N. Z. FARMER'S UNION.

Motueka Star, Volume I, Issue 33, 3 December 1901, Page 3

N. Z. FARMER'S UNION.

MOTUEKA BRANCH

A general meeting of the above branch was held in the Church of England school room on Saturday evening. Fourteen members were present, including Mr S. Wratt, the President, who occupied the chair. The Chairman briefly explained the object, of the meeting, which was to discuss the resolutions passed at the last Committee meeting.

The first recommendation was to the effect that grain sacks should not exceed four bushels.

Mr R. Pattie, in supporting the suggestion, said that he knew from experience the four bushel sack was quite heavy enough for any man to handle ; many had been ruined physically through lifting heavier bags. Mr Hursthouse, who was of the same opinion, explained the reason why the larger bags came to be used. At one time the Railway Department counted 10 sacks to the ton, irrespective of weight; the merchants gradually increased the size of the bags to 56 inches, the result being that now the department declines to accept the last mentioned size in the count. Mr Trewavas also maintained that the large bags were too much for an ordinary man to manipulate.

On the motion of Mr Hursthouse seconded by Mr R. Pattie the recommendation was adopted. The suggestion with reference to a reduction of the sheep tax was next discussed, and after considerable discussion the following resolution was carried unanimously, That the sheep tax be reduced to an amount equal to the cost of inspection of flocks and its

share of departmental charges. Mr Wratt said he was in sympathy with the proposal and thought the tax should have been reduced long ago. Mr Hursthouse was of opinion the Inspectors now-a-days, were more occupied with cattle and swine, than sheep. The rate should be reduced and cattle debited with a proportion of the charges levied.

The suggestion as to the appointant of a qualified man to fix a standard for entire horses to prevent deterioration of st c , evo red discussion.

Mr I:ur.-thi,u.-e supported the recornmendath n. If horses were passed by a veterinary surgeon, who could charge a small fee, and issue a, certificate to the effect that the horse was constitutionally sound, breeders would be protected.

Mr Pattie thought it a n_ excellent idea which should have been put into force years ago. He proposed that entire horses 3 ept for stud purposes be inspected, classified, and passed by a qualified by a veterinary surgeon, a small fee to be levied. Mr Trewavas .seconded.

Mr Everett opposed the motion. He acknowledged the desirability of breeding good horses, but failed to see why a man should be restricted as far as horses were concerned, when cattle, sheep, etc., were overlooked. If a man elects to use a low grade animal, let him ; the loss, f any, is his own. He proposed as an amendment That stud horses be passed by a veterinary surgeon as thoroughly sound.

Mr Herrick seconded proforma. The amendment was lost and the resolution adopted. The suggestion that secretaries be appointed to acquaint branches as to the fluctuations of the markets etc., was approved of ; also the recommendation that a bill be introduced providing for the use of malt and hops only in the manufacture of beer i the ingredients used in the manufacture of other, beverages requiring the use of malt and hops to be set forth in the printed label. The recommendation that the Government be requested to make an analysis of Kentish and Califomian hops for the guidance of growers was considered.

Mr Hursthouse sad the present condition of flings was a matter' of concern to many in the district. The locally grown hops, though seemingly equal, were fifty per cent in value below the Kentish product. An analysis should be made of the English hops and soil, and the climatic conditions ascertained. In his opinion our soil was at fault.

In reference to the question of direct werkly service to Wellington, and the advisability of a subsidy for same, Mr Everett explained what had been done at the last meeting of the Borough Council, which body had referred the matter to the Farmer's Union.

In the discus-sion which took place it was generally agreed the question was of vital interest to the district. On the motion of Mr S. Wratt, it was resolved, that tl e Secretary oonimui i -ate with Mr R. McKenzie enquii i g whether he would prefer to have his lands strengthened by a public petition or a resolution from that Union.

It wa* decided to procure a copy of the New Zealand Dairyman for the Secretary, the Chairman intimating that he intended becoming a subscriber; also that certain moneys in hand be forwarded to the headquarters. Mr Wratt proposed and Mr R. Pattie seconded, That notices of future meetings of the branch be sent to the members of the Committee to be posted on telegraph poles. Carried unanimously. The only matter affecting local inter-

ests was the recommendation that the price of horse shoeing, being exhorbitant, should be reduced.

Mr Trewavas was of opinion that it was too soon to interfere in the matter.

Mr R. Pattie held that to keep the branch alive, local matters affecting the farming interest should be discussed. The present prices charged in Motueka were hardly fair for the Riwaka shoer.

Mr C. Fry did not think they should be dictated to by the Horseshoer's Urion. There would be some justification for the rise if the price of iron had gone up. Mr H. Holyoake considered the present prices excessive. He thought they tught to be charged 4s 5s and 6s. The chairman preferred to see something done to avoid friction with local tradesmen.

Mr James proposed and Mr Fry seconded, That a deputation consisting of the Secretary, Messrs F. Herrick, Holyoake, J. Drummond, S. 'Wratt, and R. Trewavas meet the Chairman of the Horseshoer's Union, ana endeavor to arrange a scale of charges, failing which the Secretary report to the chairman of the local branch. Messrs Wratt and Trewavas declined to act on the deputation, and the name of Mr Robert Pattie was added thereto, after which the motion was carried. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the meeting to a close.