FARMERS IN CONFERENCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 3, 7 December 1915, Page 8

FARMERS IN CONFERENCE.

SUBJECTS TO BE VENTILATED,

Pek Piiess Association

Tiinaru, December 1

The executive of the South Canterbury Farmers' Union to-day considered matters to be discussed at the conference of the North and South Canterbury Farmers' Unions afc Ashburton on the 9th insfc. It is proposed to urge on the Government that the meat for the Imperial Government be paid for when killed so that farmers are not kept waiting and paying interest 041 overdraft for three or six months. Regarding the wheat and Hour duty, it was urged that this should he such as to insure the Dominion wheatgrowers fair returns.

Recruiting was also considered, and the present system was said to be depleting the country of young men more than the cities, while it is quite as important to have men growing food as at the front.

The returns from farmers for income tax were strongly disapproved, as it is considered impossible for the majority to make them out without a year's notice, ft was stated that when made out and exceptions were allowed nofc many farmers would have anything to pay. A tax on special lines the prices of which have been raised by the war was suggested instead. Sellers of wool, meat, butter, and cheese would not object to a tax on their extra profits and returns would be simple.

Delegates will also bring be£oie tne conference a proposal to devote Benmore run, in North Otago, to returned soldiers, and that no other land ballots be held till after the war.