FARMERS' UNION.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 31 March 1920, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

IMPORTANT REMITS DISCUSSED. At the meeting of the Farmers' Union Sub-Provincial Executive, at Palmerston North on Saturday, the following important remits were dealt with, in addition to those reported in our last, issue:—

Woodville.—That steps be taken to have the "draft" on wool abolished.— Adopted.

Tiritea. —That some form of official test ou milk and cream be instituted whereby a supplier can get come claim on such official tester.—Mr Hubbard iu moving the adoption of the remit pointed out that, in mixed tanning districts where co-operative factories did

not exist it was impossible for a man to know whether he was getting the full value of bis test. ~„,) that 'Men

if the test was found to be incorrect, tho supplier could prefer no claim against tu* factory. Other members pointed out that owing to changing conditions it: was practically impossible to secure an absolutely correct test. One stated that he knew of ■■>. case in which a supplier had put a bucket, of water in his milk before sending it to the factory, and his test had been just the same.—The Chairman said he did not think that would be possible, as an expert had told him that if there were two per cent of water in the milk it could be deteeted.—Eventually the remit was lost.

Tiritea. —That the secretary of the Farmers' Union be asked to compile a summary of all the benefits obtained through the last year's work of the Union. —Agreed to. Waikanac. That the Farmers' Union urge upon the Government to see to it that fanning lands are valued on a basis of its productive ability, and not upon a fictitious selling value.—Mr Lynch moved the adoption of the remit. He quoted a ease in which land used tor farming purposes was taxed on its value for building sections. —Mr Hubbard said that in fairness to the Department it might be said that not one of those present would sell their land at the Government valuation. The cases quoted by Mr Lynch were no doubt genuine, but were probably isolated.—The remit was lost. Kauwhnta. —That the Government be strongly urged to prohibit importation of Asiatic egg pulp. Also, that they be asked to encourage the poultry industry to a greater extent than they have been' doing, as a number of returned men have taken up the industry.—Several speakers spoke strongly against iho importation of the egg pulp into New Zealand, especially in Auckland, It was pointed out that the sabstance was barred from Australia as unfit for human consumption, and yet had been used in some hotels and restaurants iu this country for a number of years.

Levki. —That owing to the rapid increase of noxious weeds it be a recommendation to the Government that all farmers be compelled to report the presence of noxious weeds on their holdings.—Mr Broadbelt moved the adoption of the remit, but the motion lapsed

through want of a seconder. Rangiohx—Thai the present system of taxing on unimproved value with a £SIOO exemption is unfair :o the small farmer.—Referred back to the branch.