YEAR REVIEWED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 21052, 2 June 1938, Page 7

YEAR REVIEWED

FARMING IN SOUTH CANTERBURY Report to Union Increased interest in the Fanners’ Union in South Canterbury is indicated by the membership returns submitted by the secretary, Mr A. B. Struthers, at the annual meeting of the South Canterbury Provincial Executive in Timaru yesterday. “As a result of the work of the organiser, Mr I. Barker, the actual financial membership at the end of the year was 729 as compared with 532 for the previous year, an increase of 197,” stated Mr Struthers, reporting on behalf of the executive. “Since April 30 the Temuka district has been thoroughly canvassed with splendid results. The Waimate branch only now requires the services of Mr Barker. The thanks of the executive are due to Mr Barker for his good work. Zoning of Dairy Industry “The mast important work accomplished in South Canterbury was in connection with the zoning of the dairy factories in South Canterbury,” stated the report. “As a result of complaints from suppliers, the executive in conjunction with the branches made representations to the Minister of Agricultural at a large meeting at Winchester, protesting against the compulsory zoning of the district, the grading, testing and weights of cream supplied by the Ashburton Dairy Company. A further meeting was held with the Executive Commission of Agriculture, and while it could not be said that a satisfactory settlement was made, as a result of the protests, the service of the company improved considerably, and the appointment of South Canterbury directors, gave South Canterbury suppliers the proper media for voicing their complaints. The thanks of the executive and dairy farmers in South Canterbury are due to thase representatives of the dairy industry, who so ably presented their case. This meant that a great deal of work was necessary preparing the evidence, and these men gave of their time and ability unstintingly. In justice to the directors of the Ashburton Dairy Company, it should be said that once they became aware of the position in South Canterbury they endeavoured to meet the suppliers, and deal with all reasonable complaints. Size of Wheat Sacks "During the year very strong representations were made by the Standards’ Institute to introduce a 40in. “Chapman” sack for wheat. The executive protested strongly against the introduction of this sack and proved conclusively after tests that the sack would not hold an average of three bushels of New Zealand wheat, as was claimed. The protest was forwarded to the executives of all otfier wheatgrowing districts, and was accorded their unanimous support. Visit by Colonel Ciosey “The representative of the Compensating Price Campaign, Colonel Ciosey, delivered a series of addresses tl ro ighout the district, including an address to leading business men in Timaru. His lectures were most interesting and instructive and did much to stimulate thought 'nong all who listened to him. During the year the executive also had the pleasure of hearing lectures on the same subject from Mr Furness, chairman of the Compensating Price Campaign, !»»'•’ Mr Wilkins, organiser T’ 1 ? principle of the Compensating Price Campaign received the support of the executive. South Canterbury Woolsales “Once again the executive pressed to have more suitable dates for woolsales in South Canterbury and representations were made through the local wool brokers. However, as the roster had already been decided upon nothing further could be done at that time. Visit of Minister of Industries “During the year the Minister uf Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, paid a visit to the wheatgrowing areas of South Canterburv. The visit organised by the Electoral Committee of the Wheat Board with the assistance of the Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division, gave growers an opportunity if presenting the case for the wheatgrower by means of practical demonstrations. Representatives of the Women’s Division took full advantage of the occasion to stress the need for adequate domestic help for farmers’ wives at the busy seasons. Threshing Mill Award “As a result of representations from the executive Mr D. I. MacDonald has been appointed an assessor to represent the Union. This insured continuity of representation throughout the three Canterbury districts. Successful Field Day “A successful field day was held at Winchester i.n December last. Advantage was taker of the visit of the

Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Lee Martin, to entertain him at lunch. Speakers on the occasion included Mr W. W. Mulholland, Dominion president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, Professor Hudson, of Lincoln College, Dr. Franklin, of Lincoln College, Mr J. Waddell, of Timaru, Mr Blair, of the Department of Agriculture. and Mr Lukey, of the Department of Agriculture. Thanks are due to all who assisted to mane this field day | such a success. Visit to Otago “During the year about 120 South Canterbury farmers and their wives visited Otago and Southland. A most enjoyable and interesting trip had been arranged, and Otago and Southland friends spared no effort to make the trip a happy and enjoyable one. Thanks are due to the guide and organise 1 ', Mr A. C. Cameron, for his untiring efforts, and to all members of the Women’s Division and Farmers’ Union in Otago and Southland for their hospitality. Mortgage Adjustment Court The executive kept a watchful eye on the application of the Mortgage Adjustment Legislation, and a report by a special committee of the executive on the work of the Mortgage Adjustment Court in South Canterbury has been received. Visit of Dominion Secretary “Ar the last meeting the executive 1 ci the privilege of having the Deminion secretary, Mr A. P. O'Shea, deliver an address. These visits do much to keep the executive in close contact with the work of the Dominion executive and should be encouraged. The opportunity was taken to lake Mr O’Shea to a meeting of the Pleasant. Point branch and his visit was much appreciated. ' Visit of Australian Farmers I “During the year the executive entertained a party of visiting Australian farmers. They were taken on a tour of South Canterbury, which include I a visit to Mr Barnett’s farm at Waimate, an inspection of Mr A. Grant's stock, and afternoon tea at Waimate. National Health Scheme “During the year the executive received various reports from the Dominion executive on the National Health Superannuation Scheme, and >t is pleasing to note that the whole of the evidence placed before the Government Committee was based on a remit from the South Canterbury executive. The executive heartily endorsed the Dominion president’s report and congratulated him on the able way he presented the evidence for the Farmers’ Union. “Other matters discussed by the executive during the year included registration of dogs, telephone charges for rural areas, parasites for white butterflies, a radio station for Timaru, price of certified wheat, voting rights in rural areas, duties on English footwear, increasing costs of production, weight of lambs, price of wheat, commission on sales of stock and produce when no service is rendered, grass grub and Porana caterpillar, and moisture content of wheat. “The executive again desires to record its appreciation to all those who have assisted the Farmers’ Union duringthe year, to Mr J. Cleland, representative on the Chamber of Commerce, to Mr J. Trotter, representative on the Meat Board, to the various people who represented the executive at group meetings, to the Women’s Division for their support throughout the year and to the Press for its very full reports of the executive’s deliberations, and particularly to the directorate of the C.F.C.A. for the use of the board room for meetings.”