DAIRY FARMERS' UNION.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1401, 8 September 1923, Page 5

DAIRY FARMERS' UNION.

MONTHLY MEETING OF WATKATO EXECUTIVE. BACON COMPANY'S GUARANTEE. jbt the monthly meeting of the WaiXm Executive of the Dairy Farmers 1 Union. he-Id in Hamilton on Thursday, there were present Messrs C. Parker (president), B. U. Bar ow, (vice-president). E. C. H'ouchen, B. Schumacher. J. Laws,on and T. C. Grace (secretary). The first business was the appoint ment of president, vice-president and secretary. Messrs C. Parker, B. U. Barlow and T. C. Grace respectively being returned for these positions for the ensuing year. A report was read from the Dominion organiser, Mr Fear, detailing the work in Wairarapa and the increase of 100 new members, notwithstanding the difficulties of organising while the "flu" was raging throughout the district. A communication was received from the Dominion Executive of the Farmers' Union suggesting by way of resolution. "That a committee consisting of three members of the Farmers' Union be set up to act in conjunction with three representatives of the Dairy Farmers' Union to make investigations into the whole of the pig and bacon industry."— The Executive to arrange for the appointment of three representatives to act as suggested. A reply to the request for a reduc tion in the price of rural letter-boxes by the D.F.U. was received from the Postmaster-General stating that the request had been given effect to, as follows: —10 by 7 by 9 inch boxes were reduced from 9s to 6s 6d, 14 by 7 by 11 from lis to 7s, and 21 by 7 by 11 from 13s to Bs. A communication in reply to a list of constructive suggestions regarding the improvement in our present system of the production ,of butterfat was received from the Premier, and read as follows: —"I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the letter which was handed to me by Mr Fear, drawing my attention to certain matters relating to the dairy industry in which you desire my sup port in connection with my representation at the forthcoming Imperial and Economic Conferences. I note the representations which you have submitted on behalf ,of the Dairy Farmers' Union, and shall be glad to give them my careful consideration at the appropriate time. You may rest assured that no opportunity will he lost on my visit to England of promoting the best interests of the dairying industry in any way I am able."

It was decided that, provided the guarantors of the Te Awamutu Farmers' Institute assist in strengthening the Te Awamutu branch, to do everything possible to assist them in liquidating the debt on the Institute. In regard to the N.£. Co-operative Dairy Co.'s action re Bacon Company guarantors, the following resolution was passed: "That while we appreciate the position of the guarantors and the sentiment underlying the suggested method ,of helping them, we cannot think there is any liability on the Dairy Company suppliers, and that should a majority carry the resolution to recoup or assist in re couping the guarantors no deductions should be made from the cheques of those who vote against the proposal, as we consider all contributions should be voluntary." As a referendum of the dairy farmers on the question of dairy export control will be taken probably dur ing October as to the advisability of controlling our export as provided in the Dairy Export Control Bill, all dairy farmers are to be urged to record their votes in favour of the Bill. It was reported that the Union is now in a position to secure the services of Government lecturers from time to time on matters relating to ■f veterinary, field instruction, breeding and judgment of dairy stock, testing, etc.

A constructive and progressive proposal was made that the Union should inaugurate a "Farmers' Day" on lines similar to Labour Day, to be held in Hamilton during April of each year, and to consist of a parade, field sports, demonstrations, luncheon, speech making, etc. Some very candid expressions of opinion were made by members regarding the supposed concession to the farmers generally by the remission of income tax, whereas actually no concession would result to the farmer. It was felt that if the authorities were desirous of assisting the average farmer it could better have been accomplished by a remission of land tax. In keeping with the fixed purpose of the Union not to relax the pressure on the Government until recognition has been given to the financial position of the farmer and some tangible opportunity given so as to enable him to meet his obligations, especially when the moratorium is lifted, it was decided to again urge the necessity of a Royal Commission.