FARMERS' UNION

Waipa Post, Volume 43, Issue 3354, 29 September 1931, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION

TE AWAMUTU BRANCH. GENERAL MATTERS DEALT WITH. Mr A. Hanna presided at the monthly meeting of the Te Awamutu branch of the N.Z. Farmers' Union last Saturday, and there was a representative attendance. Before routine business proceeded the chairman extended a cordial welcome to Mr Ray, as representative of the far end of Pukeatua district, where there was a very representative membership, and a keen interest in Farmers' Union affairs. Discussion again arose over bread prices, and the attitude of the Auckland master bakers' representative in urging the fixation of a minimum price for the sale of bread was termed iniquitous. Mr Duncan said it was scandalous that the 41b loaf should be sold in the Auckland province at Is 2d and even more, while in Dannevirke and other centres in the south the same weight loaf was sold at 9d and lOd. He moved that representations be again made to the Prime Minister, especially objecting to the proposal of the Master Bakers' Association to fix a minimum price. Allegations were made that a bakers' "ring" exists, and an attempt is being made to get Parliamentary sanction a minimum price fixation. If that was desirable, it was especially necessary that a maximum price should be fixed—and at a good deal lower than the price ruling in Auckland province. The motion was supported by other speakers, and can-ied unanimously.

The chairman reported that Dr Annett's address earlier in the month had been very largely attended and it proved very interesting and instructive. Appreciation of the address was recorded, and Dr Annstt is to be written to expressing the sincere thanks of the branch.

Mr G. T. Crawley, reporting on the business done at the last sub-pro-vincial meeting, elaborate some of the principal resolutions, and he was thanked for his report. Mr Crawley pointed out that Te Awamutu branch, which has a membership now of 270, is entitled to a third representative on the sub-pro-vincial executive.—Mr G. H. White was appointed the extra delegate. When the question of pig-recording clubs was mentioned, Mr Duncan said he had had in mind urging the Government to institute in the Dominion a system similar to that so general in Denmark. Mr W. J. Hodgson said the production of the right type of pig for the English mfirket was an important problem. The Department's recommended lines of breeding had quite flailed to produce the right export type. The Pig-recording Club at Hamilton was doing far better work, and the Government should experiment along those lines for the benefit of all producers in the Dominion. The club had been subsidised by the Meat Board to the extent of £2OO, but its scope should be extended. Farers were keen to know the best breeds to use for producing bacon or pork, and how best to breed them economically. Interesting experiments had been carried out in feeding, and the details should be published and broadcast. He quoted some of the information as to weights at different ages, to show the importance of feed and care of pigs in the first few weeks.

Mr Wyllie comlmended the work of the Pig-recording Club in showing how to get the best results from feeding, but he wanted to know what breed or cross was best for producing first-quality export carcases. If the cost of grain is cheapened there will be a greated number of pigs raised. This would increase the exportable basis. Mr Hodgson said there was too large a proportion of overweight pigs sent in for export, and that was because the approved methods were not generally known. The Clug was badly in need of finance to carry out further work, and to stint the club was, in his opinion, very poor economy. Mr Crawley suggested that members who are raising pigs should join the club; the membership fee is small. Mr Hodgson said a good idea would be to form, a branch of the club in Te Awamutu district, but the Club at Hamilton found that it had not the finances to extend its operations. Mr Duncan said the Department's attitude was parsimonious, in view of the potential industry that could be developed. He believed that, properly managed, the pig industry could be developed to the importance of the dairy industry. Until ..the Government departed from its policy of buttressing the wheat growers the pig industry could not be developed. The Department's swine-husbandry section had been working along wrong lines, and untold loss to the farmers had resulted.

Mr Hodgson said the type was a more important factor than breed. Two of the best types were the Large White and Large Black breeds being raised in New Zealand. Types vary in any one breed, but the type of the two breeds named in New Zealand was very suitable. In Denmark the Large White sire is almost exclusively used. There is need for a good deal of research work.

Mr Wyllie expressed the opinion that there are good and bad strains in all the breeds, just as there are in ryegrass. Mr Hodgson expressed the firm conviction that there should be compulsory grading by the Government officers, of all pigs sold for conversion to pork or bacon. That would ensure improvement of type. He moved along these lines, and it was agreed to. Mr Wyllie questioned the advantage of compulsory grading unless each carcass is branded in its class and sold as such.

Mr Crawley said his experience with Berkshire and Tamworths convinced him that types could be developed quite up to the exportable standard. He favoured a system of Government grading. It was decided to urge the establishment of more pig-recording and

experimental stations in various dairying districts, with a view of developing the best type of pork and bacon for export.