THE FARMERS' UNION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11483, 16 January 1903, Page 2

THE FARMERS' UNION.

NORTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT.

A meeting of the executive of the North Canterbury district of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the A. and P. Association Rooms, Christchurch, yesterday. The following members were present-— Messrs G. W. Leadley, R- R&iney, G. Bedford, D. Jones, W. F. Panrestot, W. McMillan, J. o'__alk>ran, J. Henry, and H. F. Recce. Apologies fox absence were received from Messrs StudboLme, Bruce, and Larabde. Recommendations from the various branches were considered. Ashburton suggested that information should be obtained and distributed as to the -tea of crops, and their condition, also the prices now being obtained for agricultural commodities. The subject was discussed at cottajder-ble length, and although it was considered very desirable, it was decided to defer taking action for the present. Ashburton recommended the executive to consider the question of woovbrokers' charges for selling wool. It was decided to appoint Messrs Leadley and H- F. Recce to obtain information on the subject, and report to a future meeting. Ashburton also suggested that the present system of weighing farmers' produce is very unsatisfactory, and requested the General Executive to negotiate with the Railway Department, for their undertaking the weighing of all produce carriedl over tihe lines, a receipt to be given, for which a reasonable charge shall be made, and that tbe Government-guaranteed weight be made the legal weight as between buyer and seller. The subject was referred to the Committet appointed to meet the Minister of Railways. Springston recommended that this branch is of opinion that threshing should be done by the 1000 as at present. This resolution was endorsed by the Executive as the most suJlable for C__rterbury conditions. The Springston branch also requested the Executive to endorse their resolution objecting to the Saturday half-holiday. It was decided to take no action in the matter. The Springston branch further recommended that the should abolish co-operative labour, and revert to

the contract system. No action jm taken, as the subject has been 'l<c# and voted on at some of the last Cm| ferences. •''_* The C_t_fmam liaiving awntioradvg danger to the colony from anthrax, :_■ O'Hallon-n moved, Mr Bedford .•«»•____ and it was carried—"That in view aM danger from anthrax, all imported < t_j_| shall be sterilised at the port of .dd|H_| tion, under Government that the Government be urged *_£$■■ prompt and immediate action in ecdli@gj prevent the threatened danger." \jM Mr Recce moved, Mr W. McMi-ka l_W ded, and it was That tho* S_»fe tive notes with satisfaction the action Mil by Mr Bishop, S.M., in dedini_g tftJM an objeetion_ble character to the ootl|K where he would bo a menace to »JH women and children." ~WS The subject of the size of _coi_«p| was introduced, and on the motion of;J| O'HaHoran, seconded by Mr IWfoifli was That the resolution el|M Ashburton Conference be re-affirmed.-ii proving the 2001b con»ack.'* jjl Mr Pannett moved, Mr Henry and it was carried—"That this _WOP__| records its satisfaction at the «aMSM|I| made 'by the Railway Department bfJjjl during the quantity of manure tent Mg| at the ordinary rate." The motion carried. ' >pj Mr Jones presided at « Met_tf'of m TempW-on branch of the __rmert' YMgf Correspondence was received from. *J*_j_|_| vimoial secretary, .testing that the S**j_f|_| had decided to make a levy of la mMS member,' which was endorsed. It **_____! cided to hold a meeting in March lar lines to that held last year. |___j_____| question of obtaining, if possible, Jfjj§f_f representative paper than the "DtUfgm was d—cussed ait some length. TJ>s-»|S| tion of th*> union importing seeds fcnMi benefit of Me member* was talked W|| and <the secretary was _nstnK*e_ to Wg for quotations. Mf|