FARMERS’ CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 1 June 1935, Page 17 (Supplement)

FARMERS’ CONFERENCE

NORTH TARANAKI PARLEY , . i MANY PROBLEMS DISCUSSED. , ' 3 1 KEEN INTEREST DISPLAYED. I MR. H. E. BLYDE AGAIN PRESIDENT j The interest that is taken by farmers ; to-day in the problems affecting their . welfare and the influence that the Farm- ; ers’ Union has in bringing the farmers together in order to ascertain ways and ; means of solving those problems, or at least bettering conditions, was evidenced by the representative attendance and the keen discussion on many problems at the' twelfth annual conference of the North Taranaki provincial district of the Farm-, ers’ Union at Inglewood yesterday. About 70 delegates from 30 branches were present and spent the day from 10.30 a.m. to after 6 p.m. deliberating on problems that affect the farmers in particular and the whole community in general. Mr. H. E. Blyde (Lepperton), provincial president, presided, and there were also present Messrs. D. le C. Morgan (provincial secrcetary), T. T. Murray (president Stratford sub-provincial executive), H. A. Hunt (secretary Stratford sub-provincial executive), W. A. Sheat (president), W. E. Carter (vice-president) and J. S. Tosland (representing the South Taranaki , provincial executive), and the following delegates: Messrs. H. J. Marchant, R. A. Belcher (Cardiff), W. Hall, E. S. Allen (Huirangi), F. Baker, R. C. Henry (Hurworth), C. H. Sorenson, F. Stanley, T. Martin (Hillsborough), J. Wood (Huiroa), W. Moir, H. R. Marsh, W. H. Pennington (Inglewood), A. Chapman, J. Cartwright, J. Ryan (Kaimata), E. Hellier (Lepperton), A. W. Busing, Southcombe (Mangorei), M. Davis, J. E. Schumacher (Midhirst), J. D. RobbCorry, D. Corkill, O. Woods (Puniwhakau), R. Gibbs, J. B. Carr (Okau-Tonga-porutu), G. L. Grey, C. J. Harris (Oakura), A. E. Devine, G. P. Kenah (Okoke), L. D. Hickford, H. T. Paul, W. J. Bridgeman (Okato), L. C. Harrison, A. E. Slattery (Ngaere), W. J. Maloney, R. D. Spence, A. J. Luxton, A. E. Williams and H. Bird (Omata), W. H. Butler, W. Hopkins (Rahotu), M. Nolan, E. Karalus (Ratapiko), M. P. Ford, J. Reith (Strath-more-Te Wera), H. A. Hunt, Grierson (Stratford), T. T. MuYray, L. Marfell, A. N. Payne (Toko), J. H. Paulger, L. A. Alexander (Tikorangi), H. Rumball, E. Mahon (Tariki), J. Fenwick, L. Bishop (Tarurutangi), A. R. Alpe, S. S. Butt (Uruti), J. F. Phillips; D. L. Tate, W. J. Freeth, R. Weeden, R. G. Luxton (Urenui), B. Richmond, H. O. Gibbs (Wharehuia) and S. Harre and G. Gower (Whangamomona). , ' ' VENUE OF CONFERENCES. All would agree than everything had been done at Inglewood to make the conferences pleasant and to expedite the business, remarked the president in calling on Mr. J. Gibbs, Mayor of Inglewood, to open the conference. Inglewood had certainly proved a useful venue for the conferences, although there was a possibility that the venue of future conferences might be changed, as there was a remit corning before the conference with a view to making the venue moveable. On behalf of the conference he extended a welcome to the Mayor. Mr. Gibbs extended a hearty welcome to delegates. He said he . was sorry to hear that there, was a possibility of the venue being changed, as Inglewood was proud to . have-been selected as its location. He recognised that the conference had many very important problems to discuss and he expressed the hope that their deliberations would be of benefit not only to themselves but to ..the Dominion as a whole. Mr. Blyde then delivered his presidential address, which is reported elsewhere. i . . ' ■■ ' ' , : “The branches are functioning particularly well when it is considered that of 32 branches 29 have held their, annual meetings and appointed their officers, remarked the provincial secretary, Mr. D. Le Cren Morgan, in his annual report. “Of the three branches that have not held their annual meetings One. is considering linking with an adjoining branch, and the position of the other two will no doubt be considered by the executive. EXECUTIVE ACTIVITIES. “The annual meetings of the 29 branches were attended by officers of the executive, Messrs. H. E. Blyde, T. T. Murray, H. C. Sorenson and myself, Mr. W. J. Polson attending the Toko meeting. Mr. Blyde attended 13 meeting, and I attended 17, at two of which I accompanied Mr. Blyde. It is particularly pleasing to find the branches are keen and functioning so well as it must be recognised that the branch is the direct voice of the individual member. To my mind the keystone of the organisation is the branch president and branch secretary, and for this reason I ask all mem-bers’-to rally round them and assist .them in carrying on the work in their interests. ’’ “The financial statement shows a credit balance'of £74 6s 2d, against a ■ credit balance of £ll4 10s 6d brought forward from the previous year. The items of expenditure compared with' last year are: Decrease in expenditure postages and petty expenses £6 8s 2d, sundry expenses £9, travelling expenses £23 15s Id, advertising £6 2s 6d, printing and stationery £4 Is sd, organiser’s expenses £7 4s 3d, hire rooms £lO 10s, total £67 Is sd, increase honorarium and salary £lOO, point blank £57 Ils 4d, total £157 Ils 4d. Commissions etc., show an increase of £l5 2s 9d. “During the year I travelled 1190 miles on Farmers’ Union business in my own car, apart from a large, mileage in other cars. The travelling expenses of members attending executive meetings amounted to £33 18s 7.d, being 8143 miles at Id. To pay 3d per mile would cost £lOl 15s 9d, and unfortunately our finances will not permit this. The average attendance at executive meetings was 17, representing the branches in North Taranaki and Stratford sub-pro-vincial executive. The cost of “point ' blank” is a heavy one and I would like the conference to go into the question of this expense and how it should be apportioned. I would like to express my appreciation to the branch presidents and secretaries for their help and cooperation during the year, and to • the executive officers' for their kindnesses and willing assistance.” The balance-sheet showed that receipts totalled £589 9s 3d, being subscriptions £566 13s (£855 Is, less branch proportions £2BB 8s), commission £ll 10s 9d, and appropriation £ll 5s 6d. Expenditure was £629 13s, including salary and bonus £2OO, honorarium £lOO, Point Blank £ll4 18s, travelling expenses £54 14s lOd, commission £4O, printing and stationery £47 Ils sd, travelling expenses organiser £l7 12s, postages and sundries £54 15s Id. There was a credit balance of £74 6s 2d. WORK OF THE SECRETARY. Mr. W. J. Moloney expressed the hope that the £5O bonus to the provincial secretary would be in the nature of a permanent increase. The president said" that it was hoped the financial position would enable the bonus to be continued. The value of the work done by Mr. Morgan in' the -interests of

the union was appreciated by tne executive. Mr. Wood remarked that the union would be in a good position if the membership were 2000 instead of 1159. Could not something be done? The chairman said it might be advisable to consider having the organiser in the district again The executve had considered that in view of the straitened position in which dairy farmers found themselves at present the time was not opportune for a reorganisation. Some members referred to the heavy expense entailed on the provincial executive on account .of Point Blank. The president said that would be reduced considerably in the near future. Mr. Chapman said that increased membership had a distinct bearing on the financial position. In some districts the union did not have the backing of 50 per cent, of the farmers and he considered that a committee should be set up to meet such farmers and ascertain why they did not link up. Mr. McCaw agreed that serious endeavours should be made to secure fresh members. To use a good union term he did not see why farmers should “scab" on the union. They were quite willing to live on what the union got for them and even thrive on it and then say that they could • not afford to pay £1 subscription. They should endeavour to secure 90 per cent, of the farmers as members, and then the rest could perhaps be brought in willy nilly. Membership of labour unions was made compulsory. , Mr. Freeth: No compulsion! FUNCTION OF BRANCHES. Mr. Tate said it was the function of the branches to organise and secure more members. The provincial president and secretary were always ready to visit a district. Very frequently it was personal enmity that prevented farmers from linking up. He did not think they should require the services of an organiser but should help themselves more. At present they were deprecating the tendency that had been evident in the past of relying too much on Government support. The president said that the Urenui branch, had set an example to other branches in the way of securing members. ■ Mr. Pennington agreed that Urenui had done splendid work and held that this was largely due to its activities in field competitions , etc. That was where the Inglewood branch and some other branches failed. The union should not be mixed with politics as that prevented some farmers from joining. Mr. Davis said the discussion on membership was practically wasted as all present were members of the union. It was the farmer outside that they wanted. Mr. Murray as a member of the executive reminded members that the work of the union was mostly politics, but they did try to keep out of party politics. Showing the value of the union he pointed out that as the result of- its .efforts spread over a period of two months it had secured the lifting of the embargo on the export of boneless beef, which meant much to farmers. Moreover, he claimed that in the Stratford district the union had been responsible for altering the whole policy of the Stratford Hospital Board. That policy had originated from one small branch and later had been the plank on which the election had been successfully fought. Regarding a ; drive for membership, he, believed m local organisation, but generally farmers could not afford the time. As a mem- . ber of the executive he thanked the pre- ’ sident for the very efficient manner in which he had carried out his duties. . Discussion ensued on methods to be adopted to improve the financial posi- , tion of the executive. It was pointed 1 out that some of the branches had sub- , stantial credit balances and it was sug- ; gested that branches might possibly agree . to accept a little less in capitation per > member in order to assist the executive. » Remits discussed.

The question of the rights and'privileges of junior members formed the subject of a brief discussion following receipt of a remit from the Mangaehu branch urging that they should be given the same rights as senior members. Members generally considered that every encouragement should be given junior members to link up, but it was felt that it would perhaps be inadvisable to permit them to have a say in policy matters or to be eligible for the position of president. It was decided to refer the matter to the executive, which will define the position of junior members at its next meeting, at which _ junior members will be invited to attend. , A remit from the Omata branch asking that the Agricultural Department supply full information with regard to the infection, spread and control, of Johnnes disease” was carried unanimously. It was decided that when the reply was received full publicity would be given to it as very little was known by farmers about the disease, which many regard as serious. . . A remit was submitted from the Tariki branch urging the Government to allow the rebate of 5s a ton on mixed manures when superphosphate formed the basis of the mixture. Mr.. Rumball in moving the remit said that while the rebate Was allowed on standard fixtures it was not allowed on any special mixtures that farmers ordered at the fertiliser works. That imposed, a hardship on farmers who had not the facilities for mixing their own fertilisers. Mr. Mahon the remit. Mr. Sorenson said the position could be overcome by the farmer ordering the actual quantity of superphosphate. required in the mixture separately. He would then secure the allowance. The remit was withdrawn. The Tikorangi branch forwarded a remit recommending the department to bring in a regulation making it compulsory for all sheep submitted at public auction to be dipped prior to January 20 in each year, as although a penalty was provided for tick-infected sheep being delivered to a saleyard, that did not obviate the presence of such sheep at Mr. Paulger in moving the remit said that sheep fairs generally took place towards the end of January and there was a danger of infected sheep being placed in the pens and spreading the trouble. Mr. Hunt said there were compulsory dipping regulations in force now. FEAR OF HARDSHIP. Mr. M. P. Ford held that the remit would create a hardship on many small farmers in the backblocks who were very busy at that time. His district was comparatively free of the trouble, and he considered that the present regulations were ample. Mr. Sheat said that in most cases sheep were inspected at the saleyards prior to sale. At some yards there was a dip provided, and if sheep were found to be infected they were not allowed to be removed until they were dipped. He thought the regulations as enforced now were sufficient. Mr. Tosland put the daily farmers’ viewpoint before the meeting. He pointed out that it was the competition of dairy farmers for small lots of lambs that raised the price at the sheep fairs. The dairy farmer killed a lamb only occasionally, and if they became affected he was likely to get into trouble. He felt that dairy farmers would appreciate having lambs dipped before the sale. Mr. Paulger in reply said it was rather peculiar that Tikorangi had brought the matter forward on the initiative of its only big sheep farmer, and yet he was opposed by all the sheep farmers. The remit was lost. It was unanimously resolved that a time limit and the use of the whirtie

should be brought into operation at auction sales of stock. The secretary was authorised to forward the resolution to the auctioneers. A remit from the Toko branch that the union investigate the charges for legal and professional work with the view of obtaining a reduction was carried. A remit from the Wharehuia branch was passed recommending the conference to exchange periodical visits with the Auckland executive. EXECUTIVE’S FINANCE. Some discussion took place regarding, ■ steps to be taken to improve the financial position of the executive. Members appreciated the necessity, but there was a division of opinion on the best method of giving the assistance. A motion was proposed and seconded that branches for the coming year should accept 6d capitation per member, but some members opposed that on the grounds that the branches were the root of the movement and required funds to enable them to function properly. An amendment was proposed and seconded to the effect that instead of reducing the capitation the payment of Id per mile travelling expenses to delegates should be deleted, providing a similar arribunt. Advocates of the original proposal pointed out that branches could hold social gatherings to recoup themselves for the loss of the 6d capitation, whereas the deletion of the travelling expenses subsidy would penalise the branches at a distance. The amendment was lost, and a further amendment that the capitation remain as it was, 4s a member, but that the ' subsidy on travelling expenses should be paid only in the case, of delegates travelling from outside a radius of 15 miles was carried. .. • Appreciative reference was made to the work done in the interests of farmers by the Dominion president, Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P., Mr. Blyde and Mr. Morgan, all of whom were accorded thanks. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers were elected as follow: President, Mr. H. E. Blyde (re-elected); vicepresidents, Messrs/ T. T. Murray , senr. and L. D. Hickford; treasurer, Mr.. J. C. H. Sorenson (re-elected); auditor, Mr. C. H. Wynyard (re-elected); representatives on Chamber of Commerce, Air. Blyde; Taranaki Automobile Association, Mr. A. W. Busing; Employers’ Association, Mr. D. le C. Morgan; competitions committee, Messrs. H.' T. Paul, R. Weeden and B. Richmond, S.P.C.A., Mr. W. J. Maloney; Taranaki Agricultural Society, Mr. W. Hall; New Plymouth Boys’ Unemployment Committee, Mr. Blyde and Mr. A. W. Busing. Considerable discussion took place over the question of delegates to the Dominion conference, following a remit from the Midhirst branch that two of thei delegates should be members who had'never attended a Dominion conference. The mover said that such a proposal would give the younger members a chance to gain experience and help to spread the prestige of the union among the branches. Mr. Richmond said that the proposal had great educational advantages in that it would bring new blood -into the team. The delegates would obtain training that would enable them to take the place of the more experienced delegates later. Mr. Hickford said Okato opposed the remit as it was felt that there were weighty problems to be discussod which necessitated that the best men possible should be sent Mr. Alpe moved as an amendment that at least one fresh delegate should be sent. He held that the majority of the delegates should be men who had a grip on the proceedings. Mr. Butler expressed the opinion that the carrying of either the motion or the amendment might tie the meeting to elect a delegate in whom the majority did not have confidence. Mr. Wood said that the selection of delegates should be spread over the district. There was feeling in the backblocks over the matter. Power to speak did not necessarily mean that a man was the most capable. The fact that a branch was flourishing showed that it must have a capable man behind it, and a delegate from such a branch should be a useful man to send. There was also a tendency in Taranaki to send delegates whose interests were essentially dairying, the sheep men being neglected. . Tire president said that from the discussion delegates could realise the feelings of the meeting on the question. Both the motion and amendment were defeated. ; .-.Fbr the-three ..delegate? to

ence there were ten nominations—Messrs. Tate, M. Nolan, E. McCaw, H. J. Marchant, L. D. Hickford, J. A. Paulger, T. T. Murray, L. Marfell, J. Woods and B. Richmond. The election resulted in the appointment of Messrs. Murray (Toko), Tate (Urenui) and ?Hickford (Okato). Eulogistic references were made to the work of the president and it was unanimously resolved to vote him an honorarium of £lOO to assist in defraying his out of pocket expenses. Regret was expressed that the financial position did not permit of any increase.