FARMERS’ UNION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 May 1942, Page 4

FARMERS’ UNION

WAIRARAPA PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT REVIEWS POSITION AT ANNUAL MEETING. EFFECT OF WAR CONDITIONS. The annual meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union was held in Masterton today, the president, Mr Hugh Morrison, presiding over a full attendance of members. After referring to the war situation in the Pacific, Mr Morrison said the Farmers’ Union in the Wairarapa was carrying on successfully in spite of war conditions. Despite the loss of organisers, the Union’s membership in New Zealand had increased by 1000. He referred to the more satisfactory position in regard to shipments of produce, which in the past year were a record. Last year the gross farm income totalled £83,000,000, which was an increase of £10,500,000 over that of the previous year. In the past ten years there had been an increase of 48 per cent in the value of New Zealand primary production, based on New Zealand" currency. Stating that New Zealand was faced this year with finding £133,000,000 from taxation and by borrowing, Mr Morrison said there was a danger of inflation. A farmer could still be getting a good income but could be losing his capital and that, he said, was the position on many farms today. Passing on to speak on the fertiliser position, Mr Morrison said that phosphates were in short supply and that shortage, he said, would affect’ future .production. While costs were going up, farm income would drop owing to the lack of fertilisers, though the position might be all right for two years. Mr Morrison referred to the necessity for some, organisation to be set up regarding the carrying on of farm work during an emergency and said he had received a promise from the Director of National Service that steps were being taken in that direction. He considered that all men m the Home Guard should be medically examined and those not fit posted to the E.P.S. or other work. He thanked members for the support given to him during the past year. A satisfactory financial position was reported by the treasurer, Mr J. M. J rimes Officers were elected as follow:— President, Mr Hugh Morrison; vicepresidents, Messrs L. T. Daniell, James Andrew, R. W. Kebbell, A. Reid, W. G. K. Wiggins and A. B. Martin; hon vice-president, Mr W. J. Thomas; treasurer, Mr J. M. James; delegates to Dominion Conference, Messrs Hugh Morrison and J. H. Bremner. The Finance Committee was reelected with the addition of Mr Bremner.