FARMERS’ UNION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18438, 23 March 1922, Page 7

FARMERS’ UNION.

WANGANUI BRANCH. A meeting of the Wanganui Subprovincial District Branch of the Farmers’ Union was held yesterday, presided over by Mr E. Parsons. Others present were: Messrs. C. Smith, T. Currie, D. McGregor,, A. R. Sommerville, J. Farley, J. Craig, and O. Allison. The secretary reported that there were 277 financial members and 155 unfinancial. The balance-sheet disclosed that the Union finished the year with practically the same credit balance as last year. The chairman said Wereroa State farm was available for a week for 4 0 farmers for instructional purposes. The cost to members would be railway fare and board. The lectures would be on milking Shorthorns, Friesians, and Jerseys, and crops, etc. Applications wfluld close on April 10th and the lectures would start on April 2 4th.—lt was decided to thank the Manager of the farm for the offer and to forward same on to the branches, members of which cn apply to th elocal secretary for more information. Mr D. McGregor moved the Fordell remit: "That the Government, be asked to appoint a commission of business men to enquire into the present extremely unsuccessful working of the railways, especially as to excessive staffing and eKpendi'ture and as to the fact that high rates of freight are driving traffic on to the roads, thus at 'the same time decreasing the railway revemue, and increasing the charges of CountyCouncils for upkeep of roads.” Mr McGregor said the Councils had great difficulty in maintaining the roads which were greatly damaged by the motors. The lorries could successfully compete with the train owing to “backloading.” He considered it was time a committee of business men enquired into the management of the railways.—lt was decided to forward a copy of the remit to the Minister of Railways and to the M.P.’s for the district. Mr! D. McGregor moved the Fordell remit: “That enquiries be made as to the reason for the loss of revenue and inconvenience to the public caused by the failure of the early morning train from Wanganui to connect with the Main Trunk express at Marton.” Mr McGregor said the present arangement was absurd. The remit was received and is 'to be forwarded to the Minister and members of Parliament of the district. Wangaehu remit was: “That this Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union recommends that something be done to compel persons who have accommodation paddocks for stock, to keep their fences in good repair as loss to owners is' often incurred through the fences not being properly looked after.”—Referred to the Finance Committee to enquire into the legal position. Brunswick remit was: “That this meeting protests against the practice of stock firms charging clients who are under a stocik mortgage, commission on stock sold privately or through other agents.” Members said the position was that flock agents charged a commission for merely receiving the money for the stock not sold by them. One member cited a firm which collected £l2 commission at the cost of a. 2d receipt stamp.—Referred to the Finance Committee. The Provincial Conference is to be held in Wanganui in May. The matter of making all arrangements was left to the Finance Committee.