FARMERS' UNION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 601, 4 August 1933, Page 6

FARMERS' UNION

rotorua meeting SUB-PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE CONSIDER VARIOUS BUSINESS SETTLERS ON BUSH SICK LAND A meeting of the sub-provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the Citizens' Club on Wednesday the following delegates being Ipresent: — Messrs. D. B. Higgins (Matamata), W. H. Allen (Tirau), J. Kean (Te Pu), P. Hawke (Hinuera), Hardwick (Okoroire), J. W. Wrigley and Parsons (Rotorua). Apologies were received from Messrs. H. M. Martin, R. Boord (Rotorua) and Watkins (Tirau). Mr. A. E. Robinson, general secretary, was also present. In discussing the minutes of the previous meeting it was decided to reaffirm the remits passed at that meeting dealing with the stock foods regulations and the suggested relaxation of the regulations governing the importa'tion of stock from Great Britain together with the necessary precautions against the introduction of foot and mouth disease. Discussing the settlement of the Ngakuru block ,it was stated that fog grasses were principally being sown there as an experiment, contrary to local experience. The general secretary was asked to communicate with the Minister of Agriculture in connection with the matter. The report of business considered by the conference of delegates of the union recently held at Whangarei was read by the general secretary and received by the meeting. Some discussion also took place on the question of trade quotas, at the conclusion of which the executive decided to adopt the following resolution: "That this executive, in view of the serious position disclosed in the qnota discussions, requests the Government to reduce customs taxation by the amount of the exchange and to institute free trade with Great Britain." On the suggestion of Mr. D. B. Higgins, supported by Mr. J. Kean, it was decided to urge the Auckland Provincial Executive to urge for the derating of farm lands and also the principle that the road users should be responsible for the cost of maintenance. The advisability of the producers of bobby calves and pork having a representative on the Meat Producers' Board was considei*ed by the meeting and on the~motion if Mr. P. Hawke it was decided to recommend this principle to the Government. Discussing the difficulties which settlers on bush sick land who were still holding on, found themselves at the present time, it was decided that reni free occupation should be granted to tide them over these difficulties, despite any remissions of rent which had already been granted. It was also suggested that these settlers should be assisted with the provision of limonite and in dealing with the. eradication of the ragwort menace.