FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1919, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

TARANAKI PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. OPENED AT NEW PLYMOUTH. The 19th annual conference of the Taranaki Provincial Fanners' Union was opened at the Soldiers' Club yesterday morning, under the presidency of Mr R Dunn. Prior to the proceedings, Mr \V. A. Collis (deputy-mayor) welcomed the delegates to New Plymouth. He expressed pleasure at /Seeing the farmers' representatives gathered in New Plymouth, and hoped that '; eir deliberations would result in tin '.ncenient of the interests of their industries which would mean the p.-.-resa of the whide district. He noted the subjects to be dealt with, according to the order paper, and was convinced more than ever that successful farming required brains, a-i much as any other occupation. He '■' as of opinion that the province was on the eve of a big forward move, and that ■mid be felt by the farming community as much as anybody. The developno at of the New Plymouth harbor culd mean a big advantage to the farmers. He concluded by expressing a hope that the stay of the delegates would be profitable and enjoyable. (Applause).

The president suitably acknowledged the welcome. ,

The following representatives were 'present when the roll was called:— Executive: Messrs R. Dunn, president, J. Swindleiiurst. hon treasurer, E. Maxwell. 'J. Lambie,|F. Mills, T. W. Owen, H. Hodge, B. Dawes, D. L A\ Astbury,. J. Heaver, B. Orr. and H A. Sutherland; branches: F E. Silver (Eltham). D. Perry (Mangatbki), M. F Voullaire <R : verlei>.l, f». T.oonev. T. Sinclair (Opunakel. T. Lnxtrm ■(Waitaral, A. J. Luxton /Omata). Fndpo. Sutherland (Pateal, G. H. Buckeridge (Hawera). T. David'fli (Kaimata), B«ntlev (Kaponga), T. lulian, Coldweil (Warea), Lvndon fOta-'-'•o). W.'Ogle, H. C Sampson (Bell Block). CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS. The chairman thea delivered the following address:— Gentlemen: When we met together at oar conference last year the war was raging, with unabated fury, and we had little thought that the Central Powers were so near the end of their resources, and that the genius of Marshal Footi, with the co-ordination and determination of the Allied Powers and their valiant armies, would so quickly turn the tables and bring our treacherous foes to their knees, and so place the principles of liberty and justice within the reach of every nation on earth. It was predicted that industrial troubles would arise when the fighting ceased, and sure enough industrial troubles have come, or that is the excuse that is given for the unrest that prevails practically in every country at the present time. It seems to ma that certain extremists think this an opportune time, before things can get back to thei*- normal state, to cause as much inconvenience as possible, and whose whole ambition in life seems to be to upset or hinder our whole social status, and offer nothing in its place. It is good to note that the great majority of the people are imbued with saner and more helpful ideas. The two leaders of the New Zealand Parliament have been absent from this country for some considerable time attending the Peace Conference, and one hears the man in the street s-aying that they would be doing better work in New Zpa'and carrying on the Parliamentary j work of Hip Dominion. Those who talk in this strain must have a grouch, for our tpaders have done good service | for this Dominion at the Peace Conferimr.a. Tu the Dominion getting a mandate over iSWoa. the trade will be beneficial. The fanners improved on the the need for getting control of some one of the phosphate islands in the Pacific. Through our leaders atthe conference this Dominion jets a third share of Nauru phosphate island, which will be of great benefit to the farmers of this countrv, and I am certain that when we get a rebort of what has been done at the Peace Conference the people of this Dominion wi'.\ be proud of our representatives. MORE VIGOROUS LAND SETTLEMENT. It seems that every year those who have an interest in the welfare of this Dominion have to keep on agitating for more vigor to be put into the land for settlement policy of this country. But it is -strange that very few of our politicians bring these matters before the Hou«e and the people. Why? It seems to me that to carry on a vigorous land settlement policy in these times that railways, roads and bridges must be carried on simultaneously, v.-Mch means borrowing, and few of our representatives care to go before the country and advocate borrowing for public works, but I would point out that railways and roads to further settlement will be productive works, and will give a return for the expenditureA business man wishing to increase his output of a certain commodity Will spend a considerable sum to further that end, and the same argument holds good with the State. The only way in which this Dominion can progress and meet its liabilities is by encouraging new settlement and increasing farm production. This can be done bv bringing new lands into cultivation and increasing the number of settlers.- I believe that it would be good business if tho State would partly develop and improve flew lands so that men of small mean? could makea living on them from the start. It would enable every man in occupation to be a nroducer at ouce. and adding to the wealth of the Dominion instead of carrying on a heart-breaking, almost hopeless strneale. such us some of the early pioneers had to go through in the early dsvs of breaking in the lands of Taranaki. SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE. "Science has influenced agriculture to a great extent. Take, for example, chemistry, and consider the application of chemical and bacteriological laws and fasts to the operation of the various brandies of farming, and it is at onco seen how science helps us. Take biology in its varying aspects, and we must acknowledge how helpful it is to agriculture. For it explains the origin and life history and nature of our domesticated live stock, our cultivated crops, and the pests which the farmer lias to fight. In the United States agricultural training and practice arc far more advanced than in any other country in the world. The progress in the development of the material resources of a nation depends more on the training of its lenders than on ' the rank and file. Tie Americana have

promoted higher education in all its branches in order to be furnished with a supply of special scientists, engineers, chemists, organisers and administrators on whose activity the economic future of the nation largely depends. They hold that an efficient system of agricultural ' education is essential to national progress. They contend that money in the development of agricultural knowledge is a wise national investment, and is repaid to the nation many times over in increased national prosperity. According to Mr A. V. Richardson, M.A., B.Sc., Agricultural Superintendent in Victoria, who gathered a wealth of valuable information during his recent visit to America, the bill for agricultural education research and extension in the United States already approximated £12,000,000 The colleges and experimental stations have devoted their main efforts to increasing the profits from farming. Agriculture, it is maintained, is not only a business but a mode of life as well, and if it is to be successful in the later domain it must afford to its devotees the same comforts of life as are obtainable in other occupations." I think sufficient has been said to show the value of science in agriculture, and if this Dominion is to have a prosperous, contented and stable country population, it would be well for the Government of this country to find out if there is not something to be learned from the United States, of America which could be adopted to the advantage of this Dominion. One of the distinctive aspects of American farm life is the provision of comforts apd conveniences. The rural telephone, ade-'j quale lighting and water systems, the use of shelter and ornamental trees, the development of the farm garden, mitchuicry and ingenious mechanical devices to cheapen production and make labor easier for his familv and his hired help, anrl even his animals, are the objective in the American system of agricultural education. ' , THE PAST SEASON. The past season in Taranaki, so far as the dairying is concerned, has been a good one, although following on a very severe winter, when the vitality oil a great number of the herds were so reduccu by the severity of the weather that in the early part of the season the output was very much below that of the previous spring, but favored with a moist summer, the continuous growth of succulent grass enabled the dairyman to overtake the loss that took place in the spring, and when the returns are all in there .should be an increase on the 14)1718 output. In referring to the severe winter brings brings to mind a practice that is much to be deplored in Taranaki, where so many farms change hands every winter. The party going out eats out every blade of grass; in some cases even buying more stock to eat it down. I think this practice should be stopped, and I would advise anyone buying to have a clause in the agreement limiting the number of stock to be carried until possession is given to,th£ new occupier. I know that owing to this mean practice a number of dairymen suffer very severely through losses of stock every year. There appears every likelihood that the stores will be very nearly cleared of dairy produce when the new season commences, and it will 'be a relief to dairy companies, more especially to those who have been storing their own elifse, to see the cool chambers cleared after such a prolonged congestion, and if we could only see a substantial reduction in freights it would tend to bring about a better and more contented feeling throughout the Dominion. There is no doubt that the exorbitant charges for freight is a prime factor in the increased cost of many commodities needed on the farm The values of- wool, meat, cheese and btitter requisitioned by the Imperial'auitboiitins amounted to: Greasy wool. 37% millions: meat. 35 millior.v, butter and cheese, 19% millions The total amount, of cheeße purchased amounts to 1,850.001 crates, and payments in respect of cheese amounted to £13,47« ; R29. There were on April 28•••408,624 crates in store ■awaiting shipment. THE APATHY OF THE FARMER. The British, as a nation, are apathetic, until something stirs them, and there is no more apathetic" section of the nation than the' farmer—producer of the raw material for almost everything that the world requires. The United fanners could wield a great power in the general government of the country, but their indifferent attitude in many cases to everything but their own immediate surroundings prevent them even protecting their own interests. The lack of interest taken the farmer in the meetings of their -ocal branches of the Farmers' Union is pure indifference on their part. Simply because there is no burning question before the Union all the time they do not bother to attend the meetings, and yet on a general discussion on any subject connected with fanning, there should be something new and of interest to them all. There is always something more the farmer can learn, information casually picked up that will often save pounds in some future operations. Experience is a great educator, but the man who can make use of another fellow's experience gets along a lot faster. In their own interests it is to be hoped farmers will pull together and support their Union and make' their local branch meetings attractive by introducing interesting discussions on farming Questions, and by so doing make the meeting of mutual benefit to each other. Tu conclusion, I would point out that union is strength; united we can each do our bit to help to make and to keep, this Dominion the* brightest jewel of our great. Empire. The chairman was accorded a hearty vote of thanks Tor his address. EXECUTIVE'S REPORT. The executive's report stated, inter alia, that a large number of subjects had been dealt with during the year, among them being such matters as the blackberry nuisance, operations of the Meat Trust in New Zealand, legal charges on land transfers, purchase of land by aliens, charges by land agents, meat purchase contract, wool and meat commandeer, elective executive, universal subscription on sliding scale according to valuation, Farmers' Fertiliser Co.. land for returned soldiers, embargo on the export of hides, etc., and soldiers' repatriation. The executive took steps to ensure that the Industries Committee should hold sessions in Taranaki, and arranged speakers to present recommendations to the committee as to how production might be increased in the Dominion. A conference was also arranged between the executive and the directors of the Farmers' Co.-op. Organisation Society for the purpose of endeavoring to come to an arrangement by which the Union and the Co-op. could work together in the sale of land and fanners' requisites, and as a result proposals would be submitted at an earlv date to the branches which it was hoped would prove of benefit to all concerned. The work of the secretary and organiser

■had been considerably interfered with during the year owing to attacks of illness to himself and to the prevalence of the recent epidemic, but notwithstanding these disabilities there had been a satisfactory increase in the number of branches and membership in the district and the finances of the Union were in a very healthy condition- The Union during the year had lost the valuable help of the late Mr H. J. Okey, M.P., to the producing community, whose assistance was at all times willingly placed at the disposal of the Union, and the executive desired to place on record its high appreciation' of his services, and its deep sense of regret at his death. The epidemic too was the cause of a severe loss to the Hawera branch in the death of their secretary, the date Mr Eric Wills, who had been a valued worker for the Union. The chairman moved and Mr Hodge seconded the adoption of the report. Mr E. Maxwell referred to the position of the Union, which was very largely due to the splendid work of the organising secretary. He also urged that farmers should show a keener interest in the affairs of the Union, especially in attending the meetings of their own branches. It, was only by confen ing together that the best results could be expected. . , Mr Owen referred with satisfaction to the very healthy progress being maintained. ■ The farmers were really the prime producers, and deserved every encouragement. The Union worked on high principles for the community at lar?e, and for farmers in particularThe report and balance-sheet were then adopted. SECRETARY'S REPORT.

The secretary (Mr G. H. Buckeridge) reported the total number of branches was 25, and that the membership of the i branches had increased to nearly double last year's total The Union was now taking a new lease of life and he thought the day not far instant when permanent headquarters would be established in Taranaki, having'a reference library attached to it. He also looked forward to there being a sufficient number of branches in the Union in North Taranaki to justify the establishment of sub-provincial districts for North and South TarariSki, Which he thought would lend to greatly increase in the doings of the Union by farmers throughout the province, "it was suggested that the executive take into consideration the advisability of the provision of some, more suitable form of certificate of membership of the Union, more-in keeping with its importance. The secretary also suggested that members canvas for new members in their respective districts, by which means membership could be greatly increased. The present was a very important and seriouß time in the history of the Dominion

when it had to equip itself to carry the burdens of the cost of the war, and it was in his opinion incumbent upon every farmer to stand firmly behind the only organisation he had that could provide the protection his interests demanded, at. this important juncture. vVith the co-operation of members he felt that the membership of .the Union could be increased twofold. REMITS. The following remits were then dealt with:--Mr Bentley (Kaponga Branch) moved and Mr Cleaver seconded that the executive issue a standardised book to branch secretaries for keeping minutes, accounts, etc., of branches, the branches to buy the copies-^Carried. The same speaker also moved that all returned soldiers on the land be allowed to become honorary members of the Union for two years, free. He thought it would help the men financially, and also in their work, and would increase interest in the unions. What the unions wanted was new blood, and if this proposal was adopted he thought the men from the front might infuse some fresh life into the organisation. On the suggestion of Mr Maxwell the mover agreed to make the motion a remit to the Dominion Conference so that the matter might be made universal throughout the Dominion. Mr Mills also pointed out that if the returned soldiers were made "honorary" members it meant they would be entitled only to restricted privileges, and he did not suppose that was the intention or wish of the Kaponga branch. He suggested the word lionorary" be omitted.

Mr Bentley accepted both the suggestions, and in that form the motion was passed. Mr. Hodge, on behalf of the Mamvtahi branch delegate, moved: That the Dominion Executive be asked to ascertain whether the Government are taking adequate steps to control the operations of the Meat Trust, and if the necessary steps have been taken, for instance, to determine whether the high prices that are being offered, in some districts, for pigs are being made by firms interested m the Meat Trust, with the object of the trust obtaining a controlling influence over the pork market in New Zealand. Mr. Cleaver seconded the motion. The chairman said he thought it was quite right that the remit should go forward. It was stated that the Government was watching the position of the trust in New Zealand, and if they were they should be able to give the information asked for in the remit. The motion was earned. NOXIOUS WEEDS. Mr. Owen (Eltham branch) moved, and Mr. Betts seconded: That, in the opinion of this conference, noxious weeds have become such a nuisance as to warrant a complete change in the provisions for their control, and would advise the following:—That legislation be passed providing that, On the petition of one or more local bodies or a prop6rtion of the ratepayers in any district, a Noxious Weeds Board may be set up, consisting of local representatives, either by election or nomination, with, say, a representative of the department. The board to have powers including the following: (1) Classifying and dividing the.district under their control in areas (not necespwily continuous) such as, say (a) clean, (b) fairly clean, (e) bad but reclaimable, (d) extremely bad. (2) Differential rating powers, either for purposes of providing funds for management for the work of weed suppression or as security for loans to be raised for tho same purpose. (3) To enforce the control or eradication of weeds in any part of the area under their control, either by the owner or holder. (4)To, on failure of shove, carry out the work at the cost of owner or holder, or out of rates or loan.' (5) To obtain through the court tn order empowering the taking over on valuation any land which has been proved to the satisfaction of the court that the practical reclamation for farming purposes is impossible. (6)-And for the. board to undertake the ■ suppression by I afforestation or other means.

In speaking to the motion, Mr. Owen said it was a big question, and especially! as it related to the blackberry nuisance. The farmers had had conferences, and bad met Mr, Deem, who had stated

that it was practically impossible to make a law that would cover all areas, as it would drive people off the land. It appeared to him that the farmers would have to move in the matter themselves. ! Tho Government did not seem inclined jto move. Unless something was done Boon the. whole country would become infested with blackberry. The' Government could not tell the farmer what to do, and he did not know, how to eradicate the pest. Mr. Vickers said the question was an exceedingly dffiicult one. It was very hard on the man taking up land in an infested area. There seemed to be no distinction as to the lands to be included in the proposed areas. It might be all right in a district like Eltham, where the land was of high quality, and where the blackberry was only being introduced. There were many farms in this district from which it would'be impossible to eradicate blackberry for years, even if it were known how to. He would be prepared to support the motion if it would provide some system by means of which the weed could be eradicated. He was quite sure blackberry could never be eradicated by Act of Parliament. The chief difficulty was with the farms that were continually changing hands every year. Mr. Julian, who said he came from a well-known blackberry area, stated that since the Government had bought land for the settlement of returned soldiers along the coast the blackberry had got worse than ever. He thought the Government should show the way in the matter of clearing noxious weeds. Mr. Davidson said he did not think farmers realised the value of goats for dealing with blackberries. Speaking of his own experience, he said he had blackberry many feet high on his farm, but the goats, as soon a-> they bit the plants, poisoned them, and they died. A member: That doesn't eradicate them.

Mr. Astbury said the matter rested in the hands of the ratepayers. They should have legislation passed which would enable them to form a local board to classify the district as suggested in the motion. That would protect the men who were doing their best to eradicate the nuisance. It was practically impossible to pass legislation that would deal effectively with the whole Dominion, There was no reason why legislation should not be passed to enable ratepayers in any particular district to form a board for the purpose of classifying the lands and compelling the owners of dirty farms to clean them or for the board to do the work and charge the cost to the owner or defray it from rates or special loan. Mr. Maxwell referred to the way in which the union had endeavored to solve this problem. A great deal of information had been gathered, and he thought the executive was in accord with the semit. It was an honest attempt to deal with the question. He thought if the law had been administered as it stood it would hare ruined thousands of farmers. He strongly advocated local boards whose only business was to deal with the question. It was no use putting the matter in the hands of local bodies. The scheme proposed was a board one, and was the outcome of much thought and consideration.

Mr. Sampson strongly supported the proposal. He said that until some such legislation was passed the position would never be much better in Taranaki. The trouble how was to make the lazy man keep his land clean, and until that was done the man who honestly tried to keep his farm clean was up against it. t Mr. Lonney said it was the most workable scheme ever brought forward. If ratepayers were prepared to rate themselves to help the people who had got dirty farms, the blackberry man was getting the best end of the stick. On the motion being put, it was declared carried on the voices. WEED-INFECTED SEEDS. Mr. Betts (Manaia branch) moved, and Mr. Washer seconded: That the attention of the Government be drawn to the spreading of noxious weeds in Taranaki through the importation of weed-infected seeds, Jand that more drastic action should be taken to prevent the sale of impure seeds, and that the conference suggests that the best solution of this matter is the raising within the Dominion of as much of tho seeds required under legislation, prohibiting the sale of any seed other than that which is from a crop which has been inspected and passed by a Government Inspector prior to saving, and sacks branded as eucli prior to sale. After a short discussion, the remit was carried. PERMANENT HEADQUARTERS. 'Mr. Buckeridge, on behalf of the executive, moved the following remit: That steps be taken to establish permanent headquarters for the union in Taranaki, and that the advisability of providing a Farmers' Institute with a reference library be considered at the same time. In speaking to it, he said the farmers.' interests were anymgst the most important of the and yet there was at present no headquarters to which farmers could go to find out what was being done. He thought the method which had been adopted in other provinces in this direction should be adopted in Taranaki. Regarding the establishment of a reference library, he stated the advantages to be derived from having a ready reference at hand for the purpose of investigating farmers' problems, and also of becoming acquainted with any new disease and pests which might become known. He thought they should have permanent premises in which to be housed, so that they did not have to move about from pillar to post when seeking a place to hold their meetings, and he favored working the proposal in conjunction with the Farmers' Co-operative Organisation at Hawera. ' . ■ Mr. Washer seconded the motion. Mr. Bentley approved the proposal, though he thought- if it were established at Hawera its advantage to members in thei extreme northern end of the province would be somewhat doubtful. They could hardly travel 40 or 50 miles to consult a reference library. It was pointed out that information could be obtained from the secretary through the post. Messrs Astbury and Maxwell favored the establishment of a headquarters, but thought the question of a- reference library should be remitted to the executive for consideration. Mr. Mills thought the remit should fake'the form of a recommendation that the executive consider the matter of establishing permanent headquarters COMPENSATION FOR CONDEMNED CATTLE. Mr. Voullaire also moved: That it be a recommendation to the Government that the compensation for condemned cattle be so arranged that owners of a condemned beast shall receive the full half of the value thereof, according to its breeding, age, and market value. He raid some of the farmers who wire going

in for a good class of cattle felt that the amount of compensation for a condemned beast was too low, and very heavy loss would be incurred if such an animal was condemned and he only received a sum much below the value of the beast. Mr. Cleaver seconded the motion. In the course of the discussion, one Bpeaker expressed an opinion that the matter was largely the fault of farmers themselves, who allowed cattle to get into the last stages of disease before notifying the stock inspectors. To this a reply was made to the effect that it was not always the fault of the farmers, as very few men knew when a cow was diseased until the trouble reached an advanced stage. A suggestion was made that the case might be met by the establishment by the Farmers' Union of a scheme of insurance for members against condemned cattle.

Mr. Voullaire stated that if the conference would recommend that the executive take into consideration the matter of arranging some scheme of insurance for farmers against such loss he would be'prepared to withdraw the remit, other, wise he would have to press for a division.

Mr. Astbury then moved, as an amendment, that the executive be asked to consider the question of formulating some such scheme of insurance against loss through cattle being condemned, and, on being put, was carried unanimously. TRAFFICKING IN LAND.

Mr. Buckeridge (Hawera branch) moved: That, in the best interests of the Dominion, for the purpose of increasing production, it is imperatively urgent that steps should be taken to put a stop to' the excessive trafficking in land that is; taking place in the Dominion. He condemned the practice of buying farms merely for the purposes of turning them over to make a profit out of them. There' were sec-res of farms which were bought and sold for no other purpose than that of making money. The question of farming and production did not enter into consideration at nJI. ■ He cited instances of. farms with six to ten mortgages on them, and asked what was to happen in such cases when the present high prices of butter-fat diminished. This practice was doing more to create weed-infected farms than anything else, and it was not much use trying to eradicate weeds while that sort of thing was permitted to go on. The chairman seconded the motion pro forma, but was of opinion that the matter would right itself when there was no further margin of profit. Mr. Maxwell, while in sympathy with the,idea of stopping the practice, did not think legislation could bo framed which" would meet the position. He agreed with the chairman that the thing would right itself as the margin of profit became less. He put in a strong plea for real home-making, which he said would make people less Inclined to sell than under present conditions. Mr. Astbury said the only way he saw out of the difficulty was'to remove the incidence of taxation, and. instead of putting it on the labor of a farmer, put it ■on to him as a landowner. The present system of taxation encouraged buying and selling. The question involved the wholw land policy of the Dominion.. Mr. Lambie said the solution lay in every man owning his own farm. He agreed that the mortgagee, the man who had the money to lend, should pay the tax 1 . On being put-, the motion was carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr. R. Dunn; vicepresident, Mr. A. E. Washer; lion treasurer, Mr. J. Swindlehurst; executive, Messrs R, Lambie and E. Maxwell (Opunake), D. L. A. Astbury (Mangatoki). S. Viekers (Omata), H. Sampson and J. S. Connect (Bell Block). F.. Bctts (Manaia), G. H. Buckeridge, F. Mills, owl A. R. B. Pierce (Hawera), H. Hodge and 11. A. Sutherland (Patna), T. W. Owen and F. E. Silver (Eltham), J. Cleaver (Te Roti), M. Voullaire (Riverlea), T. Davidson (Kaimata), T. Julian (Warea), and B. Orr (Ngaere); hon auditor, Mr. J. Nicoll (Hawera); delegate to Dominion Conference, Mr. E Maxwell. ' * (To be Continued.)