FARMERS’ UNION

Southland Times, Issue 18853, 19 June 1920, Page 6

FARMERS’ UNION

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. IMPORTANT REMITS. The annual provincial conference of the Farmers’ Union was held yesterday, the retiring president (Mr W. Couser) preskiing. There were present: Messrs T. Cochrane (Waiau), R. Ross (Mabel), T. McMath (Rivcrsdale), A. Horne and R. Arno(,t (Wyndhami, R. Roy (Balfour), J. McNaughton (Oteramikal, G. Robertson (Te Wae Wac), S. Ayscn (Waikaka), 11. Smith (Waikaka Valley), J. J. Crampton (Mataura Island), A. Reed (Knapdale), G. Stroud (Opio), T. R. Eadcs (Edcndale), J. Stewart (Pyramid), H. McCall (Seaward Downs), D. McPherson and R. Sim (Waianiwa).,

Some 4G remits were considered, and the discussions were often lengthy. Before the adjournment for the annual dinner only about one-third of the remits hud been dealt with, and, on resuming, the conference sat till midnight. In his opening address the President said —“Your executive has held ten meetings during the year, and many matters affecting the farming industry received attention. The sub-executive established toward the end of last year, at Gore, has been instrumental in furthering the interests of the Union. 'Hie annual balance now presented, shows an unsatisfactory state of finance; the want of funds is retarding the usefulness and work of the Union. It is novy apparent that if farmers’ interests are -to oe furthered and protected, we must have direct representation in Parliament, the Dominion of Canada has a fanners’ party, also Australia. Fixing prices and placing embargoes on produce has the result of reducing production. The haphazard domestic legislation of the National Government has sown the seeds of Bolshevism and -brought the country to the brink of a social revolution. Owing to war our liabilities have increased from five millions per annum in 1913. to fifteen millions per annum in 1920, at the present time, and still increasing. Now it requires the united action of all to meet our liabilities. Southland has embarked on a comprehensive scheme of electrification, thereby opening up great possibilities for the development of ;ho Province, and as the farmers’ properties arc pledged security for the loan or loans, it is to bo hoped that the Board will successfully carry °ut the work according to the Engineer’s estimates. We hope that the loyalty accorded the scheme will be justified in the financial results. As your represent at ive on the Technical College Board, I have endeavoured lo have a p’tot or parcel of land acquired for ex[>criTncntal and practical purposes. Several properties were submitted, and Messrs Chcwings, Gerrard and the Director and myself inspected and reported, in favour of the land owned by the Thomson Trustees. Although our report has been forwarded several months to the Department, their approval has not yet been received. I will

always look with pleasure to my association with the College Board, as they are thoughtful earnest men working mutually to further the cause of Education.

“In connection with the. New Zealand Conference held in Wellington, I am pleased to state that, the united advocacy of the Southland delegates secured for Air E. Bowmar a seat on the Advisory Board, which I am sure is to he regarded as a matter for congratulation.

la vacating the chair I wish to tender my thanks to the members of the executive. We have always had full meetings, and many came long distances and certainly made sacrifices to attend to the duties they undertook. Our secretary has been enthusiastic and painstaking. Certainly the remuneration he receives is not adequate for the service he renders to the Union. Though we are not ns flourishing ns wo ought, still wc have made progress, and it remains with (he fanners whether the Union prospers or not. I sincerely trust that my successor will be able next, year to refer to the Union as “the United Farmers of Southland.”

The report and balance-sheet were then considered in committee and adopted. A mol ion of congratulation to Mr John McQueen on his improved health was pas -ed.

OFFICE BEARERS. The following office-bearers were elected: — President—Mr G. P. Johnston; vice-presi-denG, Messrs D. J. llcenan, E. Bowtntir, A. J. Niched, \V. Couser and W. Ford; executive, Messrs A. McKenzie (Wuianiwai, P. Arnott (Seaward Downs'. D. Walker (Balfour i, A. Hoy (Mossburn', G. Robertson (Te Wae Wae), A. Howe (Wyndhami, T. MeMat.h ( Riversdale), .1. D. Trotter (Woodlaw), J. Bruce (Pyramid i. T. R. Fades (Edendalel, 11. Smith (Waikaka Valiev), K. A. Cameron (Wendonsidc 1 .

REMIT?. BAND AND TAXATION. Knapdale.—"Thai the Government be urged to discourage speculation in band by enacting that not more than at) [>er cent, of the capital value be advanced on frcche.ld security, and that till properties sold at a profit before three years' possession be taxed 50 per e;nt. on that piotit.” "That lea-ehold be plated on the same taxes as freehold." "lhat in calculating the profit a deduction be made for improvements carried out during (he period of possession.” air J. 11. Reid, in moving the adoption of the remit, said t hat it would recommend, itself to the bona fide farmer. Land speculation had been carried out larpily, and was detrimental to the interests of agriculture. The speculator wanted to reap where he hat 1 not -own. They nil knew what absentee landlordism had done for Ireland, and the speculator added and abetted by the agent-- was doing the same for New Zealand. He was of the opinion lhat some check shouki he put upon, land speculation. The agriculture.! pursuits would be benefited by a rest fiction o? land speculation, and the mounting mortgages would he stopped. .Mr ,1. C. McKenzie seconded the remit,

saying that land speculation should he rest’deted. The land agents had been rushing around trying to induce fanners to sell, and ofien induced the owner to put a value upon th - ’ land which he knew was in excess of a working margin. Mr Sim, a:; an amendment, moved the deletion of the words "not more than 50 per cent, of the capita! value,” stilting lhat many of the farmers to day could not linar.ee 50 per cent, of their property, and if those words were left in it would debar many farmers from commencing fanning. Mr A. J. Nichol, in seconding the amendment, said that many suggestions had been put forward to stop the gambling in land. They might well adopt one suggestion, carried at one of th-" 1 northern conferences, that the agent’s commission be reckoned on the amount of cash paid. The ttgenl.s were n sponsible for a large amount of the speculation. He suggested that 75 per cent, be substituted. The suggestion was adopted. A delegate said that agents would not exert themselves to sell a man’s land when the commission was small. He thought that the actual solution of the difficulty was to make the Government the sole agents for the sale of land.

A protective clause was inserted to make provision for hardship or death. The words added were “except in the case of death or incapacity by illness of the owner.” The second clause was struck out.

Mr T. R. Katies said that one of the chief difficulties in connection with land speculation was the exchange of farms. Mr H. McCall moved that the agent be paid only on the actual cash that the ingoing man lias at his disposal, plus the money left by the vendor on the farm as a second mortgage. Mr A. J. Nichol said that as so many conflicting opinions were expressed he would recommend that the matter be referred to the executive and moved accordingly a.s an amendment. The amendment was carried. The remit as amended was carried.

Waianiwa.—“That this conference views with displeasure the Government scheme of land taxation which is in our opinion a ‘single tax.’ and we consider that any business involving £ISOO capital should bear equal tax with land and that an exemption of £ISOO is not adequate when a mortgage exceeds that amount, but that the total mortgage should be exempt from taxation.”

Mr R. Sim, in moving the remit, added the words that land tax coupled with income tax was an injustice to farmers. A business firm had a little value in the unimproved value of land. He was of the opinion, that a total mortgage should be exempted from taxation. It was a difficult matter to calculate a farmer’s income as they never allowed for the cost of putting land in order after a crop had been taken off the land.

Mr C. Ireland stated, in seconding the motion, that it was wrong that a man should be called upon to pay tax on what he did not own.

Mr E. Bowmar said that the remit would assist wnat they were striving to prevent, lanjl speculation. The struggling farmer was not the one who carried large mortgages, but the man who went in for speculation. He moved that £3OOO be inserted in place of £ISOO. An amended. remit, “That this conference is of opinion that the exemption of ,£looo on account of mortgage on land is not adequate, and recommend that the amount be increased to £3000,” was adopted. Mr A. Smith (Waikaka Valley) moved —“That the Government be pressed to pass legislation making it unlawful for military convicted shirkers to purchase or acquire any land or property whatsoever in New Zealand and that any land or property purchased nr acquired by them since the outbreak of hostilities he forfeited and disposed of to loyal citizens.”

The remit, the mover said, was framed by a returned soldier who served a lengthy term at the front. Mr E. Bowmar seconded the motion.

Mr 11. MeCaw expressed the opinion that the remit was not a bit ton strong. There was a conscientious objector who was paid seven shillings per day for tipping drays in camp.

The remit, was adopted. ORGANISATION

Mr E. Bowmar moved, on behalf of Gore, Scott's Gap, Waiau, and Edcndale — "That a paid organiser he appointed for Southland.” He said that in his opinion they had not exhausted the whole energies of the members and that if committees were set up in various districts for two months they would find that they would make a big dillercnce in the membership. There was a limit to the time and expense

a member was prepared to give for the Union's work, and members of the committees should have their expenses paid. He would like to sec the scheme given a trial and if it proved a failure then power should be given to the executive to employ a pair organiser.

Mr Crampton, in seconding the motion, said that they did not give enough publicity to their meetings, and those in the country did not know what (he executive was doing. He was in favour of the mover’s scheme. Mr R. Arnott said that it was about time that the Union had a paid organiser, and perhaps some arrangement, could he made wit hj Of ago (o work together.

Mr 11. McCall said that if they wanted to kill the Union let, them appoint a pair! organiser. By using their own members they could largely increase the membership. They should give the proposed scheme a trial for three months. Mr A. McKenzie said that it was time that something definite was done. Me would suggest that the subscription be placed on an acreage basis.

Mr D. J. Keenan said that it was about time that the Dominion executive gave the branches a detailed account of the expenditure of the money forwarded to the Dominion executive. The executive should appoint- two organisers for the Dominion and pay them out of the subscription levy.

The amendment that a paid organiser bo appointed if a canvass by members of the branches proved unsatisfactory was carried. The appointment of a committee to cany out a scheme to canvass Southland was left in the hands of ihe executive, the secretaries of tire branches to write the secretary and name their representatives. GO-OPERATION.

The following remit- was moved by Mr Reid and seconded by Mr Nichol Knapdalo—“That the practice of booking freezing space in large quantities a long time before actually requiring it. by dealers, is unjust to producers, and that this conference take steps to secure alleviation of the position.” Mr D. McPherson declared (hat there was no sucii practice. From seven to ten days was the period that spare was booked before being occupied.—Other speakers agreed that they received fair treatment from the companies, while others took the opposite view.

The remit was adopted. Remits from Otcramika and Balfour, advocating the establishment of a eo-opera-livc freezing works, were referred to the executive to go fully into the question. Balfour.--"That the conference considers (he advisability of establishing of co-oper-ative woollen mills.” Waikaka Valley.—

"That this conference recommend the Dominion Conference to take into consideration the very high price of woollen goods compared with cost, and discuss with the Federated Co-operative Associations (he possibility of the manufacture and distribution with a view to substantially reduce the cost of living.”

The Balfour delegate (Mr P.nyi moved the remits, which were grouped. He stated that a meeting had been held at Gore to establish mills, ami it rested with the farmers to support the movement. Mr A. smith seconded the remits.

Mr F. 80-mar said that the present cooperative : o-i ■ • - rid not make any great impre.-sion on redo' 1 mg the co=t of materials. They were out to make money for ibr-ir shareholders, but he tb" , ,t''bl it it Hep in the right direction if the nulls were worked on a proper co-npcralive basis. The remits were referred to an executive commit ire for investigation. TAXATION. Mr W. Ford, for the executive, moved—"That in reference to tiie exemption of £25 far each child under H years up to the number of four under the provisions of the Income Tax Act, Government be urged to amend the Act so as to increase such exemption to £75 for cacu child iive.-pective of the number of a family, ’ ami stated lhat it was desirable to give encouragement to tho.-e with large families, and a good way to do it was to remit taxation. Mr A. McKenzie seconded the motion.

A suggestion that £75 he reduced to £-10 was accepted and the remit was carried. Invercargill.--"That this conference is of opinion that lessees of pastoral Governmeirt lands should have the right to obtain the freehold and that educational endowment lands should be sold and the money invested in town lands,” —Mr J. D. Trotter brought forward the remit, lie declared that if the pioneers had been given the freehold of the high country it would have been in a better state to-day.

Mr R. Him seconded the motion, which was carried by thirteen to six. man;: be.

“That the attention of the Government he drawn to the excessive cost of manure and that such steps he taken as will relieve the producers and thereby enable them to increase production,” was a remit from the Knapdale branch moved by Mr Reid. It was impossible to grow better crops without a good supply of manure. Mr Couscr seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Invercargill. -“That this conference believing that the need of fertiliser i.s the most pressing of farmers' requirements, urge the Government to see that shipping is provided to bring supplies to New Zealand.”—Carried without discussion. LIME.

The following remit from Mataura Island was moved hy Mr Crompton—"Thai this conference recommends tbe Southland executive to take steps, if possible, to secure a lime-kiln showing a good test, to be owned by the Farmers’ Union members only.” The mover said that so far the lime farmers had been getting was not up to the standard it should be. If cheaper and better lime w-as available more production would result. Some of the present kilns were showing a very poor test, and the farmers were getting ground earth in the place of lime.

The motion was seconded by Mr McCaw, who advocated the acquirement by the

Government of a kiln for the use of Otago and Southland. This could be worked by the Union which would pay the Government a royalty. Mr Bowmar said that the executive had carefully considered the question, and he would like to see a remit forwarded to the Dominion executive asking the Government to protect the farmer by making a guarantee of analysis compulsory. Mr Bowmar went on to detail what the executive had done in investigating the possibilities of establishing a local kiln. Government expert advice had been promised, and the only difficulty seemed to be in getting a site handy (o a railway. Mr Ford also outlined the impressions he had gathered from inquiries and investigations made in the North Island.

Mr Nichol said that he for one was quite willing to guarantee support to the venture. He moved “that the conference support the proposal to establish lime-kilns and that they commit themselves financially to the venture.

The president said that he did not think the matter should be gone on with immediately. Rather it should be held up in order to he held out as an incentive to those nnproachcd to join the Union. Mr Nichol’a motion was seconded by Mr MeMath. r The remit and the motion were unanimously adopted. RABBIT ACT. Mataurn Island.— “That the Government he pressed to amend the primitive clauses of the Rabbit Act so that the arbitrary power placed in the hands of the inspectors be curtailed.”

Mr Crampton moved the adoption of the remit, saying that too much power was given the inspectors, and if they had a grudge against a man they could obtain a conviction on their evidence alone. All the farmers wanted was a chance to defend (heir cases.

Mr W. Couser seconded the motion, stating that (he Act was an injustice and did not give the farmer a fair chance. Mr R. Arnott .said that the Wyndham branch was in favour of the Act as it stood, because there was a section of men who would not fight the pest unless forced. The man who made a fight against rabbits had nothing to fear from the Act. He moved an amendment that the Act stand as it is. This was supported by Mr T. R. Eades (Edendale I. The amendment was carried.

It. was decided that in order to cope with the rabbit pest. the attention of the Government be again drawn to the urgent necessity of supplying at first cost rabbit netting to all farmers. EDUCATIONAL. M aikaka.—‘'That all school hooks throughout the dominion be standardised and same he supplied at cost price to pupils.”—Carried. Mr R. Arnott, on behalf of the Wyndham branch moved; “That a protest be lodged against (he continued practice of bringing country school pupils from outlying schools to their various centres for the proficiency examination.” In support he said that the practice placed the children at a disadvantage, in having to travel for their examinations. They wore put in a strange environment and expected to do their best.—The remit was carried.

Mr W. Ford, for the Invercargill branch, moved: “That this conference is of opinion that candidates for seats on the Education Board should give an expression of their views’ on the public platform at least once before election, so that the public may know whether they arc supporting the man whose views they favour.” in support of the motic’rr he stated that with proper agricultural instruction they might, be able to stop a certain amount of the drift of the country children to towns.

Mr 1). McPherson said that the ,remitshould go further and embrace all local bodies, and with the consent of the mover lie seconded the motion with that addition. The remit was carried without amendment.

Invercargill.-—“That in the interest of children and teachers attending small country schools the question of centralisation be considered.”

Opio.—-“That children in the. back blocks should he given better facilities for primary education, and in order to accomplish this - , (he Education Department should adopt a system of conveying these children to larger schools.”

Mr D. J. Hcenan moved the adoption, stating that the back block children were under a disadvantage, as teachers in Grade 1 schools had little nr no teaching experience. The fanners should realise that the education of their children was of more ■'Ailne than (he conveyance of their cream to the factories. Motor lorries could be used for the conveyance of the children, and a system of centralisation would he a great benefit. Mr J. D. Trotter seconded the motion. The remit was opposed by Mr H. McCall, who said that the suffering of the children in the winter when travelling to a school miles away in weather such as was experienced in Southland would be severe, A delegate said that one of the principal difficulties was the lack of accommodation for the teachers, and if proper housing was provided they would get better teachers. The remit was carried. VETERINARY. Mr E. Bowmar (Gorei moved: "Thai the time is now op-por une for asking the Government when making new appointments of Mock inspectors to select men who are competent to give advice to farmers regarding improvements in breeding stock.” In i- 1 caking to the motion he said that it w:,i time that when the inspectors were •'•.■ pointed they should be able to advise farmers on slock questions. The discussion was favourable to the remit, the dealing in horses being specially mentioned as being of sufficient importance to warrant such a step. The remit was carried. GENERAL. Knapdale moved; "That the Government be asked to fix a minimum price for farm produce, also a minimum scale of wages for farm workers.’’ and in support Mr J. Reid said lhat they had listened to the wheat deputation which fixed a minimum price and they should carry (he scheme further end have a minimum price paid for all produce. Wih a fixer! minimum price foe all farm produce, the w:tges for farm labour would be then put on a more satisfactory footing. Te remit found no seconder, and was struck out.

Wiiiau.—“That mercantile firms or their agents introducing buyers of stock guarantee the seller against loss and become responsible for ihc transaction.” The mover said that under the present law the agent accepted no responsibility, and if a deal fell through the fanner had no redress except an action against the purchaser. The remit was carried.

Pyramid.—“ That owing to exploitation of farm produce, particularly by local manufacturers of woollen goods, the Union uphold the principle of Free Trade within the Umpire.”-—Carried without discussion. Knapdalc.—“That the Government, be asked to practice the utmost economy in all departments of its adininistation and to refrain from borrowing until we arc able to reduce our present liabilities, except on reproduction works.”—Carried without discussion.

Waikaka.—“That the Government be asked to bear the cost of maternity expenses in all cases of need.”—Carried without discussion.

Gore. —“That the Government be asked to _appoint a Trade Commissioner to represent the Dominion in Great Britain.” Mr E. Bowmar moved the remit, stating that it was essential to the producers to have a commissioner to handle the trade of the Dominion outside the High Commissioner’s office. The remit was carried.

Waianiwa.—“That this Conference views with apprehension the waste by Government of public money in appointing apd financing conunissons to inquire into rivers and high country- questions.” The remit caused a mixed discussion, but Mr D. Walker said that members were perhaps looking at the remit from the wrong viewpoint. The Rivers Commission was trying to solve the cause of the floods,

and they had to consider altered natural conditions before they could get to the root of the cause. The remit was struck out.

Waiau.—“That this Conference is in sympathy with the aims of the Potato Growers’ Association.”—Carried without discus-

Waiau and Opio.—“That this Conference advocates the abolition of draft on wook” —Carried without discussion.

Waianiwa and Opio.—“That the Dominion conference seriously advocate the enforcement of the principle that wool packs be paid for by the wool buyer.”—Uarried without discussion.

Mr W. Todd (Invercargill) moved “That in view of the development of the electrification scheme in Southland and in order that the utmost use of the available energy be made, (his conference recommends the formation of a committee or committees to inquire into the practicability of instituting new industries to absorb the surplus energy stlch as woollen mills, wool scouring, lime and cement manufacture and the numerous by-products now going to waste.”—Carried.

Mr AV. Ford, for the executive, moved “That when appointments are to be made by Government to the Land Board, Valuation (land) Department, Board of Agriculture and Board of Trade, such appointments should be referred to and endorsed by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, the only organisation in the Dominion which is purely representative of agricultural and pastoral interests.”—Carried.

A remit, “That in view of the extremely high scale of charges by solicitors, a committee be appointed t-o investigate and make recommendations as to ways and means of securing reduct ions,” was moved by Mr Ford and seconded by Mr J. D. Trotter. The mover stated that, the solicitors Had increased their charges 50 per cent. The value of land had gone tip and there was no justification for the solicitors increasing their transfer fees. The remit was referred to the executive.

“That the Government )>s again urged to adopt a more up-to-date and expeditious system of railway construction.”-—Carried. Mr W, Ford moved “That a deputation consisting of two representatives from Southland along with other delegates from the. Dominion conference he appointed to wait upon the Prime Minister to get an explanation of the transactions relative to New Zealand's share in the Nauru Island deposits.”—He said that the Government had promised that something would he done with the deposits after the war. It now transpired that the rights of the German proprietors had been anchored in London, and bought by an English syndicate from which (he New Zealand and Australian Governments had to purchase at an enhanced value. It was time some definite statement was made by the Government. The remit was carried. Other remits were considered as follows :

“That in order to assist, farmers to comply with the ministerial request for increased production, preference should Ire given to farmers’ co operative business concern.-; in handling Nauru Island deposit.”—Carried.

“That the Farmers’ Union conference protest against military training camps extending over a period of more than three months.”- -Carried.

“That the question of an experimental farm for Southland be again considered.”— Carried.

“That (he Railway Department Ire asked to place electric bells at dangerous level crossings.”—Carried.

IMMIGRATION. “That the Government be urged to adopt a liberal immigration policy giving preference to farm labourer? in order to help towards an increased production”—This: remit,, emanating from the executive, was moved by Mr W. Ford and seconded by Mr A. ,T. Niehol.

Mr Bowntar said that two young men had called on him for work. He could not. employ them, but had rung up a number of Union members. The young men, to his disgust, travelled all the district and were about Gore for a week without getting work, although offering to work for 2, r ).s per week. There was an obligation on the farmers to provide work if they were going to make so much of the shortage of labour. In Auckland he had heard from labour agents that there was no work to had in Southland, whereas there was plenty in the North Island. , Mr Reed said that the shortage of domestic servants was really at the bottom of farmers’ disinclination to engage male help. The remit was adopted with the addition of the words “and domestic servants.” SUBSCRIPTION. It was decided to instruct the secretary to notify all the branches that the sum of 12s was required from each member per annum to cover the levies to the executive and the dominion executive.