FARMERS’ REQUIREMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1478, 12 June 1905, Page 3

FARMERS’ REQUIREMENTS.

DEPUTATION TO HON. J. CARROLL.

One of tho largest and most representative meetings of (armors held in tho district for a long timo assembled at tho club rooms, Masonio Hotel, on Saturday afeornoon in response to an invitation issued by tbo Gisborne brauoh of the Farmers’ Union lo moot tbo Hon. James Carroll. Mr W. Douglas Lysnar presided, and bristly explained that tho meeting bad been called tor tbo purpose of aliowiug tbo sottleis to pla e general matters of im- I portanco before tho member for tho district. FREIGHT CONCESSIONS.

The first matter dealt with was the subject of freights, Mr Lysnar pointing out that this was a question whioh was of vital importance to all members of the Union. He had noticed that down South recently, in replying to a deputation representing the dairying industry, the ! Premier had expressed himself very strongly on the question, stating that the time had arrived when the freights of this colony should bo brought into lino with those .of Australia. It was true that the | Government had done a great deal in tho way of subsidising steamers, but moro could still bo accomplished. Tho present sorvioo to the north of England via South Africa was too long, and therefore almost useless. The boats went first to Australia and thence to South Africa, and it meant a passage of about 90 days before the produeo reached the English market. He thought that tho trip Homo should be done in thirty days. The Government should bo urged to givo better shipping facilities, and ellorts should bo made to secure a direct line to the North of England and .London on tho basis of the freights charged in Australia. New Zealand paid 7s per cwt for butter, while Australia only paid 3s Sd. There was a difference of £d per lb in favor of Australia on all frozen meat sent to England, and this meant Is 2d per sheep lost to New Zealand farmers. It was of the utmost importance that facilities should be granted to bring New Zealand into line with Australian freights. Australia only exported one million sheep per year, whilst New Zealand Bent away four million. There were ten lines of steamers takiDg the Australian produce, and only three in New Zealand. It was necessary for the Government to come forward and give the farmers aid in this matter. Thete was a large number of shippers- in the ooloDy, but on account of the relations between she farmers and the commercial houses of tho colony, it was difficult to get a new company to make a start. If the service suggested was obtained, no less a sum tban £13,000 would be annually saved to the Gisborne .Freezing Woiks, and a similar amount to the other works. A total of £26,000 would therefore be saved, and this did not include wool, butter, aud other produeo. The Government waß at present contributing the sum of £30,000, but they ,-hould be aeked to double this amount. To show the earnestness of farmers in this matter, the speaker had been able to offer to one line a guarantee of 45,000 sheep a voar. It was desired to get New Zealand produce through the Suez aud Home by tho quickest route. Mr John Clark endorsed the remarks passed by Mr Lysnar. There was no doubt that the tendency was for freights to come down all round, Mr Caesar said that if a new line of steamers were brought in and freights reduced the other companies would have to follow suit and bring their rates down. Mr Garroll acknowledged tho honor conceded to him to be present to hear the Union deliberating on such an important matter. The question under review was certainly one of absorbing interest to tho producers of the colony. The Government were only too willing and pleased to have the assistance of those associated with the products of tlie colony, and they would do all in their power to forward the interests of the farmers. The question had beefa under consideration of Government for a long time and the Premier had expressed the opinion that the time had arrived when steps should be taken to secure cheap and light frsightage to the producers. Sir Joseph Ward had for years been studying to see how be could help the farmers of the colony, and the Government would not leave a stone unturned in their efforts to secure cheaper freights. Personally he would do his utmost to secure the advantages they sought. (Applause.) In conclusion, Mr Carroll asked that tho Union should submit to him any practical ideas or suggestions on the subject in order that he might represent them faithiully and in detail to his colleagues. Mr Lysnar said that one difficulty to get over was the relations existing between too shipping companies and the commercial houses in tho colony. The majority of the latter acted as agents for the shipping companies, and received a good deal in the way ol commission. Tho commercial farms had not a free hand in the matter, and could not be expected to fight against the companies engaging them. The movement fair reduced freights must necessarily come fr.om the farmers themselves and from the Government. , After further discussion it was decided to set up a committee to go into the matter, and the following gentlemen were appointed Messrs J. Clark, C. J. Parker, A. J, Cameron, J. Caesar, and W. X>. Lysnar. EXPERIMENTAL FARMS, Mr A. J. Cameron urged the establishment of an experimental farm in Gis borne. There were many diseases amongst atock in regard to which they required information, also as to to the proper sort 03 seeds to sow. The isolation of Gisborne was a strong reason for the establishment of such a farm in the district. He hoped Mr Carroll would bring the matter before

the Government. Mr Kenway : Has this thing been carried by the branch before, or is it Mr Cameron’s own idea ? . The Chairman : This subject has been before tho branch for years, and as Mr Carroll was present it was considered advisable to bring it forward. Mr J. A. Caesar spoke at some length on the question of the poultry industry and the advantage of instruction being given in the matter. Mr M. McLeod supported the proposal. Mr Carroll, in reply, doubted whether there was much chance of an experimental farm beiDg established in Poverty Bay. To do this would mean that each conatituency in the colony would expect tc bo treated in a like manner. It was probable that a farm would be established at some farming centre, such as Palmerston North. The Chairman thought it would be satisfactory to all present if an experimental farm wero established at Palmerston North.

A TAHORA MATTER. The Chairman said that the Tahora settlors had a grievance to place before Mr Carroll. Owing to the class of lease they held, they wore unable to rate themselves j for a loan for a road, and were thus unable 1 to have proper accesß to their properties. The County Council were also powerless to holp them. The Union had decided to suggest that the settlers should be ollowed to acquire the freehold, and also that the Government should assist in tho matter of ! the road. _ . ... Mr Carroll said he was acquainted with the subject. The peculiar tenure under I which the land was held did not permit the holders to borrow for road purposes. I This was a matter which would be conI sidered by Parliament in the near future, I and in tho meantime he would do his I utmost to secure a yoto of £SOO for the I road.

BRIDGE AT KANAEKANAE CROSSING. The necessity of bridging tho Waipaoa j river at the Kanaekanae crossing was ably 1 urged by Mr J. Ciesar. At the present 1 time tho river was bad, and stock could I not bo got over; .often the haulago of I goods and produce was considerably ham- 1 pered. There was a large blook of Go- 1 1 vernmont land in the district which would I | considerably benefit by a bridge being erected. The people of the district had | j started to rato themselves in order to put I a bridge across, but had met with objection I from large runhoiders, who claimed that I they should not contribute, a 3 they did I not uso the crossing. Ho thought tho I Government should givo a substantial l grant towards the proposed work. I Mr C. Brown, of Te Karaka, said that J it bad decided to define tho boun-

f daries and tho poll would bo proceeded with. They wero taxing themselves oneI sixteenth o£ a penny. Ho urged the nooosßity of the Govornmout giving assistI Race. , . ~ I Mr P. Konway aaid that owing to tho I Government leaseholds not boing liable to rating his company’s property os a freehold would have to contribute one-third of I tho total rates. His company had spont £2OOO on another rood, and tho proposod bridge would bo of no use to him. Mr Brown said that Mr Konway had | used tho road in tubing his stores over. I Because Mr Kenway hud an exit to Tolago 1

Bay ho opposed tho loan. Mr Konway said ho had used tho crossing, but ho did uot require it since he had been put to tho expense of about ,£3OOO to make his own road. , Mr Carroll aaid_tho matter had boen

represented to Mr Hall-Jones on tbe any of the opening of tbe Gisborne-Karakii railway. The Minister of Pnblio Works replied that those who wore prepared to heip themselves should be assisted by the Government, and he (Mr Carroll) could only say the same thing. He understood that the people wore taking aertam steps in order to rate thomselvoß, and in these I circumstances ho would certainly say the | Government should give a subsidy. On the motion of Mr Lysnar, sooondod by Mr O. J. Parker, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Carroll for his attendance that afternoon. In reply Mr Carroll said that at any time in a representivo oapacifcyi whether they agreed with him or not on mam questions, he would do his utmost in regard to any matter affecting the interests and welfare of the district. (Applause). A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings, the ordinary business of the meeting being allowed to stand over until tho next meeting