FARMERS’ UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 4030, 9 June 1931, Page 16

FARMERS’ UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING. ADDRESS BY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE. The meeting of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held on Tuesday. The president (Mr J. D. Revie) occupied the chair and there was a good_ attendance of members. The chairman extended a welcome to delegates and to those farmers who had wished to_ attend. He also welcomed Mr W. G. Kindley (president of. the Manufacturers’ Association), Mr E. Bowman (president of the Southland Provincial Executive), and Mr J. D. Hall, a member of the Canterbury executive. The chairman said they would be pleased to have with them the Minister of Agriculture (Mr A. J. Murdoch), who was to open the conference. It was some years since they had a Minister of the Crown to open their Conference. ADDRESS BY MR MURDOCH Mr Murdoch said that at a time like this, when world affairs were difficult, it was only natural that they would have similar difficulties in the Dominion. They knew that to-day it was very hard to dispose of their stock and their produce at anything like a fair remuneration. Nevertheless the Government had attempted to rectify ds far as possible the general conditions in New Zealand and he was sure they would have the support of the farming community in their endeavour to improve the economic conditions of the Dominion and make it possible for them to produce their goods at less cost. That was their aim. They had to come down to a basis, and they had to work steadily towards that basis that would give them something commensurate for the products they produced. He would endeavour to give them some information which would be valuable to them and of the greatest value to the industries of the Dominion. The Minister went to to speak on the manufacture of standardised cheese. He spoke of the agitation at Home against the export of cheese manufactured from skim milk and related what the Government had done to meet the situation. He said that although the reports from London. were adverse in the case of standardised cheese, adverse reports had also been received in regard to cheese made by full cream milk. The whole thing was a question of quality at the other end, and the public at Home had set their faces against standardised cheese. Though they had tightened up the regulations regarding the manufacture of standardised cheese, the public at Home were still not accepting it with favour. A conference had been held with members of 'the Dairy Board, professors, experts, members of the Agricultural Department, factory managers, etc., and as a result a small committee had been set up to go further into .the matter. This committee was submitting recommendations to the South Island Dairy Association and the National Dairy Association. The effect of the recommendations was that standardised cheese should go out. The committee would deal with the manufacture of cheese generally.

Dealing with the question of securing early maturity in the most economical manner, the Minister said one of the greatest complaints against New Zealand cheese was that it was not matured. If they did not mature their cheese properly they could not put Out a good product. Another point touched on by the Minister related to pasteurising and clean milk. They found that people took their milk to a factory and then put in the residue and took it home again, and this interfered with the cleanliness of the cans, and as a consequence taint got into the milk. Some manufacturers of cheese did not pasteurise their milk; they boiled it, and the experts said this interfered with the manufactured article. They were also being asked to consider various forms of research work. He was

satisfied that research would be of great value, as New Zealand would be able to turn out better products. If it did not the chances were that it would lose its market at Home. He also wished to refer to the question of purchasing power at Home. New Zealand depended almost entirely on the Home market. Some said that prices depended- on the market in New Zealand, but only 4 to 5 per cent, of the cheese produced was sold in New Zealand and only 20 per cent, of the butter. It was being found that the Home market was being flooded from outside, and Russia was sending butter to London in casks. Strange to say, a certain section in New Zealand which objected to Russian butter being admitted into England wanted Russian benzine to be brought into New Zealand. The Government must be consistent. The sooner Great Britain adopted a slight form of tariff against certain commodities the sooner she would come back to prosperity. What did she have to lose? Canada had pushed New Zealand right out, and Australian butter was not allowed into Canada unless it was sold at 16d. When the Canadian commissioner had come to him the Minister had said: “If you take up that attitude, we are not going to turn the other cheek. If you penalise us, it is our duty to hit back, and we will do it.” He felt sure that the time was not far distant when a tariff would be introduced into the Old Country. Lord Barnbv had told him that, although he had been an ardent. Freetrader all his life, to-day he was converted to Protection. Thousands of others were also of the opinion that the only way to save the country was by a tariff. It was obvious that if there was dumping of products in England, men were thrown out of work. As that happened the country’s wealth was less and the pay-out on the dole was greater. Quite recently England’s wealth invested overseas had been £250,000.000. Now it was only a little over £100.000,000. The money had had to be withdrawn to pay penalties and taxes at Home to keep the country prosperous. A visitor who had returned from England had given the Minister the name of a man who was worth £6.000.000 or £7.000.000. When this man had been asked how he had made "his wealth he had stated that after the war he had realised that he could not make money in England. He had set his three sons up in Germany to manufacture goods which he had previously made in England. That was where his wealth came from. That such a state of affairs should exist was very serious. If New Zealand lost the Home market it was difficult to know how she was going to continue. It was his earnest hope that the near future would provide some form of protection in Great Britain. This would increase her wealth, as well as NewZealand’s, because British purchasing power w-ould be increased. Referring to the question of herd-test-ing, the Minister said that the report had been circulated that the Government had cut out the subsidy. As a matter of fact, the Government was still providing £BOOO a year, though it had altered the method of distribution. This had been done at the request of the Central Executive of the New Zealand Herd Testing Association. The sum. w-as allocated as follows: £lOOO to assist new associations or groups, £5OO for clerical and office staff and the federation supervisor, and £6500 for assisting existing associations through the Central Executive. The Minister urged those who had not adopted herdtesting to do so. In 1909 there had been 815 cows in New Zealand under test. In 1930 the number had been 272,554. The increase had been enormous, and it had resulted in a higher increase in the yield per cow. Tn 1918 the average had been 157.61 b, and in 1930 2181 b. That left no doubt as to the value of testing, which enabled the farmer to cut out the weeds. Tn 1918 New Zealand had used 100.000 tons of fertiliser, and in 1930 the figure had been 335,000. This had helped to increase butter-fat yields. The Government urged farmers to do all they could to increase the use of fertiliser, thus in-

creasing production. It was the farmer to whom the country turned to help it out of the morass into which it had sunk. The Minister referred to sheep trouble at Morton Mains. From what had been ascertained this was due to deficiencytroubles. The department had conferred with a Government chemist, and the Director of Agriculture (Dr Reakes) intended to come south to go into the trouble. He would like particularly, the Minister said, to refer to foot and mouth disease The Labour candidate at the Hauraki byelection had stated that the Government bad removed the restrictions. That was not so. The Government had not yet considered the question. The Minister went on to outline the steps that were taken at Home to stamp out the disease. When the Prime Minister had gone Home he had investigated the position, and he had stated that there was no possible danger of infected beasts leaving the quarantine station in London. The Minister did not think that there need be any fear in bringing animals from Great Britain at the present time. The opinion had been expressed that New Zealand should introduce different classes of stock. If they were introduced, ample safeguard could be taken against infection. The Minister, in conclusion, expressed the hope that the conference would be successful. He asked the farmers to put their shoulders to the wheel and get the maximum from their land, so that they would help to guide the country into smoother waters. On the motion of Mr C. R. Sheat, the Minister was accorded a hearty vote of th antes. In reply, the Minister said that farmers were entitled to hold different opinions, but some in the north had strayed from the fold. 'Hie sooner they strayed back the better it would be for the country as a whole. Certain tendencies were creeping in that were not in the interests of the farming community. He thought that the bottom had been reached as far as the country s troubles were concerned, and every penny- made now was added wealth tor the country.

ANNUAL REPORT Mr A. C. Leary said he was very pleased to see the reference to the cooperation between the farming and business communities. They knew a war has started in the fertiliser business, and he thought farmers should know exactly whatthe position was. He then gave some details regarding what was taking place in connection with the sale of fertilisers. Mr F. Waite, M.P., congratulated the executive on its report. He suggested that the Minister might give them some information regarding the importation of barley.

The Minister said that the question was principally in regard to barley brought into the Dominion as malting barley. Some time ago representations had been made that ship loads of barley were being brought over from Australia. He preferred that they should use their own product. It was necessary for him to give authority to bring barley in, and he had asked for a return of the stocks on band and available for manufacturing purposes. The complaint had come from Blenheim. They had found from inquiries that the stocks on hand were not sufficient to carry on, as a certain class of good malting barley was required. When this had been clearly proved they had given permission to bring in this barley. If they could grow sufficient of the quality required there would be no necessity to bring in "barley, and they would not allow it to come in.— (“Hear, hear.”) Mr Kindley referred to the improved relations which existed between the farming and secondary industries. It used to be understood in the past that a man representing the secondary industries who came into a meeting of farmers was entering the lions’ den.— (Laughter.) Voices: The other way round.— (Laughter.)

Mr Kindley said he was sure they had the farmers behind them in the movement for the purchase of goods made in New Zealand. Mr T. Russell (Milburn) spoke briefly. He said he hoped the present co-operation would continue, and referred to the fact that wool bales were not paid for. He said the amount represented by wool bales throughout the Dominion meant a considerable amount. The report was then adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The chairman nominated Mr C. R. Sheat, the senior vice-president, for the position of president. Mr Sheat could be relied upon, he said, to look after the interests of the union. He would be a valuable acquisition. Mr Sheat was elected unopposed. Sir M. A. Kinney was elected vicepresident. Messrs George Blythe and Co. were reelected auditors. Mr F. Waite, M.P.. said that in these days of wage cuts the union should see that professional people shared in the reduction.

The chairman said that the remuneration of the auditors was under consideration. He could assure delegates that there would be more than a 10 per cent. cut. The following members of executive had been nominated by branches in accordance with the new system of election under the ward system:—Messrs T. Barr (Owaka), J. Cockburn, sen. (Wakatipu), A- Craig (Balelutha), James Howell (Middlemarch), A. C. Leary (Lawrence), J. Miller (Taieri), D. M‘G. Reid (Portobello), R. J E. Smith (Maniototo), F. "Waite, M.P. (Balelutha), H. A. Tamblyn (Roxburgh), T. Hinkson Mee (Becks and Lauder), E. J. Iversen (Alexandra), W. J- M’Kenzie (Waikoikoi), J. Hallmn (vv aikouaiti), R. H. Michelle (Hillend and Milton). The following ex-offieio members were also nominated:—Messrs J. D. Revie (Crookston). C. R. Sheat (Milton)), M. A. Kinney (Hyde), E. H. Murney (Tapamn), and J. Preston (Waikouaiti). All of the members nominated were

The following additional members of council were recommended by the executive:—Messrs William Lee (Goodwood), James Begg (Dunedin). R. B. Tennent (Dunedin, as honorary member). In explaining the reason for the nominations the chairman stated that the idea ot the executive was to bring the dairy authorities, sheep owners, and the Agricultural Department into closer touch uith the union. All of these men were frequently consulted by the executive and lei ., -t ver y g r eat assistance. Mr vi aite said that the union should if ' 7 . er -v c areful in a matter of this sort, it the door was to be opened to one or two farming sections it had to be opened wider. There were many sections which were not directly represented. There was eiery possibility, if the suggestion were , .- °r the union landing itself in difficulties. There were already dairy farmers and sheep owners on the board. He had given notice that he would move, it the three men were appointed, that representatives of the returned soldiers, beekeepers, poultry farmers, wheat farw erß T and f ru it farmers be appointed. If Mr Tennent were elected (and there was no man doing more for farming in the province) people would have to be brought ln rni Om Government departments. The chairman pointed out that the men who had been nominated were executive members of the bodies they would represent. Mr E. H. Murney said that it was not in the interests of the organisation that opinion should be divided on a matter of thij sort. He moved as an amendment, and Mr Christie seconded, that the matter be referred to the incoming executive. ■I 1 F e P'y, to a question th e chairman said that the nominees, if elected, would have a vote. The amendment was carried. Mr Waite then moved that if the execulve decided to appoint representatives of other bodies they should not have a vote. The motion was carried. DELEGATES TO CONFERENCE. With respect to the appointment of delegates to the annual conference of the New Zealand Union the executive reported that Alessrs E. H. Murney, J. Preston, and C. R. Sheat were ex officio delegates. The executive recommended that the following additional delegates be appointed: —Messrs J. D. Revie, A Craig, and the secretary (Mr A. C. Cameron). If Mr Waite could attend the executive would like him to be an additional delegate. The recommendation was adopted. REMITS NUMBER OF STOCK AGENTS. The Tapanui branch, through J. D, Rodger, submitted the following remit This conference having noted with plea-, sure that the stock and station companies in the Wellington province have formed a subsidiary company to handle all their clients’ live stock with a view to considerably reducing the number of agents on the road, preventing unnecessary overlapping, reducing the cost of overhead and reducing their services to the farmer, urges that similar action be taken in Otago with a view to: —(a) Reducing costs of commission; (b) reducing the price of goods, etc. Mr Rodger said that the remit could be of considerable value when they considered the present economic condition. If a company was formed a number of the companies could combine and send one auctioneer to carry out the work at a sale. Mr Leary seconded the motion. He did not think, however, that the Dunedin companies would do anything until it was discovered how the plan was to turn out in Wellington. He had been informed before the slump that it took the turnover of £2,500,000, so far as Otago was concerned, to keep the agents on the road. In the present circumstances it would take the turnover of £5,000,000 to meet the charge. The remit was carried. FREEZING BUYERS. The following remit was submitted, through Mr M. A. Kinney, by the Maniototo branch: — This conference urges that a conference of the responsible administrative officers of the various South Island freezing companies be held with a view to a reduction in the number of buyers and a conse-

quent reduction in charges to the farmer. Mr Kinney referred to the overlapping which was occurring, and said it was a work which the executive could take up. Mr J. S. Murney seconded the motion. He thought the executive could deal with the matter better than by sending the remit to the provincial executive. The remit was adopted. ARBITRATION AWARDS. The Balclutha branch forwarded the following remit:— This conference urges that immediate steps be taken to place facts before the Arbitration Court with a view to getting down the award rates of wages for freezing works employees and that any such reduction obtained be passed on to the farmer in the nature of increased prices or reduced charges. The chairman said that the freezing employees might object to the 10 per cent. cut. They might, therefore, simply approve of the remit, despite the order of the Arbitration Court. Mr Christie said, as he understood it, the reduced charges following on the 10 per cent, cut would automatically benefit the farmer. There was no suggestion of passing on the reduction to the farmer. The remit was adopted. TERMINAL WOOL CHARGES. The Clinton branch provided the following remit:—This conference is of opinion that in view of the serious economic position of farmers the following steps be taken in an endeavour . get a reduction in handling costs: — (a) That the stock and station agents be again respectfully urged to abolish terminal charges of 9d per bale on wool, etc. (This charge is not made in the case of wool being delivered by lorry, and the charge tends to encourage the use of lorry instead of rail.) Mr W. Sutherland moved the remit. Mr Preston seconded the motion. He said that the terminal charge of 9d per bale carried by the railways meant that on a basis of 8.),000 bales sold in Dunedin there was a sum of £2050 collected by the agents. This sum easily covered the cost of the sidings controlled by the companies. Mr D. M‘G. Reid said that all the wool which came to Dunedin did not come over the railway, and consequently the estimate of 80.000 was hardly correct. The remit was adopted. GOVERNMENT BORROWING RATES. The Portobello branch forwarded the following remit: —That in order to bring about a reduction in the rates of interest this conference urges the Dominion Conference to make representations to the Government to lower the rate of interest offered when they borrow money in New Zealand. (The action of the Government in offering a high rate has the effect of raising the rate of interest charged on overdrafts by the banks, stock agents, and other lending institutions, and this in turn seriously affects the farmer.) Mr Reid moved the adoption of the remit, and said that there were many who thought that low rates caused booms, and others thought that rates would tend to harden under the present conditions. Interest rates were the farmer’s most serious handicap. The general rate of interest depended largely upon the rate at which the Government borrowed. Mr Christie said that the Government could obtain just as much money as at present at a lower rate. Mr Preston said that the remit did not go far enough. The local bodies also borro'.ved extensively, and the Government could control the rate through the Loans Board. It should be asked to act in this direction. Mr Waite said that cheap money was a curse, but dear money was the curse that this country was suffering from. The Government borrowed at 54 per cent, because, it said, it could not get money at a smaller rate. That sounded reasonable. The difficulty was that people were nervous in these days, and were holding on tight and would invest only on the soundest securities. Some people thought that money put in the Post Office Savings Bank stayed there. As a matter of fact, it was used for all sorts of purposes. To get the money back it had to offer a sufficient rate of interest to create a demand The difficulty with respect to local bodies would be overcome once the Government reduced the rate by 4 per cent. One could not expect the rate to go back in rushes. It was argued that if the rate were reduced the money would go out of the country. The banks had tried that, too. He believed that the Bank of New Zea* land was not too happy about money sent to Australia. The safest country in this end of the world was New Zealand. If the rate came down to 5} per cent, the Government would get sufficient money People asked why, when money was available at 3 per cent at Home, 8 or 9 per cent, should be charged by the stock and station agents. When the Government raised a loan probably this month it would very likely have to pay. 54 per cent, because, the money was spent in all sorts of ways. That was not a charge against the present Government. It applied to all Governments. If 54 per cent, was given over the counter the overdraft rate went up in sympathy, and that was why 8 or 9 per eent. was charged by stock and station agents, who were probably paying 7i per cent, on their overdrafts. If the rate over the counter were reduced. to 5J per cent, there would be a reduction on what had to be paid on overdraft. The remit was adopted. INTEREST ON CURRENT ACCOUNTS.

“That where the mortgagee agrees to reduce or remit mortgage interest the Stock and Stations Agents’ Association be respectfully requested to reduce their rate of interest on current account to 6 per cent., and that this should also apply in all cases where the agent has stock (and or) crops under lien and refuses to pay mortgage interest.” The executive submitted the above remit. It was moved by Mr Reid, and carried unanimously. LAND TAX. "That this conference requests the Dominion Conference again to urge that all taxes on capital, such as land tax, be obolished, and except direct taxes on gifts nnd deceased estates, all direct taxation be in the form of income tax.” Mr J-. Ballingall moved this remit.

Mr Sheat said that the definite policy of the union was to favour the income tax instead of the land tax.

Mr 8. Sinj said he thought the proposal was in the direction of taxing industry. He had thought that the farmers who favoured the income tax were those who would not pay it. The Government had to get money. Mr John Christie eaid they would never get a Government to remit the land tax, and he did not think it should. If they abolished the land tax they would find instead of lower taxation they would have to pay more tax. Anybody buying land could anticipate a heavier land tax. After- some discussion, the chairman said that the Royal Commission in 1924 had recommended an income tax in place of a land tax, and the union was simply trying to get that recommendation adhered to. ~

On a vote being taken the chairman declared the remit adopted. RAILWAY CHARGES ON CREAM. The Owaka branch submitted the following remit:—That with a view to reducing costs of handling and preventing overlapping, the Railways Department be asked to study each district’s requirements with a view to introducing regulations calculated to prevent cream being railed past the nearest butter factory. Mr T. Barr moved this remit. The chairman said that the remit was just a step in the direction of rationalisation. Mr Waite said that the dairy factory had the matter in its own hands. The remit was adopted. COLLECTION OF CREAM. The Berwick and Kelso branches submitted the following remit:—This conference expresses the opinion that the time has been reached when butter factories should rationalise the collection of cream with a view to cutting down costs and increasing the return to the producer. Mr J. Miller moved this remit. He said that many of the lorries were running half empty, and more than half empty, and the cream supplier had to pay the greater part of the extra cost. If they had one lorry, say, dealing with the transport of cream there would be a large saving in money. At the present time he thought two lorries would be able to carry all the cream from his district —East Taieri. The remit was adopted. UNPRODUCTIVE WORKS The Dunedin branch forwarded the following remit:—This conference is of opinion that there is a grave lack of co-operation between the Unemployment Board and local bodies and that in many cases unemployment funds are not being spent in a productive manner. In the opinion of this conference the economic position is such that no wasteful expenditure should be countenanced and work should not be done merely to keep men occupied.

Mr Cameron moved the adoption of the remit on behalf of Mr James Begg. Mr Cameron outlined the method of unemployment relief in operation at the present time. He stated that £75,000 had been spent on a road at the back of Flagstaff. and it wag justified by the fact that it was providing work near the city. The remit was adopted CLASSIFICATION OF WORK. The Dunedin branch forwarded the following remit:—ln the opinion of this conference all work to be done, whether the business of the borough, county, Main Highways Board, or Government, should be classified and the most urgent work put in progress first, using unemployed for this purpose—any adjustments in allocating the cost to be settled before or afterwards by a special board. Air Cameron said that the point was that it was believed that each county engineer should provide for. its own men. It was considered that necessary work in the county should be done first, the cost to be apportioned by the board suggested. The Deep Stream deviation was a work suggested by Mr Cameron. Mr T. H. Alee suggested that the unemployed could be employed in building a dam to save water shortage or an irrigation works. The remit was adopted. CLEARING MANUKA. The executive and the Lawrence branch submitted a lengthy remit dealing with the spread of manuka in Otago and submitting plans by which the evil could be combated. The secretary (Mr A. C. Cameron) dealt with the remit, and said that the first step necessary would be to set up a special committee —to be called the deteriorated lands committee—to go into the whole question. The committee cfluld classify the work which could be gone on with to bring the land back into use, and decide which should be commenced first. Air W. Stuart gave the position of manuka infested lands in Lawrence, and said it would be economic to clear them up in certain places. He thought the services of the unemployed could be utilised to bring the better class lands back to production. The chairman said that the desire was to clean up all classes of land—not necessarily Crown land. He also thought the unemployed might be utilised in carrying out the reclamation work. Air Christie favoured giving men long leases of such land, and let them do the best they could with it. A member: Root, hog, or die. — (Laughter.) The remit was adopted on the voices. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID TAXATION. The Lawrence branch forwarded the following remit—This conference again enters a strong protest against the system of hospital rating, and asks the Dominion Executive again to make representations to the Government with a view to the introduction of a more equitable system.” Air R. S. Thomson moved the adoption of the remit. He said that the amount paid by the farmers was much greater than the benefit received. The farmer was paying for improvements in cities and boroughs. If the fees were paid there would be no necessity to rate. The whole of the cost should be paid out of the Consolidated Fund. Air Leary said that it should be suggested to the delegates to conference that they should try to get further with this matter than in the past. The motion was carried.

The following remits were also adopted: Tapanui.—This conference is of opinion that the suggestion of the Dominion Executive is the fairest solution to the problem, viz., to alter the basis of the tax as follows:—50 per cent. Government subsidy (as at present); 25 per cent, on Government valuation of property in the hospital rating area; 25 per cent, levied on the basis of population. Tapanui.—That the Dominion Executive be asked to concentrate upon bringing pressure to bear on the Government to give effect to some of the principal recommendations formulated by the 1921 Hospital Commission. Lawrence.—This conference draws the attention of the members of the Hospital Board to the necessity for the exercising of the utmost care in expenditure (both capital and general), and urges upon them the necessity for rigid economy. (Copy of this remit to be forwarded to the Hospital Board.) Air Waite stated during the discussion that the unpaid fees throughout New Zealand last year amounted to £449.000. HOSPITAL BOARDS AND UNEMPLO YAIEN T. Mr A. Grant moved the foilowing remit on behalf of the West Taieri branch: — “ This conference protests against any Hospital Board expenditure for unemployment (as apart from charitable aid), it being our opinion that this is a matter for the Unemployment Board.” (Copy of this remit to be forwarded to the Hospital Board.) Mr Grant said that the farmer was being “ double-banked ” under the system. The remit was adopted. HOSPITAL FEES. Considerable discussion followed the moving of the following Dimedin remit: -—“ This conference is of the opinion that laxity exists in the present method of collecting patients' fees, and that many patients who can well afford to pay do not do so. The income and expenditure for the Otago Hospital Board for the year ending March 31, 1930, shows the amount of £42.203 14s Id patients’ fees written off as irrevocable and £735 12s granted as a reduction in fees. In addition to the above the balance sheet shows on the assets side—patients’ fees doubtful, £41,,404 19s sd. Copy of this remit to he sent to the "Hospital Board.” Mr Christie objected to the remit going forward in its present form It was an unfair stigma on hospital boards, who did all they could to collect fees. It was impossible to do more. People thought that they were entitled to free treatment.

It was finally agreed to substitute the word “difficulty” for “laxity,” Mr Christie suggesting that the word “ impossibility” would be better. The remit was adopted. Subsequently Mr Christie moved—- “ That in the opinion of this conference the difficulty of collecting hospital fees is so great that it would appear to be desirable that a patients’ compulsory health insurance scheme be introduced.” The motion was carried. DERATING FARAI LANDS. The Milton branch submitted the following remit: —“That this conference is of opinion that all farm lands should be derated as regards the upkeep of main and secondary highways, and that the Main Highways Board should be made responsible for control and upkeep of same. That the Dominion Executive be again asked to urge the Government to give effect to this remit, and also to make strong representations to the County Councils’ Association to secure its support.” Mr Sheat moved this remit. He said it had been the policy of the union to support the derating of land on the lines of the remit. He considered it was an injustice to put a rate on land, added to motor taxation, in order to keep up the roads. With many, county councils it was impossible to keep up the main roads as required and still keep up the back roads He wondered how the County Councils’ Association was at variance with this principle of the Farmers’ Union. Air Michelle did not see why they should pay an extra tax as well as the petrol tax. Air Waite said he supported the remit. They had been battering for years for the derating of farm lands for reading purposes. He pointed out that the special roads fund had been diverted last year to an amount of no less than £647.718 They were even being charged 5 per cent interest on the free grants made in the past, and this interest went back to the Consolidated Fund. This meant a sum of £61.000. The fund, therefore, which had been built up for the relief of ratepayers was now being diverted to the Consolidated Fund. The county ratepayer was in danger of paying far more by way of the increased petrol tax than he would be relieved of in rates by derating. In New Zealand, instead of having a State subsidy to the road fund, they had found it raided in the past 12 months, and he thought it would be the same in the next 12 months. The question of derating and the hospital rating were the two practical things whereby they could relieve the county ratepayers. The remit was adopted. SIZE OF COUNTIES. The executive submitted the following remit: — With a view to effecting economies in the administration of counties, this conference urges the Government to consider the whole question of reducing the number and increasing the size of certain counties. Air Waite moved the adoption of the remit. The matter had to be kept steadily in view, he said. M r Preston said that there was not the slightest doubt that overhead charges were too large. Alembers of councils did not want to lose the honour and glory attached to their positions. There was at present legislation which could be availed of for amalgamation, but the members killed it every time. Air Sheat asked whether the largest counties had the largest overhead costs. Mr Preston replied that Southland and Ashburton, the largest counties, had the lowest overhead expenses. •Mr Sheat challenged the statement and stated that from figures he had compiled Akaroa county had the lowest overhead charges. Mr Preston said that Akaroa had only one road, and it was maintained by the Government out of petrol tax.

The remit was adopted. LAND VALUATION. The executive submitted the following remit:—lhat the Dominion Conference be again urged to press the Government to give effert to the findings of the special Committee set up by the Dominion Executive with respect to land valuation. Air James Begg, in moving the adoption of the remit, stressed its importance. Gand valuations had always been a thorny question for many years. Unfortunately, there were difficulties, but accuracy could brought a great deal nearer than it was to-day. lhe remit made suggestions which, if carried out, would lead to more even valuations. Prices varied so much that it was practically impossible to value land to-day. The remit suggested a valuation every 10 years. Ten average years couid be taken under average, capable management. The chairman seconded the motion, winch was carried. Air Kinney expressing the opinion that the period of 10 years was too short. POWER BOARDS ACT. The Waitahuna branch moved the folrhn U n r ? n P t: ~ Tbl . s conference requests pL® 1)on ! n !’. on Coniet ' eD <-e again to make •imon ! | l '?i' a^lOn - S -t° kbc Government to • mend the existing system along the lines nL- e / e 'H lt ad °Pt<?d by the last Dominion Conference—viz.: “ That the Power on tho S Act r be amended to provide that <>n the question of loans the franchise be the same as is provided in the Counties E : Skin ner moved the adoption of tue remit, and referred to various anomalies which existed in the Act. - lr Christie said that the present sysauitems VOtl ‘- n n WaS i,,e quitable and in‘etlwr”' C ,l vr"’ a A a -^ agle affair alto ’ sether, said Air Christie. Ihe remit was adopted. THE TEN PER CENT. CUT. lotvbu,^ attl T l ‘ Ce <. b r rancll submitted the following remit:— f n view of the fact that denfpH Un | trJ ‘ S 8u^ er,n S f fom an unpreccaf aild its futu F e "’ell-being is c ? llterence its strong d ot tlie action of the leaders event of Ja r b °l" r 1 ‘i!*’'’ 1D of ’ eri “S. >n the „ Labour being returned to office •ent f Jl ea r r V l ' tUr ®’ restore th e 10 per <e, Ar £o the civil service.” xr t Orcb ’/ton moved this remit, the refni? 63 h^ egg K ? id he “ greed with Partv ,*?’ . action of the Labour •? a de sP lca b!e one, but, unfortu.l’l was Jl!st an action which was adopted by every political party towards They P romised the farmers an"i etl , ,llg ’ S' 6 manufacturers something, thin ever Y ,S lass the community something and the community swallowed it at a gulp. The intelligence of the electors ln .-t“ ls country had not realised that political parties and Governments could not give them things unless they robbed somebody else. The action of the Labour i arty was just an extreme instance of the attitude adopted by all political parties. Le thought the people of al! political parties were sick of promises. Ihey wanted the politicians to get on with their job instead of trying to bribe the electors.

The remit was adopted. GRAIN FROAI AUSTRALIA. The following remit from the Waikouaiti branch was adopted:—That this conference again urges the Government to give immediate consideration to the following remit: —“ That owing to the extraordinary economic conditions obtaining in New Zealand at the present time, steps be taken to stop the importation of Australian barley for pearling and malting and aho the importation of oats and chaff.” EMPIRE PREFERENCE. Air A. Craig moved the adoption of the following remit on behalf of the Greenfield branch:—That the Dominion Conference be asked to urge the Government publicly to make overtures to the British Government stressing our desire for Empire Preference and onering to give further preference to British goods in the event of our obtaining preferential treatment in the Old Country. It is evident that public opinion in the Old Country is swinging towards Empire Preference, and in the opinion of this conference our Government should assist in actively helping to mould such opinion. Air Craig quoted figures in support of his contention.

The chairman stated that the more he thought of the matter the more he was convinced that the very existence of New Zealand people depended on Empire Preference. It had to come, though the process might be long and painful. The economic position of the Dominion was going to make it press harder, and the United Kingdom, through its economic position, would be forced for its own sake to meet the Dominion. The only way to bring it about was to keep agitating. Great Britain was not ready for it, and New Zealand could not force it upon the Home Country. There remained the great consolation that the greatest statesmen of the Empire were swinging towards Empire Preference. Air Begg said that he was one of the few surviving Freetraders. Preference too often took the form of increasing the duty on foreign goods instead of lowering the duty on British goods. He would move as an amendment that after the words “ offering to give further preference to British goods ” the words “ bj’ reducing the duties on these goods ” be added. The mover agreed to the insertion of these words.

The chairman: That will be the thin edge of the wedge. The motion was carried. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. Air Begg moved the adoption of the following remit on behalf of the Dunedin and Pukihiki branches: —That in the opinion of this conference the time has arrived when the embargo upon the importation of live stock from Great Britain can be safely removed, as we consider that adequate safeguards-are afforded by the quarantine conditions before shipment and upon arrival. Air Begg stated that if the remit were adopted the danger would not be increased. though New Zealand would never be free from danger. At present Canada and Australia were used as quarantine stations. It would be safer for the J9ominion to use and control its own station. If the disease should break out in those countries it would soon be in New Zea-

land. It could be carried on boots and clothes, and there was more danger in allowing a farm labourer to come into New Zealand than in importing stock- in view of the precautions that were being taken before shipping. It was a mystery that New Zealand had remained free of the disease. Air Reid seconded the motion. Mr Waite said that if the suggestion came up in the House he would vote against it. The people who wanted the restriction removed were breeders <at Home, stock agents who wanted commissions, and a few breeders in New Zealand. Was New Zealand desperately in need of new blood? No one had yet been able to explain the sporadic outbreaks which took place, and New Zealand had sufficient pests m the country already. There was still a risk. Everyone admitted that if the disease came here New Zealand could almost “ shut up shop.” Was the necessity so great that it was worth while to run the risk? The remit was defeated. SUPPLEMENTARY REMITS.

Clydevale (investigating local body affairs).: That this conference commends the Government's proposal to set up a commission to go into the question of the administration of local bodies and urges that this be done without delay.—This remit was moved by Air Craig, and adopted without discussion. The Executive: That the attention of farmers and of threshing mill owners in Otago be drawn to- the quantity of badlythreshed grain being sent in to the Dunedin market and that, immediate steps be taken to stop it. otherwise this Provincial Executive will feel bound to agree to a deduction being made for waste matter.—• Mr Craig moved this remit. He said that the executive had had a sample of wheat before it the previous evening, and it was in a very bad state. Farmers could eave money by sending in their wheat in good condition. —The remit was adopted. Mr Sheat moved the following remit on behalf of the executive:—That this conference places on record its appreciation of the splendid work done for the Government Railways Department by Mr C. ,E. Barnes, and expresses the opinion that it is against the best interests of the railways to shift Mr Barnes from the commercial department to the goods department just at a time when he has got to know in a personal manner many thousands of farmers throughout Otago and Southland. Whilst this conference docs not seek to advise the railways how to conduct its business, it expresses the opinion that the Railways Department would be better served if Air Barnes was left where he was.—The motion was carried. Air Cameron moved the following remit on behalf of the aikouaiti branch:—— That this conference adheres to the resolution passed at the Dominion conference to the effect that no reduction should be made in the wheat and flour duties unless similar reductions were made in other protective tariffs.—The remit was carried. PROTECTIVE DUTIES. Air Begg moved—“ That as award wa„cs have been reduced by 10 per cent., the Government should now proceed to reduce protective duties.” Air Begg said that when wages had been reduced an appeal had been made to producers to bring down prices accordinglj. Many had brought them down, many would do so. and many would “ f-et away with it ” if they could do so. The 10 per cent, reduction in wages represented a reduction in costs. It was to be presumed that more goods would be made locally, and the Government would therefore lose revenue. If the tariff’s in certain other British goods were increased they would still come into the country, and the Government would collect the tariffs. Air Lee seconded the motion, which was carried. CONG RATULATIONS. The following remits were adopted: — From the executive—That this conference , conveys its good wishes to the nomens Division in conference and heartily congratulates them upon the wonderful progress they have made during the past year. It also places on record its acknowledgement of the splendid work the Women’s Division is doing for country women, particularly per medium of the housekeeper scheme. From the executive—This conference records its sincere appreciation of the hard and conscientious work done for the union by the Dominion Executive, and heartily congratulates them upon the very definite results obtained as a direct result of their representations to the Government and to other bodies. CONCLUSION. On the motion of Air Sheat a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Air Revie for the capable manner in which he had conducted the business of the meeting, and also for the manner in which he had conducted the work of the executive during the year.

A member of the unemployed approached a Cashmere Hills resident asking for work. As the garden needed a little tidying, the man was given a few days’ work. The other members of the household were away on holiday, but the owner of the property had occasion to return to the house about 10.30 one morning, and what was his surprise to find his temporary employee, stripped to the waist, basking under a pear tree. “ Here, what are you doing there?” cried the employer. “ Oh, I’ve just finished my lunch, and I’m having a bit of a rest.” “Lunch! But it’s only half-past 10!” “ I know,” came the laconic reply, “ but I always have an early lunch.” A survey party is busy with the details of a scheme for draining Lake Ellesmere, about 20 miles from Christchurch, midway between Christchurch and Akaroa; The Public Works Department, it is stated, is considering the possibility of connecting it with Lake Forsyth, and then driving a. cut and a tunnel to lead to the sea. The first question to determine is whether the expenditure would be justified, and there is also the question of how far the surrounding land would be affected by disturbing tne levels of the lake. One of the suggested solutions is that stopbanks should be built to prevent the flooding that occasionally occurs m the vicinity of the lake.