FARMERS' UNION

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2391, 1 November 1924, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION

THE CAMBRIDGE BRANCH. MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Cambridge branch of the N.Z. Farmers' Union was held in the Farmers' Clubroom yesterday afternoon, when the president (Mr It. Feisst) presided. There were also present Messrs A. N. Mucky, 8. D. Low, L. Wat kins, and the secretary (Mr W. Stopfo.rd). Apologies were received from Messrs S. H. Judd and P. D. Simpson. .. ,•, Motoi Vehicles Bill.

In touching upon the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Bill which has now been put through the House, the president said that it was the general rule when the provisions of Bills were once placed upon tho Statute Book, seldom were alterations or amendments made to same, but he noticed that in connection with the Motor Vehicles Bill, should the same be found not workable, an opportunity was to be presented to further consider the.proposals that were to be brought into operation, in twelve months' time. This provision had resulted in opposition to the flat rate and other proposals being withdrawn. In view of the proposals again being brought before Parliament ia twelve months' time and also in view of the opinions of the Branch, he considered the meeting should place on record its continued opposition to the flat rate principle embodied in the Bill. The president then moved "That it is the opinion of this branch of the N.Z.F.U. that they should continue to strongly oppose the principles of the flat rate as a nuians of, raising finance for the maintenance of main highways, as the principle, was an iniquitous one. That' a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. B. V. Bollard), and also to the SubProvincial Union."

Air A. N. Mucky thought, it rather a belated hour to oppose a principle that had now been decided to place upon the Statute Book, but'seeing the provision made to reconsider the Bill .in twelve months' time, he would second the resolution, which was carried. Parmers in Politics

A letter wa.s received from the Provincial Secretary (Mr AVm.'Hucy) stating that it was decided that the time had arrived to take definite action in the political field and to prepare for the next general election. A recommendation was adopted -that an endeavour should.be made to select candidates to contest the following seats on behalf of the Country Party:—Bay of Islands, Marsden, Thames, Ohinemuri, Raglan, Tauranga, Rotorua., Wnikato and \Vaito mo. ... .

It is intended at an .early..date to call meetings of supporters of the movement in each of these electorates,.; to discuss the position of (.1) To, decide as to whether the recommendation of the Provincial Executive shall be adopted;' (2) If the recommendation is adopted to select a candidate and to decide on the future action to be taken in the electorate. Candidates would require to be approved by the Central Political Committee to be set up by the Provincial Executive. The letter was received. \ Speying.

Messrs Sheppherd 's Horscbreakors, Ltd. wrote advising that representatives of the linn would be in Cambridge on the second half of November and requested information as to the number of cows the Union expect to have, and how many sheds to be.visited.. It was resolved that the secretary advise the matter in. the Independent, and''request the firm to contribute to the cost of advertising. Queer. Carnival.

Correspondence was received from the organising- secretary of the Band Queen Carnival requesting the Union's support. "It was resolved.that the subject was not one for the Union to take up officially, but for members to interest themselves in individually. Grading of Products.

The Provincial .Executive wrote in reply to resolutions forwarded by the Branch in their letter of 30th ultimo, which were amended as follows: — "That the Dairy Division of the Agricultural Department be written to asking whether, in addition to publishinggrading points on butter and cheese received for export, they will also publish the names of Companies producing such produce and their proportions of the various grades.''—Received. Protective Tariff. The president brought forward tlio subject of Protective Tariff and the disadvantage farmers were placed at in the effects of the principle of same. On some articles of necessity to the farmer the tariff reached as high as 50 per cent on top of the ordinary Customs tariff. It was an unfair penalty on farmers and country people, placing them at a considerable disadvantage in comparison with the cities. It was resolved to write the member for the district (Mr P. Lye) and request him to ask the Minister of Railways in the House, when consideration was being given to the railway' tariffpolicy, whether it was the intention to remove the protective tariff and the