FARMERS' UNION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 60, 28 March 1944, Page 6

FARMERS' UNION

i AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETING $ The monthly meeting of tile Auckland Provincial Executive of the Now Zealand Fanners 1 Union was held in the Board Room, Hobson Street. Auckland, on 15th March. PMI. The President (Captain 11. M. Rushwortli) presided. A letter from the Minister of Agriculture stated that it had been decided to allow a tolerance to producers whereby the price paid for 721bs wethers Mould be also paid for weights from "731bs to SOlbs. A Te Awainutu remit, forwarded In* the Waikato Sub-Provincial Executive, urged that the Union should press for the institution of up-to-date elementary courses of agricultural study in secondary schools under the jurisdiction of Education Boards, such courses to provide for instruction in science and veterinary science subjects, with special reference to the, feeding of live-stock. It was agreed that Mr A. E. Bryant (Te Awamutu) be furnished with a copy of the minutes, of the last meeting of the Auckland Agricultural Development Committee and that he be asked to report on the. subject at the next meeting of the Executive. The Roto kauri- branch asked that an effort be made to secure immediate priority for farmers in the distribution of fertilisers. This was agreed to. The Rotorua Sub-Provincial Executive asked that an investigation be made regarding an allegedly published statement that the Govemnient Avill receive a much higher price for farm produce this year. The Provincial Secretary was instructed to investigate the matter. A To Awamutu remit complained of the poor quality of a brand of linseed meal now being sold at the same price as that formerly charged for a .superior meal. It was asked that an arrangement be made for an analysis of samples of the two brands. A request for an inquiry regarding the cost- of concrete and totara fencing posts, particularly -in respect to the difference' . between manufacturers' costs and sale, price, was received irom the Southcin Thames Sub-Provincial Executive, ft was agreed to make enquiries. It was decided to investigate the statement that the New Zealand Government, would not permit manufacturers to import cotton nap trousering, not withstanding that, according to latest advice, it could be landed at. a lower price than that paid for the American cloth. The Ngatea branch, in a remit, urged that provision should be made for an adequate supply of farm labour, that the prices of products be made commensurate with 'wages paid, and that a greatly increased quantity of manure be made available. (This matter bad been handled by the Union Committee that met the Prime Minister and Cabinet recently) - • i A Hay of Plenty remit suggested that payments for bobby calves be made to Maori fanners individually, instead of to the .Department of Native Affairs. The matter is being pressed. It was requested by the Rotorua Sub-Provincial Executive that the ten per cent retention -of the price of wool be deducted Irom the net amount, it was also asked that the Government be requested to indicate how farmers would be compensated for a live per cent increase in cartage charges, which was contrary to the principle of stabilisation. it was claimed by Government that the 5 per cent increase in cartage Mas anticipated in the extra payment on bull-or and cheese, and Lliat wool payments compensated sheepl'armors. A Ngahinapouri remit, jorwarded by the Waikato Sub-Provincial Executive. expressed alarm at the action of those responsible for "goslow'" policies, strikes, stop-work meetr-ng.s, and the holding up of supplies for the lighting forces. It was demanded that "this sabotage of. the war effort should cease.'' A similar remit was received from the Pacroa branch. The. views expressed were approved. The Auckland branch of the U.S.A. wrote expressing agreement, with, the executive's resolution regarding the justice of granting to servicemen exemption from the payment of stamp duties and other disbursements incidental to rehabilitation documents. The executive had also expressed the opinion that State departments requiring seeiuiles from returned soldiers lie asked to bear their own solicitors' charges. The U.S.A. agreed with this view subject to the retention o! ih; r..\iCwtit inued in next comas;-)

istinsi arrangement whereby the Ict£al work was distributed junonij solicitors who were returned servicemen . .It was resolved to support. the nomination ol' A. liriscoe Moore ior election to the New Zealand Meat, Producer.* Hoard.