N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 28 July 1921, Page 3

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

PUHOI-BRANCH

. There were about forty members present at the last monthly meeting.

After disposing of the routine business, Mr L. L. Bailey, organising secretary, addressed the meeting, particularly dealing with matters brought up at. the last Auckland conference, which was the most "successful yet held. The following remits dealt with are of interest to this district: —

Union Subscriptions. — It was carried that the districts take steps to register under the Incorporated Societies' Act, to .give them a legal standing in the collecting of outstanding subscriptions.

Industrial. —Recommendations were made suggesting that the Government set up an enquiry into the matter of cargo handling at the various ports.

Commercial.—The continued interference by the Government in commercial matters was disapproved of, the conference being of opinion'that such action can only result in prolonging the abnormal conditions now existing. Price-fixing.—The fixing of retail prices by wholesale manufacturers, indentors or importers was considered detrimental to (air trading; the better principle, no doubt. wo,uld be to fix by supply and demand.

Manures and Fertilisers. —It was urged on the Government to increase the penalty for selling manures deficient in quality and weight, and also to advertise any breach of the Fertilisers Act. It was considred that the present penalties were quite insufficient.

Butter Freights on Railways.— The increase of 93% in railway freights on butter was considered exorbitant and unjust—the cost of haulage on one truck of butter of 180 boxes, Helensville to Auckland (38 miles), is ;£8 7s Id. ■ The executive committee was urged to make this matter an urgent one, with the object of having the freight reduced to a reasoaable margin.

Agriculture.—The extension of practical and theoretical training in agriculture for youths at the experimental farms was approved of. Agriculture being the first industry in New Zealand should be given preference over other industries, but apparently it is the last one on the list so far as educational training is concerned.

Agricultural Lime.—A speaker said the whole of the Northern lands required lime, and the railway authorities should be urged to carry it from the lime works as cheaply as possible after the 100 miles free limit.

Cream and Milk Testers. —The conference'considered that men taking up these important posts should hold certificate^ of competenoy.

Destruction of Blackberry.— A remit was carried that Government should set a good example of destroying all blackberry and noxious weeds on all Crown land and unoccupied native lands.

Local Bodies.—A remit from Kaipara requesting that the Municipal Corporation Act be so amended that.only ratepayers can sit as commissioners on a town board was referred to the provincial executive.