FARMERS’ UNION

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 17 June 1933, Page 9

FARMERS’ UNION

TOKAORA BRANCH ACTIVITIES. EMBARGO ON IMPORTED STOCK. The monthly meeting of the Tokaora branch of the Farmers’ Union was held last night, when Mr. 11. Thrush presided over a fair attendance. It was decided to again have hay and ensilage competitions, to be. judged during the middle of July, and Mr. ■J. Smith and Mr C. Haynes, of the fields division of the Department of Agriculture are to he asked to do the judging. A committee, consisting oi Messrs T. J. Allan and S. J. Bennett, with the chairman and secretary, was appointed to make necessary arrangements. Mr. S. Thrush mentioned that Mr. IV. Jellyman, of Hawera, had promised an ensilage cutter, for the competition, and he was thanked for his generous offer. The chairman mentioned the recent statement by the Governor-General in connection with lifting the embargo on imoorted cattle and drew attention tc the danger from foot and mouth disease. He referred to the destruction of pigs in connection with the recent outbreak of swine fever, and said this was a mere trifle to what would happen if foot and mouth disease broke out in South Taranaki. Mr. S. J. Bennett supported the chairman and stated that they could not take the slightest risk in this connection. Mr. F. Mills said he could not agree with the present speakers. He mentioned where cattle could be imported now, only in a roundabout way and at further considerable expense. The chairman stated that while thal was so, the cattle were at least threemonths longer reaching New Zealand, thereby lengthening the term of quarantine. Mr. O. D. Dickie opposed the lifting of the embargo and stated cases which had come under his personal notice while at Home. He urged the greatest caution. The following motion, moved by Mr. S. J. Bennett and seconded by Mr. Dickie, was carried: “That this branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union takes strong exception to the recent utterances of the Governor-General in connection with the lifting of the embargo on imported cattle and stvongh urges the Government to in no way relax the present regulations.” Mr. T. J. Allan mentioned that- the recent factory managers’ conference opposed the licensing of the man in charge of a dairy herd, and he con sidered that the branch should offer the association its appreciation of their action. Mr. S. Thrush gave notice of motion that the Tokaora branch be wound up, owing to lack of interest taken by members. This will be discussed at the next monthly meeting, when it is hoped several leading members from other parts will be present.