FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 826, 26 May 1910, Page 8

FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

CONCLUDING DAY. AN EXTENSIVE AGENDA PAPER. FREEZING WORKS PROPOSAL. (By-Telegraph—Special Reporter.) . Marton, May 25. The Wellington Provincial Conference d! tho Farmers' Union was continued this morning, Mr. J. G. Wilspii, president, being in the chair. Alter a lengthy sitting in committee ' the conference proceeded to deal with a remit from tho Ngatamapouri branch, . moved by Mr. Johnston Smith, that it l:o compulsory for all members of county ■ councils and road boards to hold meetings at convenient places in their ridings as soon , as possible alter April 1 each year, to explain to the ratepayers the financial position of their board or council, and to discuss matters of interest such as come within the 6cope of local bodies. After somo discussion, mostly . unfavourable, the motion was lost on the voices. Mr. W. J. Moore (Makuri) moved that subsidies to local bodies should be on a graduated scale in proportion to the rates collected, as suggested by the Lands Commission. Sir. Matheson said the .desire was to get subsidies on special rates, < which were not granted at present. The chairman did not think the motion advisable.. If they Government to subsidise special rates they would very likely only have their subsidies fur- / ther reduced, as that was the tendency now. The motion was lost by 22 to 14. ' Tenui's representative (Mr. H. A. Nivens) then proposed that.county councils be given power to raise money and take land for giving facilities for-water-ing travelling slock. The mover accepted an addition. by , Mr. R. 8.. M'Kenzie (Rongotea),. asking for power to raise money, also for purchasing stone-crush-ing machinery, road graders, etc. The . motion was'carried. • Two motions in connection with .the Shearers' Union's demands were' with* drawn, the matter being sub.judice. .. Mr. G. "L. : \ Marshal)'. (Marton) moved that the auctioneers be approached with, a view'to giving'out the names of the condors and ' of- stock, at allauction sales.- Mr.'-Balsillie (Palnierston North) said it was very ■•■ desirable for purchasers to know where the stock they were buying.were bred. Tho motion was carried. . • Charitable Aid Boards. . . A Levin"'remit was moved by Mr. J. Devonshire'.in favour of the election of separate country and borough representatives on Charitable Aid Boards, instead of the present system ' of■ joint representation. • '':■■ .■'■'■■■ ■ Mr. I?, W. Venn- (Shannon) said, that . (rhere a borough and a county council were bracketed together the franchise should ho unitorui for the two. Mr. D. Guthrie, M.P., said if members in the House had stood out against tho present franchise for tho boards they is'ould have had to accept the Parlia- ' mentary franchise. They took' the lesser Df two evils. ~ 1 Mr. F. Hockly moved an amendment that the representation of country districts'be kept distinct from tliat of town districts' on .Charitabhv Aid Boards. This iras accepted in place of the original motion: and agreed to. ... - Co-operative Freezing Works. Mr. J. Wingate (Palirierston North) brought forward a motion that, the conference urge upon the. branches the desirability of establishing farmers' co-op-erative ' freezing works. • By this means ho considered they should be able fo get from 255. to 30s. for their lambs and from 255. to-355.-for their wethers.•inBtead of 12s. to lCs. for lambs and 12a. to 18s. for wethers.. He held that such' works were quite feasible, and that the Earmora were being practically swindled at tho other end and done out of money they were justly entitled to. Mr. ,-J. Balsillie seconded tha motion and said where co-operative ■ works had , been established-the-gain to. the farmers had been "considerable. They had yet to educate the sheep-growers, up to sec it. Thfc cjiairmau. said li<> would like tu tako the opportunity of congratulating' the Auckland Farmers' Freezing Company tin the stand they took over tho slaughterstrike. They did not give in as the big companies had done,, and the' re- .." suits were most satisfactory. There was ilready a farmers' freezing company in the Wairarapa starting for next season. Hβ personally had found the present companies satisfactory. Mr. Wingate, he thought, had:oyer-state'd. the mark as..to. prices. To. get anything like his prices Eor a 321b. .'lamb it would have to fetch 10d. a lb; in London. The highest London prices were sid. and Cα. : ■ Mr. Balsillie said "he had just received a- letter."from Nelson stating that since the freezing works were started there prices for eheep had risen 3s. and 4s. a head.- •..-'.-. ' Mr. J. Morrison (Halcombe) said that this year the freezing companies' had started by offering Ba. for lambs. The freezing chargo was l|d. When he'decided to freeze on his own account, alon" with others, he found that the rate was put up. -This was always the way. The ■companies held the farmers' sheep back and sent their .own , forward. ' He had a thousand uhoep in tho works at present, ind had not been able to get one away m spite of numerous telegrams and letters. The companies were always , going to send them in the next boat and never lid. After further discussion tho motion was igreed to. ' ■ . . Crown Suits Act. ' ? ■ Mr. J; Balsillie moved (mother Pal-' nerston remit,that, when motions were . amfirmed by the Dominion Conference they ahoulfl be forwarded to members of Parliament ■ with a view to, having legislation introduced. Tho motion was carried. A Pahaukauni remit was then moved by Mr. W. Galloway in connection with the liability of the Crown under the Crown Suits Act, and urging the amendment of the Act to bring Government trading concerns into line with private firms. Reference was made by various speakers to the cases of the' Farmers' Distributing Company and Motorman Bar- . ton. Members were strongly of opinion that the Act should be amended. The "notion was carried. After the luncheon adjournment a Tenui motion, proposed by- Mr. H; Av. Nivens. was carried./ It requested that, whero a post official lives on the premises, post offices be opened for telegraph and telephoue business during tho dinnerhour. On behalf of the Pahiatua Central Mr. .Mathcson moved, and it was agreed, that it be a reoommendation from this, conference to the Government to at once Vface upon tho Statute Book an Act enabling owners of sheep to register a Irand for marking bales of woo!-, such brand to be the property of the person who registers it; and that it be made'an offence for anyone (oilier than the portion who registers the brand) to use it for the purpose of branding bales or bags of woo!. Another Pahiatua Central remit was moved hy Mr. Matheson, viz.: Thai: breeders of stud bo not allowed to fell stock for stud purposes unless a "certificate is handed to the buyer "from a oualified veterinary surgeon to the effect tl|at the animals are free from disease is defined by tho Live Stock Act. Mr. C. J. Ifrakes, chief veterinarian, said that ho was in sympathy with tho motion in .that it aimed at preventing the spread of tuberculous disease in pigs. He doubted, however, whether it whs practicable. A very much more satis-racfory-result could be brought about by i resolution that all skim-milk mid whey at dairy factories be pasteurised. They ehould get at the evil by the moF.t obvious method before uttciiiping a scheme like that proposed It would practically be impossible to send tho veterinarians running about the: country every timo that a farmer wanted to buy a fcoar or a sow. .The motion was lost on. tho voici.-s. Inspection of Stallions. Mr. W. J. Birch (Marton) moved; "That j-Sie conference uj'fie that some'system, .for

the inspection of stallions be put into force at onco." The mover was personally in favour of compulsion. Mr. S. Devonshire (Levin) thought that tin.- thing was to disseminate knowledge among the owners of marcs. Why not also requiro owners to register mares before they were bred from? Mi. 0 L. Marshall (Marlon) thought Hint thu resolution could be passed every year until something was 'lone. Mr. Matheson thought that a voluntary system should b6 tried before compulsion. Mr Keakes said that he fully recognised the need for some action. He did not beliovu that tho results desired couldbo brought about by a voluntary system. The Victorian Government Veterinarian had reported that it was necessary to supplement tbeir voluntary legislation by prohibiting the use of unsound stallions. He had been informed that', one well-bred horse hwl been condemned for unsoundness in Victoria, and had had tho best, season on record just after his condemnation. 'It. was no T,se tocl;liug tho question through the mares. A mare could only produce two foals in a year, while a stallion, of couise, would be responsible for a mnch greater dissemination of unsoundness. He advocated compulsion, with the exemption of stallions over three years old. It would not do to bring in a Bill which would j ponalise owners who had brought valu- I able, but unsound, horses at high prices. There should be a scale by which all stallions, should be brought under the scheme gradually. The ago of exemption would be raised year by year, and ho should then have a system by which no stallion should be able to' travel without first having received a license. No "ecrnbbors," even if sound, should . be registered. Working on these lines they would get an Act that would be feasible. Mr. Matheson had. said that Victorian buyers had been discouraged in buying here because of the absence ' of inspection, and they had made arrangements by which ' 'the Government veterinary surgeons would inspect before shipment to -Australia. He thought that the scheme would . bo no more irksomo than that of Victoria, or of New South AVales, but would be much more effective. Mr. J. Devonshire asked how stallions, not in'regular service, .such as those owned, by , Maoris, etc., should be dealt with.- \ .-;• : ' Mr. Heakes said that they wanted first to improve the quality of horses serving stallions for a fee. • • Mr. Moss (Eketalruna) moved as an amendment: "That this .conference urges that the system of inspection, as outlined by Mr. -E-eakes, be favourably considered by the Government. ■ With reference to a point raised by Mr. Higgie, Mr. Keakes said that ho would not suggest that, if the owner of a bora submitted him voluntarily. for examination, they should .refuse that ex- , animation. He would not propose to examine racehorses pure and simple. . If, -however, they were used to serve farmers' horses, they would have, of course, to ,be examined. ' ' • ■ ■' Supervision of Dairies. Discussion then took place on a motion brought forward earlier in the day by Mr. Qnirko (Pahiatua), urging the Na- [ tional Dairy-Association to formulate a scheme of dairy inspection. Mr. Moss (liketahuna), in seconding the motion, pro forma, said that ho thought personally that the proposal was somewhat beyond the scope of tho : Farmers' Union. , I Mr. licakes stated that he was cordially in sympathy with the principle of dairy inspection, but the question was how best to carry it out. Such a svstem as that proposed was good enough if it could be got to work satisfactorily. He thought that the present, system.,.of inspection.was working well,-and ;, it''would" be a good thine to giv.e_,it : a v trial, for- ,a while. •-.-Me motion^was l lost. ■;- ! ...''' . '.Postal.: '■-.. -' . Mr. W. J. Moors (Makuri) then moved a series of remits, asking for improved postal facilities, as follows:—(1), That the inland mail contracts be altered so as to give country settlers greater benefits; telegrams should be included in the term "Letters." (2) That, where possible, settlers should get the benefit of rural,delivery. (3) That the price of private bags .be reduced when delivered only twice a week. ' ' " \ '\ The whole of the motions were carried. '■. '■'.. Agricultural Bank. : . .< Mr.' John" Morrison' f.fHalcbmbo) ■- moved that the time is opportune for the union to consider the formation of an agricultural bank or. farmers' combine throughout the Dominion, so that farmers needing financial accommodation for short periods might be enabled to secure it at a reasonable rate of interest, without having to sacrifice their produce as at present. Tho matter was referred to the executive. ' " ■ . Mr; H. A. Nivens (Tenui) moved that weather reports be posted each day at all telegraph and telephone offices. Ho eulogised the work of the Rev. D. C. Bates, Government Meteorologist, which, lie said, had saved his crop of clover this ' year. The motion was carried. Mr. Whitta (Horoeka) moved, arfd it was agreed, that the system of Govern- ' men t: petty contracts be abolished. Another Horoeka remit requested more favourable consideration from the Government for rifle clubs. The motion was carried. Mr. Whitta again moved that the Government be asked to open the Crown lands on the eastern side of the Puketoi Bange, and the south side of the Towai Eange to public competition, and under tho optional systeni. Mr. G. L. Marshall (Marton) moved: "That a.suggestion be given to the universities of New Zealand to establish classes for road engineering, and that the matter bs brought under the notice of the Minister for Education." They had, he said, all suffered from bad roads, nnd he thought that tho matter should be brought under the notice of the university. The conference concurred, and the motion was carried.. I Mr. G. A. Monk (Waikanae) moved: "Tliat legislation be provided making it compulsory that all dogs be chained up at night to prevent the worrying of sheep." ■ ' Mr. lynch thought that the Waikanae people had the matter in their own hands. Mr. Nivens proposed (as an ' amendment) that there should bo "omnulsoi"registration nf dog» and a dog tax, to be collected before March 111 each year. The.amendment was carried. Auctioneers' Commission. Mr. W. .T. Mooro .moved, on behalf of Paliiatua i Central:'"That the selling commission of five per cent., charged by the auctioneers for selling dairy stock, is excessive, and is a heavy tax on the dairy industry." The motion was carried. On behalf of Waimarino Mr. TOrew moved: "That no less than 14ft. be tin statutory width for-dray-road, formation, .nnd lift, for bridle tracks under the Pub lie Works Department, nnd that all road.' (and especially side cuttings) be at loasi 1 -1 ft", wide, and in good ropnir before being handed over to tlin local bodies.' •The motion was carried. It was decided tliat the provincial con fproncp nipr>t nt Wnodvillc next year. Messrs. F. F. Hockly and H. A. Ni vi!iir, wore appointed delegates tt, tho Co lonial Conference, and Mr. Slukbs wai re-elected auditor. Election of Officers. The rlection of officers for the Welling ton Provincial District Executive re sdted as follows:—President, Mr. ,T, G Wilson; vice-president, Mr. W. I!. Mathe son (liangotnai); treasurer, Mr. A. E. llns sell (Palmerston North; executive, Messrs K 11. M'Kenzio (llnstcrton), 'J'. Mos (Eketaliiinn), 11. A. Nivens (Tenui), 1 Hocklv (Huntervillo), J. R. Madonna (Waitima West), J. 11. B. Scott. (Wood ville), 0. P. Lynch (Pnekakariki). AV. .1 Birch .Marton), Captain Ilowitt (Palmers ton North), Ewau CauijibclJ, (Wanganui;

11. Booth (Feilding), A. Howie (Wavcrley), T. Quirko (L'ahiatua). , All tho ordinary business having been dealt with, the conference went into committee to consider two resolutions—oho from Shannon recommending the making of levies on the different branches in proportion to the value of lands used or owned by members. The other was from Halcoinbc and proposed that the provincial president: and half the provincial executive retire eacli year, and be not eligible for re-election until the year following. « Neither motion was reported as carried. The conference ' concluded with votes l of thanks to the chairman, the execu- ; tive, tho chairman of the Marton branch, I and the officers of the union. . During tho afternoon tho (Mogotes were ' entr-rl'aiiK'd at afternoon lea by Mr. Neivl man, MJ\, and the proceedings were onlivened by a recitation from Mr. J. Balsillie. '