FARMERS’ UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18536, 5 April 1930, Page 18 (Supplement)

FARMERS’ UNION

TIMARU-ST. ANDREWS BRANCH. I In the absence of the chairman (Mr ' p. r. Talbot), Mr W. J. Black presided over a meeting of the Timaru-St. Andrews Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union yesterday. There were also present—Messrs R. B. Williams, G. E. Elliott, R. McKenzie, J. J. Hall. R. B. Hart. H. W. Hewson, W. B. Jones. P. Porter, J. Green, W. G. Smart and D. T. McPhedran. The chairman said that during the season things had not gone too well for the farming community. The wool market had fallen flat, but they should not be pessimistic, as it was usual after a rough period to hope for a better time. Although the market had fallen pretty low, it is what they might have expected. Speaking in regard to the recent ram fair, the chairman said that this had been a great success. The trucking facilities had been excellent, and the auctioneers were to be complimented on the expendition with which the sale had been conducted. Some discussion had taken place, said the chairman, in regard to the late hour at which some stock sales had been concluded recently. Some improvement was desirable, and efforts might be made to induce firms to commence sales earlier. As many sheep as possible should be yarded the night before. An early commencement would result in sheep being dispatched without having to wait till the next night. Diseases in Stock. The local Inspectpr of Stock (Mr W. Scott), attended the meeting at the Union’s request to give information concerning ear diseases in sheep. Mr Scott said that as a young man on a sheep station he had had some experience with sheep affected by diseases of the ear. He had found that the best method was to cut the diseased portion off with a pair of sheep shears dipped in antiseptic. Sometimes it had been necessary to make the cut near the root of the ear. and in practically all cases the trouble had been nonrecurring. “Farmers should have more sense than bring affected sheep to the sales, as some of the stock yarded are a repulsive sight,” said Mr Scott. Under the Stock Act, he had no power to take action against a farmer unless it couid be proved that the growth was malignant or recurrent. He hoped to secure a suitable sample and send it to the Government Laboratory for an analysis. A member: “I’ve had to cut the ear off on many occasions, and the results | have been very satisfactory.” He had | even sent them to the freezing works and nothing had been said. A voice: “The Works would pass that point providing they are fat sheep.” The chairman said that if the ear was cut off the regulations might be infringed. Mr Scott stated that it was a breach of the Branding Act to take more than the third of an ear off. but under the circumstances he did not think any objection would be raised. The chairman pointed out that the loss of the earmark might cause confusion amongst neighbours. Farmers should have more sense than send diseased sheep to the sales, as it was against their own interests. Mr Porter pointed out that the cases were not as prevalent as they used to be. Mr Jones cited a case of five sheep in one pen at a Pleasant Point sale, ! which appeared to be in a repulsive j state. The Inspector said he remembered : the case, but could do nothing unless j the growths were proved to be malignant. It was left to farmers’ common- \ sense. Mr Jones: “Yes, but a lot have no j common-sense.” Mr Scott was thanked for his attend- j ance and interest. He stated that he would be pleased to receive a diseased ear for purposes of analysis. Poisoned Oats. The Minister of Agriculture (Hon. G. W. Forbes), writing in regard to the Department’s discontinuance of the manufacture of phosphorised oats for the extermination of small birds, stated that the Department had a poison mixing depot at Fairlie, where it manufactured phosphorised oats and pollard primarily for the destruction of rabbits, but those needing oats for the destruction of birds were allowed to purchase their requirements. Recently the Government decided to close the depot, as it was considered that one depot situated in Otago, could supply the whole of the South Island and that it could no longer make up phosphorised oats for birds owing to the financial loss incurred. As the Ashburton County Council was now preparing poisoned oats. Union members could probably obtain their requirements from that source.

' The Ashburton County Council, re- | plying to the Union’s inquiry in regard J to the preparation of poisoned grain, stated that the Council had purchased i a cylinder from the Department of I Agriculture for the purchase of poisoning oats (phosphorous), but the plant had not yet been used, as the time was not opportune to lay the poison. They could not state what the cost of the poisoned article would be. It was decided that quotations be obtained from both sources. Military Training. The question of the worth of military training to the youth of New Zealand was introduced by Mr McKenzie, who i was of opinion that representations j should be made to the Government , that it be continued. ' The chairman said that the chief i objection to military training was the expense to the country. In comparison with the worth of the training he considered that it was warranted. The youth of the present day in many cases ; required discipline, and this they did not always get in the home. Mr Hall said that young men in the country were not affected by training and therefore the matter was out of the Union's province. Mr McKenzie: “Country people have to contribute to the cost, and should have a say.” Mr Williams said that having been through the war. he was in a position to stress the good of military training. Mr Porter said that the Union should not discuss the matter, as it did not affect country boys. While it must be admitted that the system did a lot of : good, and he was not against it, he ; did not think the Union should inter - I fere. I A member: “It might do our boys more good if they were required to train.” ; Mr Green said he was a member of ! the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles some years ago. and had realised the I good to be obtained. It would be a ! good thing if country boys were drawn into the training. I Mr Jones stated that a captain on his j return from the war had told him that I there was little difference in the | trained man and the recruit. The I latter could be fully equipped for action I in a month. | Referring to military camps, the j chairman said that although some of ! the trainees said that they had an easy j time, valuable discipline and moral training benefited many. * Mr Jones said that during the war | there were numbers who attended I camps at the Show Grounds. Many successfully “swung the lead,” and by • inventing all manner of complaints, j evaded active, service. Mr Porter: “I move that the matter | be dropped.” This was seconded by Mr Hall and i carried. General. ‘ Mr Bruce Gillies, White Street, wrote ! stating that he had just received word from a farmer in Taranaki that the j potato crop had been attacked by a j disease which was rotting the tubers iin the ground. In consequence it was j expected that potatoes would be very j dear. Mr Gillies was thanked for his in- ; formation. An invitation from the Women’s ! Division of the Union, to attend a picnic at Timaru Park was accepted by members.