FARMERS MEET

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32407, 15 March 1944, Page 3

FARMERS MEET

NGATEA ANNUAL MEETING ELECTION OF OFFICERS BI& DECLINE IN PRODUCTION The annual meeting of the Ngatea branch of the New Zealand Farmers Union, held in the Ngatea Public Hall on Monday night of last week was attended by a representative and encouraging number of farmers. 'Mr C. W. Schultz was elected to the chair. The hon. secretary, Mr R. E. Tye, •presented the financial report, which showed a small credit balance. After a recent canvass in the district the membership now stands at approximately 65. Mr Tye stressed the importance of branch meetings and the benefit derived from sending delegates to subprovincial meetings and full attendance only can assure the union that the farmers are behind them. Election of Officers The election of officers was then proceeded with, the result being:— President, Mr R. E. Tye; vice-presi-dents, Messrs D. Budding and A. Leonard; secretary, Mr J. Constantine; executive committee, Messrs C. W. Schultb, R. Burke, W. F. Jones, Geo. Hunt, H. Wilson; delegates to sub-provincial conferences, Messrs Tye, Schultz and C. H. Waite. In addressing the meeting Mr Tye said that the occasion had arisen for more than luke-warm interest. There were two questions causing the gravest concern —the reduction of cows 'being milked and the dearth of suitable farm labour. Organisation and then co-operation with farmers in other districts, in support of a united policy was vital. Mr Schultz added that he saw no reason why this branch should not create and extend further activities, in fact, in such a growing district, to do the work of a ratepayers’ association. Hospital Rating It was decided to support the Waikato remit regarding the total abolition of hospital, rates, Mr Schultz remarking that the whole system was unfair and on an entirely wrong basis. A letter from the Netherton branch suggesting the revival of monthly meetings at Paeroa was supported, although it was stated that a dianger may lie in the resolutions made there, through small attendances which would not be the real voice of the farming community. Mr H. Hicks, of Turua, opened a discussion on the serious fall of milk production and how to improve this. He said that the drop was, in 1943, supposedly equal to the production from all the cows between Mercer and ’North Cape and would be more this season. On the Hauraki Plains alone, there had been roughly 2000 more bobby calves (and from a lesser number of cows than the previous year), sent to the works—a very serious and low position and as a result of labour difficulties, there were less fences and drains being maintained and far more noxious weeds thriving. He thought that if the price was right the industry would rectify itself. To Increase Production , Mr Hicks moved the following resolution: That this meeting considers that the dairy industry will suffer further serious decline unless the following steps. be taken—(a) An adequate supply of dependable farm labour be provided to encourage farmers to increase their reduced herds; (b) Satisfied labour can be obtained by paying a wage commensurate with that awarded in other industries; (c) Present prices for dairy products are raised to enable farmers to engage such labour, should it be available. He stressed that these points should be. brought forcibly to the Government’s notice and that the farmers must do their utmost, towards the improvement of the fast-declining dairy,, industry which is not only a grave loss to farmers but also to the Dominion. Need For Fertiliser Mr Burke and Mr Schultz asked that Mr Hicks embody in his resolution a strong appeal for fertilisers, otherwise it was no use rearing stock which would starve off the land l , particularly hill country. Clause (d) was then added to the resolution, that a greatly increased quantity of top dressing be made available for application to ; such land as may require. Mr Schultz ■ moved that a copy of the resolution be sent to the local M’sP.‘ ! ( Carried). Mr Dudding thought that the pig industry was' ‘in 1 just as critical a situation and should be reviewed 1 on account of the 'continued' "fail in pro? duction. The following resolution was carried after some debate: That the average price of 9d per lb. be intim-

ated to the Government, to be paid to farmers for pig meat. Such would cover the cost of production and 1 show a reasonable margin to pay for labour, thus stimulating the pig industry. Rally Of Farmers Mr C. H. Waite moved and Mr P. Leonard seconded that this meeting of the ’Ngatea. branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union consider it advisable to hold a rally meeting of all Hauraki Plains and Thames Valley farmers to which dairy industry leaders’ should be invited. It was also unanimously agreed to make investigation into the possibility of reinstating local licenses for stock and farmers’ produce transport, to those who have previously held’ them in the district. Mr Tye welcomed all new members and sought the co-operation of Turua, Pipiroa and Waitakarui’u farmers. It was decided to hold' the meeting of the Ngatea branch monthly on the third Monday of the month and for nine months of the year. Officers Congratulated Mr Burke extended congratulations to the newly-elected officers for the manner in which they had conducted their first meeting. Supper was provided and a hearty vote of thanks recorded to Mrs R. Burke and Mrs T. Rigg who served it. ’