FARMERS’ PROBLEMS

Southland Times, Issue 21091, 24 May 1930, Page 4

FARMERS’ PROBLEMS

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

CONSIDERATION OF REMITS

MR E. BOWMAR PRESIDENT

Matters of vital interest to the farming community were discussed at length at the annual Southland Provincial Conference of the NewZealand Fanners’ Union held in the Y.M.C.A. Lecture Hall yesterday. There was an attendance of over 70 delegates, all the provincial branches of the Union being represented. Mr R. Sim, retiring president, occupied the chair at the opening of the conference. In the course of his annual review, the retiring president referred to the many serious problems facing the primary producers at the present time. The consideration of the remits which followed was largely coloured with this economic aspect, and various speakers indicated that they were groping for solutions to these questions.

The retiring president extended a hearty welcome to the delegates to what he calculated was the thirtieth Southland Provincial Conference. He was pleased to see among the delegates a number of familiar faces of members of the union who had long experience in conference and also a number of new delegates, among them several comparatively young members. It was extremely pleasing to see young men taking an interest in the affairs of the union, for it was to them that the older members looked for recruits to assist in carrying on the work of the organization. Mr Sim also said he was pleased to see present two delegates who had held office on the Otago Executive—Messrs Overton and Reid —to whom he extended a welcome. The Roll Call. The roll call was answered by the following delegates:—Messrs R. Sim (president), D. Dickie, A. R. Johnston, E. Bowmar, W. J. Martin, O. E. Niederer, T. McCann, J. J. Crampton, W. G. Mac Kay, J. J. Cowie, T. Major, S. Shaw, W. H. Ward, P. Arnott, H. Smith, E. K. Sim, J. Johnston (executive members), J. Evans (Aparima branch), E. Stevens, A. Orr (Balfour), J. Mcllwrick (Browns), J. Drysdale (Brydone), D. McDonald (Dipton), W. B. Hopcroft (Gummies Bush),- G. Matheson (Heddon Bush), T. Hanning (Hedgehope), C. S. Stevens, J. R. Hamilton, C. F. Overton (Invercargill), A. H. McLean, F. Tomlinson (Kennington). S. Graham (Knapdale), G. A. Hamilton (Lumsden), J. Stewart, (Mandeville), F. Munro, A. Christie (Mataura), W. Couser (Mataura Island), A. Horne (Morton Mains), A. Ray (Mossburn), D. Macgibbon (Orawia), T. T. McLean (Oreti), D. Bruce, R. L. Byars (Otama), A. K. McKenzie (Oteramika-Gorge Road), J. Clement (Pukerau), C. C. Derrett (Riversdale), F. J. Linscott (Thornbury), John Fraser (Tois Tois), W. F. Harrison (Tuatapere), A. W. Forrest, D. MacPherson (Waianiwa), L. Hill (Waiau), R. J. Burns, C. A. Morris (Waikaka), J. O. McPhail, J. S. Patterson (Waikaka Valley), W. T. Peterson (Waimatuku), P. Schmidt (Woodlands), G. F. McRae (Wyndham), A. J. Cameron, W. H. C. Horrell (Gore Sub-executive), A. McKenzie, T. Giller, W. Couser (life members). Voting Power of Delegates. In accordance with notice of motion given at the previous conference, Mr S. Shaw (Wyndham) moved that the rules concerning voting should be strictly adhered to and that only delegates appointed in accordance with the rules of representation be allowed to vote. Mr A. McKenzie seconded. Mr E. Bowmar moved as an amendment that no action be taken. In the past, he said, delegates and visitors had been allowed to take part in the debate and the question of voting had been left to the honour of the delegates. Mr C. C. Derrett seconded. Then followed a lengthy discussion during which delegates expressed their views in favour of both motion and amendment. In accordance with a request by several delegates, Mr Bowmar added to his amendment the following: “But in any important policy matter, the chairman’s ruling with regard to voting be strictly adhered to.’’ The amendment was carried and before being put as a motion was further amended by the addition of a clause that additional delegates be invited to record their votes. Secretary’s Annual Report. The secretary (Mr A. L. Adamson) presented his report as follows: — Tn submitting the annual report and balance sheet I wish to state briefly the position of the union's membership in. Southland, and the state of your Provincial Executive’s finances. At last conference I reported that there were 2103 members on the roll —1745 of whom were financial and 358 unfinancial. During the year there have been various changes, some new members enrolled and a number of old ones resigned or struck off, leaving a total according to my register of 2098, a decrease of 5. It is to be regretted that there has been- a falling off of financial members, the total now being 1646, but in this year when the earnings of the farm have shrunk so seriously there may be good reason for non-payment by some. Several branches have not yet sent in their returns, which when received may alter the position to some extent. Turning to the statement of receipts and expenditure you will notice the receipts have not been sufficient to meet the expenditure. The levies from branches are approximately £lOO lower than last year which represents £5O to the Provincial Executive funds, and capitation from the Dominion Executive on orders is also lower by £BO, the executive share being approximately £4B 0/0. The expenses on the other hand have increased considerably, the chief items being the allowance for rent of office and typiste £lO5, postages and petty cash £25, entertainment £24, and North Island excursion £l4. It is imperative, therefore, that we endeavour to increase the number of financial members, and at the same time watch our expenditure. VITAL PROBLEMS RETIRING PRESIDENTS REVIEW. In the course of‘his address in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, the retiring president said he regarded the last paragraph of the secretary’s report as the most important question facing the union. It was imperative to increase the financial membership and to watch the expenditure. “This morning, at a special meeting of the committee on the question of organization, it was moved as a recommendation to' the incoming executive to go into this question immediately. We

have already approved the principle of having an area officer for Otago and Southland,” said Mr Sim. “With regard to the activities during the year of the provincial executive, they have been in a measure similar to those of the Gore sub-executive and the president of the sub-executive in his annual address covered a good deal of the activities of the provincial executive. This has already appeared in the Press and I can only endorse the remarks in that address. One of the most important questions facing the executive at the beginning of the yean was that of the country taxation proposals. When I was asked to write a foreword to the pamphlet which is distributed to you annually I said that briefly the position was that this country was facing a deficiency of between £500,000 and £600,000. Taxation was inevitable. Where would it fall? I anticipated that it would fall in a large measure on the man on the land. When taxation proposals came down an extraordinary meeting was called by the Dominion president for all interested to meet to discuss the proposals. I was not able to be present at that meeting, but this executive was represented by M. W. H. Ward. Owing to the resolutions passed at that meeting, I am glad to say the taxation proposals were somewhat modified. In view of the conditions operating at the present time, it looks as if we are just about at the end of taxation. “Early in the year we had a deputation from the Invercargill Unemployment Committee. You are all familiar with the findings of the Unemployment Commission. It seems to be like the absent-minded beggar passing round the hat again and again and that the burden of unemployment will fall heavier and heavier on the man on the land. The question is, what is his ability to pay?” Dominion Fertilizer Company.

Mr Sim made a reference to the Dominion Fertilizer Company at this stage. Early in the year the promoters of the company had got into touch with the members of the fertilizer committee of the executive and had brought their proposals before the executive. After a good deal of discussion it had been decided to support the company in its project to erect works at Ravensbourne with the result that Southland and Otago had been canvassed and one of the members of the executive was elected as a director of the company. Later, at the invitation of the directorate of the company, a party of members of the executive visited Dunedin and came away with the impression that the men controlling the company were out to do something for the benefit of the primary producers. They were men of good business and sound integrity and the project was no bubble. The scheme was worthy of the support of all the farmers of the province. Continuing, Mr Sim said that with Mr Dickie he had had the pleasure of representing the union at the opening of Doherty’s lime works at Centre Bush. The company was being run on sound business lines and had had long association with the farmers of Southland. The company was manufacturing lime at a cost that made it available to all. The executive had had before it Mr Pierson, of Gore, who had expounded a scheme of veterinary service. The details of this scheme had been sent out to all the branches and had met a very mixed reception and was held up in the meantime. A remit would come before the conference from the Gore sub-executive covering the points of the scheme. '

The executive had had a representative among the assessors at the Conciliation Council to fix the threshing mill workers award.

Owing to the unfortunate hour of the meeting of the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce —4 o’clock on Thursday afternoons—it had not been possible for executive members to give the meetings the attention desired. The executive had, therefore, appointed men outside the executive, Messrs T. Giller and J. R. Hamilton. These men had some leisure time and would be able to take an interest in the affairs of the chamber and ultimately report to (he executive. British Farmers' Conference. “Mr Dickie and I had the pleasure of representing the executive at the Empire Farmers’ Conference which was attended by farmers from practically all parts of the British Empire. At this conference it was agreed that Empire farmers’ conferences should be held regularly and that the first of these gatherings should be held in South Africa in 1932. An Empire conference must necessarily have a very wide range of subjects to discuss,” said the president. “In regard to the visiting farmers to Southland, I w4sh to thank all the public bodies which assisted us so ably in entertaining the visiting farmers. They assisted us very well both in the entertainment and expenses.” Continuing, Mr Sim said that the executive had sent forward a remit to the Dominion executive regarding wool prices. The executive had been greatly perturbed concerning the fall in values and had urged the Dominion executive to make immediate endeavours to arrange a conference of sheep farmers with a view to taking concerted action with the producers in Australia and South Africa. At the executive meeting, they had had the association of representatives of the New Zealand Sheepowners’ Federation and it had been stressed that of the world’s total production of wool amounting to 11,000,000 bales, New Zealand’s proportion amounted to 700,000 bales or about five per cent, indicating that so far as the wool industry was concerned New Zealand could not make a very big splash. The secretary of the federation had counselled the producers of New Zealand to wait until they saw what the countries with a larger representation in the wool market intended to do. It had been agreed that the Southland remit had been the 1 most reasonable before the executive, but it had been held over in the meantime. "Regarding wool and wool prices the position ia that the market has practically fallen 50 per cent, below what, it was at this time last year. Production has increased rapidly and is increasing still,” said Mr Sim. It seemed that with the production of other cheaper textiles, the woollen industry had reached a point at which it was difficult for the world to completely absorb all that was available. He did not like to believe that they had reached the point of over-production, but

if the producers of wool were going to hold their own it would be necessary to lower the cost of production. It had been said, that even with the present low prices, wool production would still be profitable if the cost were down to pre-war rates. Farmers' Economic Difffficulties. The executive had also interested itself in a scheme to enable farmers to export lambs on their own account. As far as the market for this product was concerned, a similar position to the wool market had been reached. The production in the past year had been extraordinary, the total killings amounted to 6,200,000. A certain percentage of this had been absorbed locally, but the great bulk had been exported and it seemed that there was an excessive output. The price of wool and meat had a direct bearing on the primary producers. A committee had been appointed to go into the question of the costs of primary production. The farmers were selling in a market 24 per cent, above prewar, but the costs of production were 74 per cent, above pre-war. Mr Sim referred to the paper on “The Primary Industries of New Zealand” compiled by Mr E. J. Fawcett, a noted economist, copies of which had been laid on the table. This paper had been put before the Empire Farmers’ Conference. Mr Sim asked that the farmers affected by the dairying, sheep farming, and hill country farming and grazing sections should analyse Mr Fawcett’s figures and if they disagreed with them criticize them when the remit dealing with the question came up for discussion. He then proceeded to refer-io Mr Fawcett’s remarks on flat top-dressed grazing country used entirely for fattening purposes. Mr Fawcett allowed an income’of £358 on the particular farm he quoted, but, said Mr Sim, he had based his calculations on exceptional capacity on the part of land and stock. Mr Sim reduced the returns from lambs by £176 and from wool by £lOO. Mr Fawcett had not accounted for rates estimated at not less than £25 and replacement of rams at £5O. This left a net income over and above interest on the investment at £32 per annum or 12/3 per week. The committee set up by the executive must go into the vital problem of the man on the land in an endeavour to bring about a rehabilitation. In conclusion, Mr Sim passed a word of praise for the Women’s Division and the Press. Reverting for a moment to the problems he had just discussed, Mr Sim said he was not an advocate of peace at any price, but he wished to stress the need for broadmindedness. As soon as the farmers attempted to secure class preference, they were defeating their object. “All we want is equality,” he said. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Election of Officers. . The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:— President, Mr E. Bowmar. President emeritus, Mr R. Sim. Vice-presidents, Messrs W. J. Martin (senior), A. R. Johnston, O. E. Niederer, J. Evans, F. J. Linscott. Executive, Messrs D. Dickie, E. K. Sim, H. Smith, P. Arnott, J. Johnston, T. Major, W. H. Ward, J. Cowie, J. J. Crampton, S. Shaw, T. McCann, L. Hill, G. Hamilton. Delegates to the Dominion Conference, Messrs A. R. Johnston, R. Sim, E. K. Sim, P. Arnott. Delegate to the Electoral Committee to the Meat Board, Mr H. Smith. ECONOMIST’S VIEW PROBLEMS OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES. The paper compiled by Mr E. J. Fawcett, economist, referred to by the president in his annual review and in the subsequent discussion was as follows: — We are often asked 'how it is possible for New Zealand farmers to compete on the British market when such high prices are paid for land. To give some idea of the farmer’s position on highly capitalized areas, the following actual details of a group of twenty farms may be of interest. The average area of these farms is 78 acres, the examples being taken from that district known as the Waikato. Bringing everything to a basis of 100 acres, the position is as follows: —

Butter-fat production per acre . 1621 b Cows milked per 100 acres .. 53.5 Butter-fat production per cow 302.71 b The gross takings per farm amounted to: From butter-fat at 1/4 £1079.3 From pigs 86.2 From cattle 86.9

Total £1202.4 This is equal to £22.48 per cow per annum. On farms of this type, the average amount of labour available is 3.3 unite, a unit being one person whether employed whole or part time. It is usual to find one permanently employed male outside family labour in a proposition.of this size. Therefore on the average, labour would comprise the owner, one hired hand and 1.3 units part time, this being probably the owner’s wife, or children. Actual maintenance expenses covering manure, rates, fencing, cultivation, power, depreciation of plant and buildings and sundries amount to £258.6 or 21.5 per cent, of the gross takings. Wages and keep of the hired hand will average, say £l3O, leaving £Bl3/8 as interest on capital and labour reward for the family. If we consider £s*-per week sufficient for the owner and his family to live on, we get a surplus of £553.8 as interest. This capitalized at 7 per cent, equals £7,900 (approx.) Stock and plant are valued at £1,230, leaving £6,670 as the capital value of land and improvements, or £66.7 per acre. The farms within this group have an average mortgage indebtedness of approximately £3,000, therefore in addition to a labour reward of £260, the farmer has earned. interest amounting to approximately £350. When a farm is producing sufficient to pay all expenses and maintain the family, any increase in production rapidly swells the surplus which may, under competition, be. allocated to interest on increased capital. Farmers producing better than 1501 b of butter-fat per acre can stand heavy capitalization under existing labour conditions. There is a great deal of land available at a figure less than the £66 mentioned above and which is capable of producing over 1601 b per acre under good management. The bulk of our dairying country is definitely below first class quality soil, but a heavy' precipitation of well-distributed rainfall makes it possible to exploit grass production to a greater extent than any of our competitors. The secret of New Zealand’s success lies in skilful exploitation of climatic conditions combined with an extremely hard-working owner farmer type, and, in many cases, considerable self-denial on the part of the whole family. A discussion of production on individual sheep farms presents greater difficulties than on dairy farms. The range of management types is very wide, varying from the all-wool farm in the high country of the south to the all-ewe type'where complete replacement is made every year by buying, both lambs and ewes being turned off fat within the twelve months. This system is found on particularly good highpriced land scattered throughout the country. Gross turnover and profits vary according to the intensity of ewe capacity. Even on hill country grazing farms the variation is considerable. On the average, hill country of the North Island runs about 1.5 sheep per acre, the flock being comprised of both ewes and dry sheep. Ewes vary from 50 to 80 per cent, of the total sheep carried. Under these conditions, the typical family flock runs about 1000 sheep, additional help being needed at shearing time, crutching, dipping and docking. Over a number of years, the average gross returns from 1000 sheep on hill country will amount to approximately £875, varying with the percentage of ewes carried. General maintenance expenses and extra labour will amount to £250, leaving approximately £625 for interest and labour reward of the family. Capitalization of sheep farms is much heavier than in the case of dairy farms, a thousand 'sheep proposition representing about £6OOO or at 7 per cent., an interest bill of £420, leaving £205 as wages for the owner and family.

On flat top-dressed country used entirely for fattening purposes, the position is vastly different. A winter carrying capacity of four to five ewes per acre is common, and the turnover very large. Assuming a capacity of four ewes, the position per family farm is approximately: 200 acres—Boo ewes. Total capital represented, about £7OOO. Annual turnover, keeping 50 per cent, of ewes for two years, would be: 800 fat lambs at 24/- .. .. .. 960 80 store lambs at 17/6 ...... 70 Wool at 7/6 per head 300 368 ewes 368 Total 1698 Maintenance expenses, including extra labour and manure, will amount to approximately £250. In addition, 400 ewes must be bought for replacement at, say, 30/- per head. Therefore, the surplus for interest and labour reward will be in the vicinity of £B4B. Again deducting interest at 7 per cent. (£490) we get a surplus of £358, which represents the salary of the farmer and his family. If it is necessary to replace the whole ewe flock each year, this surplus may be reduced, depending on the difference between replacement and disposal values. The above is but a generalization. Both types of sheep farm are necessary for the prosperity of the industry, as the one depends on the other as an avenue of disposal of old ewes and as a source of supply respectively. The fattening farm is immediately affected by a shortage of aged ewes, and as under closer sub-division of hill country it becomes necessary to exploit fat lamb possibilities, it is essential that the larger hill runs be maintained. SPECIAL ADDRESS FERTILIZER COMPANY’S REPRESENTATIVE. Present by invitation, Mr H. Douglas Kerr, chemical engineer of the Dominion Fertilizer Company, addressed the conference briefly on the progress of his company’s new works at Ravensbourne. Mr Kerr said he had recently returned from a tour of Australia and he was more than ever convinced that with the farmers support the Dominion Fertilizer Company would win through. The most successful fertilizer company in Australia was a farmers’ organization which had developed rapidly and now had five large works in operation in various parts of the Commonwealth and a sixth in process of construction. During the past year the company had found a market for the whole of its output against strong competition, although the other companies had been unable to clear their stores of the fertilizers manufactured. In addition, the large farmers’ company had fought against the previously well-established concerns and had been directly responsible for forcing down the price. The companies in Australia were now selling superphosphate at £4 15/- per ton, which was 2/6 below the rate at which the Dominion Company proposed to do so which was equivalent to the North Island price. Although the price was a cut one, the Australian company had been able to pay its shareholders a dividend of 10 per cent, since its establishment. Mr Kerr said he was satisfied that the organization of his company was particularly sound. The board was comprised half of business men and half of farmers. He stressed that it was essential that the maximum number of farmers should be interested in the company as shareholders. Referring to the progress of the works at Ravensbourne, Mr Kerr said that the dredge had been engaged for two months in deepening the channel to the works and in a short time tenders would be called for constructing the wharf. The first shipment of raw materials necessary for the manufacture of superphosphate would arrive early in June and it would be possible to commence operations as soon as the works were completed. It was expected that delivery would take place from February 1 next onwards. The works would be completed m 13 months from the commencement of construction, which was eight months less than had been anticipated. In conclusion, Mr Kerr said he did not think any other works in New Zealand would be able to produce fertilizers more cheaply than the Ravensbourne works. ... Mr E. Bowmar, Southland representative on the board of directors, spoke in support of Mr Kerr’s address, and moved . a hearty vote of thanks, which was carried by acclamation. REMITS CONSIDERED A LENGTHY LIST. The afternoon session was devoted entirely to the discussion of remits, which included many important questions of great interest. Economic Inequality.

During recent months, the Southland executive has taken considerable interest in the question of tlj e economic inequality suffered by the farming community and the following remit framed by the special committee set up to deal with the matter came up for discussion: . That this conference is definitely convinced that rewards from farming to-day are much lower than rewards from almost every other industry, profession or occupation in the Dominion. Farming costs are still about 70 per cent, above 1914, while export values‘of farm produce are now only about 23 per cent, above that level, and our executive is endeavouring to compile figures and proofs which it hopes to present with a view to having the position adjusted on a sound basis. If this can be done most of the difficulties of depression and unemployment will cease to exist. This conference therefore requests the Government to compile definite tables along these lines with a view to having this injustice put right.’ ’ . Mr E. K. Sim moved the remit and m doing so said that it was an important one. A special committee had been appointed and had met twice, but had not yet brought down any recommendations. The committee, however, had decided that there would have to be pcoof of the inequality referred to. The committee had been asked to show how the inequality could be remedied, but there was no use doing that until they could prove the inequality. The American and British farmers had done so and had received relief in taxation, but nothing was being done in New Zealand along those lines. There were varied ideas about the matter, but the committee was of the opinion that the remedy had got to come through legislation and to do that they would have, to get the right men into Parliament. Mr P. Adnott seconded the motion, but said that he had not come prepared to go deeply into the matter. The subject was a very important one and he asked those present to give it careful consideration. Mr E. Bowmar said that he was not surprised that the meeting did not care to discuss the matter. They had not got facts to work from, but the aim of the committee and of the remit was to get those facts and figures to give them something to work with.

Mr O. E. Niederer said that in the actual working of dairy factories had increased in cost by 60 per cent, and the value of the produce had only increased by 32 per cent.

Mr A. R. Johnston said that it was regrettable that there were no figures before the conference, but without them there was nothing much which could be done. They had a right to expect the farming community to be placed on a proper economic basis, and Mr Adam Hamilton had proved to them that they were not. The depression in the farming community was not felt in ordinary business circles, but the commercial firms knew just how bad the position was. In replying, Mr Sim said that it had been suggested to him that part of the remit should be deleted, but he did not consider that he could improve it. It was indefinite as to whom the figures were to be presented, but he did not see how that could be remedied.

The. chairman ruled that further discussion was permissible and Mr T.'Major spoke of the Arbitration Court and said that it wits hot helping the farmers. The country was in h bad way' and a strong man was required to pull it out of its troubles. The ■ working man; was not any better off than he had been in pre-war days, but no matter how they looked at it, they must see that the cost came back to the farmer finally. Mr R. Sim said that the only thing they could do was to marshal their proof and place it before the Government. If the Government refused to act and would not give the primary producer a chance to make a living on the same footing as the rest of the community, then they would have to appeal to public opinion and get the proper men into the Government. Mr D. Dickie said that the most important thing was to bring the matter • before the public. The public was not aware of the position. The farmers who were established could carry on, but the men who were trying to start under present prices could not do so. The general public studied statistics regarding exports and imports and concluded that everything was all right. There was no use in talking about remedies until they had convinced the public that they had a real grievance. « Mr G. Matheson said that before they presented the remit they should have power to compel all farmers to join the union to give them the necessary backing. The remit would have far-reaching results. They all knew that the farmers were at a disadvantage, but they wanted the backing of the whole farming community to make the Government .pay attention to the matter. Mr T. Schmidt also spoke in support of the remit. Mr T. Hanning: We should produce less. Mr Sim again replied and said that the Government Statistician had sent out forms asking for production costs, but it was impossible to give correct returns. He wished to delete the words “our executive is endeavouring” and substitute “an attempt is being made.” « The remit was-carried. Tariff Wall Proposed.

Aparima Branch.—That this conference recommends to the Government that a much higher tariff be placed upon imports from foreign countries where there is an adverse trade balance. Mr John Edmonds moved the remit, and in, doing so said that there was little need to discuss the matter. It advocated preference within the Empire. New Zealand was selling only half as much as she was buying from America and America was raising a high tariff wall against the New Zealand farmers. He instanced the tax on browntop seed. Mr D. McDonald seconded the remit and endorsed the mover’s remarks. It was about time, he said, that the farmers of the Dominion awoke to the way in which America was treating them. The time had arrived when the Government should take notice of the position to do something. Mr D. MacPherson said that his branch was in favour of the dominions combining together to demand better trade relations with America. Mr W. D. Martin spoke on similar lines. The remit was carried. Cement Duty. Dipton Branch. —That the Government be asked to favourably consider the removal of the cement duty. Mr D. McDonald moved the remit, and said that the manufacturing costs in the North Island were about £3 10/- per ton, but the cement cost £7 10/- per ton in Southland. Mr C. C. Derrett said that Portland cement w-as sold on the Continent for £2 a ton, but it cost £7 a ton in Southland. He was in favour of the remit. Mr J. C. Patterson said that .he would vote for the remit if it referred to duty within the Empire. The remit was accordingly altered and carried. Dipton Branch.—That the New Zealand Farmers’ Union make every endeavour to bring about Empire trade, thereby eliminating countries which do not trade favourably with us. —Carried. Oat Importations. Gore Sub-Executive.—That this conference views with serious alarm, importing of oats from foreign countries into the Dominion, which has the effect of weakening the local market to the detriment of the' grower, and that the Government be asked to protect the industry in New Zealand by the imposition of a higher tariff if necessary. Mr A. J. Cameron moved the remit and said that the importation of foreign oats was adversely affecting New Zealand farmers. • He was referring to German oats and his branch objected to such competition. Oats in Germany were about 1/8 a bushel and the landed price in Auckland was about 4/- per bushel and the cost of shipment of Southland oats to Auckland was about lOd per bushel. Mr W. G. McKay seconded the remit and said that the importation of’ foreign oats had been , heavy during the past three months. The Gore sub-executive did not object to the importation of oats from the sister dominions, but they did object to German competition. The country had asked men to go out of the country to fight

against Germany and now the Government , was allowing Germany to compete with the men who had fought for the country. Other members spoke in support of the remit. Mr P. Arnott said he considered that the remit should be altered to a recommendation to the Government that the matter

should be investigated. Mr W. H. Ward, said that it was galling '' to returned soldiers to see Germans competing with them. He was of the opinion that the high transportation costs in New Zealand were largely to blame. Mr Arnott then moved that the matter should be dealt with by the executive and the mover agreed to alter the remit to read after grower, “that the executive be asked to investigate the matter and bring it before the proper authorities.” Mr E. K. Sim moved an amendment that the Government should be urged to amend the dumping laws. Mr T. Major seconded the amendment. The amendment was lost on the voices and the motion was carried. Mr C. C. Derrett moved that all foreign grown grain should be cleaned and graded before being admitted .to the country and that all refuse should be burnt. The motion was seconded but was disallowed by the conference. Road Maintenance. Aparima Branch.—That the petrol tax be increased with a view to the derating of farm lands. Mr J. Evans moved the adoption of the remit and said that he was of the opinion that the principle of rating land for the upkeep of roads was no longer as tenable as it had beeji in the past. Practically all traffic was now done by motor and cpnsequently the motors should be made to pay for the upkeep of the roads. It had been argued that such a course would make motor transport prohibitive, but that would be for the good of the country because it Would give more transport to the railways. Mr D. McDonald, seconded the motion. Mr P. Arnott said that it should be carried to the hospital rating also because petrol was largely responsible for hospital expenditure. ' Mr S. Graham said that the petrol tax amounted to 1/4$ per 100 miles. His rates' amounted to £24 per year as against the Other man’s 1/4s. Mr W. H. Ward said that many dairy farmers were still using carts on the road and it might not be a fair thing to ask for the whole amount to be carried by the '. motorists.

The president, speaking as a member of

the County Council, said that the county had been asked to support an increase in the petrol tax. They had replied with the following resolution: “That this council will support an increase in the petrol tax, provided that the increased moneys derived . therefrom are handed over direct to the , counties, also that this council has not been satisfied with the system of the allocations

of the funds of the Main Highways Board, as it is of opinion that the present allocations do not ensure the return of a fair share of the money to the district where it is collected.”

The theory was that the. user of the road paid, he considered, but if that was right the money paid should be used on the roads where the petrol was used. If rates were done away with they would have to have a tax .of 1/6 per gallon. If the. remit was carried it would mean a tremendous increase in the value of land near the railway. The man fartherest away from the railway was not asked to pay extra because of the extra road he was using, but the carrying of the remit would bring that about and hinder the development of the backblocks. He suggested that the conference should support the attitude adopted by the County Council. They were not getting their fair share of the money supplied by Southland motorists because the upkeep of Southland roads was small when compared to some of the northern roads. Mr R. Sim said that the adoption of the remit would necessitate differential rating in the counties.

The president admitted that such would be the case because it cost three times as much to maintain roads in one district than it might do in another.

It was suggested that the remit should be altered to: “That this conference, with a view to reduction in county rates, approves an increase in the petrol tax and supports the Southland County’s resolution.” ■ The alteration was agreed to.

Mr Dickie moved as an amendment that the conference oppose any increase to the petrol tax except for the purposes of local body revenue. He said there was no guarantee that farm lands would be derated. If all farm lands were derated an increased petrol tax would result in the back country farmers paying a much higher contribution than those near the railway. " His own experience was that he was a mile from the railway. A man about three miles away probably paid only one-third of the amount of rates he did. If only petrol tax was paid the back country farmer would pay nine times the amount he paid at present.

Mr E. K. Sim said he recalled a Government official telling the Dominion Conference some years ago that the collections from the petrol tax amounted to as much as the total rates. Therefore, he, could not reconcile Mr Service’s estimate. Mr Bowmar said this was not so. Mr Dickie’s amendment was lost and the motion carried.

Dipton Branch: —That users of all country roads pay ail upkeep expenses for same, by increased petrol tax, thereby relieving the farmers of a big portion (if not all) of the country rates.—Taken in conjunction with the previous remit.

Knapdale Branch.—That this conference considers the time has long passed when farmers should be freed from local taxation for the upkeep of roads. Farmers now use the roads no more than anyone else, most of their carting being done by motorlorry, and we feel that the abolition of road rates altogether would only be just. Farmers in the backblocks who have no roads have paid rates for the last 50 years—is it not only fair that now they should have 50 years without rates? We consider that the time has come “when all moneys required for road work should be raised from a tax on petrol and tyres.—Taken in conjunction with the two previous remits. Frozen Meat Industry.

Pukerau Branch.—That this conference is of the opinion that the college system of electing the members of the Meat Board should be dispensed with and that members should be elected under the same principle as the Dairy Control Board members. In moving the adoption of the remit, Mr. J. Clements said that if the members of the Beat Board were elected under the same system as the members of the Dairy Board, candidates for election would have to address the producers and express their views. Mr. W. J. Martin seconded.

Mr. John Eyans asked how it was proposed to carry out the election. In the case of dairy produce it was possible to divide the country into wards and elect members on a factory tonnage basis. Mr. E. K. Sim spoke in support of the present system. This, he said, had proved a success, while that of the Dairy Board had not.

The remit was lost. Riversdale Branch. —That this conference takes strong exception to the fact that a section of the freezing factory workers can hold up work and cause heavy loss to farmers in having to feed stock after be-, ing drafted, and thuS aggravate the shortage of winter feed. We suggest that freezing companies put in extra hooks to relieve the situation. .Mr. C. C. Derrett moved the remit and said that his branch was of the opinion that there should be an extra 10 hooks in the Mataura freezing works. If the extra hooks were put up extra men could be put on during the busy part of the season. Mr. D. McPherson seconded. Mr. A. J. Cameron said that the trouble was largely due to the increase of the flocks of the province and he had been told that the companies intended to put up more hooks for the next season. The remit was carried. The Gore sub-committee’s remit dealing with the same matter was withdrawn. Wool. Lumsden Branch. —That the Department of Scientific Research be asked to devise some apparatus by which the moisture content of wool at shearing time may be measured. • - Mr. George Hamilton moved the remit and said that the matter referred to an industrial trouble, and was intended to prevent owners from asking shearers to shear wet sheep and to prevent shearers from calling sheep wet when they wanted a day off. The remit was seconded and carried. . Southland Provincial Executive. —That this conference considers the time is due for a revision of the charges of handling and selling wool. The relative cost is too high and we ask that the Dominion Executive immediately take the matter up with the N.Z. Woolbrokers’ Association with a view to securing' a substantial decrease in the present scale. Mr. E. K. Sim movgd the adoption of the remit. He said chat, it had been impossible to secure a meeting with the local brokers, who had stated that the rates were fixed by the Dominion headquarters. The remit had thus been brought forward to request the Dominion headquarters of the union to take up the question with the headquarters of the brokers. The remit was adopted. Unemployment. Waikaka Valley Branch.—That this conference, while recognizing the seriousness of unemployment and the unsatisfactory methods of giving relief, is of the opinion (a) that the proposals made in the report of the Special Committee to levy taxes for the relief of unemployment on incomes, ’ undistributed profits, unimproved values of country lands and a general rate on local bodies, would be unfair in its incidence and detrimental to the progress of the country, (b) That-this conference is of the opinion that a tax on luxuries is the fairest way of affording relief to unemployed people. Mr J. O. McPhail moved the adoption of the remjt, and said that the Government had taken measures to'cope with the situation. During the last two years nearly £2,000,000 had been spent on relief work. Au Unemployment Committee had been formed and' had brought down proposals, but his branch was of the opinion that some of the proposals were detrimental to farming interests and they had consequently brought down the remit. They were of the opinion that funds for the relief of unemployment should be raised by a tax on luxuries. The money raised would be from those who could afford to pay. Mr R. L. Byars seconded the remit and it was carried.

Knapdale Branch.—Though we are wholly opposed to the theory that the State should find work for anyone, we think that 14/a day is too much for relief work as there is no incentive to look for anything else. We are also of opinion that single men should be cut out of relief work altogether. Mr W. G. McKay said that in the absence of the delegates from the Knapdale branch he-would move the adoption of the remit.

Mr C. Korrell .seconded. Mr E. K. Sim said, he thought the remit was too drastic. If the State did not provide work for the unemployed who would? Mr P. Arnott moved that the rates for unemployment relief work do not exceed 12/- a day for married men and'9/- a day for single men. Mr H. Smith seconded the amendment. Mr E. K. Sim proposed that the wage for single men should be fixed at 5/- a day. It would be sufficient to keep them in clothes and tobacco. Mr T. Giller said the rate for single men should be the same as for married men. A large number of single men were supporting aged or crippled parents. Mr Arnott agreed to add the words “without dependants” to his amendment and the motion was 'withdrawn. The amendment was carried. Orawia Branch.—That this conference favours the abolition of the Arbitration Court and the retention of the Conciliation Council. Mr D. Mac Gibbon proposed the adoption of the remit, and Mr E. K. Sim seconded, and it was carried. Invercargill Branch.—That this conference recommends to the Government in view of the experience gained and the small number of applicants for the highly improved land purchased, that in future, attention be directed to the making of Crown Lands available more attractive for settlement. — Carried. Public Expenditure. Southland Provincial Executive.—That in the opinion of the Farmers’ Union, the time has arrived when taxpayers should demand that present and future undertakings involving huge expenditure of public moneys should be thoroughly investigated by competent experts.—Carried. Invercargill Branch.—That, before any new road is opened up with Unemployed Labour, the proposed work be submitted to the County Council and the Executive of the Farmers’ Union for approval. Mr. C. S. Stevens said that in the past vast sums of money had been spent on roads that were not necessary and it was considered by his branch that proposals should be submitted to a competent authority. He moved the adoption of the remit. Several delegates' opposed the suggestion that projects should be submitted to the Farmers’ Union and the reference to the Farmers’ Union was deleted. The remit in the amended form was carried. Daylight Saving. Balfour Branch.—That this conference objects to Sidey’s time and that it be a recommendation that it be put to the country for a vote. Mr. J. Cowie moved the adoption of the remit and said that a large section of the community was. not in favour of the remit. Mr. A. H. McLean seconded and said that he would be better pleased if the clocks were put back the other way. Several other members spoke in support of the remit, but Mr. A. Orr said he was of the opinion that they should have the halfhour all the year round. Mr. Arnott said that the matter would be better left alone because the referendum might go against the farmers and Sir Thomas Sidey might ask for a referendum on the full hour. The remit was lost on the voices. Pukerau Branch. —That the Southland County Council be requested to refrain from donating any of the county funds to any public bodies or private institutions. In moving the adoption of the remit, Mr. J. Clement said that while the County Council always claimed that no money was available for repairing roads, yet a sum of from £6OO to £7OO a year was, he understood, donated to public bodies. Mr. J. Fraser seconded.

The remit was declared lost, but on a show of hands being claimed, was carried by 19 votes to 17. Electric Power.

Waianiwa Branch. —That the attention of all farmers not using £l5 worth of electricity be drawn to the fact that it is their duty as a business proposition to do so. Mr. D. McPherson moved the adoption of the remit and said that out of 5000 farmers only 2000 were spending £l4 and upwards per year on electricity. If the farmers would use more electricity they would reduce their rates. Continuing, he quoted figures to show that cooking by electricity was very economical. The working of farm machinery by electricity was also economical, he said. A member said that electricity might be economical- for cooking, but it did not supply the housewives with hot water. Other speakers said that the water-heat-ing had been largely overcome by the introduction of water-jacketed grates. Others again spoke against the remit. Mr. J. Stewart said that he had had a range and 11 lights in use for four years and it had been very economical. Mr. A. Hore said that he had a range and 16 lights and they had , cost him £2B per year. Mr. W. Couser said that he objected to the remit on the grounds that it was going to ask farmers to use more electricity, while other farmers could not get the power because they would not guarantee more than £4 a year. After other speakers had expressed varied opinions, Mr. McPherson replied and said that he had been opposed to electricity, but he had learned its value and he was of the opinion that all the farmers who objected to electricity did so because they did not understand its value. The remit, was carried. Country Telephone Lines. Balfour Branch.—(a) That holders of private wires attached to party lines receive the same consideration, regarding inspection of telenhones as the other subscribers. (b) That a flat rate for party lines be brought in for the benefit of subscribers far back. Mr J. Cowie moved the adoption of the remit. He said that the Department refused to inspect telenhones of holders of private lines unless special mileage fees were paid. Mr A. J. Cameron seconded. The remit was taken separately, (a) being carried and (b) lost. Lumsden Branch.—That the Postal Department be urged to dispense with the present system of charging for telephones on a mileage basis and that they base their charges on the cost of erection and maintenance plus service as the present system is unfair to country subscribers. Also that small country exchanges be closed, thereby saving salaries and expenses and bringing country subscribers more in line with the larger centres, regarding numbers on telephone book. Mr W. H. Ward moved the adoption of the remit and asked leave to divide the remit into two parts. Referring to the system of charging he said that the Department expected to get £5 per mile in the country, but in the' town a man three miles from the exchange could be connected to thousands of other subscribers for £7 10/- a year. The position was very unfair. He argued that the upkeep on the lines did not warrant the charges made. What was wanted was an alteration in the regulations which would give the settlers the same treatment as the people in the towns. Mr A. J. Cameron seconded the motion and said, that the position at present was a ridiculous one. In many cases, he said, the country lines were returning far more than the £5 per mile. Other members spoke in support of the remit.

Mr Dickie suggested that the remit should be altered to avoid placing those who were already linked up under a hardship. He moved an amendment accordingly, but failed to secure any support. Mr R. Sim moved that the whole remit be referred to the executive for further consideration and this was seconded and lost.

The first part of the remit was carried. Referring to the closing of small exchanges, Mr Ward said that the matter was not so important as the first, but he asked the conference to carry it. The remit failed to secure a seconder and lapsed. Export Of Meat.

, Balfour Branch.—That this conference , bring under notice of the New Zealand

Meat Producers’ Board the serious delays in ; shipping frozen mutton and lamb. Mr A. Orr, in support of the remit, said that some serious delays had taken place and he would like to hear Mr Adam Hamilton, M.P., give an explanation. Mr Hamilton said he was not aware that any delays had taken place in shipping, but there had been delays in getting the stock into the freezing works. There had been a certain amount of congestion owing to the lack of shipping this season, and the freezing companies had almost reached the margin of congestion, but he did not know of any cases of it being necessary for the freezing companies to cease killing. Recently at the port of Bluff was the Coptic, which ' had been brought from Britain in ballast to relieve the congestion. There had been a phenomenal kill this year and already 1,500,000 more sheep and lambs had been killed this season. Mr Orr said he understood that one company would have been prepared to put on night shifts had it had the freezing space available. The remit was carried. The Arms Act. Orawia Branch.—That the Government again be requested to put on the Statute Book the amendment to the Arms and Explosives Act, passed by the House of Representatives and thrown out by the Legislative Council.—Carried. Wendonside Branch.—This conference considers that the seagull is a menace in the country and some means should be taken to exterminate it. .Mr J. C. Paterson moved the adoption of the remit. Mr A. J. Cameron, in seconding, suggested tha seagulls were probably responsible for spreading club-root and stock diseases. Mr J. Johnston suggested poisoning as a remedy. The remit was lost. Inspection of Motors. Balfour Branch.—That the inspection of electric motors and oil engines and annual registration fee be discontinued after the first year following installation. Mr E. Stevens moved the adoption of the remit, and said that farmers had to pay 2/6 per year or more for the inspection of motors whether they needed it of not. Mr J. Cowie seconded the remit, which was carried. Motor Registration. Dipton Branch. —That it be a recommendation to the Dominion Executive lo make an effort to eliminate the annual renewal of number plates on motor cars, as they could be registered under the same number plates' yearly, and that no annual fee be charged on motor cars after the first registration, except a nominal fee for the registering of the same number plate yearly. In support of the remit, Mr Duncan McDonald referred to the waste of money in changing the number plates annually. Mr W. H. Ward seconded. Mr D. Bruce suggested that instead of changing number plates annually, windscreen transfers,should be issued to indicate that the license fees had been paid. The remit was carried. At the conclusion of the conference the president expressed his appreciation for the way in which all the delegates had cooperated in putting through the business. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the president, and the conference closed at seven o’clock. WOMEN’S DIVISION ANNUAL MEETING. The fourth annual general meeting of the Women’s Division of the Farmers' Union was held yesterday, Mrs O. E. Niederer presiding over a good atentdance of members, including representatives from Winton, Mataura. Balfour, Lumsden and Wyndham. The report of the executive stated inter alia:—“lnterest in our branch has been well maintained during the year; 12 meetings have' been held, all being well attended by members. Each meeting new members are coming in and what we have to offer in the way of material and social benefits are becoming appreciated and our membership is now 510. During the year new branches have been formed at Winton, Wyndham, Toi Tois and Waikaia and more branches will be formed during the coming year. Our Western District will be the first one to concentrate on. The steady increase in membership of our new branches is most encouraging showing the great necessity for our movement. We have seven emergency housekeepers engaged. Their time is fully occupied and others will need to be employed. The arrival of our housekeeper has brought joy into the homes of many of our Southland mothers, who know that the needed help just arrived is efficient and part and parcel of our own women's movement. During the year we have had an additional 1,300 cookery books printed, making a total of 5,300 and as other branches are co-operating with us, we anticipate no difficulty in disposing of the last lot published.” The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: —President, Mrs W. H. Ward, Lumsden; vice-presidents, Mesdames T. S. Smith, Irwin, McDowell, Gray, Evans, Arnott, Russell, King, McDonald; secretary and treasurer, Miss Ivy McKenzie; assistant secretary, Miss J. C. Henderson; committee, Mesdames Sim, Tuatapere; Kennedy, Otautau; Mcßae, Benmore; Blatch, Wallacetown; McCulloch, Spar Bush; Officer, West Plains; J. Henderson, Otapiri; Forrest, Waianiwa; Soper, Makarewa; McGregor, Mt. Linton; J. Young; Miram, Ryal Bush; J. Dunlop, Seaward Downs; Perkins, Woodend; McLean, Kennington and Miss Henderson, Forest Hill, with power to add. The following remits were adopted:—(l) That children riding to school on horseback receive the same allowance as those driving to school. (2) That considerin’’' the ad.vantages to be gained from the Girls’ and Boys’ Agricultural Clubs our division do everything possible to foster same. (3) That in the interests of mothers and children, particularly those engaged in the dairy industry, we strongly protest against the interference with out standard time. (4) That we keep in view the ideal of training our housekeepers before they are sent out to the farm homes. (5) That application forms be printed in duplicate in book form, so that branches managing their own housekeeping scheme can keep a complete record. (6) That where a mother is in need of help and will be at home herself, girls under 25 years may be employed. That they should be known as probationer housekeepers, their remuneration to vary with their age and ability—reason being that many who would not go as maids are available as Women’s Division housekeepers. (7) That we again protest against the injustice to out-back children not receiving dental treatment. (81 That it be made clear to all branch presidents thgt they may open new branches. That they be urged to do so at once as we must have agents whereever possible to make our housekeeper and nursing scheme effective and successful. (9) That this year should be a special year for organizing; that with this end in view a special organizing committee should be set up and a fund opened for one year only. That branches should be v — ,J to rive voluntary contributions to this fund as this will eventually strengthen our financial position. The meeting . concluded with a vote .of thanks to Mrs Niederer on her retirement from the chairmanship. MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the division was held yesterday, when Mrs Niederer presided over a good attendance of members. The president reported that as Mrs Polson did not visit Southland there was no opportunity of arranging a lecture by her. A covering letter was received from the Southland Education Board enclosing a letter from the Commissioner of Transport regarding the matter of the danger to school children boarding omnibuses. In his opinion the only course is for motorists to take special care when approaching and passing these omnibuses, and perhaps for the school children to be warned of the risks by the school authorities. So far as he was aware nothing had been done to'reduce this par-

ticular risk, but school authorities included in regular curriculum a course of warning to school children of traffic risks. The president gave a summary of the balance-sheet of the Dominion Provincial Executive showing that affairs were in a sound financial position. Motions of sympathy were passed with Mrs Stewart, president of the Gore branch, in the death of her sister, and with Mrs Smith, of the Dominion Advisory Board, in her bereavement. z MID-CANTERBURY FARMERS REMITS CARRIED. (Per United Press Association.) Ashburton, May 23. The Mid-Canterbury conference of the Farmers’ Union carried remits that the Government be urged to abolish the land tax and substitute income tax for farmers; that the Dominion executive call a conference of parties to prevent a. recurrence of the recent unsatisfactory position in the Canterbury and Otago freezing works; that legislation be introduced to derate all farm lands to relieve farmers of the burden of excessive taxation. It was decided that the Dominion executive be recommended to set up a committee to go into matters of increased duty on foreign goods if similar goods are manufactured within the Empire or can be classed as luxuries, including motor cars and radios, foreign picture films to be prohibited and all duties on goods manufactured in the British Isles to be removed. Mr G. Tait was elected president.