FARMERS' UNION.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17155, 26 May 1921, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. The North Canterbury. Executive of^ the New 1 Zealand Farmers' Union mot yesterday, Mr W.' A. Banks presiding over a good atterdance ■ . . The Dominion secretary mote stating that it was proposed to make the presentation of an album to Sir James Wilson at the Dominion Conference in July. The album would contain an illuminated address,- photographs of the provincial presidents tor 1920fland 1921-22, and the original «S*¥*»of the chairmen of the branches. The North, Canterbury secretary Was requested to send the necessary matter relative to the Canterbury province. . .. , - ' The Oxford branch aeKbd for a definite decision on the matter of ing subscriptions/ If its subscriptions -were not paid, the branch, could not sustain itself and would have to fall out. It was decided to reply that a member was liable, by tew for his subscription until he sent m me resignation in writing, though the centre dd not consider it politic to sue /or outstanding subscriptions. . In regard to a recent resolution camed_ by the executive concerning preference to unionists, the Dominion secretary wrote that the matter had been considered by the Dominion Executive, which, while supporting 1 the declaration against the principle of thought it.was better that the North Canterbury Execuive should send the resolution forward as a remit to" the Dominion Conference fox fuller consideration. It was decided to refer the matter to the Provincial Conference with a view' to formulating a remit. The Timaru«A. and P. Association forwarded the following resolution:—"That, as tho labour on the waterfront throughout New Zealand is most unsatisfactory and virtually •affects the welfare of this country, the Association' aeks all kindred 1 associations and Farmers' Unions in the Dominion to take the matter up, and to ask the Minister of Labour to convene a.conference of all Harbour Boards with,« view to the some system of permanent labour on the wharves. The Association is also of opinion that Herbour Boards should have an executive in "Wellington to regulate tire shipping as much as possible at each port.' It was decided to bring the matter before the Provincial Conference. The Gisborne branch forwarded the follow. ing resolution which had been passed at a. recent representative meeting of farmers:— "That the Government take immediate and effective steps to absolutely stop the trusts and big combines from directly or indirectly ■buying or controlling any freezing works [ in New Zealand, or operating in any_way with our produce, and in particular to' stop' Armour and Co. and Vestey Bros, and the latter'e various organisations-from operating in New Zealand in any manner whatever in connexion with our' freezing . industry. In the opinion of the union, until the trusta and big combines specially referred to were stopped from operating in the Dominion, there waa little hope of stabilising the market products of the Dominion." It was decided, on the motion, of ITr B. Evans, that the whole question should be discussed as v a remit et the Provincial Conference. In regard to shearing, Mr Sheat expressed the opinion that the farmers should not be brought under any award before the wfyole matter of rates for shearing and crutching! had been' considered by the Provincial Conference: He moved that the secretary write to* the Sheepowners* Union «sking them not to commit themselves in any way until after the conference. He had heard that some men had said they would not shear under 80s a hundred. The remit to be considered at the conference provided for 20s, With 6a for crutching. . ' The motion was carried. i WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. (nXSS AMMOCUTIOS TXLEiilUlt.) MASTERTON, May 25. The annual conference oi the Wellington Provincial District of tho New Zealand Fanners' Union was concluded this after-Vr-w.J. VjJmm jrta re-elected ; president

It was. 'unanrnuraery resolved to wqu**'' : tibo Government to introduce legislation next session to do away with oompulso;ry preference to unionists. . « _ . One "speaker said the present! pcM&tior. had been brought about(by tie extremist leaders of the men, and many fanners would bo faced with rain if it continued. The conference rejected a_ proposal to add a represert&tive of the public to tba Arbitration Court, 'it being 1 generally considered thai the presence of a Judge we*floiWoctbrT, ' as he was representative of the Govern- • ment and the people. It was resolved to ask £he> Goverrarwtil to. revert to • the old system of notifying < t«xpayera by post,when the land tax was dr«; also that motoi-car a.nd 'lorry drivers be compelled to carry a license as to" efficiency. The next conference was fixed for Wamgamw ' The conference supported i .remit recom- , mending the holding of exhibits made of ■ farmers' products, showing' ihe cost of the raw and the cost of the finished article. It was derided theft tine Government be urged to cantin<ue with a liberal fbrestry programme. . Delegates protested against 'the Govern- . ment being asked to t compel ail p«op!I»'> keeping poultry for the sale of eggs to pay a ; legiatoatdon fee. ■