SOUTHLAND FARMER'S UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 130, 1 June 1907, Page 7

SOUTHLAND FARMER'S UNION.

ANNUAL COKEERKN'CE. (By Telegraph.—Press Associatls-a-} Friday. At the annual conference of the South-1 land branch of the Farmers' Union, the president (Mr. -John McQueen) congratulated the farmers on the splendid • season they -were having. Resolutions were carried in favour of freehold tenure ; of the granting of the option of the freehold to lessees of any endowment set aside in future for education or other purposes, the purchase money j to be placed as principal to snch endow- j ment fund; of giving all Crown tenants the same privilege as the West Coast settlement tenants enjoy, of paying rent through the Post Office. The following resolutions also were passed: — " That in the case of lands mortgaged to the Government, to secure payment [ with interest, a proportionate amount ol j such liability be deducted from the valu- j ation iv computing the land tax, the i same as in ordinary mortgagees. ] That in valuing land, the increased valu? given by improvements made by the Government loan to local bodies and local rates, and contributions be added to the improved value, and not to the unimproved value, the Valuation Act to; be amended accordingly. That the Government be asked to as-1 sist competent ploughmen, farm labourers and domestic servants to immigrate. That Sir Joseph Ward's pronouncement regarding the naval subsidy be endorsed. That Great Frrtain should be given unconditional preference. That opposition to the referendum be affirmed. That the Colonial Farmers* Conference be urged to oppose any alteration of the system of voting for representation on local bodies. | That a universal Saturday half-hoh-Iday be opposed and district option fav- •■ OUT"d. > That small bird destruction be eni forced rigidly against all town authonties- ! That the sheep tax be abolished. j That the Government be asked to instruct the police to enforce the TagIrancv Act in country districts. I That the cost of railage of stock be j reduced. j That the attention of the Minister 'for Agriculture be called to the Government's omission to destroy noxious weeds on Crown land and reserves. That the union take up the question of the readjustment of electorates. That .£IOOO per anuni be paid to the Leader of the Opposition for the tinr"> being, and that he have the privileges of a Minister in the matter of access to books and documents.