FARMERS’ UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19008, 8 May 1924, Page 8

FARMERS’ UNION

MEETING OF PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE. The monthly meeting of the Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held yesterday, Mr C. Smith presiding. NOXIOUS WEEDS. The Department of Agriculture advised that section 2 of the Noxious Weeds Act, 1908, provided that where noxious weeds were in large patches the occupier of a property so affected should clear not less than a quarter cf a chain each year along the entire boundary. The amendment of 1923, however, repealed this section, and substituted the section to the effect that every occupier of land on which there were hedges or live fences consisting of blackberry, sw’eetbriar, gorse, etc., whether they were noxious weeds or not, had in every year to trim such hedges or fences. In Gonville and Castlecliff, the communication pointed out, gorse was regarded as a noxious weed, but in the Waitotara and Wanganui counties it w r as not. The chairman said that if one man was compelled to clear his land, his neighbour should also clear his property. It was resolved that Mr Munro, inspector of noxious weeds, be interviewed in regard to the matter with a view to having a remit on the subject drafted for the Provincial Executive Conference at Eeilding. EWE AND WETHER MUTTON. The N.Z. Meat Producers 1 Board, Wellington, wrote acknowledging receipt of the union’s letter in reference to the difference in price between ewe and wether mutton on the Home market. It was pointed out that the difference between the two classes of mutton had become greater in recent years owing to a greater demand for prime meat, and, of course, in a natural way, it was also governed by the supply of ewes available. For instance, in a cable just received, there was a difference of nearly 2d per lb. between the highest price realised for wethers and ewes. The report stated that the ewe market was depressed owing to the heavy arrivals from Argentine. This, no doubt, accounted for the large difference, which was greater than usual. It was stated that the information was not exactly what the union desired, and it was resolved to write for further information in regard to the matter. CONFLICTING REPORTS. The N.Z. Meat Producers’ Board also write in respect to conflicting market reports, stating that the London ofiice exercised the greatest care in collecting information regarding the prices offered on the Smithfield market. The board also endeavoured to get as auch information as might be of benefit to producers and freezing companies. The letter was received.