NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 13 February 1919, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' UNION.

KAIPARA SUB-PROVINCIAL

DISTRICT

Minutes of meeting of the Executive Committee held in the Board Room, Helensville, on Thursday, January 30th, 1919.

Present: -Mr Edwin Harding, President, in the chair; Messrs P. McDermott (Avoca), A, Mason (Helensville), E. G. Appleton (Hoanga), J. Morrison (Kaipara Flats), O. B. Snelling (Kaukapakapa), R. C. Smith (Matakohe), A. C. Booth (Mareherao), J. Dunn (Nauraai), (Omaha), (Paparoa), G. Thomson (Port Albert), J. Dunn (Raupo), E. Taylor (Tangiteroria), R H. Steventon (lauhoa), G. McHardy (Te-Arai), J, Stallwurthy (Te Kopuru), J. R. MoFarquhar (Waimauku), G. H. Wilson (Wellsford) J. Grey Witheford (Wharehine), W. Hamilton (Warkworth), and Jas. McLeod (treasurer.) ,

Apologies from Messrs H. Smith, Naumai, and J, Scholium, Puhoi.

Minutes of the Executive meeting held on November 4tb were taken as read.

Vote of Condolence —Moved by Mr E. Harding, seconded by Mr Appleton—That this Union extends to the relatives of the late Mr E. Trounson, Mr Roy Dickey, and Mr A. Dawson, Warkworth, their deepest sympathy on the loss of their loved ones. The motion was carried, the delegates standing in silence.

Cattle Tick Pest—The Secretary read a report from Whangarei Sub-provincial District, stating that the President of that district had explained that the Agricultural Department had agreed to wait six months before taking any steps to gazette the district as an infected area. If in the meantime steps weretakeij by farmers to provide dips, etc., the proclamation would not be necessary. A dip had been arranged for at Mangapai.

Te Arai reported no tick in the district.

Katiu-Aranga reported that as regards this district most settlers have not seen the tick.

Waimauku reported that the pest is unknown.

Avoca : That the cattle tick is in the district, but very rare, and under the circumstances dipping is not necessary.

Omaha : That we have nothing further to report.

Nanmai: That the matter is not sufficiently serious ; the pest is easily dealt with by conscientious farmers by spraying, etc.

Messrs R. 0. Smith, E. Witheford, R Steventon, C. Appleton, J. Stallworthy, and E. Taylor also spoke on the matter, and various good suggestions were made and noted.

Moved by Mr E. Harding and seconded by Mr Stallworthy— That the Agricultural Department be asked to defer imposing any restrictive regulations in regard to the Cattle Tick, and that they be advised that the N.Z. Farmers' Union are urging farmers to take steps to free the district from the ipest. Further —That all members Kaipara Branches be asked to urge such steps to eradicate the pest. — (Branches note.) Carried unanimously.

Repatriation Scheme for Returned Soldiers —The scheme as outlined by the R. S. Association and Second Division League was read, and after due discussion it was resolved, on the motion Mr R. C. Smith and Mr O. B. Snelling —That we express our confidence in the Prov. Executive, and ask them to deal with this matter. — Carried unanimously.

Correspondence Course in Agriculture —A letter was read from the Provincial Executive urging the farmers of this district to take up the course.

Mr Kolier, Kaukapakapa, who was present as Secretary of that Branch, spoke very strongly in favour of the Qourse being taken and urged everyone present to lake a course if they had not already done so,

Mr Stallworthy also spoke in favour of this matter, and said he had taken the course and found it very valuable and instructive.

Mr R. C. Smith urged the Branches to take the matter up, and to give Mr Kallaugher (the Supervisor) more encouragement irf the matter.

Moved by Mr Stallworthy and seconded by Mr §teventon—That Branches urge their members to take up a correspondence course in agriculture.—Carried unanim-

ously

Reply to Remit No. 3 Avoca Branch—"Jn view of the shortage of shipping it is desirable

that the Farmers' Union should form a Co-operative Shipping Company or as an alternative the Government should be approached to form a State-owned fleet."

The Secretary reported that he had written to Mr Huey, the Provincial Secretary re Mr Lysnar's scheme of shipping. Mr Huey had forwarded a booklet published by Mr Lysnar, which had been sent on to every delegate. Since then, acting under instruction of the Advisory Committee, he had communicated with Mr W. Douglas Lysnar of Gisborne, extending an invitation to that gentleman to give a series of addresses throughout the Kaipara district. Mr Lysnar had replied stating that he would be pleased to address meetings of farmers in connection with meat, produce, and shipping problems, and, further, that he would pay his own expenses.

The offer was highly appreciated, and the following commit• tee was set up to arrange the itinery : Messrs E. Harding, A. Mason, J. McLeod, G. H.Wilson, W. Hamilton, W. Gibbs, R. C. Smith, J. Duna, J. Stallworthy, E. Taylor, W. Gieson, and the Secretary—Carrie.d

It was requested that the Branches support the object, also to arrange for accommodation, etc.

It was resolved that the Whangarei district be asked to co-operate with us for an extended itinery.—Carried.

REPLIES TO REMITS

—From Provincial Executive—

Remit 'No. 2 Warkworth Branch—" That the Farmers' Union protests against the system whereby returned soldiers pay rates on a higher or later valuation than civilians in the same district."

The Provincial Secretary was instructed to find out the exact position from the Valuation Department and bring the matter before the Executive at their next meeting.

Moved by Mr E. Harding and seconded by Mr R. C. Smith — That this remit be again sent on to the Provincial Executive, pointing out that they have not grasped its significence or importance on this matter. That blocks of land when subdivided for soldiers' settlements and subdivisions are re-valued by the Valuer General; that this results in the sub-divided area bearing an undue proportion of the taxation of the district. This has occurred especially in regard to returned soldiers, notably Streamlands Estate, which has brought considerable hardship upon the settlers. This Executive is of opinion that an alteration of the law is imperative. — Carried unanimously.

No. 12 Paparoa Branch—"This Branch protests against the unjust charge for stock trucks on the Public Works portion of the line north of Ranganui."

The Prov. Executive, replying, consider this a matter that' can be dealt with by the Sub-prov. Executive as it is of a purely local character.

Moved by Mr Witheford and seconded by Mr Booth—That the situation be pointed out to the Acting Prime Minister, and urge him to do something in the matter. —'Carried unanimously. It was further moved by Mr Harding and Mr Snelling—That we write to the Exeoutive Committee and point out that tfris Executive considers that the Public Works oharges as voiced in remit No 12 av-e of more than local interest, and the question should be taken up strongly by both the Provincial and Dominion Executives.—Carried unanimously.

No. 15 Warkworth Branch — " That the Government be asked to impress on the Imperial Government the importance of basic slag to the Dominion as a fertiliser, and ask them to ship large quantities to this Dominion immediately hostilities cease."

Reply from Prov. Executive— That the question of the supply of fertilisers and raw matejial has been brought very prominently before the Prime Minister, and we understand the Parrqers' Fertiliser Company are sending a deputation to Wellington with a view to impressing upon the delegates to the Peace Conference the urgent need of an adequate supply of fertilisers.

Reply approved of.

( No. 16 Warkwortli Branch— " That the Government be urged to secure for this Dominion phosphatic deposits so that farmers can have same at reasonable prices."

Reply from Prov. Executive— That Mr Massey stated" that the ultimate disposal of Ngaru Island will be disposed of at the Peace Conference, and it is hoped that

New Zealand will secure the valuable deposits of phosphates which the Island contains. Reply received and approved. Moved by Mr R. C. Smith and seconded by Mr McFarquhar— That we write to the Prov Executive asking them to move \n - the matter and approach thY 5 Dominion Executive and ascertain the position re this Island and urge the K.Z. Government to secure these phosphatic deposits. —Carried imanimously.

No. 17 Te Kopuru Branch— "That with a view to securing to the producer a regular remunerative price for eggs, the Kaipara Executive be asked to obtain the best information on the preserving and marketing of eggs. The formation of Egg Supply Associations and any other details that may assist the industry, and disseminate the same among the Branches with its recommenda" tions."

Reply approved

The Secretary read a letter from the Auckland E<?g Producers Association, enclosing booklet and offering to give all information re the starting of branches in any district. The Association offered to send a representative to lecture on these matters if any district was interested in egg production.

Moved by Mr Stallworthy and seconded by Mr Thompson— That the booklet be forwarded to Te Koporu Branch, and that other Branches interested be recommended to apply to the A.E.P. Association. — Carried unanimously.

—From the Branches—

No. 4 Tangiteroria Branch—Re commissions on sale of stock, was endorsed by Helensville, Tangiteroria, Matakana, Warkworth, Waimauku, Kaipara Flats, Te..* Kopuru, and Dargaville.—Refered to Prov. Executive.

No. 7 Hoanga Branch—" That the Land and Income Tax Act 1916 as amended by Financial Act 1917, be amended so that a farmer shall pay Land Tax on the total unimproved value of all land owned by him after making by way of special exemption from that value the total amount of all mortgages owing thereon."

Supported by Wharehine, Waimauku, Helensville, Kaukapakapa, Warkworth, Kaitui-Aranga, Avoca, Matakana, Matakohe. Moved by Mr Snelling and seconded oy Mr McDermott— That this remit be sent to the Prov. Executive.

No. 8 Kaihu Branch— ", That this meeting considers it. a disgrace that no lavatory is provided on the Kaihu-Dargaville train, and requests the Department be asked to provide one immediately-"

Moved by Mr Hamilton and Mr Stallworthy—That this remit be sent to Prov. Executive, with the addition that no railway trains should be without this convenience.— Carried unanimously.

No. 9, Omaha Branch— "That the Government be urged to define and take over the main arterial roads and maintain^ them." "*

ii £ 1S remit was suPP<>rted by all Branches, and on the motion of Mr Stallworthy and Mr Hamilton, was referred to the* Prov. Executive. $

No. 18 Avoca Branch— "That where Crown Lands adjoin land " already settled the State should '" automatically and immediately' become liable with the individual in the cost of fencing, and further that a ane should be cut one chain wide on the Crown land. The Crown Ranger, at the Government s expense, to decide * fair value.' j

This remit was supported by Matakana, Matakohe, Waimauku, Hoansfa, Naumai, Kaukapakapa, HelensviUe, Warkworth, Katui-Aranga, Tauhoa, Omaha

,J*°7 d A hI Mr McDermott and S seconded by Mr Taylor—That u^e. referred t0 :i

.. T ?° 1^ Helensville Branch-^ lnat this branch considers thA time has arrived when the Gov^ eminent shquld facilitate the £ -^orth Auqkland district." / T a m-h X^ mit u was suPPorted by piovhe E bxc a o nut:r nd referred :

No. 20 Helensville Branch-^ di^ n heEof curjrinho!. operative lime works " ' aiut Brat'heT SUPDMted by mit? th% m^ tion of Mr MoDer-

supplies of lime which could be turned out at a moderate cost.

It was unanimsusly resolved to send a copy of the remit to the Secretary Kaipara Lime Co., Manga whare.

Mr Jas. McLeod suggested that every^jWate should take this matt^pp and that the Branches be asked to send samples of lime to be tested.

It was then moved by Mr MeLeod, seconded by Mr Stallworthy —That samples of lime stone be procured from each district and sent on to the Government to have them tested, and a record be kept at office. — Carried.

Secretaries, please note, and send on required samples.

BUSINESS "REFERRED FROM

LAST MEETING,

Remit No. 25 Te Arai Branch — " That the Government be urged to open gum lands of the North for free selection under residential and improvement clause — returned soldiers preference."

Moved by Mr McHardy and seconded by Mr Smith—That this* remit be referred to the Prov. Executive, requesting them to bring the matter urgently before the Minister of Lands.—Carried unanimously. y

No. 26 Te Arai Branch—"That the night train run through to Ranganui instead of stopping at Wellsford as at present."

Moved by Mr McHardy and seconded by Mr Smith —That this remit be sent on to the Prov. Executive with a request that the matter be made urgent. —Carried unanimously.

Re Position of Treasurer on Executive. — The Secretary reported that he had written to Mr Huey, Prov. Secretary, who replied that it is distinctly laid down in the rules that the Treasurer is a member of the Executive, and consequently has equal voting power with the other members of the Executive.

Re Position of members of the Auckland Branch N.Z.E.P. residing in a Sub-provincial district and not members of any Branch in the Sub-provincial area. — The Secretary stated that he had written to Mr Huey, Prov. Sec, who stated that he had no ruling on the matter.

It was then moved by Mr Harding, seconded by Mr Smith —That the Prov. Executive be requested to notify all members who are not members of some local Branch that they will not be recognised as members after the end of their financial year, except as members of one of the Sub-Provincial Branches. —Carried unanimously.

Re Farmers' Club. —On the motion of Mr Mason and Mr Harding, the matter was left in abeyance. The Secretary reported that the sign-writing on the windows had not been done, as the owners were anticipating alterations to the building. • NEW REMITS No. 27 Waimauku—That this Branch considers it desirable that Secretaries of Branches should be supplied with sufficient copies ot the minutes of the Kaipara Sub-Provincial District Executive Committee meetings so that each individual member of a Branch may be supplied with a copy prior to the usual Branch monthly meeting, in order that members in ay have a comprehensive view of the business to be brought forward for discussion. Remits to the same effect were received from Helensville, Te Kopuru, Kaukapakapa. This remit was supported by Mr Stallworthy, who moved, and Mr Mason seconded —That we aooept the offer of Mr F. Mackenzie for the supply of 600 copies of the ECHO (posted) containing a- full report of the minute of Executive Committee meetings.—Carried unanimously. No. 28 Waimauku—The Farm ers' Union, through the Kaipara Sub-Provincial District, desire to urge upon the N.Z. Government the desirability of repatriating all eneDl y^irterned prisoners in N.Z. fully pP^in£ that these prisoners are detrimental to the best invests of this Dominion as a w hole, and constitute a very crave and'serious menace to the welt b<3in£ of c P°Pulation of this Dominion, individually and collectively, if allowed to resume their vocations as before the war. -, fflfejs remit was moved and supported by Mr McFarquhar and seconded by Mr Smith, and parried unanimously—That tnis remit be sent to the Prov. Executive. No 29 Waimauku,—The remit sent b,y Waimauku Branch Was rejected, and with permission «ri «r)broval of the delegate, the JSlQWfo* ™s substituted:-That

the attention of the Prov. Executive be called to the advisability of the urgent necessity for a Justice of the Peace for Rewiti district.

This remit was moved and supported by Mr Harding, seconded by Mr Booth, and carried unanimously.

No. 30 Waimauku — This Branch notes with alarm, notwithstanding the cessation of hostilities, the continual increase in the cost of living ; as also the increased cost 6f almost every item required by the farmers for the successful fertilization of their lands in order to make the same more productive, and most emphatically desires to urge on the N.Z. Government, through the Kaipara Sub-Prov. District, the desirability of the Government controlling such prices, confident in the belief that if the Government is able by law to regulate the prices of primary products as against the producers, they (the Government) are in duty bound compelled to take steps to regulate the prices charged by merchants and others as a matter of equity between buyers and sellers, present prices in many cases being exhorbitant.

Moved and supported by Mr McFarqiiar, seconded by Mr Smith, and carried—That this remit be sent to the Prov. Ex.

No. 31 Omaha—That the Government be urged to prohibit the importation of egg pulp into the Dominion, it being detrimental to all poultry-keepers.

This remit was moved and supported by Mr Stallworthy, seconded by Mr Snelling, and referred to the,. Branches—Carried unanimously,

No. 32 Te Kopuru—Taken with No. 27.

No. 33 Te-Kopuru—That this Branch wishes to impress upon the Sub-Prov. Executive the duty of seeing that the Kaipara is not neglected in regard to the supply of electric power.

The President, Mr Harding, spoke very strongly in favour of some combined action being taken, and the necessity of securing for the North Auckland district the advantages of the electric power service.

Mr Harding then moved —That the Branches be asked to report on any power available, also as to their views of the power in their district and if possible to supply a survey and report. This was supported and seconded by Mr Stallworthy and carried unanimously. (Branches please note).

Mr Harding then further moved —That the Prov. Executive be requested to urge upon the Government to obtain a survey and report on any water power in North Auckland suitable for electric power, especially in regard to the water power of the Mangakahia River. This was strongly supported by Messrs Smith and Stallworthy, seconded by Mr Mason, and carried unanimously.

No. 34 Helensviile — Taken with No. 27.

No. 35 Kaukapakapa — That notice of meeting forms be supplied to each Branch Secretary. Mr Harding moved —That the Secretary make enquiries from Prov. Sec. as to the terms and conditions on which these forms are supplied, also cost of same. This was seconded by Mr Snelling and carried unanimously.

No. 36 Helensville — Taken with No. 27.

No. 37 Kaukapakapa—That the Railway Department be urged to reduce the freight on stable manure.

Moved and supported by Mr Snelling, seoonded by Mr Hamilton —That this rems be sent to the Prov. Exeoutive, —Carried unanimously.

No 38 Warkworth—That the Government should be requested to grant free conveyance, accommodation, and tuition at the experimental farms for not less than one week each year to returned soldier settlers.

Moved and supported by Mr Hamilton, seconded by Mr McLeod, and carried unanimously— That this remit be sent on to the Prov. Executive.

No. 39 Warkworth—That we are of opinion that the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act is not being administered in the best interests of the soldiers, and urges upon the Government that it is desirable that Advisory Boards be set up consisting of three practical farmers nominated by the local Farmers' Union, and that no local land be purchased for soldier settlements until such time as it has been approved by-such Board.

'After due discussion this remit was supported by Mr Hamilton, seconded by Messrs McLeod and

Taylor, and carried—That this remit be sent to the Prov. Ex. No. 40 Kaukapakapa—That a strong protest be made to the auctioneering firms against the high commission chaiged on the sale of bulls and. springers. Moved by Mr Snelling and seconded by Mr Mason —That this remit be sent on to the Prov. Ex., to lav before the Auctioneers Association. — Carried unanimously. SECRETARY'S REPORT The Secretary then read his report, which stated that the work had been seriously hampered by the epidemic. The services of the organisation offered to, and accepted by, the local authorities during that time ; this action was endorsed and approved of on the motion of Messrs E. Harding and O. B. Snelling. The districts of Waimauku and Kaukapakapa have been systematically worked with satisfactory results. Statistics of membership showed an increase of 61. FINANCIAL STATEMENT . The Chairman stated that the Finance Committee had met on December 20th, 1918, and had passsed the following accounts :—• £ s. d. Salaries ... ... ... 56 5 0 Delegates Expenses1... ... 11 6 1 Auckland Branch levies ... 67 18 0 Other expenses ... ... 56 19 7 U £192 8 8 After these accounts were paid there was a credit balance to date at the Bank oc N.Z. of £140 13s 7d. The Committee approved of and eudoised the action of the Finance Committee Li pacing ice accounts. Accounts were then passed for payment as follows:— £ 8, d. Salaries ... ... ... 27 10 0 Delegates expenses ... ... 16 4 1 Levies to Branch ... ... 4 5 0 Other expenses ... ... 110 0 £49 9 1 The President then read a letter from Mr Boddie, President of the Provincial Executive Committee, regarding the re-organis-ing of the N.Z.F.U. On the motion of Mr McLeod, seconded by Mr Mason, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Boddie for his information and suggestions, and to inform him that this Sub-Provincial District is quite agreeable to attend a Conference if one can be arranged.—Carried.

Mr R. C. Smith spoke at some length, and suggested ■ that we should have a further conference and lay down some permanent scheme for the Union. This was supported by Messrs Hamilton and Stallworthy.

The President then read a letter from the Franklin SubProvincial District, de i!i,i •■ with the matter of re-organise tion.

Moved by Mr Harding and seconded by JVlrMoLeod —That the letter be received, and to advise the writer that the matter would receive consideration and support, nnd this district was supporting a proposition from the Prov. Executive to hold a conference to re-consider the constitution of the organisation.—Carried unanimously.

Date of Next Meeting.—Left with the Chairman to arrange —■ on a Monday if possible.

It was moved by Mr Harding, seconded by Mr McLeod —That subscriptions to all papers be stopped.- Carried.