WAR DIFFICULTIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21113, 5 June 1943, Page 2

WAR DIFFICULTIES

“DESPERATE POSITION”

PRODUCERS’ PROBLEMS

FARMERS’ UNION MEETING

War handicaps being suffered by producers were referred to at the annual meeting of the Poverty Bay provincial members of the Farmers' Union.

"Owing to the heavy draw of manpower from farms for military service,” stated the president. Mr. J. E. Benson, in submitting a review of the year, "many farmers, are in a desperate position as regards help, and any hope of maintaining the standard of pre-war production has gone. I refer particularly to grassland farming, deterioration rapidly setting in, and fences falling into disrepair. We trust that some measure of relief will be forthcoming by the release from camp of men unlit for service overseas.

“A shortage of shearers for the coming season is causing serious concern amongst wool-growers, but after having been in close consultation with the authorities, I am very hopeful that the position will not be as difficult i !S it appears at present. "The dissatisfaction so long expressed by the Dominion executive at the actions of the Meat Board lias at. last reached a stage when it is proposed to nominate three producers’ representatives on the board at the next election in August, Messrs. Mulholland, Briscoe Moore, and Lloyd Hammond. “Owing to the alarming reduction in the production of pig meat, the union is'of opinion that some special allowances should bo made to pork and bacon raisers, either by way of an increased price or cheaper pig foods. This, we believe, is most important on account of the largely increased consumption at present. II is a matter of national interest, anu every inducement should be made for farmers to increase production. Dairy Production Down “Although the dairy farmers' production has not been up to last year j. figures, accounted for no doubt by a period of dry weather and consequent shortage of water, still they have done reasonably well. The sheepfarmers, 1 think I am safe in saying, have had a good year, although lambs in most cases have been hard to finish, the good prices have in some way compensated. Grown sheep have done well. Cattle markets have been excellent this in no small measure being due to’the advent of the railway, and in consequence the presence of keen outside buyers being most noticcab.e at all fairs.” . . It was decided that the provincial executive should meet quarterly, the business in the interim to be conducted bv a small committee of members handy to town, but the president stated that any member was entitled to attend the meetings. Messrs. J. E. Benson, W. T. Veitch and J. B. von Peip were appointed the small comnii ttcG The-following officers were elected: President, Mr. J. E. Benson; viceorosidents, Messrs. W. T. Veitch and ,T B von Pein; executive, Messrs. G. S'. Bridge (Motu), G. A. Brown and A. M. Newton (Puha), H. B. Bull and C. Cooper (Patutahi), F. Chartens (Kannkanaia), P. W. Mossman (Tiniroto), C. Tietjen (Makauri), H. J. Lougher (Waerenga-a-hika). T. W. Sewell (Ngatapa), J. E. Hope (Matawai). R. D. Dymock (To karaka), H. R. Irving (Tolaga Bay), J. E. Brosnahan tWhatatutu), M. T. B, .Hall (Hangaroa), F; S. Bowen. (MuriwaiWharerata), M. T. Traflord (Waimata), E. U. Richardson (Wharckopae), W. E. Honey (Otoko), A F. Fitzgerald (Mangatu), R. F. Holden (Whataupoko-Poujiwa), W. A. McCliskic (Manutukc), and R'. Graham (Ormond).