FARMERS' UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1920, Page 8

FARMERS' UNION.

THE FREIGHT PROBLEM. • Br Teloj>rni>li.—Press Association. Wellington, Dec. 1. The Dominion executive of the Farmers' Union has decided to appeal to the Government to secure a reduction in shipping freights. It was asserted that the shipping companies were imikin» £220,000 profit out of cheese alone, and were actually raising freights while the markets were falling. R was pointed out, however, that (he Imperial Government controlled the ships up to April,' and the application would have to be made to them until then.' Other speakers said I hat before the war the freight ~„ grain was ,C 1 per ton. and was now .-CO 10s. Butter freights had doubled and oats increased sixfold. CHECKING PROFITEERING. The Dominion executive of the Farmem' Union passed tin;uiimou>iv thi following resolution: "Recognising that the general public and producers Miller front the vicious effect of passing 0 n costs, this executive, having in view the. serious drop in all farm products, particularly wool, meat, cheese, oats, and potatoes, the enormously increased cost of labor, the vastly, enhanced taxation, local and genera I, and that the farmer pays an inflated price for all farm requisites, expresses approval of the effort made to penalise profiteers, and hopes the aitempts of a section of Labor to exploit the producers and the general public with demands for such bonuses as will mean the collapse of vital industries, will be firmly met.. At the ■same time the executive wishes it to be understood that the motion does not refer to the great body of tradespeople and the great majority of worker's." SO LI) IE II SETTLEMENT. Ways and means of furthering soldier settlement were discussed with Mr. Pow. R.S.A. general secretary, and the association's new scheme for the opening up of new land was approved. It was suggested that the Government should see that soldiers had an opportunity of earning a livelihood while learning farm work. The co-operation of land '"agents' and local advisers of the association in ascertaining the land available was recommended. The executive also promised every assistance.