SHEEPOWNERS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 284, 25 August 1921, Page 8

SHEEPOWNERS

ANNUAL MEETING OF FEDERATION BURDEN OF TAXATION The annual meeting of the New Zealand Sheepowners and Farmers’ Federation was held yesterday at the Dominion Farmers’ Institute. Delegates were present from the Otago and Southland, Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay, Poverty Bay, and Marlborough sheepowaiers’ unions and the Wellington Defence Committee of the Farmers’ Union. Mr. H. Gascoyne presided in the unavoidable absence of the president, Mr. H?'D. Acland. Reference was made to the good l work done by the president in the interests ot sheepowners, and a motion was phased in appreciation of his services, and expressing regret at his illness. The annual report and balance-sheet, which were adopted, disclosed a credit balance of assets over liabilities of £1383 ss. After outlining a number of the [activities of tlie executive during the year, which have been ventilated, from time to time, the report stated:—"The question of free competition in connection with the purchase of our produce here in New Zealand was considered of sufficient importance to warrant your cpuncil in making a special effort to maintain this principle. At a time like the present it is absolutely necessary that every inducement be given to purchasers of our produce to. operate here in-New Zealand, as with the safeguards provided under the Act, nothing but good can result to the New Zealand producer, especially having in view the statement that our Government is powerless to control shipments of»produ6e once they have left New Zealand ports. The principle of open competition and free markets for our produce here in New Zealand must, in pur opinion, be strictly maintained.” It.was also noted that the proposal for the purchase of a line of insulated steamers had received the consideration which its importance demanded, but it was felt that the preBent was not. an opportune time to seriously consider the purchasing of ships outright, as our industry, at any rate, was in no condition to stand any further burden of taxation. 1 Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follow:—President, Mr. H. D. Acland (Canterbury); vice-president, Mr. H. Gascoyne fHawke’s Bay); treasurer, Mr. M. E. Hay (Canterbury); auditor, Mr. A. A. M'Kellar (Christchurch). The retiring treasurer, Mr. L. C. Gardiner, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks, and a motion was passed expressing sympathy with him' in his illness. The matter of amendments to legislation in connection with labour matters was fully discussed, and on the motion of Mr. ITay, seconded by Mr. J. L. Marshall, the meeting affirmed that power to give preference to unionists should not be allowed.

The, question of the heavy taxation being’ experienced by farmers, especially in regard to land tax, was also discussed, and after various aspects of the matter had been thrashed '"out, the following resolution was carried: “That as tlm burden of taxation, particularly land tax, is pressing unduly heavily ou sheepfarmers nt the present time,\this federation' respectfully requests the Government to consider ways and riieans of affording such relief as may be possible.”