N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1923, Page 1

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

EXECUTIVE MEETS. WELLINGTON, Oct. 24. The Dominion Executive of the Now Zealand Farmers’ Union sat to-day. The president (Mr W. .1. Poison) occupied the chair. The order paper is a large one, and many important questions are set down for consideration. A conference with officials of the Railway Department will take place tomorrow, at which no fewer than twen-ty-three alleged railway tnrilf anomalies will bo discussed. A conference with representatives of the Stock and Station Agents’ Association also has been arranged, at which matters relating to the sale of wool, stock and produce will he considered. The suggested federation oi the Dairy Farmers’ Union and the New Zealand Farmers' Union will come up for consideration, also the question of a federation of producers. One oi the most important subjects set down on the order paper is that with red’eroneo to the position of Mesteys at Gisborne, and protests received from several branches of the union against Mosleys taking over tho Poverty Buy Freezing Company's works. Bearing on the subject, a report from the Meai Producers’ Board will he read.

The executive has received a communication from the Government stating that upon the survey of a block of land, the Lands Department takes immediate steps for raising a loan to carry out road works, and it is often difficult to resist tho demand to open a surveyed block prior to the actual commencement of road works. Money derived from road work is, moreover, very often a boon to pioneer settlers, ensuring some ready money while their sections are unproductive. It is, however, tho policy of the Department to provide some measure of access immediately the sections arc taken up. The I,and Valuation Department wrote:—"So far as this Department is concerned, there is no limit: set by onr valuers or appraisers on improvements which they may he valuing for any purposes. If, owing to local conditions, he cost of effecting improvements wahigh. full allowance would lie given.” The executive discussed the proposed sale oi the Poverty Bay Freezing Works to Yestcy’s.

Mr M. -f. Poison, the chairman, said that the works mentioned were bankrupt and lie thought if the Meat. Board exercised the necessary vigilance the purchase might, he alright. At the present time, however, they were wailing for the policy of the hoard. Other members declared Dial the Meat Board had failed to come up to expectat intis.

■Mr A. Ik Harding, a member of the beard, said that it always had the welfare of the producer at heart. Alter a long discussion a resolution was carried "Thai in the opinion of the execufive in the event of Yestev Bros, being allowed to acquire the work- ~j [he Poverty Bn.v Meat Company it will he a distinct departure from the policy laid down bv this <>|. ganisai ion."