FARMERS’ UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 102, 3 May 1938, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

WAIMARINO BRANCH REMITS FOR PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE There was an attendance of about 40 at the annual meeting of the Waimarino branch of the Farmers’ Union Mr. A. S. Ashmore being in the chair.

The annual report and balancesheet showed that ’.here were no// over 100 members on the roll. It was proposed to ask the piovincial executive to accept financial responsibility for the branch cis the members paid their subscription by orders in the majority of cases, and the orders were collected by the provincial executive. Mr. T. Currie, provincial president. ■ gave an address on farming matters. Remits After discussion the following remits were agreed to as representing the opinion of the branch, and it was decided that they shoula be forwardeu to the provincial executive for consideration at the provincial conference ; That while recognising that the responsibility of clearing land of noxious weeds should be on the occupier, when he is in a position to do so, the Government be urged to assume the responsibility and to take the necessary action to clear the following lands: Unoccupied Crown land, unoccupied Native land, State forest and reserves, and land in the possession of indigent occupiers. And further, that for the purpose of clearing land of noxious weeds, particularly ragi wort, sufficient men be made available to carry out the work at the appropriate time, if necessary the men to be taken off the Puolic Works for a period of six weeks to two months. That as a matter cf major import--1 ance to farmers in the Dominion gen- . orally, and to this district particularly, is the prohibitive cost of fenc- , ing wire, the conference again reiter- ; ates the desirability of approaching ; the Government to have the cost ol • fencing wire subsidised so that farmers burdened with deteriorated areas • may' be enabled to divide their pro- . perties in order to control same and increase national production. That owing to the great national i loss sustained, the Government be rc- ■ quested to set up a special Research Department to deal with animal dis- : eases, particularly mammatis, facial eczema, sterility in cows, and abor- : tion, making use of the offer from the • Dairy Board to assist uonating £2500 : for live years. That at interprovincial Conferences one Government representative be the ■ only outside speaker and the rest of the time specified lor the conference be devoted exclusively to discussion of remits. That owing to the great annual loss of stock the Government be asked to set up a chair of veterinary science so that veterinary surgeons may be trained in New Zealand. That the Farmers’ Union continue to be kept free from party politics and that the leaders of the union be asked to strictly observe this clause in the constitution.

A suggestion dealing with guaranteed price, compensated price, and Douglas credit, was mentioned, but it was decided not to take any action, members considering that these subjects came under the heading of party

politics. Mr. D. J. Berry was the chiei speaker with regard Cu noxious weeds control. He advocated that inspectors should be appointed by the Government and be allowed every latitude with reference to taking proceedings against farmers who did not carry out the provisions of the Act. The Government should take responsibility for clearing State property, making available men from tae Public Works Department for that purpose. Count, councillors should not be asked to take proceedings against their neignbours when they might not be responsible for allowing noxious weeds on their land.

Office Bearers Mr. Ashmore announced that he was unable to accept Elimination for office of chairman, nis position as a member of the Mortgage Relief Commission keeping him iuiiy occupied. Mr. H. E. Frederick was elected chairman, and Messrs. A. S. Ashmore and A. P. O’Neill vice-chairman. The following were elected an executive committee: Messrs. I‘. J. Bettjeman, W. Coleman, A. Barrow, W. Fulton, H. Gripp, V. Houghton, H. Mansbii, L. Meyer, D. D. Mac Lean, D. F. Scarrow, C. Sommerville, F. Todd, and W. Warner. The chairman and Mr. Ashmore were elected representatives to the interprovincial conference at Wellington. Thank A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Ashmore for his services as chairman of the branch' fot sojie years; to Mr. T. Curite and Mr. K. Armstrong of the provir.iial exe'.utive, and to the members of the W.D.F.U. Union for their hospitality.