N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1922, Page 5

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

TARANAKI EXECUTIVE. The monthly meeting of the Taranaki Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held at Hawera on Friday. The secretary of the Otakeho branch wrote stating that at a recent meeting a discussion took place over the excessive rate charged by the Railway Department on the railage of dairy produce. The result was that it was decided to forward the following resolution to the Provincial Executive; ‘’That the Otakeho branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union strongly objects to the excessive freight charged on dairy produce by the Railway Department, and suggest that a deputation from the New Zealand Farmers’ Union wait upon the Minister of Railways with the object of securing a substantial reduction.” Mr. Bashford pointed out that freight between Patea and Hawera had risen from 5s 2d to Ils lid. There wafl some slight discussion on the subject, and the Otakeho branch’s resolution was adopted. The chairman quoted figures in connection with the cost entailed by Southland farmers who procured a shipment of Nauru phosphate, and had it ground at their local freezing works. The merchants’ price then was ,£9, and the farmers' phosphate worked out at £6. It was suggested that it might he a good thing if Taranaki farmers could combine and bring out a shipment.

Mr. Dunn pointed out that the actual value of Nauru phosphate in the soil whs not yet widely known, and after some discussion it was decided to write to Dr. Cockayne asking (a) how long it was before the manurial properties of rock prosphate. and agricultural manures became available for pianrs; (b) how long before such manures got out of reach of the grass or sunk too deep to be available for the grass: (e) what steps should he taken to bring manure that had sunk too deep for the uie of plants back to the surface: (d) for anv information that Dr. Cockayne could give with regard to manuring that would be of use to farmers. The secretary of the Ararata branch wrote suggesting that Mr. A. G. Larcom and Air. T. A. Winks act as advisors to the returned soldier farmers. The Dominion secretary forwarded a copy of the Minister of Health’s reply to ’certain resolutions passed by the Dominion Conference. There was some discussion. Mr. Rushin suggesting that the £ for £ subsidy should b? terminated, as it was only the public paying a subsidy to the public. It was also agreed that there should be some way of reducing hospital and nursing home charges to those who were in ; need. —Star.