N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18642, 21 May 1932, Page 8

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

CONFERENCE CONCLUDES. VARIETY OF REMITS PASSED. i (Special Reporter.) AUCKLAND, Friday. The annual Provincial Conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, which has been In session the last four days, ended this afternoon. Much of the time yesterday and this morning was occupied by discussion In committee on the domestic affairs of the union, with the result that many of the remits left on the orderpaper were dealt with without debate. ' , The following remits were passed. “That the Government be again approached to carry out the promise made by the Prime Minister some months ago to set up a- commission to make closer Investigation of the machinery of local body administration, Including that of native rating, with a view of formulating something more just, scientific and in conformity with modern methods of transport, the object being to find much-needed relief to ratepayers." “That the Government be urged to remove the duty on Australian wheat and its by-products.” “That a Strong protest be made to the Government for not Including women In the benefits of the unemployment scheme, seeing that they are contributors.” “That In view of the fact that savings have been effected in the Post and Telegraph Department a reduction be made in the telephone subscriptions.’’

“That a Stock Food Act, promised by the Government for many years, should be drawn up and enacted forthwith."

Fertiliser Profits,

“This executive thanks the Government for adopting the principle contained in its last year recommendation: ‘That the State as first operator In the supply of fertilisers should abandon all revenue derived from the business as an example to manufacturers of fertilisers, who have to consider their shareholders,’ and respectfully requests that all profits on Nauru account be applied to reduction of manure prices in future; that the Government liquidate the liabilities on all cattle dips, and that in view of the fact that no revenue is now obtainable from cattle dips, owing to the Government’s action in suspending dipping regulations, the financial liability on ail cattle dips be taken over by the Government; that the Government be pressed to honour Us obligations and re-imburse guarantors of dipping associations.” "That ail import duties should be removed from all stock foods, including wheat.” “That all regulations concerning cattle tick in the Auckland province be wiped out, and the liabilities on dips bo liquidated by the Government."

Killing at Westfield. “Tills conference notes that, despite solemn pledges by the Government, the killing capacity at Westfield ■Works lias been increased to more tivn twice the capacity authorised, and that tills was done tlrst and sanctioned afterwards.”

“That tfie proportion of State advances on urban and suburban security be brought down to the same level as advances against rural security." “That the reduction in the price of bread is long overdue. The Prime Minister’s solid determination to fulfil his promise to reduce the cost of the loaf will be applauded when accomplished.” “That this conference views with alarm the laxity of the Railway Department In allowing fences to fall Into decadence, involving loss to farmers by stock straying on railway lines, and, further, creating grave danger to trains.

Cost of Bread. “That as bread costs more In New Zealand than In any other portion of the British Empire, the Government be requested to bring the price into line with world parity, thus reducing the cost of Jiving and relieving a deal of distress. “That the reductions made in the postal service in wages and otheroverhead costs be passed on to the general public in reducpd charges."

“That the Government should be a factor in control of the petrol trade, with a view to protecting the usor and so preventing exploitation." “That a co-operative bookkeeping scheme be initiated in districts where a sufficient number of farmers, prepared to assist, can be found." “That this union abhors war, but in the event of any war involving this nation, mobilisation shall extend not only to human life, but 'to all resources, and that machinery for this purpose be designed at once."

“That in all time-payment transactions it be obligatory to quote cash prices also, and that the average interest rates per cent, per annum be also quoted.” "That the Crown shall be responsible for .all damage, loss and disabilities of neighbouring settlers where It places settlers witliout money on land and finances their operations."

OHAUPO BRANCH. The annual meeting of the Ohaupo branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held in the Ohaupo Memorial Hall. Mr 0. .1. Pierce presided.

The balance-sheet was read and adopted.

The retiring president gave a comprehensive survey of conditions affecting the fanning community. A hearly vole of thanks was accorded (lie speaker. The election of oflicers resulted:— President, Mr U. d. Pierce; vice-

“As the Government has sacrificed presidents, Messrs G. H. Whyte and the interests of primary producers in A. Cowley; delegates to Hamilton subobedience to the banking interests, Provincial meeting, Messrs Pierce and farmers should organise politically to f G. H. Whyte; executive, Messrs Frost, resist further acts of confiscation.” Sanson, L. .Cowley, A. Cowley, Somer“That this conference endorses the ville, Powell, Catchpole, Carl, Steennrincinle of compulsory insurance son, Sharrock and Ranby; secretary, against slokness, accident and old age, Mr B. C. O’Connor, ' to be contributed by all and to be the Mr Cowley reported on the remit benefit of all" re plfir marketln S and why was “That the union look into the mat- thrown out at the sub-Provlncial ter of ‘lnsurance of House Property,’ meeting. and insist on. the insurance companies Strong exception was taken to this naving 100 per cent, on all policies by members, as the remit Avas based where proved that fires were genuine on the Patterson scheme in Australia, accidents; and also insist, on re-valua-tions every three years, with a reduction of premiums so as not to allow of reductions of 5 per cent, per year of policy for depreciation in the event of fire.”