FARMERS' UNION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 310, 25 August 1932, Page 4

FARMERS' UNION

GOVERNMENT TO BE ASKED FOR IMMEDIATE \ DERATING Vf ' SUB-PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE The Rotorua sub-provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union held a meeting in the Peerless Hall yesterday afternoon to discuss general business and remits to the annual conference of the parent body. Mr. W. Allen occupied the chair. The delegates decided to endorse the action being taken by the Dominion executive in pressing for a reduction in rural telephone charges. Mr. "R. Boord asked what action was being taken in regard to the Government's decision not to grant the 12^ per cent. rebate on rates this year.- He was supported by Mr. J. E. Martin, who considered that it was not too late to make representations for the retention of the reI ate, especially in view of the early sitting Of Parliament. Derating Necessary Considering that it was now practically impofesible to secure a retenthn of the rebate', delegates agreed that a request be sent to the Auckland executive, asking it to press for derating of fartn lands for roading purposes and stating that the Vre' sent financial pOSition demanded immediate steps in this direction. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. J. E. Martin, to suggest to the conference that a letter be sent to the Acting-Minister of Public "Works (Hon. C. E. Macmillan) recording the Union's opinion that the present methods of road construction were unnecessarily " elaborate," expensive, and beyond the requirements of the country. Bush Sickness at Galatea The recent public statement of the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata that the Galatea district had been found to be bush sick prompted a protest from delegates. Mr. J. E. Martin considered that the Governrnent _ had ploughed too deep into the shingle and said that the land had carried sheep for over half a century with excellent results. He strongly denied that it had ever shown signs of bush sickness. ' The pospibilities of the Ngakuru blo'ck were also discussed, and it was decided to suggest that this land be immediately cut up for close settlement. i To conform with a request from the Minister of Railways (Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) , that instances of fences bounding railway lines in disrepair be "reported, it was decided to point out the condition of the fences between Taurakenga and Ngatira. _ Before cOncluding the meeting, it t was agreed to support the Waikato executive's proposal to hold a conference of the "South" Thames, Rotorua and Waikato execu'tives at Hamilton prior to the annual Dominion Conference.