FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 156, 2 July 1907, Page 2

FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE

THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH. LAND TENURE AND TARIFF REFORM. (By Telegvaph.—Own Correspondent)

WELLINGTON, this day.

The annual colonial conference of the Farmers' Union opened a three days , session to-day, representatives being present from all parts of the colony. The president, Mr J. G. Wilson, in a lengthy opening speech, reviewed the principal topics of the day as they affected farmers. He devoted special attention to the history and present position of the Land Bill. Regarding the changes just announced by the Government he said he regretted that the Union was not at present able to declare its attitude upon a position it could not ascertain. And this suggested to him the advisability of holding future conferences later in the year.

In reference to the Tariff question, the President said he trusted the Union would keep a sharp lookout, and take such action as might prevent the Government from going further t&an was just while removing existing anomalies. The Union should also protest against the duty on wheat being removed. Whilst he condemned Sir Mc-Nab's Land Bill, he gave the Minister for Lands warm pra.ise for his control of the Agricultural Department, which was being run in the interests of the farming classes.