FARMERS' UNION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12086, 15 August 1917, Page 6

FARMERS' UNION.

n.ANGTORA BRANCH. A mooting of tho Rangiorn, branch of tho Farmers' Union was Jiold yesterday afternoon, Mr W. J>. Banks (president) being in tho chair. There was an attendance of sixteen members. An address was giveu by Mr R. Evans dealing willi tho main features of the business done, at (he recent Wellington conference of (ho union. Tlo referred specially to the. serious position in regard to the frozen meat export trade*,' and th 0 gloomy prospect for the coming fat lamb season, lie. said that if extra cool storage, were provided in New Zealand, it would tend to regulate the prices of meal.'" and tho middleman or trusts in England would not be abl 0 4o rig tho market. At tho close of the address the following motion was carried, to be forwarded to tho Prime Minister and member for'the district: "That, in view of the urgent need of addi'tional cold storage for moat, the (■Jovernment be strongly urged to use its powers to compel on reasonable tonus all companies to oxtind their storago to the full capacity of their refrigerating machinery.'' The question of grain-growing in tho North Island as compared with the South Island was referred to by Mr Evans and the chairman, and the latter stated that he intended to bring up tho following motion for consideration at tho next meeting of the branch: !i That tho Government be urged to classify tho cereal-growing lands of tho Dominion with a view to the North Island providing its fair share of such lands for grain production." A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Evans for his address.