Farmers’ Union

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIV, Issue 129, 5 November 1930, Page 6

Farmers’ Union

THE H.B, EXECUTIVE

MEETING HELD AT WAI-

PUKURAU

The quarterly meeting of the Hawke’s Bay executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Waipukurau, yesterday afternoon, Mr. T. Priest, in Hie absence of the president, Mr. R. E. Talbot, presiding over Messrs. L. M. Monckton, J. W. Harding, F. A. Thompson, M. Tansey, J. H. Kibble white, J. Edgar and the secretary, Mr. D. Balharry.

Resignations Received

Two resignations were received, and after a general discussion the matter was held over pending further investigation.

Membership Badges

A letter was received from the (Thfon’s Dominion Headquarters, Wellington, advising that it had forwarded a parcel of 50 membership badges. Received.

General Statement Presented

The Dominion executive forwarded a general statement of the case presented to the acting Prime Minister (Hon. E. A. Ransom) on October 25th, as to special legislation required in the interests of Dominion general trade. The fall of £9,000,000 in the value of exports for 1929-30, as compared with the preceding year was referred to, and the danger of mote land going out of production was pointed out. A reduced scale of wages, and the reduction in the number of employees was contended to be necessary in the existing circumstance of low prices. An amendment of the Arbitration Act to permit of wage position being reviewed in the desired direction was purposed. On the motion of Mr. Harding, seconded by Mr. L. M. Monckton, the circular was received.

Concentrating on Essentials

Tue Dominion Executive also forwarded a letter concerning the advisability of concentrating on essentials at the annual conference rather than a multiplicity of subjects.

Mr. Thompson strongly supported the poinTs as raised, and on his motion, seconded by Mr. Harding, it was decided to support the recommendations.

Banking Increase

A further comunication from the Executive, furnished advice as to the reply of various banking institutions in regard to the increased charge for keeping accounts (10/- to £1), and pointing out that the Government had increased the note issue tax from 34 per cent, to 4 4 per cent. Chairman: Any comments gentlexnen? A member: Oh, its no use commenting on it, we had better receive it.

Veterinary Services

Proposals for the establishment of a scheme of veterinary services in dairying districts, were forwarded by headquarters.

Mr. Thompson suggested that the proposal be turned dow r n as farmers were getting an excellent free service by first-class Government veterinary surgeons, and he did not see why they should pay for a service, when the present one in force, gave every satisfaction. Mr. Tansey supported Mr. Thompson and the letter was received.

Farmers’ Union Journal

A report w r as submitted in regard to the proposed establishment of a Farmers’ Union Journal, with a minimum subscription of 10,000 members, Mr. L. H. McAlpine, the Dominion organiser, being appointed organiser to supervise the effort. It was shown that as the result of the canvassing work to date, 901 subscribers had been secured at a cost of £383.

Mr. Thompson said that he was not in favour of the journal and maintained that the-Union was being well served in the matter of press publicity, through the medium of the daily and local newspapers, Mr. Tansey expressed a similar opinion, and said he was not in favour of the proposed journal. It was all very well to have long lengthy reports of meetings, but half the farmers would not read them, and it was a far better plan to have the various matters reported briefly and concisely, as the newspapers were doing. After further discussion on the

same lines, the report was received.

Parliamentary Discussion

Extracts from Hansard concerning the parliamentary discussion, in regard to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act Amendment proposed, being the speech of the Dominion president (Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P.), were forwarded. Received.

Organisation of Fann Labour

The Department of Agriculture forwarded a circular in regard to the organisation of farm labour for special undertakings of a casual nature, the work to be carried out efficiently and cheaply. Mr. Wood-year-Smith of the Agricultural Department offered to supervise the gangs proposed to be organised. Mr. Thompson spoke in support of the proposal and on his motion, seconded by Mr. Tansey, it was decided to write to Mr. WoodyearSmith to that effect.