FARMERS’ UNION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17179, 24 October 1923, Page 8

FARMERS’ UNION.

NORTH CANTERBURY EXECUTIVE.

The North Canterbury executive of the North Canterbury Farmers Union met this afternoon, Mr J. D. Hall presiding:. The secretary of tho Oxford branch wrote saying that they did not desire to avail themselves of tho services of Mr Cook (wool expert). Regarding the deputation to grain merchants, a resolution had been carried heartily approving of a conference between the Farmers’ Union and the New Zealand Grain Merchants' Association, but tho branch did not think that the graders should be included in such confevence, as they were employees of the grain merchants. It was further hoped that the question of having farm produce graded either on the farm or the station of de livery would be discussed with tho merchants. The Cust-West Eyreton branch forwarded the following remit:—“ The executive committee of this branch 33 of the opinion that wheat should be graded on the farms, as the present system is most expensive and unsatisfactory, and it therefore urges the provincial executi\-e to move in the matter.” The letters were referred to the Agriculture Committee for consideration, on the suggestion of the chairman, who remarked that the grading of wheat on the farm® did not seem practicable. A discussion took place on the question of trucking chaff to the West Coast, an 1 this matter was also referred to the Agricultural Committee in conjunction with the Railway Committee. A circular letter from the New Zealand Union conveyed the information that the price of shearing would he advanced Is a hundred during the coming year. This led to a lengthy discussion, during which Mr G. Shea?, president of the Threshing Mill Owners’ Association. said thethreshing mill owners were having a meeting next week to decide what steps tliev were to take with regard to a new award, the existing one having expired. There was no prospect of a reduction of wages, as the Court had held that the cost of living was soaring and not coming down. Therefore, while wages remained at- their present level, it was impossible to make a ever, hia executive would be meeting next Wednesday, and some decision would be Mr A. M. Carpenter said that until they knew what price they were lo get for their wheat thev could not very well ask for t reduction in the threshing price. In reply to a question from the chairman. Mr Sheat said that unless the mill threshing the last award would continue to operate. Mr W. Bailey: What will happen if the workers ask for an increase? Mr Sheet: No, they won’t do that. They know when their bread is buttered on both sides. Mr Bailey: But you have told us that the Court takes the view that the cost of living is soaring, and so if the worker a askd for an increo.se they will surely get Mr F. A. Wagner said that until such time as the mill owners reduced their prices they could not hope for a better •hearing from the Arbitration Court. On the motion of Mr W. A. Banks. Messr# ,T. 1). Hall, W. Mulhollaud and R. T. M’Millan were appointed to interview the mill owners and assist- them in the matter oT a new award, and also to watch the proceedings on behalf of the Farmers’ Union. The Dominion secretary wrote reporting that the Dominion organiser, Mr T. Buxton was at present working in the Otago district. Mr H. C. Cook, wool instructor, advised that the email farmer with only a few hundred sheep was the very person lie wamost. anxious to help, so that he would be able to do his own skirting and classing. It should be clearly understood that the instructors’ lectures and demonstrations were free to all, whether sheepowners ->r A letter signed by fortv settlers in the vicinity of Bankside asked the executive io make representations on their behalf ‘o the Railway Department with regard to improved facilities for trucking stock. The letter was referred to the Railway Committee.