TEMUKA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 19093, 28 January 1932, Page 11

TEMUKA.

CABINET MINISTER’S VISIT. Yesterday afternoon the Hon. Adam Hamilton, Postmaster-General, with Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., Temuka, visited Temuka and discussed with members of the Farmers’ Union matters of the farming community in general, and more particularly in regard to the wheat question. The visitors were met in the library buildings, where Mr W. Buchan, president of the Union, extended a welcome. Mr Buchan said the importance of the visit warranted a good attendance, and he was very pleased at the number present. He was sure that Mr Hamilton, in his inspection of the district, from Timaru, that morning, had been shown that things, unfortunately, were not too good. It seemed, said Mr Buchan, that farmers were always fighting on the wheat question—fighting an element that did not appear to be disposed to give to growers a price that covered the cost of production. The farmers were always referred to as being “the backbone pf the country,” yet they had to fight every inch for anything they required. He extended a cordial welcome to Mr Hamilton. (Applause.)

Mr Burnett explained the steps leading up to Mr Hamilton’s visit, by which first-hand information of the conditions prevailing in the district would be ascertained. Mr Hamilton, said Mr Burnett, was a man who had been brought up “behind the plough.” (Applause.)

Mr Hamilton said he was pleased to meet so many farmers. He said his home town was in Southland, which, at present, was looking a picture. He thought the transfer of stock from South Canterbury to Southland, for instance, might be dangerous, in view of the sudden change from dry to wet conditions. Many farmers, he said, found themselves embarrassed to-day, who had previously been independent. He spoke for some time on farmers’ problems, and said that, no doubt, the exchange position would be reconsidered. He appealed to the Farmers’ Union to state their case more clearly, and to form themselves into a strong body. Mr Hamilton invited discussion. The meeting then indulged in a round-table discussion, during which Mr A. E. Dobson pointed out the anomaly of the raising of the prices of our primary products consumed in New Zealand, the internal prices being 45 per cent, above the export prices, yet the primary products are only being sold on the basis of export prices. The Minister said that everything sold internally was not altogether determined by the export prices. The alteration of the rate of exchange should put that right. In reply to Mr Macaulay, the Minister said that the rising of the exchange rates was not the soundest way to put things right, but it certainly was the most practical. The natiohal income was not divided like it was in 1914. Mr H. Talbot said that by the hew duty on flour the farmer was now entitled to get 5/6 a bushel for his wheat. Mr Shirtcliffe maintained that the farmer should be protected this year at pnyrate. The firms could not provide against his losses all the time.

After a short deliberation, the following motion, moved by Mr H. Talbot and seconded by Mr A. J. Davey, was carried: “That the Minister endeavour to retain the old sliding scale of duties on wheat and flour at the earliest possible moment, the position to be reviewed by next November.”

Mr A. J. Davey expressed his appreciation of the interest taken by the Minister in the farmers’ present position. Mr Davey brought under the notice of the Minister the high cost of country telephones. These would have to be reduced, or the farmers in most cases would probably have to do without them. His three-party line cost him (Mr Davey) £ll 18s Id. Mr H. Talbot: “I pay £ll odd for a two-party line only seven miles out.” The Minister promised to look into the matter. MILFORD SCHOOL JUBILEE. The Milford School Jubilee Committee met on Tuesday evening. Mr R. A. Lyall presided over an attendance of 20 members. The catering committee reported having interviewed several caterers in regard to securing provisions for the celebrations. After considerable discussion it was decided to refer the report back to the committee, who were asked to make a further report. The Ball Committee submitted prices for 3, 4 and 5 instrument orchestras. It was decided to engage a local combination of five instruments. This committee stated that it was their intention to hold a leap year ball in February, the proceeds to be devoted towards the expenses of the ball on Easter Monday. It was resolved that invitations be sent to the following-, to be present' at the celebrations as the guests of the committee:—Mrs A. Hayhurst, Mr and Mrs G. W. Armitage, Mr and Mrs A. W. Buzan, Mr. and Mrs A. E. Smith, Mr and Mrs J. de Renzy, Mr and Mrs T. D. Burnett, Mr J. Ashwell, and the chairmen, committee men and wives of the Clandeboye and Winchester schools. The chairman and secretary (Mr R. .M, Mills), were deputed to arrange for 1 speakers. Mr G. Parke was authorised to secure quotes for a jubilee cake. Accounts amounting to £4 were passed for payment. TENNIS. The following team will represent St. Joseph’s v. Clandeboye at St. Joseph’s courts to-day: Ladies:—Misses P. Dwan, A. Hanifin, F. Spillane, Z. Dwan. Men.—A. Loach, J. Gilmore, S. Ansford and another. Emergency: K. Gillum. PERSONAL. Lieutenant and Mrs E. Heald, Christchurch, who have been spending a holiday fishing in the Temuka district, as the guest of Mrs H. Pye, motored back to Christchurch yesterday. Messrs J. Fields, Just (Christchurch), and C. Steel (Timaru), representatives of the Underwriters' Association, visited Temuka yesterday in connection with a proposal to establish a fire alarm system. GENERAL NEWS. Schools in Temuka will re-open on Monday. Yesterday was another fine sunny day in Temuka. “GOOD NEWS.” “G' d News,” which will open at Temuka to-night, was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer under direction of Edgar MacGregor and Nick Grinde, with Bessie Love in the featured role. This is Bessie Love’s first 100 per cent

musical comedy portrayal. She is paired with Gus Shy, the well-known stage comedian, who repeats the role he made famous on the stage. Cliff (Ukulele Ike) Edwards is a comedy football trainer; Frank McGlynn, a; dour professor; Tom Jackson, the coach, and Dorothy McNulty and Billy Taft pair off as Varsity Drag youngsters who make whoopee in a big way with captivating dancing ensembles. Sammy Lee, who staged the campus dancing ensembles and individual routines, is entitled to a bow for something entirely new. A Metrotone News and a Charley Chase comedy will also be screened.

Mr E. Cholerton, representing John R. Procter, Ltd., opticians, Christchurch, will be re-starting his visits to Temuka during February