FARMERS’ UNION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 156, 1 June 1940, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION

DIFFICULTIES DISCUSSED. A special general meeting of the Feilding branch of the Farmers’ Union was held yesterday, Air H. A. Stewart presiding. ■ A letter was received from the provincial executive regarding supplies oi artificial fertiliser. It was stated that the manufacturers had a capacity for 500,000 tons, whereas the demand was for 600,000—Air D. L. Younger said tlie trouble in obtaining supplies was due to the 40-hour week. He understood that the companies could supply the requirements if they could work longer hours and could get the trucks. The letter was received. It was stated that farmers could not avail themselves of married men employees in many eases owing to their inability to provide accommodation. The chairman said county councils had been provided with particulars regarding the farm workers’ housing scheme. Air B McLeod said that the scheme was not fully acceptable to councils, which were not prepared to shoulder the responsibilities involved. A letter on the subject was . received without further comment. Regarding heavy traffic license fees in connection with the registration of farmers’ trucks-and trailers, it was stated that there was a movement afoot to endeavour to prevent farmers from carrying their own produce. A letter on the subject of heavy traffic tees was received. Alcssrs T. Henson ami E. Beazer, Young Farmers’ Club delegates, were welcomed by the meeting. Correspondence from the Feilding branch of the S.P.C.A. relating to hobby calves was received. DEFENCE AIEASURES.

The members discussed the question of home defence in committee, and at the conclusion the following resolution was carried and handed to the Press: “In view of the fact that no official notification of the movement to form mounted brigades for home defence has been received either from the Government or from the Dominion executive of the Farmers’ Union, this meeting does not see its way clear to support the project at the moment.” The meeting also passed the following resolution : “That this meeting affirms its wholehearted support of the endeavours of the Dominion president to have a National Government formed in New Zealand to more fully prosecute the country’s war effort.” The latter motion was moved by Air D. To Younger and seconded by Air V. Short.'