N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17712, 16 May 1929, Page 10

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

'MORRINSVILLE BRANCH. THE (MONTHLY MEETING. IMPORTANT MATTERS DISCUSSED. At the monthly meeting of the Morrinsville branch of the Farmers' Union Mr S. Fergussorr was ‘ voted to the chair, in the absence of the president. A letter was received from the secretary of the Women's Division of the Union, Mrs H. M. Wild, thanking the branch for the assistance it had given in the formation of their division. The branch decided to support the Morrinsville Returned Soldiers in their representations to the Minister of Lands on the questions of deferred rent and interest, and the increase of interest on current account. Dehorning Cattle. In considering a remit for the compulsory dehorning of cattle, members were by no means unanimous. Mr Carter considered that dehorning was a cruel practice. Mr Leeson thought it should be left to the deception of farmers: Mr Philpott thought it would be unwise to dehorn all cattle, especially show bulls. Differences of opinion were also expressed as to the best, age at which to perform tlie operation, and the best method of doing it.. The branch decided not to support the remit. A motion that boards for the sale of New Zealand produce should consist of producers’ representatives only, was passed. A remit from the Qpoliki branch for the nationalisation of the main highways was not supported by the members, and a motion opposing it was passed.

Preferential Voting Favoured

A motion favouring preferential voting at elections was passed.

Mr Leeson said lie was strongly opposed to the system. It had been tried in Australia and dropped ‘’ because of its impracticability. A remit that the Upper House should consist of 20 members elected by the people was discussed, but the general opinion appeared to be that it did not affect the farmers, and the branch’s delegates to the provincial executive conference were Instructed to vote as they thought lit. A remit that the duties on meat, butter, cheese and sucli commodities should be removed was received. The secretary, Mr Faulkner, pointed out that no duties had ever been collected. The chairman also said that he had not heard of any duty being collected for the past 10 years. It was agreed that the legislation \vas useless and should he done away with. Petrol Tax. Considerable difference of opinion was expressed regarding the petrol tax.

Mr Leeson ’thought that motorists were paying quite enough for the maintainance of the roads. In addition to apetrol tax of -id a gallon they paid tyre tax and license fees. Mr Barrowclough said he was in favour of any move that -would tend to take taxation off the land and pul it on motorists. Motor vehicles were almost the sole users of the roads, aud Lhey should he the sole contributors to their upkeep. A motion that the imposition of any further petrol tax be opposed was carried.

A remit was presented that the Arms and Explosives Act should be amended to make it unnecessary to register fire arms and to allow of the free purchase of explosives. Opinions of members were fairly evenly divided, but a motion proposed by Mr Philpolt. that the delegates of the conl'erence be instructed not to support the remit was carried by a small majority. Meters for Power. After discussing the proposal of the. Thames Valley Electric Power Board to do away with the hat rate system of charging on the farms and to install meters, it was decided that Messrs Lecson and Barrowclough should wait on the board at its next meeting and place before members the views of the branch.

Mr Barrowclough pointed out that the Power Board complained of wastage, but had failed, after careful inspection by its engineer, to point out where the wastage was. Apparently the board did not know where the wastage occurred and .was going to install meters,' at a big expense, to And out. Mr Topliam said the Power Board is rushing into the matter without proper consideration. In his opinion it would be a bad thing, for if meters were used in the sheds farmers, to save expense, would not use their hot water heaters to the same extent and the quality of their produce would suffer. Mr Garter said that the Power Board is breaking its contract with the farmers, who hall agreed to take power on a flat rate.

RUKUHIA BRANCH. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. At a very successful meeting of the Farmers’ Union's - Rukuhia branch officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: —President, Mr W. B. Roberts; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. Penniket. The two above-named were appointed delegates to sub-pro-vincial in .Hamilton. The meeting was addressed to Mr J. Gilbert, sub-provincial secretary, his remarks being followed with keen interest.

A number of matters of local and general interest were dealt with, and the meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Gilbert. Meetings of the branch are to be held on the third Monday of every month.