FARMERS’ UNION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18617, 12 July 1930, Page 17

FARMERS’ UNION.

TIMARU-ST. ANDREWS BRANCH. The ordinary meeting of the Timaru-St. Andrews branch of the New Zealand Fanners’ Union was held yesterday, when the members present were:—Messrs F. R. Talbot (president), W. J. Black, J. J. Hall, W. G. Smart, D. M. France, W. B. Jones, J. Stowell, J Green, D. T. McPhedran, B. E. Evans, R. B. Hart, and R. Gainsford. Phosphorised Oats. The Ashburton County Council notified the Union that it was not now in a position to supply phosphorised oats for distribution among members of the Union, and they advised that application should be made to the Department of Agriculture at Dunedin.

Mr Talbot said he was rather worried about it. The Ashburton County Council were not able to supply the poisoned oats, apparently because if they did so they would be classed as a trading concern, and this was not .the function of a County Council. A letter was received from the Prime Minister on the subject of re-opening the agriculture depot at Fairlie for the manufacture of phosphorised oats. He was having the representation made to him on this subject looked Into, with a view to seeing whether anything could be done In the direction suggested.

The position regarding the small bird nuisance was stated to be more serious this year than had been the case for some time. The birds were said to be already attacking the wheat crops.

It was decided to communicate again with the Prime Minister, stressing the fact that this was a most urgent matter, and pointing out the necessity for farmers speedily securing supplies of phosphorised oats to stamp out as far as possible the pest, which is threatening to play havoc with this year’s crops. It was also decided that the Dunedin branch of the Agricultural Department be written to, and asked if they could help the farmers in the direction of procuring phosphorised oats.

Dipping Charges. The Agricultural Department asked to be supplied with. particulars of the cost of dipping sheep, from 500 to 1000 or 2000.

One member, who dipped a thousand sheep, said the total cost, including wages, was £7, or about llci nor sheep.

The secretary was instructed to secure other returns, and to supply the Information asked for. Accounts amounting to £6/1/0 were passed for payment.