Farmers' Union

Te Puke Times, 13 June 1933, Page 2

Farmers' Union

A meeting of the local branch of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday evening , Mr J. A. McGbie presiding. The minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed. Blight in Maize A Ibtter was received from the Hon. C. E. Macmillan with regard to an outbreak of blight in local maize crops. He stated that arrangements were made for the mycologist to examine affected samples, and reported that the specimens had yielded the fungus Fusarium Moneliforma,” the cause of a similar condition overseas. This fungus is carried with the seed, and may persist in the soil for two seasons at leas % Consequently seed from a clean crop should be used and sown on land not in diseased maize for two seasons previously.' The Minister advised that arrangements were being made to supply the mycologist with a small quantity of seed from an infeoted crop in the hope that some msthod of seed disinfection may be devised, Shipping Produce A lengthy dismission took place with regard!, to the shipping of New 2s9aland produce, and the request of the Blue Star Line fot a share of the trade. Mr Gill pointed out that a decision should be oonie to speedily, for arrangements Were now being made to conolude a contraot with Overseas Shipowners for the trans port of Dominion produce.

The meeting approved of the following motion , drafted by Messrs H. J. Gill and D. Rossi—- “ The Te Puke branch of the N.Z Farmers' Union is of the opinion that in the beet interests of the primary producer the Blue Star Line should be allowed to tender for the Carriage of a portion of the primary produce from New Zealand overseas." It was decided that copies of the motion be forwarded to Mr Poison. Dominion President of the N.Z Farmers’ Union, the Hon. C. E Macmillan, the Dairy Com trol Board and the Meat Board. The Depression Mr W, Barker addressed the meeting on “The Depression and its early recovery,” quoting voluminously from the works of Various writers on economio conditions. He was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks.