RAETIHI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 201, 26 August 1936, Page 3

RAETIHI

GENERAL. A meeting of the executive committee of the Queen Carnival in connection with the Waimarino Show Association was held on Saturday night, when reports of progress were received and further arrangements made for the appeal to the public. At the meeting of the Farmers’ Union on Saturday night it was agreed to press the question of cheaper fencing wire further and to ask the Minister of Lands, Hon. Frank Langstone, the member for the district, to support the request when it is brought before the Cabinet by the Dominion executive of the union. A settler recently informed the secretary of the Waimarino branch of the Farmers’ Union that over 40 sheep had been stolen from his property and he would like to address the branch on sugested schemes to detect sheep stealing. Although he is not a member of the union a cordial invitation was given the man to air his grievance, but he was not.present at the meeting on Saturday. FARMERS’ UNION. Members of the Waimarino branch of the Farmers’ Union on Saturday discussed several matters and decided to take further action in an endeavour to join in the march of progress. Mr. A. S. Ashmore was in the chair, and in addition to about a dozen members the secretary of the Wanganui Provincial Executive, Mr. K. Armstrong, was also present. Relief Subsidy. Owing to other business at the annual meeting the question of the employment of relief labour had been deferred. The secretary, Mr. W. Jack, advised that the Labour Department, Employment Division, had decided thjt subsidy under certain conditions could be granted to sheep farmers. The chairman and others said that, was news to them and they thought that only dairy farmers could receive, assistance from the contract system cf subsidy. During the discussion on the Agricultural Workers Bill the secretary said there was no need for any member not to be able to obtain labour. The certifyiig officer at Raetihi would allocate a man on application. There were about 70 men to choose from European and Maoris but the farmer must pay the standard rate of wages laid down in the Act. An employee under 17 must be paid 17s 6d a week with accommodation or an allowance of not less than 17s 6d must be paid to the lad if accommodation was not available. For a lad of 17 but under 18 22s 6d, of 19 but under 20, 32s 6d and of 21 years of age or over 42s 6d per week and accommodation. “Can we pick our men,” asked a member. The secretary replied that if a farmer offered a job at the standard rate of pay and a man on relief refused to take it the certifying officer had power to refuse him any further work or relief. Shelter Trees. The necessity for the planting of trees for shelter belts was stressed by several members. Mr. H. Frederick thought that the Labour Department should be prepared to allow the planting to be done under the 4B contract scheme. Mr. F. Todd was of the opinion that trees could be purchased at a very reasonable price and the cost of the labour was money well spent if the right kind of trees were put in. It was resolved that the secretary write the Minister of Employment asking if a subsidy under the 4B contract scheme would be granted for tree planting. “Must a lad join the Shearers’ Union before being allowed to shear with his father, the sheep belonging to the father, was a question that created some discussion. The secretary said that as he understood the position it would be necessary for a shearer, unless of course he was a partner, to be a member of a union. Mr. F. Frederick was strongly opposed to the necessity of the .on of a farmer being compelled to join a union before being allowed to do work on a place that would be his property on the death of the father. Mr. W. Warner pointed out the necessity of compelling a man who did shearing joining a union. Unions had done much to improve conditions for the men. Mr. A. P. O’Neill was of the opinion that when a lad was able to put up a tally he would want to go and shear for neighbours and he should not be prevented. It was clear that he should then be a member of the Shearers’ Union. It was decided to seek the co-opera-tion of the Provincial Executive to get exemption for lads who usually work at. home from being compelled to join the union. General. Il was resolved that a deputation comprising Messrs. Ashmore, F. Todd, M. Geraghty, A. P. O’Neill, and D. Hussey wait upon the Raetihi Borough Electricity Committee with regard to reticulation of the districts in the Middle Road and Parapara areas. It was agreed to ask for a report from an officer of the Research Department with regard to the suitability of clay in this district being used for the manufacture of drain tiles. The cost of obtaining titles was considered and was thought to be too high for feneral use in draining swamps in this district. If the soil was not suitable it was agreed that the Government should be asked to grant a subsidy on the cost of the tiles. It was resolved to bring before the Minister of Lands on the occasion of his next visit the question of opening up some land in the Pukekaha district. Several routine details dealing with members’ orders were discussed with Mr. Armstrong. One new member joined the union and five were accepted on transfer.

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