SHEEPOWNERS’ CONFER.

Wairarapa Age, 28 August 1930, Page 5

SHEEPOWNERS’ CONFER.

VITAL QUESTIONS DISCUSSED AT ANNUAL MEETING. OPPOSITiun XU MB. LYSNAR’S BILL. METHOD OF ELECTION TO MEAT CONTROL BOARD. WELLINGTON, August 27. Many questions of vital importance to the sheepowners of New Zealand were discussed at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Sheepowners and Farmers’ Federation held here to-day, Mr. H. E. Ackland, Christchurch, presiding. Before starting the business of the meeting, the President referred in „ feeling terms to the loss suffered by the sheepfarming industry by the deaths of Sir George Clifford and Sir George Hunter, both of whom were prominent members of the industry and had done much their long and useful lives. He moved that the sympathy of the Federation be extended to the relatives. All present stood in silence for a few moments. The Meat Export Control Amendment Bill, introduced by Mr. W. D. Lysnar, M.P., was discussed and the following resolution unanimously carried: “That this meeting is of opinion that the Meat Export Control Amendment Bill, introduced by Mr. Lysnar, is unnecessary and would be harmful in its effect upon the sheep-owning industry and is of opinion that the present method of election is preferable to that proposed in Mr. Lysnar’s Amendment Bill; also that the safeguards provided under the existing Act are satisfactory and adequate.” The secretary was authorised to appear before the Committee of the House dealing with the Bill and place the views of the Federation and result of the discussion before it. Mr. James Begg (Otago) was appointed the Federation’s representative on the committee set up at a combined conference of representatives from freezing companies, the Meat Control Board, Fanners’ Union and the Federation to discuss matters in connection with the reduction of costs in the freezing industry. After a full disussion, it was unanimously agreed to affirm the principle of income tax on incomes from all sources, graduated if necessary to meet the cost of Government and the abolition of land tax, the view being generally expressed that the ability to pay was the only fair basis of taxation. It was decided to request the Government to amend the Stock Act so as to make it compulsory for all persons in charge of stock while travelling to carry a permit, such permit to state the number, description and destination of sueh stock and to be open to inspection by certain qualified persons or occupiers of any land through which such stock may be taken and that a copy of sneh permit be retained by the owners for checking purposes. The question of the relaxation of the restrictions and embargo on ■ the importation of stock from countries infected with foot and mouth disease was fully discussed and it was resolved: “That this Federation is not in favour of a lifting of the embargo or relaxation of restrictions at the present time. ’ ’ Several matters of vital interest to the industry were dealt with in committee and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to president and executive.—<P.A.)