DAIRYING INDUSTRY

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1934, Page 12

DAIRYING INDUSTRY

POSITION IN THE NORTH ORDERS ON CREAM CHEQUES. ■ . NOTHING LEFT FOR FARMERS., Whangarei, March 27. One of the largest meetings of dairy farmers seen in the district for some time was held to-day in Whangarei to , discuss the position of the industry. Suppliers to the Whangarei, Hikurangi, Waipu, Maungatapere and Springhead dairy companies were present and Mr. J. Wood, of Marua, presided over an attendance of about 300. Mr. Wood said the position was known to be desperate for a number of fanners, but the extent could not be determined until the various dairy companies had been interviewed. Investigation showed that farmers milking 50 and 60 cows had not been receiving this season a single penny in cash, owing to the number of orders on the cream cheques for payment of interest and other debts. The Hikurangi Company, said Mr. Wood, had 280 suppliers, who had not received a single penny during the past four months, and in the Whangarei Company 500 of the 1000 suppliers received in cash less than £lOO a year. One of the worst features was that the dairy cheque orders were irrevocable. Last year the Hikurangi Company sent to suppliers 1500 tons of manure, while this year only 100 tons were ordered, indicating the small amount of top-dressing being done. FIRST CHARGE ON INDUSTRY. Mr. Wood moved that in view of the serious position of the dairying industry, the meeting request the Government to provide legislation so that the first charge on the industry should be the livelihood of the farmer and the maintenance of the farm. Mr. A. J. Murdoch, M.P., said the mortgage relief commissions had power to grant relief in cases of hardship. The motion was carried unanimously. 1 Mr. A. Briscoe Moore, president of the Whangarei branch of the Farmers’ Union, said his union had come to the conclusion that the source of the present difficulties was the mandatory system, which should be altered. After considerable discussion, the following resolution was carried:— “That this meeting calls upon the Government to tackle the fundamental cause of the desperate position of the dairying industry by giving relief in costs by derating and tariff reductions, and so reforming the monetary system as to ensure stable and sufficient prices for all primary produce produced in New Zealand, both for export and local consumption.” CREAM COLLECTION OVERLAPPING. The question of overlapping in cream collection provided considerable discussion. Mr. J. H. Hayward said the transport licensing authorities should have power to Ideal with the question, as they were very careful to prevent overlapping in toe passenger and goods services. i It was finally decided that the Government be asked to define the boundaries for each factory in the matter of cream collection. Mr. L. Webb, chairman of the Whangarei County Council and North Auckland Counties’ Association, said he wished to answer criticism levelled at the council on the matter of derating. He said his council had been actively engaged on the question and its policy in favour of derating had been endorsed by the Farmers’ Union. The council believed that the whole of the motor taxation should be devoted to the mainten- : ance and construction of roads. The following resolution was also carried:—“That until derating is brought about a moratorium be declared on the ,

obligations of farmers to county councils making it unlawful to levy upon or attach for rates any holding stock or equipment in the possession of settlers. Speakers said that in some counties stock had been distrained, to pay rates.