this meeting is of the opinion that the recent increase in benzine tax should be rebated to farmers using benzine for milking machines and agricultural machinery, as this tax is unfairly hitting the back- . country farmer." . (Strathmore). Mr. Ford said that'the tax was unjust in that it hit' a' ' class - of struggling farmer in the backblocks who was not in a position to use electric power. . It was inequitable because' it was not levied on every user /(agricultural machinery. He understood that the fishing and aviation industries were, exempt, and therefore ffie dairy industry should be exempt also. Mr. Richmond seconded. Replying to a question, the president stated that the man using benzine for his milking machine only received a restate of 6d, whereas the full tax was lOd. The president;;.agreed that if it were right for fishermen to obtain the full rebate', because, benzine was used for their livelihood, it should be only right for the farmer to have the full rebate. Mr. Browning suggested that the words “except in power board areas” should be added, as otherwise it would’encourage farmers to use benzine instead of electricity, and so cause other farmers to have to pay a rate. . . Mr. . Trotter pointed but that the extra taxation had been put in by the Government (o assist in raising revenue. Mr. Bryant agreed with , the previous speaker, holding that the fanner should be prepared to find his share of that revenue.

Mr. Levi Bunn .considered that county councils should also secure the full rebate. ' Mr. Sutton, said itfiat it was another case of .the farmer trying to .grab all he could. Hie extra tax had been put on for a specific purpose, and the farmer should not' squeal. If' the fishermen could get away with it, good luck to them. ‘ , Mr. Maloney, said that it was absolutely unfair that the farmer in the backblocks should have to pay the ben-: zine tax, while the more favoured user; of the cheaper, electric power escaped. Mr. Moir: I.find electric power more expensive. You in the backblocks using' benzine- are lucky. Mr. Harris asked members to take a broad .view of the matter. He pointed out' that the extra tax had been put; -on for a specific purpose. The remit was carried by a narrow majority. PRODUCE FOR UNEMPLOYED. “That it be a recommendation to the Government' to purchase meatbutter and cheese in bulk purchases . . for distribution to the unemployed in substitution for a certain portion of unemployment wages, so ensuring’an i increased consumption of our primary products.” (Mokau). Moving the remit, Mr. Bryant said that; such a proposal would not only assist the unemployed, but would also do away; with the necessity for the quota. Don’t cut their-wages any more. They are getting little enough now, remarked Mr. Hunt.' • ' - ' ' Mr, Lovell considered;that if .the mat-1 ter; was handled -by the' Government the 1 cost of distribution would be too ex- 1 pgnsive. ‘ J : : ’ Mr. Betts said that the farmers in' S'oiith. Taranaki had agreed to. supply: beasts for the unemployed. Mr. Trotter said that the farming com-: •munity should do what it possibly could' .to assist thei unemployed. A. great deal was. being.,done voluntarily. . The remit was lost. v EQUALISING CONCESSIONS. ! “That in view of .the fact that railr way concessions more materially as- - sist the- farmers adjoining such railways, concessions. be given to farmers who have, no railway facilities by way of subsidies on either road freights pF primary costs, for the purpose of equalising the benefits.” (Mokau). . *. - . ; . Speaking . to .kthe.. motion,. Mr. Bryant said that his district was penalised in, ■two ways, 'first by the 'classification of the roatjs, compelling carriers to reduce their loads, and . secondly by the operations .of the Transport Board. Farmers adjacent to the railway line secured the benefit of 100 miles free railage for their lime, as well as other concessions in freight. Mr. Carr, in seconding, said that because the roads they had made themselves was regarded as a tourist road they were permitted to drive stock along it only at specified times. The remit was carried.' REDUCTION OF POWER CHARGES. “That in view of the general fall ' in values, the recent cuts in wages, and the reduction of staffs, this conference is ofi the opinion that the time is past due for a substantial reduction of charges made for electric current.” (Hillsborough). Moving the remit, Mr. C. H. Sorenson (Hillsborough) said thatdhe fact that the New Plymouth borough made a profit of £15,000 on the electric light department •showed that a reduction was warranted. In seconding Mr. Murray said that today the cost of electricity was so high that it was almost a luxury. That should not be the case in a country like New Zealand. Moreover if the price of electricity were reduced people would be encouraged to us it more and power boards would benefit thereby. The remit was carried. ' CONTROL OF NOXIOUS WEEDS. That the control of noxious weeds was the greatest menace that backblocks settlers had to face was the opinion expressed by Mr. M. P. Ford (Strathmore) in moving:— “That the Government be urged to vote the necessary financial assistance to the Cawthron Institute to enable it to undertake further research for the control of manuka, biddi biddi' and bracken fern.” (Midhirst). The remit was seconded by Mr. Alpe, who referred to the manner in which the backblocks country was deteriorating through biddi biddi and manuka. Such a proposal would be of immense benefit to the whole of New Zealand. Mr. Fryday said that unless something

were done many farmers would have to give up their farms. Mr. Maloney spoke highly of the good work done by the Cawthron Institute. To provide the funds for the work he held that the Wallaceville laboratory should be closed, as with Massey College now available it was not required. Mr. Denne moved that the remit be amended so as to provide for further scientific research. The remit was carried. the following remit by the Okau branch was also carried: — “That all unoccupied Crown lands be kept free of noxious weeds at the ; Government’s expense.” MISCELLANEOUS REMITS. The following miscellaneous remits were carried: — “That all insurance premiums paid in excess of the amount actually paid out by any company on any policy be refunded, such refund to be retrospective for the full term for which any policy has been in existence.’ (Okoke). “That insurance companies be com- . pelled to pay out the full amount of insurance for which premiums have been paid.” : (Okato). “That the law be amended so that the Government can adequately control the operations of trusts in connection With New Zealand indus- - tries.” (Okoke). This was dealt with in committee. “That the Dominion executive approach the banks with a view to having the annual bank charges reduced to 10s.” (Huiroa). “That telephone rentals be substantially lowered, and that a deputation interview the department on the subject.” (Cardiff). It was resolved that for the coming year provision be made whereby delegates travelling over 15 miles to a meeting be allowed expenses at the rate of 3d per mile. The following remits were lost:— “That the 'annual motor-car registration be eliminated, leaving the annual charge £1 (i.e. the insurance on the third party risk), and that each car retain original number plates, and ' loss. of .registration be-.made up of increase of, say, Id per gallon petrol tax.” (Cardiff). Lost by one vote. “That a reorganisation of Dominion headquarters is advisable in the direction of freeing one officer to act as organising secretary to keep in personal touch with the centres. (Toko). “That the date of manufacture should be stamped on all rubberware - for' milking machine ' purposes.”' (Okoke). The following remits were withdrawn: “That in view of the recent trade arrangements made between England and foreign, competitors, this meeting is of tlie opinion that the very existence of the New Zealand farmer and the safeguarding .of our only market depends on the prompt formation of the commission promised to review ■ and scale down tariffs placed upon British goods as promised by the New ■ Zealand delegation at the Ottawa Conference.” (Hillsborough). “That the serious position’of many ’ farmers calls for the immediate consideration of the Government, which should take stock of all mortgages throughout the Dominion, with the view of having a re-assessment of land values in relation to mortgages, . and that the Farmers’ Union be urged t to take such action as deemed necessary to obtain such revaluation.” (Stratford). “In view of the necessity for conserving funds, the Main Highways Board be urged to cease for at least one year all expenditure on road construction work, and that some of the money so saved be utilised for the upkeep of by-roads in order to relieve the farmer of some of the heavy burden of rates.” (Omata). A remit from Okato advocating the reduction of membership subscription by 5s was lost, and a remit from Cardiff advocating a reduction to 10s was withdrawn. - — ■ A remit from Tarata; “That the control of noxious weeds.be placed in the hands of the county council,” lapsed.. A remit from Mangaehu “That this conference congratulates the Rt. Hoh. J., G. Coates, aS Minister of Finance, on his being able to balahce' his Budget in view of the very difficult times through' which the country is passing, was dealt with in committee. A remit from Oakura “That seeing the difficulty the Government has in financing the affairs of the country, all subsidies be discontinued,” was .dealt with in committee, after which it was reported: that it had been withdrawn. The following remit from Uruti was referred to the provincial executive: •' “That the attention of the provincial office be'drawn to the high cost of horse, shoeing in Taranaki.”