N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 303, 29 August 1929, Page 4

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

PUTARURU BRANCH. The monthly meeting of the Putaruru branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was held on Saturday, when the president, Mr. A. R. Vosper, presided over a fair attendance. Welcome Appreciated. The secretary, Mr. L.. M. Nicklin, submitted a report on the farmers’ excursions from the South Island, and it was stated that a letter had been received from Mr. Dickie, expresident of the Southland Farmers’ Union, to the effect that the Putaruru reception was the best received by the Southland farmers during their whole tour. The president stated that there was no doubt but that the welcome was appreciated, and it enabled the farmers to meet farmers, and that was the object of the tour. A letter similar to that from Mr. iflekie was received from Mr. Wellsted, business agent for the railways.—Received.

Tariffs. The Prime Minister, in acknowledging receipt of the protest against the continuation of the Customs and railway tariff, stated that such had been noted and would receive the careful consideration of the Government.—Received. The Minister of Railways and Customs, in a reply to the same protest, stated that he had no intention of setting up a tariff board, as he considered that matters relating to tariffs should be dealt with on the flhor of the House. The representations of the branch would be noted. —Received.

Trees for Pulping. The State Forest Service wrote in reply to a request for information that tawa and rimu were the two most suitable species for pulping occuring in the Taupo forest, while all the exotic species tested were proved suitable for the manufacture of either newsprint or wrapping papery. During the tests it was found that immature exotics were not suitable for pulping purposes, those over the age of 20 years appearing satisfactory. The economic aspects of pulping were under re view, but it would be some time next

Year before definite information was available. —The letter was received. Earthquake Fund.

The chairman, in stating that a statement ill connection with the Earthquake Relief Fund would be placed before the next meeting, regretted that the Town Board had not given a lead ip this matter, as he thought that such would have done a great deal of good. Land Settlement. The chairman, referring to tiio land settlement scheme as drafted by the Rotorua sub-provincial branch, stated that it was only in its infancy so far. It was, however, hoped that the scheme as evolved was a contribution towards the solution of the problem. In reply to a question, Mr. Vosper I said that probably there were not many blocks of 20,000 acres near Putaruru, but the scheme was meant for the whole of the Dominion. Mr. A. Morris said that the first blocks would undoubtedly be near towns, so as to avoid heavy roading costs. • Mr. Vosper stated that it was surprising the number of blocks of 2000 to 3000 acres there were that the rwners would be willing to sell to the Government. Mr. Morris said that the group settlement scheme was in existence whereby say 12 men could go in for a block of 2000 acres, but the land was too dear, hence the proposed scheme.