THE FARM CONGRESS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1191, 28 July 1911, Page 8

THE FARM CONGRESS.

« —-— DOMINION UNION. BUSINESS OF THE THIRD DAY. INTERESTING AND VARIED. • Tho, sixth annual conrerence of tho Dominion Farmers' Union .was continued yesterday, Mr. J. G. Wilson, president, occupying the chair. Land Taxation. •On-resuming, Mr. T. Foster moved as follows on behalf of the Southland Union: .—"That, as the present, system of valuing land for taxation purposes, lias proved a complete failure owing to. tho impossibility ' of accurately , separating the improved from the .unimproved value, this conference considers that a much raircr and much simpler way would' bo to tax on the.annual value, with the same exemptions as capital invested in /other industries, tho annual value to be fhv per cent, of the capital value." \ Mr. J.- M'Queen (Southland) seconded the motion. He thought that tho present ■system of taxation was unfair to tho farimer., ' . -Mr. J. "W. Jones (Taranaki) supported |the motion. . His union had forwarded a (remit very similarly worded. It .was:— "That, the present, system .of taxing farmers on the so-called unimproved • value of,'their farms be abolished; that farmers jehould pay- tax on.their income from land jin tho same proportion as money invested an other industries is taxed; the farmer's income to be calculated at 5 per cent, on the capital value of their holdings, after deduoting all encumbrances in tho shape of mortgages."' -He did not see why the farmer should ,be taxed more -heavily than people who |put their, money, into, any other ventujv. |One'section of the, community should not ibo exploited in favour of another. He jthougtit that they wero hammering in -the right direction.' vMr. J. \V. Birch (Marlon) supported tho motion, which, he thought, would ensure a fairer form of taxation. .Mr.- H.. I). Vavasour (Marlborough) expressed. tho opinion that the farmers had .'been taxed and ground down year after lyear until they did not know whether ■they- were, going to bo driven into tho court, or out of tho country. Some.industries had been driven out, but the unfortunate farmers were anchored with their. land, and could not get out. He.did not .see' why they should be taxed twice as. heavily as other industries. All industries should be placcd on tho same footing. .. •Mr.. Evans'said -that they had been under the present mode of taxation f«r .20 years, but they would bo worse off, if the resolution was passed. They would .bo asking to increase their own taxation, and let the other man off. ' . .Miv Elisor (North Canterbury) urged tlio conference, to move very cautiously before adopting such' a.-principle as that proposed. . The man. -who roado the land produce : to tho best advantage should be exempt from such things as'graduated taxes. t \ -■ . Mr; -Birth' moved. as . an amendment:. "That the present, system of taxation, Ifwbfl- QU-. the. unimproved value being ■most unsatisfactory . (in -.consequence -of. the impossibility of ascertaining the true ;iiiiimproved value), this conference would favour some mere equitable, basis of taxa•tion which would place tho taxation of laud in a just proportion to that contributed, by., other industries."Mr. Evans seconded the amendment. Mr. Elisor thought that tho amendment, put into words what they all wished, yiz., that they were only looking for a lust and fair means of taxation. Tho amendment was carried by 14 to 6. Land Tax Exemption. Mr. Lano moved (on behalf of Hawke's Bay): "That, in tho case of undeveloped lands, the graduated land tax be not imposed for seven years from tho time-of occupation,'on any area where improvements Jiavo been effected to tho, satisfaction of tho land Ward." Mr. Fraser seconded the motion. If this motion Were pursued, he knew of hundreds of. acres of, laud that would ha taken up within a fev; months.' This land would otherwise never bo taken up for years. Mr. M'Queen thought .that the motion might play into the hands of the speculator, aild he did not think that the union should encourage the speculator. Unfortunately, in Southland, the ispccuiator waa rife. jVlore money was made by •selling-fanes than by farming. •In repljing to the points set up in the discussion, the mover stated that he did . not think that the motion was playing ;into the hands of the speculators. There 'was not much margin for speculations in the lands that would .be affected. The resolution was lost .by 12 to 0. t( Mr. Ensor (North Canterbury) moved; That, as a-mortgagor has an exemption of ,-fii'iOOO.from taxation-under the gradu-ated-land tax, such exemption bo allowed when his mortgage exceeds that amount, and that tho mortgagee's.exemption from the graduated laud tax-he .£10,000." Mr. Horrell seconded the motion pro -iSorma. The motion was lost. Rating Native Lands. JJ 1- }y~ J- Birch (Marlon) moved:— 'That fho law with regard to the ratin" of Maori lands is stilt very unsatisfactory, and should lie so amended as to ■place tlie Maori-owner on the same footling as the European settler with regard ■'to both general and special rates " Major Lusk (To Kuiti) seconded the mo,tion. the Native was. just. A3 well ablo •tq-day to look aftor his position as tho average European. It was impossible to collect rates from the Natives at present, the v;hole thing being a farce. Special tana legislation for the Maori was doin» the Native .no good, and was doing harm to the white man. Tho hest thing for 'o give him equal responsibilities, with tho white man. This'would •.make him work his land, and keep him •from the halliard tables, and from geneTal loafing. Mr- Campbell (Wanganui) remarked ithat the white man very often got the ibest of the bargain with tho Maori. Ho ■thought that, if tho Native lands were cut up, and each Nativo got his portion, "there would be .no difficulty in collecting tho rates. A few years ago, it used to ;bo. a common -thing- to see drunken Na'tive women about the- streets, of "tt'aiiganui. Now they never, saw one in a year. The law, . which provided that a -Native ivornan should npt be served with tank, had brought about the change, If same, law was made to apply to the mien, it would be a Clod-send to the race and tlio country. . - Mr. A. L. D. Fraser observed that it •would be.impossible to divide the lands up amongst the individuals, becauso of the enormous oqst of surveys, etc. He V'oul.d support the motion. The motion was carried. Customs Tariff. Mr. W. J. Birch (Marton) moved:"That this conference uso to influence to protest against any threatened increaso in tho import duties as being prejudicial to the producers ot the wealth of the Dominion" -I.he,mover said that in several quarters, it was being urged that import duties should lie increased. This would put up the cost of living, Mr. Vavasour: Will you make an exception 'in the caso of grain? Voices: No. No. Certainly not. Mr. Vavasour moved an amendment to the effect that grain bo excepted. It was n very serious thing to the farmers. Tho Government was subsidising shippin" companies, a.nd onabli.ng them to bring in barley, a/Id cut. the farmers down. This was against the interests of tho farmers, and should bo stopped. ' At. this stage it wa.s pointed out that tho motion was not seconded. Mr. M'Queen seconded , it pro forma. Ha thought • hut the motion should apply to agricultural implements. Mr. Talbot took'if that,the motion was aimed at the engii!"erin<j trade, and advised the conference to bo careful. T'J:o engineering peoplf- iu tho smith turned out very gcoc! implements, and, so far, (hero had not been much to complain about as to, the tost. Mr. Evans expressed tho opinion that the only complaint which tho engineers

liad (to his knowledge) was Ffiat the farmers supported the American goods in placo of tlio New Zealand article, Personally, ho. did. not think that better implements were made anywhere in the world than in Canterbury. T. W. Foster (Southland) moved: "That this conference use its influence to protest against any threatened import duties on agricultural machinery." Mr. Vavasour seconded the amendment. He did not think that. outside competition could stand against the New Zealand article except in a few light articles that could not be made here. Mr. Horrell (North Canterbury) stated Shat the farmer of New Zealand had not "a spark of. patriotism" in him. He believed in supporting local industries in every way possible. He saw the labour troubles that faced them, but, if they handed themselves over to a capitalistic trust, they would be a thousand times worse oil. The amendment was'lost. Mr. Mackgill (Auckland) then moved: "That the conference is of opinion that, tho engineering trade should receive no more protection by way of tariff." This amendment was carried. Imported Grain. Mr. Mackav (Marlborough) moved: "That tho duty on all imported grain bo substantially increased, except where such is imported'for seed purposes," 'He stated that Marlborough, one of the largest producers of barley, was asking for protection. Because the local brewers could not get - this barley at tlieir owli pricelast year, they sent to California, and imported 16.000 sacks, which ivas followed by. further shipments. This most greedy brewers' ring paid Is.'duty to got that barley ■ iii, and the grain '[was actually brought hero in ships subsidised bv tho Government.' Some 300 or 400 farmers in Marlborough were- watching closely what tho conferenco would do with this remit, and, if it was not acceptcd. it might mean t.ko parting of the' ways. The barley came in in spite of tho Is. duty, and they urged that the duty should bo doubled, and, if, necessary, a deputation should wait on the Government and-ask for the increase.. Mr. Vavasour protested strongly against imported barley being brought here in Government .subsidised steamers,.and forcing New Zealand farmers to export , their barley to Australia. It. would-only be justice to put n prohibitive tariff on grainimported for other than seed purposes. Mr. M'Queen (Southland) thought that New Zealand was tho last place that should ask for this protection. It did not reflect ruueli credit on New Zealand. If they, passed the motion they could not conscientiously object to any duties required to carry on any other industry. •They would be stultifying themselves as it was right against their platform. > After several speakers nad opposed tho motion strongly, Mr. Ensor moved: "That Hank 5 of the union bo adhered to. This plank roads: "That taxation, through the Customs, should be for the purpose of raising revenue, and not for protective purposes." On the suggestion of Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Ensor withdrew his amendment, and allowed tho voto to go 011 the original motion. ' , . ' Tho motion was lost on the voices. Replying to a remark -by Mr. Jones (Taranaki), Mr. Mackay stated that Ins reference to "tlio' parting of the ways did not meanNihat the Marlborough men would draw out. He and they recognised that. aIF must work hard . and pull together. Export Duty on Hides. On the motion of the; North Canterbury Union it was decided "That the conference stronglv objects to the imposition of an export duty on hides and greasy jwool." Railway Demurrage Charges. :. Major Lusk .(Auckland) moved:—"That "the conference be asked to urge the jlinister for' Hallways to grant an extension of time beforo demurrage is charged at all stations where there aro no sheds; or Where consignees Jive at a considerable distance from tho railway station, and that' it bo made compulsory for stationmasters to immediately consignees of the' arrival of goods." Tho motion,-was thrown out on a division. To Assist tho Back-Blccks. Major Lusk moved: "That all tablet stations be connected by telephone with tho nearest post office, so that settlers tan receive tho earliest intimation of arrival of goods, the telephone to bo available- to the public." The idea,, said Major Lusk, was to help back-block settlers to get notice of the arrival of 'goods as soon as possible'. This would save demurrage, and prevent the goods -being? knocked about. It was an important thing where a mail had to bring a team in for his goods. The motion was passed. Extra Freights on Imported Goods. ■ On behalf of the Auckland Union Mr. Mackgill moved: "That the system, of charging extra rail .freight on imported goods lind timber should be abolished. Mr. Mackgill thought that., if there was to be protection, it should be through the one. channel—the.. Customs. Taking a 100 mile journey at ton rates, the speaker quoted a large number of instances, ■ including the following rates:— Imported cart-wheels, 10s. fid.; New Zealand wheels, list. 8(1:; imported sheep-dip, ■lis. Cd.; colonial dip, 265. (id.; imported tar, 265. Gd.; colonial, 20s. Od. Sir. Horrell thought that the present system was-vicious, and simplv penalised the'man who lived in the back-blocks. The motion was carried after several other speakers had spoken in its favour. Combined Consignments, Mr. J. W. ■ Jones (Taranaki) moved* — "That this conference enters an. emphatic protest against the system now in vogU6 on tho New Zealand railways whereby two or moro farmers taking stock fron. one station to any one destination, cannot combine together to hire a truck or trucks and send them as ono consignment; and would urge tho Dominion Executive'to bring the matter to the notice of the Minister for Kailways for his favourable consideration." Mr. Makgill seconded the motion, and quoted cases to show that an' alteration ™ needed to allow stock to be bulked into one truck by a number of owners, and instead of each man having to consign his own stock and pay separately for it. Tho motion was passed. Trucking Fat Stock. Tlie Wellington. Union moved: "That the Government be urged to give a' better supply of trucks for' trucking fat stock during tho months of December, January I'ebruury, and March." . I ' l ' llo ,, mov cr.(.Mr.. Campbell) remarked that the motion referred principally to freezing companies. Often, after -eii"a"lng trucks for a certain day, it was found that they wero not there, and the sheep had to be driven up and down the roads lot" perhaps days, whilst tho countryside was being scanred for trucks Mr. Nevins (Tenui) seconded tho motion. He had had experience of the difficulty mentioned. Tho. motion was passed. Railway Weights. Mr. Foster (Southland) moved: "That tho railway authorities be requested to give the exact and correct weight of all produce conveyed where possible, and the users will be prepared to pay a higher charge for same if necessary." According to Mr. Poster, it was impossible to get- tho correct weights. Mr. Talbot seconded the motion. They had hied to get this done in Canterbury but had failed so l'ur. ' Mr. Evans did not see that the request could bo granted without doubling tho number of wagons, and tho fanner would have to pay for them. The motion was passed. Scarcity of Trucks. On behalf of the Southland Union, Mr. Foster moved: "That, as there has been great loss and inconvenience again this season. through tho scarcity of grain trucks', the Minister for Kailways be again urged to provide'a large in'croaso in tho number to be available for next season, as well as covers." Mr. Foster stated that, .at many stations, farmers hud not boen abio to'

truck their grain, ami had had to dump it down at the stati.m-. The rovers wore as scarce as the 11iu-kand there wax a crying need for 1.-oth. The motion was carried. Railway Sidings. The South Canterbury Ur.ion (Mr. Talbot) moved that the .Minister lor Railways be urged to reduce the charge of .£25 per annum for the privilege of using private sidings, and, erecting sidings thereat, to a nominal sum. The mover thought that the .£25 was prohibitive, and he thought that a nominal sum would be, say. .£5. which would be of great use to the farmers, and would not injure the railways. Sheep Trucks and Yards. A further motion by Southland was:— "That, a better system be adopted in the construction of yards and trucks for leading and discharging sheep, and all sheep trucks should be battened." Mr. Vavasour seconded the motion. I'n sonic cases, lie said, sheep were turned out of the trucks in a filthy state. , Mr. Nevins moved that an addition be made to the motion asking that, in future, the tracks should have end-on communication with each other for loading sheep. The motion was carried with the addition. . Grassing Tracks. Mr. Campbell (Wellington) moved:— "That, where roads and tracks avo cut through bush land, the Government or local body in charge o£ the . work shali cause the road line to bo sown with good, clean grass seed, to prevent the spread of weeds, and as an assistance to travelling stock." Mr. Tunnicliffe said that he had been informed by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Nelson,. that instructions had been given to do as suggested in the motion. The motion was carried. Telephone Charges, Etc, It was decided: ''That all telephone charges be the same in each postal district irrespective of distances." It was urged that the man who goes into the back-blocks should not be penalised for so doing. On the motion of the. Aucklaud delegates, it was agreed that the linion urges that the country exchanges and telephone bureaux be open between the hours of 7 and S p.ir.., and that, in the case of conntry offices, they be eonnccted with the nearest doctor, chemist, or hospital by the postmaster before leaving the office if a request is made. Mr. Makgill (Auckland) moved: "That the charge for telephone messages'be reduced from sixpence to threepence, and greater , facilities bo afforded to country telephone systems." The mover thought that there "was plenty of room for improvement. The president seconded the motion, pro for.ma. J.t did not appear to him, however, that the rate could bo reduced, as the Department was, /and had been .for some time past, losing on the service. The motion -was'lost. On the motion of Mr. Nevins (Wellington), it was resolved: "That a reduction should be made to telephone subscribers in cases where more than one subscriber is using the same vjire." Mr. Xevins also moved: "That the Government be asked to subsidise, the erection of all rural telephone lines, and tho cost of administering rural telephones." It was pointed out that the Government had already admitted tlio principle by placing .£2OOO on the Estimates for the work. , Mr. Frasor moved that an addition be made to the motion to the effect that all post offices on the main lines of communication be connected with the system. Mr. Xevins agreed to this. The motion was defeated. Technical Classes. Mr- Foster (Southland) moved: "That technical classes for primary schools be discontinued." Feeling was very strong on tno subject in "Southland, said Mr. Foster. Children were taken as far as 25 miles to attend the classes once a week, and this unsettled their minds. The contention was that the attendance should not. be compulsory. Mr. Slieat asked if two or three different systems obtained in the system. Voices: "Yes?' Mr. Tunnicliffe (Nelson) said Southland should do as his district had done, and revolt against the system, and the Education Board would have to exempt thein. Mr. M'Queen also supported the motion. Mr. Sheat stated that the technical school in Canterbury was one of the best things which they - had. Mr. Tunnicliffe said that what was aimed at was children from, the third to the sth Standards being taken away from their schools once a. week. The president thought that it would be best to. hold the matter over pending the receipt of-further information. ■ This, course vias adopted, and the lemit was withdrawn in the meantime. Country School Children. Mr. M'Queen moved: "That country schools should be grounded and supervised by a competent inspecting teacher, and that the pre-sent system of examinations as to standards of children in primary schools is unsatisfactory." At present, said Mr. M'C'ueen, the country children were at a disadvantage in/having to go to the centres for examination. This remit was also withdrawn to enable further inquiries to be made. Experimental Farms. Mr. Foster (Southland) moved: "That more experimental farms bo established in the Dominion." It was pointed out that the value of the experiment farms in- other parts of Nov-'Zealand was not of great value lo Southland, because of the difference in the climatic conditions, and they would like a farm there. . Mr. M'Queen seconded the motion. Mr. Sheat moved an amendment to tho effect that an experiment farm or experiment pliit be established in other districts in the South Island in view of the diversity of climatic conditions. He -thought" that the Government might get plots where they could not buy a place right out, as a farmer might give a plot which would be worked under a Govvernment inspector. He thought that the Department would always help a farmer w;ho would help himself. Major Lusk stated that he would support the plots, but could not support the .farm proposal. If they made an effort lo get the plots established, they would he doing good work. Mr. Makgill remarked that co-operative experiment plots were actually in operation. and lie .thought that they were an excellent idea. The president observed that tho first experimental plots which lie had seen wero in his district. The difficulty in

visiting I!k> experiment farm-' w<;s (neat, because of I lie distance that had to be travelled and Ihe i .iil Again the soil often differed from that of which the visitors had litwl previous experience.' Hence the experiment plots had been resortcil to lo give lliem advice as to wluit could be done on their own land and soil. Jle hoped that the confercuco would support tlie plots, as lie believed tliat tliey would be of more benefit than the experiment farms, as people did not visit the latter frequently enough. If delegates went home, and urged these plots, they would, lie thought, do an immense amount of good. All they had to do was lo plough tlie land and the Government find a supervisor, the manure, and the seed. The owner of the land got what was taken elf it. .Mr. AVil.-on gave an exhaustive and interesting address in regard to experiments. The amendment, was carried. The conference will resume at 9.30 this morning. Rc-Afforcstation. Mr. E. Maxwell (Taranaki) moved: "That, with a view to encouraging re-afforestation Ijv private enterprise, to supplement that carried on by the State, more particularly with the object of making tree-planting more general, instead of being confined to a few localities, the Dominion Conference endeavour to promote legislation so as to exempt the plantation for timber and shelter purposes, of over an aero in extent, from rates and taxes, and to provide for subsidising such plantations by grants." The mover urged that encouragement should be given to those who planted areas of trees for shelter belts, or building timber. Such plantations were for the good of the Dominion. Practically nolhing was Ijcing done to compensate for the depletion of our forest?, individuals could not afford to set aside large areas for this purpose. He considered that areas of Crown lands should be given to anyone who would undertake the planting. He had been experimenting himself in planting a number of trees to find out the most suitable varieties to grow, but he found that he had to pay rates and taxes on the land so set aside. He contended that he should be relieved from taxation at least until tho trees bccanio of commercial. value. Mr. E. Complicll, in seconding the motion, said ho approved of the motion. Nothing was being done to encourage settlers to conserve the bush; indeed, many bush settlers could not now find enough timber for firewood. Mr. K. Evans said he remembered at Waikari, when settlers were allowed two acres for every acre planted. Mr. Kevins thought that some remission in taxation should be made. Much care was necessary to protect standing bush from destruction: ' The motion was carried. Miscellaneous The following motions were carried without discussion "That.; t in view of the depletion of natural forests, ■ tlis Government continue afforestation, iu suitable localities. 1 ' "That branehes.be urged to experiment' with manures, crops, and fodders." "That the manufacturers bo asked to add a distinguishing mark on grain sacks, showiug the" different sizes of sacks." "That tlie present system of electing representatives of tho Hospital and Harbour Boards is most unsatisfactory, and that the old system of election be reverted to." Election of Officers. Tho following officers were elected for tho ensuing year:—President, Mr. J. G. "Wilson, Bulls (re-elected); vice-president, Mr. G. W. Leadlev, Ashburton (re-elected); treasurer, Ml'. W. J. Birch, Morton (reelected); auditor. Mr. W. Hutherfurd (Palmerstou Xorth); advisory committee. Messrs. J. C. Cooper, -W. J. Birch, r. P.Hockly, and E. Campbell.