FARMERS' UNION.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14887, 29 January 1914, Page 10

FARMERS' UNION.

NORTH CANTERBURY EXECUTIVE. Tho executive of tho North Canterbury Farmers' Union met yesterday, Mr C. H. Ensor presiding, and the following being present: —Messrs CI. Sheat, R. Evans, I. Andrew, F. G. -iiorreLl, H. G. Livingstone, J. W. i'at.liett, T. E. C. Roberts, Stephen Weld, and A. .1. hell (organiser). I'he secretary of the Ashburton branch wrote tnat March would bo a suitable time for the organiser to visit tho district. The letter wag received. .Mr F. H. Labatt wrote enclosing rates to bo charged members of the Canterbury Shcepowners' Union in respect, to tho engagement of tarm labour. The letter was received. Tho secretary of the Cust branch forwarded tho following resolutions: — "That this branch considers that the riso proposed by tho millowners for threshing does not give the men __ a fair share of tho increased rate." The letter and a discussion on threshing rates was considered in committee. The Hon. A. L. Herdman wrote that the executive's resolution protesting against the action of magistrates in liberating prisoners providing they leave the cities and go into tho country would receivo careful' consideration. The letter was received Mr F. S. Pope, Secretary of Agriculture, wrote acknowledging the executive's resolution expressing satisfaction at tho action of the Government in increasing tho maximum value that can bo placed on cnttlo condemned under the Stock Act from £8 to £12. The letter was received. Tho organiser (Mr A. J. Bell) reported on his visit to Cheviot, Irwell, and other districts, and stated that a number of farmers had enrolled. Ho referred to cases where men had agreed to tako ur> *vnrl- in tho country, but had failed to put in an appearance. Tho President said that employers who engaged men and did not give them work when they presented themselves -were treating tho men unfairly, and the same applied to men who failed to keep their promise. The question was one that, should be gone into soon. The farmers only wanted to treat men fairly, and they wanted men to treat them fairly. - Tho organiser's report was a_opte_. In committee it was decided to open a central office in.Cashel streot for the use of tho secretary and as a general meeting place for farmers.