DIFFICULT YEAR

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20821, 3 June 1939, Page 9

DIFFICULT YEAR

SHEEPOWNERS’ TROUBLES AUCKLAND BRANCH MEETING GREAT RISE IN MEMBERSHIP Many of the difficulties facing the sheep industry in New Zealand were discussed yesterday when the annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Sheepowners’ Federation was held in Hamilton. The meeting, which was attended by members from many parts of the Auckland Province, was presided over by the president, Mr N. P. Adams, of Clevedon. An increase from 157 to 270 in the membership was mentioned by the president when presenting his annual report.. A great, deal of this was due to the energetic work that had been carried out in the Waikato. The finances were in a satisfactory position. “I think there are still a great many sheep farmers who do not realise the work that is being done by an energetic few,” said Mr Adams. “ Bad as the position may be to-day, it would perhaps have been a good deal worse but for the united efforts of the executives of the Sheepowners’ Federation and the Farmers’ Union. It has been a hard and difficult year, and many meetings have been held in Wellington and elsewhere with the Workers’ Union and the Minister to set out the position as it is to-day in an endeavour to find a reasonable solution for casing matters. No Real Solution “I must confess that to my mind, no real solution has been found, although many have been suggested,” continued the speaker. “These meetings at least have well ventilated the position of all classes of sheepowners and farm workers, and steps have been taken which I think have prevented the position from getting far worse.” To give an instance of the troubles facing the sheepl'armers, the speaker stated that the Meat Board was recently faced with about 35.000 carcases which, owing to the quota, could j not be got away. Storage was over full, and even the canning of all the I meat had to be considered. The ! sheep industry was passing through a very difficult time, thg_ end of which was not at all clear. However, the speaker was of the opinion that the industry was such a basic industry of New Zealand that it would be Ihe first to be adjusted as the world’s affairs came into a more settled state. Nevertheless, in that period it was going to be very hard for many of the sheepowners. Election of Officers The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, Mr N. P. Adams (Clevedon) ; vicppresident, Mr F. C. Johnstone (Waitetuna) ; executive committee, Messrs K. Georgetti (Onewhero), K. L. Caldwell (Glen Murray), A. Carruth (Te Puke). C. W. Fairweather (East Gape), A. E. Harding (Dargaville), G. S. Alexander (Te Kawa), F. Holder (Kaitaia), 11. S. Holmes (Opotiki), W. A. Jefferies j (Waerenga), L. W. Reals (Onewhero). J. G. C. McCullough (Whakatane), J. Allen (Tirau), J. G. Reeves (Waimai), F. K. Thomas (Morrinsville), E. L. Tucker (Ohinewai), G. A. Walsh (Cambridge), H. E. Worsp (Whangarei), J. E. Richardson (Te Akau); auditors, Messrs J. F. Buddie and Sons (Auckland). The president stated that, to suit the convenience of the members, it had been decided to change the branch headquarters from Auckland to Hamilton. The Waikato was a very rich district and the move should be a successful one Evidence to Commission It was decided to recommend to the executive that they submit evidence to the Lime Commission if it sits In the Waikato or the Auckland Province. “I read recently that a guaranteed price association had been formed and that, after approaching sheep farmers, it was convinced that 75 per cent of them were in favour of the guarantee.” said Mr H. Johnstone. "I think we should pass a resolution clarifying the position.” The meeting confirmed the resolution passed by the executive recently to the effect that the federation was not in favour of a guaranteed price for wool or Government control in any I form and that a reduction in costs would be the best means of relieving the difficulties.