FARMERS’ UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 14

FARMERS’ UNION

A SERIES OF RESOLUTIONS. PALMERSTON N., May 20. The provincial conference of tha Farmers’ Union to-day carried the following additional remits:— “ That an investigation be made by the proper authorities into the cause of the death of grown sheep during autumn months.” “ That power boards be compelled to accept liability for loss of life and. damage to stock or property due to the existence of power lines.” “ That no lorry be allowed to carry sheep at night without written authority from the owner and the necessary regulation permit.” “ That the Meat Board be asked to investigate whether in the best interests of the producers all exported lamb and. mutton should be branded with a definite first and second grade mark, to be embodied in the present official brand; that third grade lamb be entirely prohibited.” “■That the Government introduce legislation providing that in valuing farm lands the valuation be determined by a board consisting of men with an approved practical knowledge of farming in the district in which the land is being valued and that the amount of unimproved valuation be arrived at by reference to the productive capacity based on the average earning power of the land when reasonably well farmed.” “ That the Government be requested to proceed with the planting of sand dunes with marram and trees, and that the Minister of Labour organise a scheme for so doing in which the local bodies could co-operate.” That grass grub control be made a serious study.” “That the Noxious Weeds Act be more rigidly enforced, and that county councils be empowered to enforce the provisions of the Act as is done by borough councils.” A lengthy discussion took place on the question of lifting the embargo on the importation of stock. The conference unanimously supported the protests against the lifting of the embargo that have already been voiced in other parts of the Dominion.

ADDRESS BY MR W. J. POLSON. PALMERSTON N., May 21. Air W. J. Polson, Dominion president of the Farmers’ Union, addressed the conference. He thought it sure that there would be a revision of taxation in the near future. Referring to a suggestion made in some quarters for repudiation of debts, Mr Polson said that in a British country like New Zealand that should not be considered; they would have to lions 61 ' * ieir ts an d ace their obligaMr Polson considered that the deficit would be at least six millions sterling, despite the economy measures. There probably would be additional taxation of two millions sterling. Socialistic remedies could not assist. The executive of the Farmers’ Union was urging fusion of the moderate political elements in the country, provided it could be reasonably and equitably applied The new taxation threatened T?? ve to 1)6 vlewe d moderately. Air Polson stated that now was the time to push on the. campaign for an agricultural banking institution. Had such a concern been deeply rooted the farmers would have been able to secure finance tojjtgve off interest demands and amortisation payments. The conference was concluded to-day. Regarding petrol taxation, the conference expressed the oponion that as the rural taxpayer was unable financially to meet the present high cost of road maintenance, the Government be asked to enact legislation which would enable the cost to be met by the user by means of a petrol tax. A proposal that branches should set up advisory committees for the purpose of giving first-hand advice to intending farmers was adopted. The chairman stated that the proposal offered the union an opportunity of doing good work. The proposal of the Chamber of Commerce for a reduction of the number of members of Parliament was not supported. A protest is to be lodged with the woolbrokers at the speed at which the wool sales are conducted. Air J. R. Franklin (Wanganui) submitted a scheme to deal with unemployment. It was decided to send the scheme to Dominion headquarters with a recommendation that something should be done on the lines suggested. Air Franklin pointed out that skilled, experienced workers were being thrown into the ranks of the unemployed with no practical scheme to employ them. He viewed with alarm the fact that no steps were being taken to place men on work tp assist production. The methods employed seemed to have increased unemployment. The scheme should not draw men from other employment. As far as possible work should keep the unemployed in food and clothing at a cheaper rate than at present. He suggested that the Government should secure undeveloped land, as near the main centres as possible, that lent itself to close cultivation by producing meat, butter, milk, eggs, etc. These people could be kept for 12s or 14s a week. They could work under capable management, and be free to leave at any time to take up other employment. The speaker claimed that his scheme would encourage men to be self-reliant.