TAIHAPE FARMERS’ MEETING.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 218, 25 October 1916, Page 4

TAIHAPE FARMERS’ MEETING.

IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS PASSED. A meeting of farmers, called by the local branch of the Farmers’JJnion, was held in the Taihape Fire jmgade Hall this morning, to r .sider the question of the present made by auctioneers. The meeting, which was well attend ed, was called in response to the following letter from the Wellington Provincial Executive: “The question of excessive charges by stock auctioneers has been under consideration by the Provincial Executive, and at a meeting held on sth October it was decided to ask branches to co-operate with a view to some united action being taken. Branches are being circularised throughout the Wellington Province to call meetings of farmers in each district to consider the question.

“The Executive request that your branch call a united meeting of farmers, to fully consider the charges question and suggest the passing of resolutions with regard to same, something on these lines: — M “That seeing the present high prices of all stock, the stock auctioneers be requested to reduce charges for commission, and failing this, the farmers of this district urge the Provincial Executive to take steps to promote a Farmers’ Auctioneering Company, and we guarantee to sell our stock by auction only through that company.”

■“At the united meeting of farmers we would ask that a delegate or delegates be appointed to attend a central meeting to be held at the Farmers’ Union Offices, Palmerston North, at which the Provincial Executive will be present, and the results of the various meetings considered with a view to definite action being taken. Any further suggestions or resolutions-, your branch may consider useful on the question will be gladly received.” A member asked if the suggestion was to have the commission: reduced only for the time that the price of stock remained high. -i > Mr. Jas. Smith said that if there was a big fall in prices then the subject could be re-opened. 1 Mr. Gilchrist said that he thought the farmers should take- some stand owing to the bad state of the yards and the small amount of advertising done in the local papers. T-he auctioneers were getting their 4 per cfent. but were not treating the district fairly. Mr. Jas. Smith then moved: “That considering the present high prices ruling for stock, this meeting, of farmers of. Taihape and district is of opinion that the present rate of commission should be reduced, and would urge that a ). united endeavour be made to effect a substantial reduction of the same.”

Mr. O’Callaghan said he thought when the auctioneers received that resolution they would put all sorts of ex cuses forward, and he thought that they should add to the motion words to the effect: “That if they do not give a substantial reduction the farmers would form themselves into a Farmers’ Auctioneering Association.” Mr. Smith said -he thought that that was in the nature of a threat. If the auctioneers refused to reduce the com mission then they would have no other option but to form an Association.

Mr. Fannin said the resolution would go forward to the Provincial Executive and not to the auctioneers, and would be considered at a meeting of delegates. He thought it most probable that when the auctioneers ■were approached they would graiit a reduction.

Mr. O’Callag-han said he did not think there was any chance of auctioneers reducing the charges unless they thought the farmers -were organised, and Mr. Smith then, with the consent of the members, added the following words to the motion: “Failing this the farmers of this district urge the Provincial Executive to take steps to promote a Farmers’ Auctioneering Company.” The motion was then- put and carried, and Messrs H. O’Callaghan, A. R. Fannin, and Jas, Smith were elected delegates to attend the meeting to be held at Palmerston North. Mr. J. Giichrist moved that the local auctioneering firms be urged to provide better sanitary accommodation at the yards and also put the cattle yards in a better state of repair. Mr, Parsons seconded the motion,, which was carried.

Mr. H. O’Callaghan moved: “That the auctioneers be ashed to advertise the district sales in detail in the local paper.” In speaking to the meeting he' stated that one bad to get the “Wanganui Chronicle” and the Rangitikel “Advocate” to get particnlk-s oS|£he local sales. Other farmers present spoke fa similar strain, and the motion on be~ ing put was carried unanimously,