N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 4 February 1920, Page 3

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

MANAWATU SUB-PROVINCIAL

EXECUTIVE.

A meeting of the above was held at Lovin on Saturday, when the following dologatea wore present:—Messrs H. Vile (Palmerston North), in the chair; J. Smith (Linton), J. Hubbard (Tiritea), B. G. Gower (Foxton), Jas. MeLeavey (Levin), C. I. Harkness (Ohau), J. Boyce (Taikorea), E. Macdonald (Te Horo), <?. A. Monk (Rikiorangi), H. Bond (Rangiotu), O. P. Lynch (Paekakariki), J. Linkwater (Kairanga), G. Tully (Levin), Tancred Cooper (provincial organiser), and J. A. McLeavey and J. Balsillie (provincial executive). Several important remits were dealt with as follows: — Land Valuation. Glen Oroua: That the system of land valuation be altered and that every man value his own land, with the pro- j viso that the Government by giving six | months’ notice can purchase any farm ; at the owner’s own valuation. : Mr Boyce (Glen Oroua) considered

the present system of valuation useless, and did not think it fair that a man should bo allowed to pay taxes on £3O or £4O when the owner wanted to sell at £IOO. A man holding big areas

should have to improve his land or sell at a reasonable figure —this would be a step to stop land aggregation. He considered men with big areas of firstclass land should be crowded out, and lot it be properly worked by returned soldiers.

Mr Hubbard (Tiritea) said tho best way to stop land aggregation would be

to increase the graduated tax. He would like to see aggregation stopped and the small farmer assisted, Mr Harkness (Ohau) said no doubt

the remit was an important one, but wanted consideration. It might be discussed, but he thought it- dangerous to pass it in its present stage. What they wanted was to create patriotism. The remit, if passed, would rob a man of his freehold and bo the means of putting a man, his -wife, and family on the road. He considered the Government should value simultaneously.

Mr Gloin (Rongotea) believed in the graduated tax, while Mr McLeavey (Palmerston North) said no one could accurately value land, as it was con-

tinually changing in value. He, like Mr Harkness, opposed the remit.

Mr Tally (Levin) also opposed the remit as, if earned, no man’s property would be his own. An owner might have to vacate his holding at any time.

Mr Lynch (Paruparaumu) opposed I the remit, as those who did not wish I t» sell would be victimised. Some people j went to certain districts for health ! reasons, and under this remit may be | turned out of their holding at any time, or as an alternative pay increased taxes. Again, there were land gamblers who gave fictitious values. He I instanced how land he had sold a few J vears ago at £8 was now being offered at £4O, while, despite the fact that land j was not producing more than years j ago. they were now asked to pay more I in tuxes. Hilly lands were deteriorating in'value, yet taxes were going up. He contended that if a man was allowed to value his land no one knew ! what prices would be asked. To nifike each man his own valuator would bo like making himself his own lawyer. Remit lost. Telephonic Communications. Piripiri: That the Farmers’ Union views with alarm the curtailment of postal and telephone facilities in the back blocks. —Carried. Land Tax. Kongotea: That inquiries be made in regard to land tax being paid on old and new valuation for periods immediately following new valuation. It was pointed out that valuations were made at various times, and that while some paid on new valuations, others paid on tho old. —Carried. Arrival of Goods. Wanganui: That the Railway De- , partment be ashed to advise consignees of the arrival of all goods at flag stations either by telephone or post-card. —Carried. Veterinary Matters. Rangiotu: That in the opinion of the Farmers’ Union the Veterinary Department (Palmerston North) should have a motor for travelling purposes. Carried. Increased Charges. Rangiotu: That increased charges for admission to the Manawatu A. and P. Association be condemned by the Farmers ’ Union, especially charges concerning children. Motion withdrawn. The Commandeer. Rangiotu: That the Farmers’ Union is of opinion that the commandeer should terminate in view of exchange rates. —Approved Ot, ' Standard Boots, Rangiotu: That as embargo on hide? is likely to terminate, the Farmers’ Union requests that the Government take steps to have standardised boots placed on the market at once. Approved, Notice of Motion. Rangiotu: That remits from the various branches be dealt with at executive meetings immediately after lunch, . _ _ Remits geg&jsid, j The following remits were received, and will be sent on to branches for approval:— Rongotea: That' the Government be requested to take sections under conditions, both financial and otherwise, similar to soldier settlers in the various soldier settlements, to demonstrate thp capabilities of the land in such settlements', Vretuped soldier who is a practical former to work the section, end have the option of purchase at the end of a period.—Approved. Kauwhata: That the Farmer? ’ Union approach the National Dairy As*

Isociation with a view to co-operation in establishing a Board of Control and I Distribution in England for scrutinising and distributing of all our primary I products, so that the producer may have full control from the producer to the consumer. Also that they discuss the advisability of establishing a farmers ’ co-operative bank, for the financing of same. —Approved. Kauwhata: That the Government make it compulsory for all butter and cheese factories to have all scales in the said factories tested by the inspector of weights and measures once a

J month.—Approved. Kauwhata: That the Government be l asked to bring in legislation making it compulsory for all dogs to be registered in the county or borough the owner resides in.—Held over. Tiakitahuna: This branch urges the Farmers’ Union to assist the Returned Soldiers’ Association in their claim for remission of stamp duty to men who have had to re-purchase land after being forced to sell their property to j go into camp. —Approved. | Manakau': That the Government be . urged to take the Customs duty oil’ ] motor tractors, provided if for agricultural purposes.—Approved, j Bunnythorpe: That the Farmers’ I Union urge the Government to deal direct with the farmers in the distribution of the phosphates from JCauru , Island, or alternately that the Farmfers’ Union itself take steps to act as distributing agents.—Approved. j

Manakau: That the attention of the Railway Department be drawn to the inconvenient loading yards at Manakau, and request that yards be erected on the lines of those at Levin station. —Manakau to be asked to lake direct [ action. 1 Ashhurst: That the Railway Dopartincut be urged to. remove the stationmaster’s residence its an obstruction to seeing the signal on arrival of trains on east side of station. —Ashhurst to be asked to take direct action. New Secretary. Mr G. W. C. Moon was appointed temporary secretary in place of Mr Hunter, resigned. Milk Tables. Mr Hurley addressed the meeting on the advisability of having milk tables for suppliers.—Referred to the executive.