FARMERS IN KHAKI

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3006, 17 February 1917, Page 10

FARMERS IN KHAKI

SUPERVISION OP THEIR PROPERTIES. > By Telegraph.—Press Association, . Chiistchurch, February 16. 'A- meeting convened by Mr. Duncan Riutherford was held at Culverden today to formulate a scheme for tho supervision- of' the farms of farmers ivho are called up in. the ballot. . Mr. Rutherford,. in outlining a sehome for tho appointment of a Board of Trustees, said that he understood that a syndicate had been formed in Christchurch to buy the -'farms of soldiers who are compelled to sell out and get into khaki, and he considered this a disgrace. Tho Commissioner of Crown Lands had informed him that if the trustees were appointed and any farms leased from the Government wero not paying their way applications for a reduction of rent would bp very favourably considered by the Land Board. After a full discussion Messrs. 11. R. Davison, J. Gallagher, and Duncan Rutherford .were appointed trustees for tho Amuri County, with one other to be elected by the Waiau district. ■ The following resolutions, were carried :— ■ ; "1. That before taking over a farm an inventory of the stock and plant to be taken,-and valuation be made of the farm." . . 2. Power of attorney to be given by the fanner to the; Board of, Trustees. : "3. 'A . married "working foreman to be employed to manage the farm. ; . 4. Stock agents who have usually done the business of tho farmer will still be employed, and also do his accounts. Tho trustees reserve the right to change tho agents of any of the farmers if in their opinion it is considered advisable in the interests of tho farmer. "5. Agents will draft the 'fat stock from the farm for sale, and the trustees will decide whether the stock will be sold at tho local or metropolitan market. "6. That tho trustees be ablo to lodge appeals on behalf of those connected with thrashing plants. "7. That this meeting of Amuri farmers requests the Acting-Prinio --Minister to urge the Industrial Efficiency Board to take into consideration as soon as possiblo the question of defining essential workers in connection with agricultural aiid pastoral pursuits, and especially with respect to chaffcutting and thrashing, and that this meeting is further of the opinion that a farmer should bo appointed to the Industrial Efficiency Board."