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FARMERS' UNION

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW OF SITUATION By Telegraph-Special Reporter. Feilding, May 25. Tho Wellington Provincial Conference of tho New Zealand Farmers' Union was opened at Feilding this morning. Thcro was an attendance of over 100 delegates, and Mr. G. L. Marshall (president) occupied the chair. Tho president, in his opening address, after referring to tho result of the recent general election and the visit of the I'rince of Wales, said:—

"Although not in the least a pessimist, still ono cannot overlook the fact lint there are grave difficulties to be faced in the near future. In a month's time the commandeer of meat and wool will end. and we are faced with a very d ! llicult position on account of the huge accumulation of frozen meat both here and in London. A conference called by the Board of Agriculture iB to sit in Wellington on Thursday to consider tho meat and shipping question. You have no doubt noticed that the selling price of our mutton has now beeu reduced to 6d. per lb. wholesalo in London. Had this been done six months ago when we asked for it the present difficult position would not have arisen. In view of the fact that tho commandeer which ends on June 30, was meant, to includo all the fat stock offering this season, it seems reasonable that wo should ask that it be extended until all the fat stock offering has been killed. A largo amount of fat stock is being held up in the interior of the island, where stock docs not fatten until the autumn, and many have got only a small proportion of their stock away. Much of .the meat • now in London is stale and unsightly from being cut, and will naturally affect the price of our coming season's, output of meat. Under tho terms of the commandeer all tho meat in store has to bo shippod before any of our next season's free moat can be sent away, and as the freezing companies will be quite half full of commandeered meat when next season opens, they will be placed In a vory awkward position, because they cau hardly be expected to buy stock unless shipping is guaranteed. They would probably rather freeze tho stock on owners' account, and leave the owner to make his own financial arrangements. Unleßs theso terms can be altered I believe tho Government will have to step in and make some. arrangement with the freezing companies and banks by way of guaranteeing them up to, say, T5 per cent, of tho present value ot tho nteat, otherwise the farmcrso"" bo compelled to sell to whoever can pay cash for it._which no doubt some of tho American firms would be in a position to

"When tho commandeer is lifted,, we shall soon "realise" that the cost of transporting our produco to tho worlds market has risen about 250 per cent, sinco 1914, and although prices may remain at a higher level than before that time, it Is questionable how much of the increased price will find Its way into Hie producers' banking accounts. Shipping and other strong combines will probably continue to absorb the bulk of it unless wo are prepared to take united action to protect ourselves from undue exploitation, and this could only bo done by establishing a shipping line of our own. To aohievo this objeot, if no better way of raising the money can bo found, 1 would be prepared to support an export levy on all produce. The-Government could collect it in the same way as a tax. and tho total amount invested m a board of trustees who would have power to invest it in buying or hiring''ships/and each person who contributed would become a debenture-holder to.the amount of his contribution. This seems to me to bo a Dimple way of raising the money fairly nnd equally from all who &re directly intereslea in getting our .produce'on to tho Home markets at a reasonable rate. But tho matter is so urgent that I think it is the duty of the union to make a special ofiort to find out the wishes of fanners without further delay, and branches could be instructetTfo taKc a referendum on the subject in each district throughout the Dominion. Unless some dehnvto step is token-, wo shaft disappoint, many who look to us to fake a leid in this matter! and who bclKfvo that somothing will have to be done, and 1 believe that the unlffn Would receive" mbTe general support if wo' took greater Trouble to voice the opinions of producers more frequently and In no uncertain terms, when important questions such as that of shipping and the control of prices of produco havo to be settled. Tho advisory committee might be called together on these occasions, and if necessary a special conler"lt must be remembered that although priccß of produce have boon satisfactory wo aro only now feeling tho full, effects of the increased cost of production. I am sure many farmers are surprised when they come to make up their returns to find the enormous difference in the cost of growing any crop compared with prewar cost, Almost everything used to produce a crop has about doubled in price, and I am Told that manures will be unprocurable in sufficient quantities next season at any price. In this connection it is satisfactory to know that the Farmers' Fertilisers Works near Auckland are supposed to start manufacturing next August, and should bo able to keep a check on the prices charged for manures. It is reported that there are vast quantities of basic slag in England and on the Continent, and it seem 9 a great pity that ships should be allowed to como out in ballast. Surely slag could bo brought out as ballast. Production must be increased and phosphate manures are urgently needed to help us to get the best results from tho soil.. With the present high price of laud (and I for ono roerr.t extremely that it has reached its present selling value) it is evident that the very beat methods of cultivation must be employed, and I should like the Agricultural Department to start an illustration farm on each class of land, to show what can he produend per acre by employing the best methods of improving tho producing capacity of the soil. Lime has a wonderful effect on many soils, and on clay soils tho growing of clover, peas or beans increases tho fertility of the land, making the application of largo quantities ol manures unnecessary. Seeds of all. Kiud6 arc vcrv expensive to buy, and I hope in future more Becds will be grown looally. It seems that the time has come when we ought to try to manufacture more of our nrimary products hero instead of exporting it all in the raw state. Surely the time has come when we should mako all the blankets and cloth we require hero instead of paying freight both ways and paying a high price for Imported woollen goods. Many of us wonder how It is that we have to pay about thirteen guineas for a suit of clothes, when we know that wo only get about ten shillings for ;lio wool which is required to make the suit. How is the difference made up? It seems that an enormous profit must be made in some of the processes that- the wool goes through. A company is being flouted in Wanganul to manufacture wool, and 1 believe another company is starting in ths Wairarapa, so that evidently the public is waking up to the fact that it is tliuu wo moved in this direction. "Another point of great importance to us is the question of tho control of. the prices of produce. It is obvious that it is impossible to fix the price of any crop, a, year in advance of the harvest. The cost of producing a bushel ol wheat, loi Instance, depends largely upon the Beauon. If blight or an unfavourable season reduces tho yield per acre, the cost pei bushel is increased, but with a fixed price the grower has no hope of recovering his loss hy an increased selling price, and in tho event of a bountiful year the farmer can sell at a less price and still mane a profit and the public get the benefit. At the present time when the grower is oniy allowed 7s. 9d. per bushel for his best wheat, how is it that poultry-keepers ar« being charged 14s. .6d. per bushel for fowl wheat in some places? This is another example of how the practice of controlling prloes seems to bo inefieotlvo In protecting the consumer while discouraging: the producer. Controlled prices means doing away with competition, which is the , 'eoul of trado.' Unless there is unrcstrlct ed trade tho tendency is to increase the margin between what the producer it, ceives and what the consumer pays for the finished article, because It is impoß eible to fix a fair margin of profit for every procqjs which the produce goes through after it leaves tho farm. Ab an example, take tho case of hides. Wo had to accept about half the price which th». hides would havovfirought In the world's market, so that boots could be manm'ae tured at a certain standard price. Catth owners, .including dairymen, were mulcted of a very largo sum of money to make this possible but very few of us have over wen the boots, much less had tho satisfaction of wearing them. In my opinion tho Farmers' Union should havo protested in tho strongest .possible forms against the flvlne of the price of next season's wheat. ■ Under the present conditions, it pay's much bettor to grow oats for cha* Chan it does to grow wheat, and farmers naturally grow the crops which are likely to givo the best returns. If it 'waa absolutely necessary to control the price it I would only have been «, fair deal to limit 1 tho irice which the grower has to pay for the many things used in the production o' the crop, such as manure, machinery, twine, thrashing, and labour, otherwise it , is surely a one-sided bargain. Interfering with natural trade conditions tends (o curtail production, and ultimately the public has to 'foot the bill.'"

REMITS CONSIDERED. FIXED PIUOES, FOR PRO (JOE. A remit was submitted by Marton to the effect that the conference was opposed to the practice of fixin? prices in primary products, as it tended to lesson production, and did not profit the ronsiimimr public. Darin? discussion it was pointed out that farmers generally did not want prices fixed at all, but what tlioy asltcd for

was a free market. An amendment .was carried suggesting that the Government Bhould take into consideration the necessity of encouracins; the wowing of wheat for looal consumption, and that the- price of Buch wheat should be fixed on a minimum basiß, instead of a maximum baris, as .had obtained hitherto. ' The following recommondation from the I'rovincial Executive was adopted withoit discussion: "The conference protests against the continuance of the practice of flxinc prices for primary products in this country, and is opposed to any commlttoe beine aet tip in England by the Imperial Government to have control of the disposal of our exports at Home." Frozen Meat and Shipping From'Waverley the followlnz remit was received: "That until there is some positive solution of tho extrorao congestion of frozen ■ meat, and until there arc bettor trading conditions, the Imperial authorities be asked to continue tho reouieition." Mr. G. M'Gregor, in moving the remit, pointed out tho difficulties which would arise in finding markets when the commandeer was lifted at the cud of June. There would be Ereat difficulty in getting our meat into America and other countries.

Mr. H. Munson pointed out that the Imperial authorities had mads money out of the Dominion meat. Our meat had suffered through rompetim' against American mead at inflated uriros. and this had caused the present "hit He considered the Imperial authorities should extead' tho commandeer until all tho stores wore cleared. If the farmers claimed a free market now, they would be.faced with a most torious position, as they would be left a!, the close of the season with four or five millions of carcasses sf Imperial meat in the Btorcß which would have to be cleared before any of their own meat could Mt got away.

Mr. IV. J. Poison, although opi>osea to the commandeer from its inception, felt that now the only thine wae to arrange for its continuance until the cold ttoros were cleared of tho Imperial meat, Ho quoted fleures to ehow the unfortunate position New Zealand producers would bo in if the commandeer were lifted in June. He blamed the farmera to a great extent for the position which had arisen, as they would not bo unanimous on the question. Of the commandeer -\\iorc not continued. New Zealand would be in for a serious financial crisis. Newa had come to hand that Australia had already arranged for tho extension of tho commandeer. Mr. W. D. Mathieeon pointed out that in tho present crißis they had to bo very careful in' framing any policy. If the mo-' tion were carried as proposed they would run the risk of the stores belmr kept full by interested parties. lie moved as an amendment to add to the mdtion: "At a price 10 per cent. lesß than last year on condition that the stores arc cleared by them 20 per cent, more quickly than meat goes into them." Mr. J. Balsillie, in seconding the amendment, pointed out that tho Imperial authorities could not possibly continue to pnv the prices now ruling. Mr. B. Oamnboll pointed out that if the commandeer were continued the authorities would only take our new season'B fresh meat and still leave the stale stock in store.

Mr. A. S. Coleman cave some information which he had Just received from Home to the effect that the market was being damaged because'of the stale meat which was boina offered In bad oondition and was cominc into competition with fresh meat from America. Mr. 15. Darby opposed tho amendment. It was the-slut at tho other ond which wanted removing before anything could bo done in the Dominion. Ho considered a mistake had been made in not- sending th« Commission Home when it was nropoßed, r.nd the farmers had themselves to blame a good deal for the position in which they found themselven. Tho amendment was lost. The. president said that as one of tho deputation coiner to Wellineton on Thursday, it was hie intention to urge strongly on the Prime Minister to endeavour to have the commandeer extended, so as to includb all this season's stock. Tho motion was carried. The Meat Trust. Mr. 0. Reid moved, on behalf of Carterton and Feathereton: "That the Government be reauested to publish the names under which the Meat Trust is operating in this Dominion, and the names of tho agents of the Meat Trust in this country. This waß promised by the late Minister of Agriculture, but eo far has not .been Riven effect to." Mr. E. Campbell thought they wore asking for an impossibility, but Mr. D. Hiburton said that this had already been promised by the late Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Mac Donald). Tho motion was carried. Representation on Shipping Board. Mr. G. M'Gregor moved and Mr. Vile seconded the,, following' remit from Wavorley: "That a representative of New Zealand, preferably the High Commissioner, be placed upon the Shinpinir Hoard Committee; with shipping interests of the British agencies for the carriaje of frozen produce fiom New Zealand." The remit was withdrawn.

Produoors' Representation, Mr. G. M'Gregor moved, on behalf of Wavorlcy: "That the Government he asked to arrange with the Imperial authorities for a New Zealand representative on the Board of Pood Ministry or Meat Control in England, for the distrihution of Klaw Zealand produce in England; the representative to he nominated by tho New Zealand. Government, aud approved of hy thn Farmers' Union and sheepowners." in doing so, ho pointed out that New Zealand producers wero not properly rcpro-p'-ntcd in connection with shipping at Homo.

Tho remit was withdrawn in favour of one from the executive as follows:—"That a representative in London for the producers of the Dominion be appointed to act in conjunction with the High Commissioner in the distribution, control, etc., of all primary products from New Zealand." Mr. W.. J. Poison pointed out that as soon as *the commandeer was lifted produce would >". absolutely out of the control of any particular body. Mr. Howie thought they were overlooking tho fact that-there was a movement on foot to send all their produ-.'o Home through largo co-operative companies, which would do away with the necessity for such a motion.

The remit was carried with tho addition of a proviso that the representative act in conjunction with the High Commissioner in the interests of the primary producer. Taxation. Mr. N. P. Ncilscn'movtod on behalf of Tiakitahuna: "That the nresent system of taxing on • amount of incomo derived from the land, be amended, and that revenue reoiiired should be raised wholly as land tax. graduated according to value of property." He considered that taxing a farmer on his industry was wrong in principle, and this waa supported L-y ether speakers.' Mr. H. Eooth pointed out that if the tax were on the land Instead of on income, it would mean, in tho case of any disaster, such as the Ractihi firu. that they would have to pay the full tax although their crops wero destroyed. Mr. A. S. Coleman said that many of the larger landholders left their properties in almost unimproved condition, while man with smaller holdingß improved their land and were practically taxed for their improvements. Mr. B. Parsons opnoscd the motion. He contended that the farmer who improved his land got more out of it. and was therefore entitled to pay more in taxation. Other speakers were in favour of valine on income instead of on unimproved land value. Vhe remit waa withdrawn.

Mr. R.' Pattison, for Knmeroa, moved: "That this branch considers that the Commissioner of Taxeß should acknowledge on receipt all returns furnished by farmers on land and income tax business." He nointed out that some farmers got no acknowledgement of their income tax returns, and were afterwards informed that, not having sent in their returns, they were, assessed at a much higher rate than was justified. • Mr. C. 0. Jackson seconded the motion, and gave instances of hardships which had occurred through no acknowledgment being forthcoming, The remit was carried: Forestry. Mr. H. Morrison moved on behalf of Ma6terton: "That owing to the incrcaslua ahortago of timber tha union strongly urges all farmers to givo greater ntten. lion to tho establishment of plantations Of suitable timber and trees." ' . During tho discussion it was pointed out that settlers generally were not planting trees to the extent they should ho to replace tho hush areas denuded. The motion was carried. Imported Timber. Mr. 0. M'llroy moved for Fetldlng: "That the Government be urged to romovo tho import dujy on all timber, and that railway freights on imported timber be brought, into lino with the New Zenland timber rates." • This waa seconded by Mr. F. w. Hubbard, who suggested coupling with It the restriction of exportation of New Zealand timber. , Tho remit was carried a« introduced. Railways. Mr. G. M'Gregor! (Masterton) -niovsd: "That the attention of the Minister of Railways be again drawn to tho urgent necessity for better communication between the port of-Wellington and tho surrounding country districts." He pointed out tho expense and inconvenience of using the Eimutaka incline, which should be dono away with, and a deviation made. Tho motion was seconded by Mr. Jackson, aud. carried. Mr. E. J. Ucan (Knngiotu) moved: "That second-clasß railway stations be connected with tho local telephone bureau in their respective districts for the convenience of settlors receiving goods. and requiring truoks." The motion waa seconded by Mr. H, Vile, and carried,

Mr. R. Allan (Wanganui) moved: That, tho Government lilt the restrictions oft. the sale of damaged railway tarpaulins. Mr F W. Hubbard, in seconding, saidit was simply scandalous the manner m, wh ch old tarpaulins were burned when they might he sold for use by farmers. The motion was carried. Draft ,on Wool. Mr Parley (Wanganui) moved: "That the Government be urged to brine pressure to hear on the Imperial GoNernment to do away with draft, on wool charges of lib. per cwt. -Carricc. .Fertilisers. to H. Morrison (Masterton) moved"That the Government be urged to do. its utmost to supply farmers mi \,™° necessary fertilisers; especially .super. phosphateß and basic slag/ otherwise tha production of foodstuffs will be seriousy curtailed." He . pointed .ou that, many ships were coming out in ballast, whila S was plenty of basic slag available at Home which it would be to the advantage of New Zealand favmerfl to get. Mr 0. Eeid seconded the motion, and endorsed the importance of-getting sup-. P Mr.' Robinson, in supporting the motion,drew attention to new. fertilisers in tho. shape of igonomide. which had come uto vogue in Sweden. . He had suhw ted to Dr Renkea some time ago that he should look into the manufacture of cyonomido in the Dominion, and he had promised °T)i!d Hon. D. H. Guthrie said, the Gov. eminent was alive to the necessity < of providing fertilisers, and. ho understood that Mr. Masscy was making every endeavour to secure supplies. They could .roet .1* sured'tkat all possible would be cone. Ht hoped that matters in conncc ion with Nauru Island would bo settled in July. Mr W. B. Mathicson, for the Provincial, Executive, moved: "That the farmers co-. operative companies in the Dominion be given an canal opportunity of liandlin tie New Zoaland proportion.of the :>auru Island phospluitic deposit, in order that fertilisers may be secured at cost price. • Seconded by Mr. Howie and carried. Commercial Fleet. Mr. A. Buchanan (Palmcwtoii North) moved: "That tho contaence considers indesirability of the harbour boards of tho Dominion being empowered and assisted by tho Government to purchase ft commercial fleet to bo subsidised by the Governuiont." This was seconded hy Mr. H. Vile. Mr. E. Campbell pointed out that the companies which carried our produce Had a stake in tho Dominion to the tune pi thirty millions, and were as anxious to come to reasonable terms as any other business men. Wo could never expect to put on more than three boats, and that would he practically useless. Mr. Howie said that the Gisborno farmers had already gat their own ship in th shape of the Admiral Codnngtou. ana there was no reason why tlic farmers in other centres .should not follow suit. The president thounht the proposal to 'place power in the hands of tho harbour hoards would be dangerous, more, especially as their members were electivti and had no security of tenure.

Tbio remit was lost. Shipping. Mr. W. B. Mathicson (Eketahuna) moved. "That legislation be asked lor to enable a noil to be taken for raising a thlpnint' loan on the security of occupied land.' Ho urged that they should follow Giahomo's lead in the matter of purchasim: boats. The motion was seconded by Mr, D. Heburton. ] Mr. E. Smith opposed the suggestion. He moved that the amount now paid to tho shippinz companies as mail subsidie should bo capitalised, which would mean .about eight millions per year. This would provide twelve ships to be run by tho State. Mr. Smith's amendment waa lost. Eventually the chairman moved c, further amendmont: "That nrovided no satisfactory arrangement can bo made with tho shipping companies for the carriage of our produce for a term of three years, then legislation be asked for to raise, a loan on occupied land, or a, levy on product) if thousht advisable." The amendmen was nut as tho substantivo motion and carried.

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19200526.2.78

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Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 206, 26 May 1920, Page 8

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4,016

FARMERS' UNION Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 206, 26 May 1920, Page 8

FARMERS' UNION Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 206, 26 May 1920, Page 8

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