SHEEPOWNERS

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 4 June 1923, Page 6

SHEEPOWNERS

; MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. At a meeting of the executive of the Canterbury Sneepowners’ Union there were present: Messrs D. W. Westenra (president), JI. D. Acland, R. M- D. Morten, E. Hay, R. B. IseiU, C. Rutherford, E. R. Guinness, \V. Parkinson. TIT 1 A letter was received from the Marlborough Sheepownors’ Union asking for information regarding the proposed amendments of the Stock Act, and suggesting regulations restricting the size of earmarks. The latter question was referred to the Federation Executive for action. The secretary read a letter from l)r. Reakes, pointing out that the amendment of the Act, as previously proposed by the sheepowners’ representatives, in conjunction with the pihcers of the Department, had been dratted bv the Crown Law Draftsman and was being sumitted to tlio Board of Agriculture. After discussion by that body it would be considered by the Cabinet, along with other Bills proposed to be introduced during the coming session. The matter of the practical nothing of the new Bill was fully discussed, and it was decided to press the matter with Cabinet, with a view to having the Bill dealt with during the coming session. r Abraham, of Palmerston North, wrote enclosing copy ot the renort of a conference held between the Sheepowners’ Federation Executive and the committee acting on behalf of the Stock Agents’ Association on Slay 22 last in Christchurch. It was signed that the report be adopted, with the exception of a paragraph which stated that the meeting had not been legal ij constituted as regarded the representation of the sheepowners. . Mr H. D. Acland, who was chairman at the conference, reported that the ■miostion of the new sales .note had been referred to the Federation at its annual meeting, together with the answers given by the stock agents representatives to the questions submitted by the sheepowners. i The Secretary reported that several members had forwarded individual citation notices sent them from tne Canterubry Shearers’ Union, and be was instructed to reply that members of the Union would bo fully protected and their interests carefully watched m tho industrial dispute between the shearers and sheepownors, the conciliation sitting for which has been fixed for June 15. It was unanimously decided to adhere to the provisions of the old award as counter proposals from tho employers. The question of tho appointment of assessors m this dispute was referred to a sub-committ.cc .o (.cal "'tlio Secretary reported that tho attention of tho Prime Minister and the Meat Control Board had been drawn to tho suggestions made by Sonor Bidone. Consul-General for tho Argon-

tine. Mr Massey had replied that the questions raised would be carefully considered aud developments watched. The opinion was expressed that very great care was needed in_ this connection, as there was a, possibility " hat the principle of Imperial pereferenco might suffer serious harm unless eveiy eaie was taken by the Government ami the Meat Control Board when dealing wnh any question of joint as .ion w.ih foreign countries on the Loudon meat market. The secretary’s action was approved, and lie was instructed to continue to watch the position. . - . The question of the occupation of back-country runs under the juncdiction of the Laud Boa rd by tenants with insufficient capital was introduced by a member, who crow attention to the danger to tho sheepowning industry and to sheepowners on adjacent country, should this policj be continued. It was agreed that, more especially on rabbit-infested country, it was essential that leases should not be granted unless the lessee .Y, as ,. ln a P?*!.' tion financially to cope with the rabbits efficiently. Instances were quoted of country under these _ conditions m the Canterbury hill district, where the carrying capacity had been reduced by 75 per cent, over a short period of years. The secretary was instructed to obtain information as to the conditions of lease of several runs of this description in Canterbury; and also to obtain quotations for the supply _ of rabbitnetting, with a view to assisting sheepowners to the best advantage.