FARMERS’ UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19625, 20 October 1933, Page 14

FARMERS’ UNION

MEETING OF ALBURY ; BRANCH WHEAT MARKETING DISCUSSED A general meeting of members of the Albury Branch of the Farmers Union and wheat-growers, was presided over by Mr H. L. Adam. The Provincial Executive wrote asking the Committee to give consideration to remits objecting to the demands of the Taxation Department in compelling farmers to make up returns when there was no necessity for the course, and in allowing unreasonable periods to elapse before drawing the attention of taxpayers to possible inaccuracies in their return. The chairman asked members to keep an eye on their returns, and if at any time it was thought an injustice was being inflicted by the Department, the Union would assist any member to obtain a fair deal. Wheatgrowers' Organisation. The chairman explained that the meeting had been called chiefly to consider the proposed formation of a new company to control the sales and disposal of wheat and flour. Mr A. F. Campbell, a member of the Electoral Committee of the present Board, said he thought that the Pool should function until the end of Its term of five years. Difficulties were in the way of the Wheat Marketing Board continuing under present conditions as any member could resign on giving one week's notice, and it would be an easy matter to smash the whole of the organisation. There would be a tidy sum that could be used to form the new organisation as the millers in setting the price of bran and pollard at £4 10s a ton charged their clients a little more and this additional sum was now available to assist tho new organisation. Very strong objection was taken to the system of grading. It seemed that some firms could get better results for their clients than others, and he suggested that the new organisation should appoint its own graders. Fanners were very fortunate in haring a man like Mr Mulholland at the head of affairs. It was decided on the motion of the chairman and Mr F. Fraser that it be recommended to the Wheat Marketing Board that It appoint its own graders, that it fix the price for fowl wheat, and that It protest against any importation of wheat and flour. Mr Campbell was thanked for his information.

The Dominion organiser (Mr Livingstone) was introduced to the meeting, and matters regarding organisation discussed. It was pointed out that the Albury Branch gave the highest rebate of any of the branches. Its subscription was £1 and the rebate 7/6. and yet the finances were in good order. The value of membership was emphasised bv Mr Livingstone, and by the secretary (Mr A. Thoreau).