FARMERS’ UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19626, 21 October 1933, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION

SOUTH CANTERBURY EXECUTIVE

RANGITATA BRIDGE DISCUSSED The monthly meeting of the South Canterbury Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held yesterday. Present. —Messrs A. Ward (in the chair), W. Buchan, B. E Evans, J. J. Dickson, J. Stowell, A. Bisdee, A. J. Davey, J. Macaulay, A. E. Dobson, L. V. Talbot, J. A. Paterson, S, R. Muff, W. H. Staniland, A. J. Burrows, F. E. South, J. C. Hay, H. L. Adam, I. H. Smith, C. Ley, R. G. Cleland, J. Cleland and J. Trotter. The chairman welcomed Messrs South (Geraldine) and Staniland (Temuka), new members of the executive. Rangitata Bridge. The following remit was received from the Geraldine Branch: "This branch strongly opposes the proposal to take over the Rangitata railway bridge as a traffic bridge." Mr Burrows said that the opinion in Geraldine seemed to be that the rates which would have to be struck would be greater than the value of the bridge. Mr Bisdee said that It was through selfishness and want of pi ogress that the proposal was not favourably reviewed. The bridge would be of great value to farmers in the South Canterbury and Mid-Canterbury branches of the’Union for stock transport, and on behalf of the Temuka branch he opposed the motion. Mr Ley: The Geraldine County Council will not go ahead with the proposal unless it has to. The bridge would cost £IB,OOO. Mr Trotter: More like £30,000. It was agreed to hold the matter over pending further information from all sources. Freezing Works. A letter was received from Mr W. W. Baxter, manager of the Timaru branch of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company advising that the Company would be willing to open the works when there was sufficient stock to warrant it, but it seemed a little early at the moment to discuss anything definite. The Union could rest assured that every endeavour would be made to meet the wishes of farmers when sufficient stock was available. Calf Transport. The secretary of the South Canterbury Calf Export Committee, writing in regard to the complaint made by the inspector for the S.P.C.A. regarding the number of calves injured through falling down in motor lorries in transport stated that lorry drivers collecting calves had full authority to reject any calves which In their opinion were unfit for handling and had the support of the committee in all cases where rejection was necessary. The committee was prepared to deal promptly with any ' particular cases brought under its notice with a particular view to avoiding any reason for complaint. Pig Marketing. The secretary (Mr D. Crosbie) reported that in company with Mr Staniland he had attended a meeting held in Christchurch in regard to pig marketing. It had been pointed out at the meeting that there was a favourable opportunity for a good market at Home and farmers should show more Interest In the development of the industry. An organiser would shortly visit the Dominion, Mr Staniland said that there appeared no chance of a quota on New Zealand pigs and with the New Zealand Pig Marketing Co-operative Association in the country, farmers would be given every Incentive to pay more attention to pig raising. Messrs Crosbie and Staniland were thanked for their services. Grading of Produce. “That the official grader be a Government paid officer," wns a remit received from the Timaru-St. Andrews branch. The Government grader at Timaru (Mr Geo. Wills) attended the meeting and assured members of his co-oper-ation in anything which would provide for improved conditions. The chairman said that speaking plainly members were of opinion that there was a tendency for the firms to r.-celve better treatment. In reply to a question by Mr Ley as to salary, Mr Wilis said that as soon as anyone sent in a truck of wheat, the receiver paid at the rate of 9d for every ten sacks for the actual grading and passed on the charge in equal amounts to the grower and the purchaser. Mr Ley: Why could not the Government collect those fees and pay the salary? You would then be the servant of the Government and not the firms. Mi’ Wills said that the Government had worked on that principle some time ago, but in view of overtime and other difficulties a loss had been made. Mr Hay said that they were not complaining about the grader, but the system. They wanted the grader to be a Government man in reality and not in name only. It was decided that the secretary make further inquiries and report to next meeting. Sheep Carriage] Mr South moved the following remit on behalf of the Geraldine branch:— “That Ihis branch agrees to support applications for licenses to transport fat sheep and lambs by motor lorry ;o the freezing works.” Several members spoke In support of motor transport, which, it was stated, was of great benefit to the farmer, especially so far as early lambs were concerned. In seconding the remit Mr Dobson said that the Government appeared determined to drive all traffic on to the railways. The opinion that competition should be encouraged was expressed by Mr L. V. Talbot, who considered that motor transport for sheep was a good proposition in that it saved a lot of "mucking about." Active measures should be taken to prevent any imposition on farmers. “It is time farmers said that they are not going to be dictated to by a few departmental heads," said Mr Burrows who said he understood that farmers who had anything to do with motor transport were refused the free transport of lime by rail. The remit was approved, and it was agreed that the secretary discuss the matter with Mr E. S. Brittenden, district railways traffic manager. General. The following remit was received from the South Canterbury Women’s Division: —"That in view of the fact that the annual conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, and nf the women's division, is held always in Wellington, we would suggest that In fairness to the South Island delegates, two conferences out of five be held In Christchurch.” It >vas agreed to recommend that

the 1935 conference be held in Christchurch. Mr P. R. Talbot was nominated as a growers’ representative on the Wheat Research Institute.