FARMERS’ UNION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 7 June 1924, Page 6

FARMERS’ UNION.

TIMARU BRANCH. The usual monthly mooting of the Timaru Branch of the Now Zealand Farmers’ Union, was held yesterday. Present —Messrs' P. R. Talbot (chairman), 11.l 1 . Porter. AV. B. .Jones, J. A. NiclioT, J. C. King, AV. J. Black, Bruce Gillies and L. G. Smith. The chairman extended a heai'ty welcome to Mr Black upon his recovery fiom his recent accident. The chairman also referred to tire present indisposition of one of their oldest members, Mr 0. N. Orbcll, and trusted that he would soon ho restored t<y health. Mr Kingston as elected a member of the branch.. CORRESPONDENCE. Air W. J. Bassett wrote tendering his resignation as a member of the branch. He stated that his reason for taking that step was on account of the chairman in not supporting a remit passed by the Branch protesting against the extra levy made by the Dominion Executive'. The chairman stated that it was per haps unfortunate that the .position had arisen, especially as Mr Bassett had been their late chairman and also an old friend. The Branch had previously moved a resolution protesting against the increase in the Dominion levy, and the question had again arisen at the annual conference of South Canterbury delegates held last month. Mr BassoTt had moved that the increase levy be not paid. The matter was fully discussed, and it was pointed out that they had succeeded in getting the increased levy considerably reduced, and also that their own subscriptions would be reduced. Tt was then moved as an amendment, that a temporary increase be paid. The amendment was carried by a large majority, and he.voted for it. Personally, he considered that he had acted to the best of his judgment. On the motion of Mr Gillies, it was agreed that Mr Bassett be asked to reconsider his resignation. The South Canterbury Executive reported that the following business had bean transacted at the annual conference : ■ . . ,

Agricultural Bank.-—The executive was prepared to support same in the hope of its formation lowering the rate of interest.

Mutual Fire Insurance.—A sub-com-mittee was set up to report.

In reference to the remit in connection' with excessive charges to the North Island, against the charges between Australian and North Island ports, it was agreed that the remit be forwarded to the Dominion Conference. Regarding the disposal of the present season’s wheat crop, a sub-committee was appointed to go into the question with the Canterbury members. The chairman stated that the proposal put forward by the North Canter* bury Branch for the formation of a Grain-Growers’ Association for the purpose of marketing their wheat, liad been discussed, and it liad been agreed to support the scheme. Local fanners who liad seen similar wheat pooling schemes carried out in Australia, spoke verv favourably of the idea. Mr Jones asked whether, in the event of wheat realising high prices, would the Government interfere and commandeer the crop He considered that the Government should not interfere.. The chairman said that lie was of the opinion that in that case the Government would take the duty off imported wheat. Personally he was frightened of them removing the duty too soon, GENERAL. Mr B. Gillies suggested that the district should be organised into blocks, to be personally canvassed for new members. A list containing all the benefits obtained by the Union, and also the further benefits at present sougirt for, should be drawn up in order that every canvasser could show what was being done. If firms were approached, they would probably be willing to make reductions on certain lines to members of the Farmers’ Union. Their office in Timaru could also be converted into an inquiry bureau, where up-to-date information in connection with markets and prices ruling, could be available for members of the Union. He considered that the prices being charged for fertilisers and manures were excessive in comparison with the prices charged in Australia, and ho thought that the question was one for the Dominion executive to take upOn Mr Gillies’ motion, it was agreed that, the Department of Agriculture bo written to protesting against the fact 'hat Nauru fertiliser was retailed in the North Island at £1 per ton dearer itmn in Australia, and an additional £■] 7s lid per ton dearer in the South. The chairman said that he was certain that the officers of the Department would give them every assistance in any matters pertaining to the wcltaic of'the farmers. It was agreed that the South Oanterburv Executive be recommended to attempt to obtain the permanent services of an officer of the Department of Agriculture in Timaru. It was also resolved that the Branch support the efforts of the A. and P. Association in endeavouring to obtain a residential veterinary surgeon for the district. It was agreed that the chairman and Messrs Bruce Gillies, Porter, and King lie appointed a sub-committee to draw up a .scheme for canvassing the district for new members. The president and Messrs -Tones and Porter were appointed a .sub-committee to interview the firms in reference t.o obtaining rebates on horse covers and other lines for the members of the Union.