FEDERATED FARMERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 107, 18 February 1950, Page 4

FEDERATED FARMERS

PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETS WINTER COURSE IN VIEW After Mr C. Whatman of the Department of Agriculture had addressed yesterday afternoon’s meeting of the Provincial Executive of Federated Farmers it was decided, on the motion of Mr P. J, Mowat, seconded by Mr A. Amos, that a winter farm course be held in Ashburton at a date to be decided, and a committe comprising the president (Mr C. Hilgendorf) and Messrs Amos and P. C. Curd, with representatives to be appointed by the Rakaia, Methven and Mayfield branches, to go into details with Mr Whatman. The Mid-Canterbury branch of the

Women’s Division is to be

proached to ascertain their views 1 on the matter of catering for the course. \

Interesting information was given the meeting in regard to the 900 European immigrants who were brought to New Zealand last year, spent some time in an •’acclimatisation'' camp at Pahiatua, and then went to various employments in the Dominion. It was stated, in the immigration news letter before the meeting, that only six of the very large number who went through the camp had had subsequently to apply for emergency aid, and that five had married in New Zealand. “They certainly appear to be settling down,” was a member’s comment. It was also stated that another draft of about 1000 would shortly arrive.

Advice was received that another party, of 100 Dutch farm workers would soon be in the Dominion, and farmers who wished to engage them should have their names in to headquarters by the end of the month. It was decided to support, the proposal of Webb’s Passenger Service for their proposed bus service to leave Christchurch at 12.45 p.m. daily enabling passengers by plane from the north and by bus from North Canterbury districts to continue their journeys south without delay. It was pointed out that such a service would connect comfortably with rural bus services from Ashburton of an afternoon also.

Rural Housing

Federated Farmers’ Dominion executive had, the meeting was advised, recently been in touch with the Minister in charge of housing, and had received his assurance that rural housing, particularly in isolated districts, would receive his immediate attention. It was asked that a survey of needs, made in 1948, be brought up to date and that Federated Farmers take certain responsibility in the scheme, and that on those conditions an early start would be made. It was decided to circularise branches asking them to state their housing needs and convey 1 a “firm offer” to the next executive meeting. “It seems a vital step forward,” was the chairman’s comment.

Catchment Board Finance

The Wakanui branch brought forward a remit protesting at the Catchment Board’s high rating for maintenance of the Ashburton river work. After discussion in which it was stated that farmers on the lower reaches of the river were of opinion that they were not getting benefits commensurate with the advantages accruing it was resolved that the branch bi ing down a full report on the matter to the next executive meeting, and that consideration of their report be taken in conjunction with a deferred motion calling for the abolition of Catchment Boards.