FARMERS’ UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1921, Page 8

FARMERS’ UNION.

THE TARANAKI EXECUTIVE, THE MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Taranaki Executive oi the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held at Hawera yesterday. Present: Messrs. F. Mills (Chairman), H. Hodge, E. Betts, A. R. B. Pierce, B. Orr, J. T. Allan, J. Swindlehurst (treasurer), J. Cleaver, T. W. Owen, u- E. A. Astbury, J. 8. Barrow, and G. Ji. Bnckeridge (secretary). Mr. P. M. Page, lecturer of the State Forestry Department, was also present. Apologies fol- absence were read from Messrs. Maxwell and Dunn. CORRESPONDENCE. Mr. K. Masters, M.P., wrote regarding the Union’s views in regard to the Sale ot Poisons and the Main Roads Bill, that he would be pleased to give them his attention. —Received. Mr. E. Dixon, M.P., wrote stating that he supported the proposals of the Union in connection with the Sale of Poisons Act and Main Roads Bill.—Received. Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., wrote that he supported the Union’s proposals regarding the Sale of Poisons Act. He was opposed to the setting up of another Government Department to take control of the Main Roads, but was disposed to support a special tax on tyres, provided the Government increased the present subsidy to local bodies and at least half the amount so collected. —Received.

The Hon. W. Nos worthy (Minister of Agriculture), wrote regarding the inspection of dairies and dairy farms, that for dairies supplying milk to the towns a thorough system of inspection is maintained Dy special inspectors in the large centres, and inspectors of stock in the small towns. Milk was also frequently listed at WallacevilTe. For dairies supplying milk to factories, the supervision of the health of cows was in the hands of Inspectors of Stock under veterinary supervision. It was recognised that without largely adding to the stall it was impracticable to inspect the prem ises of all suppliers as frequently as is desirable, and the Department’s policy had been, whenever a factory or group of factories is prepared to contribute £250 per annum towards their salary, to pay the balance of the officer’s salary and the whole of his travelling and locomotive expenses. In view of the present financial stringency it ‘is regretted that the Department cannot see its way clear to provide farm and dairy instructors for a number of factories which are willing to contribute. It is hoped to increase the number of instructors when normal times return.— Received. Die Pharmacy Board wrote that hardly any of the potent poisons are now sold Dy storekeepers, but the provision for distance was inserted to prevent any possible inconvenience to the public in the country.—Received. Die Otakeho branch wrote that it wished that Mr. Gorringe, of the. Department of Agriculture, should address the members and asking for a date. — Received. The’ Manaia branch wrote asking if Mr. Gornnge could deliver an address on November 4, or a week later.—Received The district forest ranger wrote that his Department was sending round a lecturer on tree-planting on farms and on farm forestry, who would give farmers advice concerning the suitability of various trees tor farm uses, etc. He would be grateful for assistance in the arranging of places and dates of lectures. —Received. A letter was received from Omata, asking for dates for addesses there byMessrs. Page and Gorringe.—Received. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Pierce, that calves entered in the school children’s competitions should be branded at the time of the first judging. I HE SEEDS BILL. The chairman drew attention to the proposed New Seeds Bill, and remarked on the most important phases of it. He mentioned the fact that it permits of the sale or seed so long as it does not contain more than 20 per cent, of extraneous matter. This bill is not to apply to the sale of seed in small quantities. It is not to apply to seed which is not required tor sowing. ’Seed oats might contain even so much Californian thistle, but would not come under the Bill. It was not applicable to a farmer as a grower so long as he did not mai.-- more than six sales through the year. Every person who sells or offers

seeds for sale must state the kind of seed offered lor sale, and no mixtures shall be sold unless the kinds or varieties included in the mixture are set out. The vendor shall render to the purchaser an invoice certificate stating die percentage by weight, and of extraneous matter contained in the seed within three days of a sale. The certificate shall be a warranty. Every person commits an offence against the Act who sells seeds containing more than 20 per cent, oi extraneous matter; offers for sale any seed without a description of the matter contained in it, or sells any seed without supplying an invoice certificate stating the amount of extraneous matter contained therein, or imports any seed in contravention Yif the Act. • Mr. Gwen said the law should throw the onus on the seller. That was the nearest way of getting at the difficulty. If the seller was really responsible for the damage done by selling bad seed then seedsmen would be very careful. After discussion it was resolved to draw the attention of the Dominion Executive to the Bill, and that they and the members of the district be asked to oppose the passage of the Bill in its present form. A committee consisting of Messrs. Owen, Astbury and Mills, was appointed to go into the matter of what was required to protect the purchaser. It was decided that the various super-

visors should be invited to attend the next meeting to discuss matters in connection with the competition.