W.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 850, 23 June 1910, Page 10

W.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

ACCENDA PAPER FOR CONFER- ' FERENCE. . v. .The.aggerida paper of the New Zealand Farmers' Union "Conference, to be' held in Wellington on July 12, 13, and 14,.has;been drawn up. -The following -arc among tho more 'important ;remits:— ' ■ ;' " LAND LAWS. Wellington.—' 'That the Government;, be asked to amend, the Land Act so as :, to givo all Crown tennnts the' option. -of purchasing the freehold of their ■lands: Bush lands at the original value and the difference between the 4 per cent, now charged on tho lease in perpetuity, and the 5 per cent. ..charged to tenants with the right of purchase. Settlement .lands at a fair i actuarial valuation"; and "That the ' settlement of i all future Crown, lands shall ca'rry tho right of purchase, with limitation of area;"., ~ Auckland.—"That all Crown tenants ..bo given tho optional tenure of pur'chase at the original value, plus 1 per ■cent, per annum." Southland. —"That in view of the -. -statement of the'Pririie Minister that .a. Land Bill, containing _the ; same, principles as that introduced last session of Parliament, and withdrawn, will be again introduced; this conference places on record-that no legislation..will 'bo satisfactory to tho Farmers'' Union -■ which does not contain the right of all tenants of the Crown to the freehold .•! option," : .-.' . - ■;■■■■ ■ CROWN LANDS. ' ; ' Taranalci.—"That in disposing of Crown lands where there is-more than one applicant for a-section, it-ought ' to he submitted to so that . those most-in'want of land would have an opportunity of securing it,' and the owners get.. market' value for tho same."

•, . Hawke's Bay.—"That to enable the : State.to finance further purchases,, a purchasing'claUso up to a certain., area shall bo included in every lease issued; ; this clause to be retrospective, and to, ".-..' apply to all existing leases." , ■■:■ ' Hawke's. Bay.—''That limitation of ■-.- area attach to all. leases, and that the .carrying out of improvements up to a certain value be insisted upon." x ■..'•' Hawke's Bay.—"That successful ap- . plicants at land ballots be disqualified ' ■ trom;future ballots." "" ' ■" Wellington.—"That, all Land Boards consist of five members: •' Two to be elected by the Crown - tenants; the Government to appoint two, and the , Commissioner of Crown Lands in each . district to-be the-chairman." ■ -'■ "' Otago.—"That the Government be requested to continue without cessation the afforestation of lands through- -■ out the Dominion, particularly in treeless parts, as Otago Central; and that the reserves set aside for this purpose be planted." North Canterbury and Wellington.— "That the necessary steps be-taken to have the Crown made responsible to road boards or local bodies for full (rating, and for fencing, ind the.de- . 6truction of -noxious weeds, on its lands, occupied or' unoccupied."

NATIVE LANDS. ': Otago,-n"That the. union approves of-, tihe purchase of Native'lands,-.to be disposed of on the optdohal system, as,ii. many cases'- this would mean a great advancement in the -district concerned and .benefit. tho'Dominion." ■■ :. ■'• /Wellington—"That the"'time.lias arrived when Maori lands, should ;be.placed in the same" position as the lands of Europeans; subjeot to. the same rates a,md taxes,. and' with equal freedom to dispose of; their, lands by sale,- or -lease'', with, certain/reservations." "... " - Taranaki. —"That this conference is . of opinion -that. Native knds should be rated the" same as European lauds." LAND VALUATION AND TAXATION. Taranaki.—"That as' the present;.system of valuing, laad. for taxation .purposes, has - proved' a complete failure, ; owiaig to~ the impossibility "of accurately separating' the improved, from the unimproved- value,' this : conference conaiders a.mucji fairer-ajid much simpler way would be to tax on the ' annual value-, with the same exemptions as v capital invested in other industries, tho annual value to be five per cent, of the capital value." "','.'•■'.' Wellington.—"That this conference is in favour of the taxation of land being raised on tho unimproved value rather . than,the capital value. That the va-lua : tion of the' lands of the Dominion should bo made periodically, - with • not less than four years between such periods; and that the Government bo "asked to instruct their valuators to allow fair and reasonable value on the improvements, which has not hitherto been the case." ' North Qatrterbury.—"That (ibis conference objects to tho present method of the Government in valuing land, inasmuch as some,of the valuators do not go on the land to inquire and see for -themselves tho improvements and .state of, the different properties." Auckland. —"That-a valuor should be appointed from road boards, county councils, or Farmers' Union, to work in conjunction with Government valuers."' Auckland.—"That all loan--moneys spent by locaJ bodies, and money spent by'companies, be credited by .the Government valuer to improvements,' instead of to ..unimproved, values as at present." ■ .'•• TAXATION OF LAND. ' -

Hawke's Bay.—"That in ,the opinion of this conference, farmers of the Dominion have created the increment in value of 'city and suburban property, and shall ■be exempt from the fresh taxation wihieh tho Prime Minister has proposed for the furtherance of artificial industrial conditions." ' . RAILWAYS. South Canterbury, North Canterbury and Otago.—"That this conference protests against any penalty • being • imposed for overweight in the 2001b. grain bag.". ' ..-•.'• :•■■ North Canterbury .—"That the Minister for Railways be again urged to make, the carriage of imported timber and coal at the same rate asthe local product, seeing that, by the present system, consumers of these articles who Kve at a distance from a port are unfairly handicapped." • ; : Wellington the Government be urged to' give better facilities for. trucking, fat -stock during, "the ■ months: of December, January, February, and March." ; '. ' ' North Canterbury .—"Thai the farmer as well as the merchant be supplied with a copy of the weights of. trucks of his produce, im return for tho shilling per truqk paid for weighing." PUBLIC WORKS. •'.' Southland.—"That this conference reaffirm the necessity for doing away ■with, ■the present system of construction of public works .by day. or .'co-operative, labour, and that'all.such work be let by contract; as being the'.'rilioapest and lest method;"': . 1 .

Nelson and Auekland.-ri'That ■ when a grant for- roads or bridges -is voted by Parliament, it bo immediately available." AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL. North Canterbury.—"That the Government lie asked to collect grain statistics; by each farmer, being supplied with a form on which he shall return:—(l) The acreage in grain crops, and other produce, on bis holdings; .(2) ;liis estimate of" the probable yield per acre; (3) the'quautity of grain arid other produce on hand from previous year. Such return to be made up in tlie third week in December, and returned to . the officer appointed. Farmers to bo liable to, a penalty for non-compli-ance." -~-■; .. Auckland and Taranalci'.—"That tho. agricultural statistics be collected through the post annually." Auckland. —"That all seed merchants be compelled to guarantee a certain percentage of seeds sold by them." Taranalci.—"That' . this - conference strongly recommends all dairy com■panies to install, pasteurising plants for the purposo of stamping out disease among cattlfi'and pigs.-"' > Auckland.—"That a/11 steaming appliances used only for steaming, and not for machinery, be exempt from boiler duty." . Wellington.—"That the auctioneers be, approached,- uyifh- a.Sview to their •giving, out.'the' names'-of. 1 the' vendors and purchasers of- stock at all auction sales.'' ,:. .Wellington.—"TJi.at. JJie. commission iOf! five: ptir' cent, charged ''by the' auctioneers for selling dairy stock is excessive, and is a heavy tax on the dairy industry." '~ " : ,• ■ . Auckland:—"That in the opinion of this conference, it is necessary in the interests' of both wool-growers and buyers, that all owners of 1000 sheep and over..,should have a registered brand, find no two owners'of 1000 sheep and , jver should -be allowed ; , to have tho same brand."

■ Wellington.—"That it be a recommendation frqm this conference to the Government to at once place, upon the ■Statute' Book-an : Act-enabling owners' "of sheep to register a brand 1 for marking bales-of-wool, .such brand; to be the property of the person who registers it; arid'that" it, be made illegal' lor anyone, other, .than; tho person who registers'the brand, to use it for the. purpose of branding baits or bags of wool." North Canterbury.—"That this conference take steps ' to back up tho gentlemen in: th'e. Australian-, market (to apply to the-London market/ who arij advocating the abolition of tho lib. per cwt. draft' on wool." : .

North' Canterbury.—"That this conference take steps to hack up the gen-tlemen-.in the Australian market (to. apply to the London market) who are advocating two bales of wool in, the 'star lots' in the place of four bales."

j Otago.—.".That.farmers should be allowed extra for wool-packs when sending in wool, and that-Is. : per bale for tare-now charged, bo struck off." ' North Canterbury.—"That the attention of the Government bo called to the paucity, of the information cabled by the -High Commissioner re prices of New Zealand frozen- meat, as for many weeks during . the height of -the export season,. when. largo quantities were being: sold, •no • information as' to London values was being forwarded by him to the Dominion; the ordinary producer, who. has not access.-to private sources of information, -being thus kept in ■.ignorance", of the- real, value of' his fat stock." '''■'."' .:-,

.-STOCK INSPECTION.

■-Taranaki.—"That .'. this conference strongly urges the' Minister to have thoroughly qualified ' veterinary surgeons appointed as stock inspectors; a reasonable fee to be charged owners of stock -attended; when ..the'.'veterinarian's services lire' professionally, called in." Taranaki. —"That the New Zealand Farmers!,. Union take steps to "prevent the sale-of unsound bulls."

Wellington.—"That this conference urge that-the,'systcin .of;inspcction of stallions,' as-, outlined by Mr. G: J. R-eakes (Chief be favourably considered by Government." NOXIOUS WEEDS. . . North Canterbury.—"That all' occupiers and owners of land infested with Calii'ornian- thistle, in Canterbury shall, under severe penalties,'" report its presence to a duly-appointed Government 'official having statutory powers to enforce its eradication at the expense of the landowners.. In..'the caise of unleasetl Crown lands, that, tho Waste Lands Board of such district bo, responsible for reporting the existence of thistle, and cost of its eradication." Otago.—"That the union > protest against action being taken by the Government against farmers, for neglecting to cut thistles, while they (tho Government) neglect to cut same on river banks and waste lands.".

Taranaki.—"That it-"-is imperative that noxious weeds' be cut earlier than at present, and that' this conference strongly urges, upon the Government .'the'necessity of having the Act'moro stringently enforced." Wellington.—"That the Government be requested to keep Crown lands in control from such' noxious- weeds as come under tho First Schedule'of the Noxious Weeds Act."

Wellington.—"That the union urge upon tho. Minister for Agriculture tho necessity for putting into active operation the clause in the Noxious Weeds Act prohibiting the/salb'of chaff, oats, and all kinds of farm seeds containing the seeds of, all such weeds as are named in the First Schedule of such Act." ■"■■■•

. PARLIAMENTARY. Auckland. —"That a fanners' party be formed." - Taranaki.— "That tho question with reference to freehold put to candidates; at Parliamentary elections he added to as follows':—'And will you tako active steps, and'assist to the utmost, to have the optional system brought into force and made applicable in every case to all Crown lauds, and lands for settlement lands?' That the sitting members bo asked to take steps in that direction." Wellington.—"That the agricultural interest, which is the mainstay of this Dominion, is most inadequately representod'in the Legislative Council, seeing that the whole of the country districts in tho Wellington province are unrepresented in that Chamber." ■Auckland. —"That the appointment of civil servants be taken out of the hands of 'Ministers, and' that the system in 'operation in tho United Kingdom be adopted." : Taranaki and Auckland.—"That the Crown ■Suits' Act be.amended so as to allow persons -who have suffered from airy Department of State to their cases to Court,in the ordinary way." ' North- Canterbury .-/"That, the attention of tho Minister in charge be called to-the methods employed-by the Stato Fire Insurance Department,' in endeavouring, .to obtain, tho.insurances of the mortgagors' 'to the Government Advances to Settlors Department, as it appears that there is a broach of con■fidence in the one Department divulging its business to the other." Similar remits come from. Otago, Auckland, Wellington,,. Southland,, and Taranaki. ■ Mr. E. T.'Lane (Hawke's.Bay) lias a 'number of important notices of motion j.on'-tho order-paper.

LIVE STOCK SALES. Messrs. Dalgcty and Co., Ltd., report having held their fortnightly sale at Waipukurnu on Juno 21, when they offered a fair yardiug of cattle, and 27C0 slicei). to a good attendance of buyers. Cattle: Fat cows. £4 12s. to £5 95.: fat heifers. £5 12a.; cows in calf,' £4 13s. to £6 Is.; sheep, mixed sex lambs, 9s. Id. to 9s. 9d.; 2-tooth ewes in lamb, 10s. 63.; s.m. ewes in lamb. 9s. 6d. to 10s. 9d.; fat owes, .Us. Id. to Us. 3d. Messrs. Abraham and Williams report on their Johnsonvillo sale as follows:—We offered a heavy 'yarding of prime sheep and cattle, which met with good inquiry, and sold readily." We quote:—Prime heavy bullocks, £10 2s. 6d. to £10 Vs. 6d.; medium weights, £9 12s. 6d. to £9 17s. 6d.: lisilrter, £9 to-£9..55.: light,. £8 12s. 6d.; vealers, Ms. to-375.: small. 16s. 6d.; store cows, £3 7s. 6d;: prime heavy wethers, 20s. to 21s. 2d.; good wethers; 195.; medium wethers. 17s. 6d.; prime ewes, 16s. 9d. to, 17s. 7d.; good, owes, 15s. 4d. to 165.;- goodlambs. 12s. 6d. to 12s. lid. /

(By Telegraph—Press Association.* Christchurchi June 22. Tho weekly salo.of live stock was held at Addington. . saleyards to-day. The weather waJs flue, and there was a copd attendance of farmers, dealers, and representatives of meat export firms. There was a- good yarding of store sheep, the built of the entries being hoggets and the balance being made up of ewes and wethers. The. tota,l entry was about tho same as last week. The demand generally' was good,'this-being ..especially the ease for young sheep There was also more inquiry for ewes, but wethers were unchanged and iira at late rates. Good hoggets (mixed sexes) made 10s. 6d. to lis. 6d.; medium. 9s. 6d. to 10s. 3d.': halfbrod Downs (wethers), 7s. to 7s. 3d.;'good owe hoggets. 12s. 9d.;" half bred' Down (ewes), Bs.; very forward wethers made 14s. 6d.; forward, lis. 3d. to 145.; medium ,12s. 3d. to 135.; inferior culls and low-conditioned sorts. 10s. 6d. , Two-tooth half and three-quartcr r bred ewes were passed at 15s. 3d.; 2 and 4tooth sorts, in good condition, realised 14s. Fair to medium sorts, 12s. 4d.;'2. 4. and 6-tooth Chatham Island owes brought 10s. 2d.;'aged ewes, in good, condition. 10s. 3d.; and aged culls. ss. to 6s. 6d. There was a big drop in ttic number of fat lambs penned, the. total yarding showing a. decrease of over 2000 under the numbers'at the previous sale. The actual total was 5301. The quality was also slightly, below last week's entry on the average, though some few prime lots were offered. Taking this fact into consideration, the drop in prices was not so much as would appear on' the first glance, but the market probably weakened' to the extent of about 3d.. a head. The sale was inclined to "hang, 'a little at tho start, but it soon brightened up. and the demand Tiecame fairly keen. Tho range of prices was: Ordinary freezers, 13s. 3d. to 15s. 9d.; tegs, to 19s. 6d.i light and unfinished, 10s. 6d. to 13s.- ' . There was a' large yarding of fat sheen, all classes being represented, the general quality being up to previous week s entry. Tho sale opened dull, but improved, and prices were on a par with late rates. Ihe demand for ewes was slightly easier. The range of prices was: Wethers, 17s. 6d. to 235.; extra;, to- 255.; others. -13s. to lis.: prime owes, 10s. 6d. to 18s. 3d.;' medium. 13s. to 159.;'-aged and light, 9s. 2d. t0,125. 6d.: merino ewes,'6s. 9d. to Bs. Id. The entry totalled 416, and on the whole this is the best yarding that has been seen at Addington for some considerable period. The quality was' very good, although a -few of the lots offered were on the light' side. Included in the yarding were two .steers and a cow, sent forward by Mr. A. S. Keith, of Ashburton, winch were prominent for excellent quality. One of the'steers was a successful prize-takci at numerous shows, having been awarded twelve firsts, while the cow had secured thrco red tickets. The demand for all classes was' very, good, and lato rates were fully maintained. Beef realised 18s. to 245., and extra, to 265. per 1001b. .Ordinary steers made £6 17s. 6d. to £10 10s.; extra, to £16 65.; heifers ,£8 2s. 6d. to £9 10s.; extra, to £12; and cows, £5 to £8 305.: extra, to £11 15s. There was an average yarding of fat calves, and prices ranged from 4s. 6d. to 55s The store cattle yarding was a medium one, and with the exception of one line of steers of a poor class, yearlings made £1 155.; 15 to !B ; monlhs sorts, £2 10s.; 2-ycar-old steers, £3 10s.; 3-ycar-old steers, £5 17s. 6d. to £7 55.; 3-year-old heifers, £4 65.; and dry cows. £1 15s. to £4. ; The entry of dairy, cows was a medium one. There, was fair demand for, better class sorts.'. Prices ranged from £3 10s. to £10 25.. fid.

There was' l a large yarding of fat- pics, but a large proportion were -unfinished. For baconcrs prices were easier than at the previous sale. Choppers made to £3 17s. '6d.' for- exceptionally large animals; large' baeoners made 50s: to 565.; and smaller, 40s. to 48s.' (equal to 4d. per lb.). Tim ■ demand foi'porkers showed an improvement. Largo sorts made 30s. to 395.. and smaller, 255. to 295. (equal to 4Jd. to 43d. per lb.). There was a large entry to store pigs, principally small animals. For best descriptions prices ranged from 18s. to 265., while medium sorts realised 10s. to 13s. 6d., and weaners made from 2s. 9d. to 6s ■ -• - :•->'■•' ■ ■-■■ ■-■■■■:- '

' Dunedin, June 22. At Burnside Stock Market 2V2 fat cattle were yarded, of Rood -and fair quality. Prices were, if anything, slightly easier than last week. Best bullocks, "to £12; good; £9 10s to £10 10s.; medium, £7 10s. to £8 10s.; best heifers, £8 10s.; good, £6 10s. to £8. ~ . Fat Sheep: 3427 penned. The yarding )n----eluded a number of prime ■ wethers and ewes. Prices were about on a par with last week's, although' at some-stages they were easier, Best wethers, 17s. to 18s. 6d.: extra, to 225. 6d.; .rnedium; to 'good,. 15s. 6d. to 16s. 6d.; best ewes, to 155.; .extra, to 18s.; medium to good, 10s. to.'l3s. Fat Lambs- 2568 penned, comprising chiefly medium quality sorts, with a few pens of extra good lambs. Prices were firmer than they wore last week. Best, Ms. 6d. to 175.; extra, 17s. 6d. to 21s. 6d.; medium and, lighter, lis. to 14s. Pigs; All classes, except baconers, were considerably easier. There was a short supply of baconers, and the.few that were forward met with brisk sale. Suckers, 4s. to 75.; slips, Bs. to 135.; stores, 15s. to 235.; porkers, 275. to'34s.'; light baconers, 38s. to 425.; heavy baconers, 455. to 535.