FARMERS AND THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1679, 27 February 1917, Page 3

FARMERS AND THE WAR.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS OF CO-OPERATIVE COMPANIES.

Woodville, Feb. 24,

At a meeting of directors of twelve co-operative dairy companies at Woodville yesterday, a unanimous resolution was passed that the National Dairy Association be requested to convene meetings of cheese representatives from the various districts to discuss the :, ! d per 11). butler tax, especially in its relation to the Government commandeer of the whole of the New Zealand output, and also to discuss other urgent matters affecting the industry.

The matter of conserving the interests of farmers drawn in the ballot was discussed, (he opinion being freely expressed that the directors of dairy companies should lie empowered to act as trustees for supervising the farms, but in view of the Government taking action no resolution Avas passed. MEETING AT ELTHAM. Eltham, Feb. 23. A big meeting of farmers was hold at the Town Hall to-day, when 500 persons Avere present. The meeting carried the following resolution; “That this meeting is of opinion that it is absolutely essential that the production of the Dominion bo maintained at its maximum; that, while recognising that the Avinning of the Avar is of paramount importance, the operation of the Military Service Act is depleting the Dominion of so much skilled labour that it must shortly create a serious and dangerous diminution in the products that are of the utmost importance to the Empire; that avc urge: —

“(1) That the Government at once take slejis to organise the necessary jtroduetion lo prevent grave dislocation and loss of production; (2) that in a4cav of the national imjiorlance of maintaining our jirimary industries the Government should establish a board, comprising jiraefical men, for directing and organising these industries.”