FARMERS’ CONFERENCE.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 15960, 26 October 1923, Page 5

FARMERS’ CONFERENCE.

COMPLAINTS REGARDING & FREIGHTS. -■ 1 v 1 • PROPOSALS TO DEPARTMENT* (Press Association.) /.*£&• WELLINGTON, Oct. 25^| The Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Fanners’ Union to-day resolved that, in the opinion of the executive, it is highly desirable that the various Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Companies should meet in conference with the object of arranging a Dominion rate of insurance and rebate, and of arranging a propaganda campaign with the object of making the advantages of this system of insurance better known .to farmers. Among other matters a special committee was appointed to act in conjunction Avith the Dairy Farmers’ Union in considering and (reporting on the pork and bacon industry. Members of the executive of the Farmers’ Union and representatives of the dairy industry held a conference AAfith the General Manager of Railways to-day regarding railway freights on farm , produce, etc. Mr S. J. Middleton, the President of the South .Island Dairy Association, maintained the present tariff Avas excessive,’ and pointed out that as the result of t'be war, there had been an increase of 150 per cent, in railway charges on the carriage of dairy produce. The policy of the railways was driving traffic to the roads.

Mr G. L. Marshall (Marton) drew attention to the freight on chaff. Ifthe freight were reduced to 11/- per truck farmers would be enabled to compete with Melbourne. The charges on beef, wool, live stock and dairy produce were in the farmers’ opinion, all too high. Mr A. E. Harding (Auckland) q urged an all-round reduction on the carriage of beef to the ports.

\Mr A. A. Ross said an immense advantage to the farming industry would result from the cheaper carriage of fertilisers. Mr Marshall thought special arrangements and rates should be made for the carriage of high-class stock. Mr R, W. Duxfield (Waikato) and Mr Ross (Auckland), dreAV attention to the extra charges on imported goods which were in effect protective of the duty levied in addition to the ordinary Customs tariff. A reduction by one-third on the freight on benzine was urged by the Southland executive.

Mr. Leadley (mid- Canterbury), thought that on a number of articles the Department should revert to the 1915 tariff.