REVIEW OF YEAR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1141, 31 May 1911, Page 10

REVIEW OF YEAR.

ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT.

HOW FAKE THE FARMERS?

' Mr. J. G. Wilson opened his presidential address by welcoming the delegates, and remarked that the fixture had now .passed it* tenth ypar. In the •Wellington j province the past year had, on the whole, I been ;i very satisfactory one. livery 'branch of agriculture had, as usual, had its ups and downs. The wool grower had luid a good season, but there was distinct Evidence of a suialler clip this year than ta.-t. Whether this was owing to the breed of sheep being largely changed, ur to the season he was not able to say, but the export of wool in tho first four . months of this year had fallen by .CI.OOOiOOO, as compared with last years fi»ures. fat tombs had, however, increased, and. ,the export had formed a record 3,700,000' having been shipped up to April. 30. As there were about 12,000,000 breeding ewes in the Dominion, this export amounted to 30 per cent, of their number, or about 30 per cent, of the-number of lambs reared. I his was a remarkable number, considering that the season had furnished a very severe test.' , ; »j Climate and Feed Crops. Still speaking 0f..-the Wellington province, 1 . Jir. Wilson went on to say That,, tli-3 early sprint' had givc.it very godiP results, for the feed had been good, and tho weather warm. The milk lambs, therefore,'had fattened ' well, ami a higher percentage than usual had been got oft. These lumb-s were the most prohtablc oi nil for they had no food except grass. •It was fortunate that this'was the case, for the drought which set in later had encouraged the aphis to such an extent . that the rape crops, upon which farmers \ had to depend to top off the lambs, had in many cases been a failure. Turnips, also, had been affected, and in most cases ithey had been eaten off instead of being kept for the winter. At one time the farmers had anticipated they would ■a very hard time for their stock, during the-dead months of the year-Ju y and August. Fortunately the rain had come .while the ground was ■ still warm, ami 'the feed had grown wonderfully. In the !higher lands, however the S'-° wtll , inot been <o good, and there- would bo a scarcity of" feed. When the turnips had failed most farmers had ploughed their land, and put in oats or barlej which had come on well, and would be ot great assistance in the winter. In the ifcush farmers were hoc able- to do that, and they should turn their attention-to engage. Ensilage was easily made, it Ikent for an indefinite time, was eaten readily by stock of all kinds, and could lie made in nnv weather. Our sprmg afm had been appointed engage instructor and his services were available. 'InCultural farming this has been £S^p=u^ich^b^ rain" on under tho supervision of tho Director of i'ield Experiments, lanncrs w re realising that it paid m m™?™**. to *ow a little manure with the gram. It has been proved by various analyses .that New Zealand soils were deficient in phosphates, and in no' district was this M much the case as in the Wellington ■province. It was, therefore, greatly to ,'advantage that some phosphahc manure IFhould 1)0 sown with the crop. Ifcen on 'land where phosphates were not de icient 'it had been found that crops 'stan',l up better when phesphatic manure was sown." Progress of Dairying; Up till the new year the dairy farmer 'had had. a wonderful reason, RPlentUcl ■feed, and good milk yields. After the ijear came in, however, there had been : a severe check to the grass, this being i owing to dry weather, ami the autumn had been disappointing. He thought that tho district farmers hr.U been hx and procrastinating, a:AI had not taken snfticient advantage of the Agricultural Department. "In Taranoki (continued the speaker), with its lugh-prtced . land, farmers are being driven to modern methods, but Wellington, except in a few notable instance?, still lacks initiative. It is to be hoped, too, that after tho experiments at Glen Oroua in regard to pasteurising skiirfmed milk, the dairy companies will instal plants, so as to do away with tho reproach that our pigs are not free from tuberculosis. Pork and ■Tiiicon are rising all the world over, and ,-there is a possibility of great expansion : in this traUe. ' "Doubt as to whether cheese or butter is the more profitable is still present m the minds of those who supply the milk. There seems to be the idea that the Tnited States will take the Canadian cheese in larger quantities, and that this •will force up the price in Great lintain. Butter is being made in greater quantities all the world over, but the butter from the Southern Hemisphere comes in at a time when other countries are at rest as to outpnt. I cannot help thinking, however, that as New Zealand cheese has taken a high position in tho English market, the tendency will bo to increase this product as against butter Meat Producers' Scheme. Mr. Wilson made a- lengthy reference to tho meat producers' Home representative scheme. In the course thereof, he stated that a movement hail been initiated in the North Island and Marlborough nr.'.l sums of money collected to send a representative Homo to impress the producers' requirements upon the authorities there. "Meanwhile," ho continued, "as the accounts of the great expenditure which was contemplated were received in tho Dominion, we were anxious to find nut definitely, whether they included what we desired, and I asked the Minister to

make inquiries by cable. This, however, he did not think fit to do, and as the matter was pressing and important, 1 cabliM to Lord Deyonport myself. His reply was most satisfactory, and was as follows :— "Contemplate provision for large ships and cold storage at SoutliWest India Dock, but the dock entranco cannot bo altered for some time, pending other works. Meanwhile groat improvements in road transit; also new storage adjoining the city markets." Mr. F. J. .Shelton had been selected as the representative and he had left for London on April 11. He was to break his journey at Chicago, and make inquiries there to see if anything new could be picked up as to the moans of handling meat. He would then .go straight to London and establish an office there near Smithfield. His reports were to be sent every month so as to show everyone what was being done. The money for his salary and expenses had been subscribed by a few, but it was hoped that others would subscribe when they saw the result of his efforts. It was necessary to have a man on the spot, when 'the alterations were being made, but there were other matters to inquire into, and they were not without hope that some satisfactory and important alterations would be made in the mailer of insurance. He hoped that South Island farmers would join in the combination. Every sheep-owner in the Dominion was interested, even if he never sold or shipped a fat sheep. "Not only, he continued, "is the Port of London authority spending money, but the railway which serves the docks (London, Tilbury, and Southern!) is being acquired by the Midland Railway Company, and therefore the docks would be connected with the big system of railways in England." Not only was the sheep-owner interested, but all butter and cheese shippers were equally interested. "I have mentioned freight, and there again tho combination of producers should have a voice in the negotiations. Hitherto, the entire negotiations have gone on between the freezing companies and the shipowners. On the whole they have been well conducted, but several directors in some of the companies are also directors of shipping companies, and it is au anomalous position." ■ '■' Shearing Problems. Regarding the shearers' and shed-hands' awards, troubles teemed be, like the poor, ever present. The Executive had been forced to take these matters up. There had beeir.no other .authority.'.to do so in the province. A Defenco Committee had been set up in tho previous dispute, funds had been collected from sheep-owners, and an award had been made. It had been found, however, that the constant turmoil caused by having an award in each industrial district running out at different times, necessitated a federation of all associations in charge in the different districts so as to savo expensi, and also*'to bring about a. uniform policy. This they had been able to effect, and the whole Dominion (as far as shearers and shed-hands were concerned) was under one head, each district having representation on tho central governing body. This had enabled the union when the Wellington award ran out, to agree to a Dominion award. Not one penny of the union's funds had been, spent in connection with that dispute, but a separate fund had- been established (with a separate account and treasurer) to be devoted solely to such disputes. > Speaking of the award, he said that it was not as favourable to their side as they thought from the weight of evidence they had a right to expect, but as" law-abiding citizens, they made no complaint. They also agreed to ■ have this case made one to bind the Dominion and the .Tudge intimated that this award would be the basis of any other award in other industrial districts. They had, however, gained one great point. There was a differential rate recognised for (1) blades, (2) machines, and (3) lambs. This had never been recognised before, but every practical man knew that this ought to be. A shed-hands' dispute was also the subject of much negotiation and consideration, and although they thought, that there had been no necessity for it, the Court nevertheless made an award._ They wero able, however, to get their main contention agreed to, viz.. that permanent hnivls should be. excluded, and members of the owner's family outside tho award. The Companies Flourishing. "I am glad to be able to report (continued Mr. Wilson) that the companies which are connected with, or have had their origin in, the union have all done well.- The Mutual Insurance Company has had a successful year. Everything is now going satisfactorily; we havo a good balance in hand, and the directors are now considering whether they will extend the scope of their business, and insure stacks. Farmers complain very much of tho charges on this class of risk. I should, like to remind you that the union lias never, attempted to interfere with ordinary business, so long as thoso with whom the farmers dealt were prepared to do business on reasonable terms. The Mutual insurance Companies had their origin in exorbitant rates, and it was only after a refusal to reduce I hem, and tho emphatic statement that lower rates would not pay, that tho union promoted a Bill to enable us to start these companies. "When we started, we were faced with determined opposition. Circulars wero sent round to farmers showing how some of these companies had failed in America, and warning them against dealing with us. Now we have four companies, all successful* so far.as we have gone. Taranaki, which took larger risks than we did, has 4:3000 funded. The . ofliers have lesser amounts, yet the rates are lower than the tariff.'- We have yet to combat against mortgagees insisting on having- tho buildings insured in certain companies. Why they should be able to, when (he security is "the land, I fail to see. When money is so plentiful, as it is just now, I hope farmers will insist upon insuring where 'they like, and give us a chance of increasing our risks. "A little while ago money to be lent nn mortgages was in short supply; now tho labour troubles are so serious and disquieting that a great (leal more money is available than over for mortgage purposes, and rates have fallen. Mortgages, therefore, havo not the same power as they had Jo interfere and impose obnoxious conditions, and now is the time to emancipate thoso who have to borrow money. "The Farmers' Distributing Company has had a very profitable year, and is rapidly making up the leeway which" was forced" upon them by the boycott, nnd tho position which (hey found themselves in with the Government coal depot next door. However, despilo the ninny drawbacks to contend against, Mr. Hunt (who has shown great capacity and tact in the management) has been able to show a handsome and increasing profit each halfyear. The company was in the enviable position the other day of having too much money, and lent some of it out to a farmer who was in need of assistance. As time goes on, and we are able- to extend our business further afield, I hope we shall bo able to extend this class of business, and become the mediary for thow who want to lend or to borrow.

"Here, again, it was only because tho rates charged for business done for farmers were tiv> high that we started the company. Wo have been tho menus of keeping commissions and rates at a reasonable figure, and slopped a short while ago at attempt to raise therm"

Referring to the future, Mr. Wilson predicted that the coming session of .Parliament would be a short one, and that during it there would be practically no business done. "We had hoped that this Parliament would .-ettie oncu and for nil the right of the leaseholder lo convert his title to that of. the freehold, but that will bo again passed over, and it will remain for' the next Parliament to pass such a measure. This will mean that we must keep this policy—which is bound up with the union—before the public, and will entail further sacrifice of our timo and money to secure. We are, however, as strong "as ever upon the point, and 1 hope, willing voices will be raised by volunteers in ithe cause." THE DAY'S WORK. A HEAVY AGENDA PAPER. THE LAND ACT. On behalf of Makuri, Mr. W. J. Moore moved:—"(1) That the Government be asked to amend the. Land Act so as to give, all Crown tenants the option of purchasing the trochoid; bush lands at the original value, and the difference between the i per cent, now charged on the lease-in-perpetuity, and the 5 per cent, charged to tenants with the rignt of purchase; settlement lands at a fair actuarial valuation. (2) That all future Crown lands shall carry the right of purchase with limitations of area." Mr. Moore said that, in Mr. M'Nab's Act (though the 66 years terms were not nearly as good as the 999 years tenure) the great point wasthat the farmers had bean conceded the freehold. He referred to the no-confidence motion in the House last session, and drew attention to narrowness of the majority in the Government's favour. As to Mr. M'Nab, he had preached his own funeral sermon when lie brought down his Land Act. A position hud arisen whereby the country had no Minister for Lands. The Premier was the nominal ollicial, but he held a multiplicity of portfolios, and what was needed was a Minister—a farmer preferred -7«'ho could be found and interviewed when necessary. The Land Settlement Finance Bill of 1909was a freehold Bill. The Government was on the rail, and they would fall on the strongest side, so it behoved the union to send freeholders to the House.

Mr. Haigh seconded. He thought, if the farmers- kept the question to the front they would gain their point.

The wording of the motion was criticised. • ■

Mr. Moore said that what he wanted to get was the right of the freehold for everyone.

Tile motion was eventually amended to read .as follows:—"That the-Government be asked to amend the Land Act so as to give all Grown tenants the option of purchasing tho freehold for their lands at the original value, and the difference behveen the i per cent, now charged on the lease-iii-perpetuity, and the 5 per cent, charged to tenants with the right of purchase." It was also resolved that, in future, all Crown lands should be disposed of on the optional system. NATIVE LANDS. The following remit was from Bangiwahia—"That the conference be asked to express an opinion as to whether it is in favour of converting Native leases into freehold." Mr. Birch thought that they should have something definite for discussion. As soon as possible the Natives- should be brought into line with the Europeans as regards the conditions governing their lands. He believed that the , present system was riot in the interests of the Maoris, and that the only way to save the race was to. make them work for their living. What they were suffering from was "too much Socialism - — they were communists. ! Mr. Ewc.n Campbell was not in favour of the Maoris fevering their lands except on the condition that a large proportion of the money was taken ami invested in the Public Trustee. It was of common occurrence that, when a .Maori got the money for his land, he spent it in drink. Mr. W. B. Matheson thought that they should express a definite opinion, and he suggested the following: "That Native lands should bo taken as lands for settlement lands are, the proceeds to be dealt with by the Public Trustee in the interests,of the Natives concerned; that the land boards should give suitable Natives the first chance of subdivision, the remainder to be then thrown open for general settlement."

Sir. Nivens agreed that Native land should be taken, and then divided among the Mnoris.

Mr. A; P. Lynch said that there were thousands of acres of land which had been long idle, and out of which tho Maoris were getting nothing. Let the Maoris be-paid in inalienable debentures, and let them draw their three per cent., or whatever it was.

Mr. J. -, Morrison said that the great point was to get at the enormous amount of land lying idle, and going to waste. Why should the Maoris escape rating for roads when they use the thoroughfares? The following motion was then carried unanimously: "That the law with regard to the rating of Maori lands is still very unsatisfactory, and should be so ameuded as to place the Maori owner on the same footing as the European settler with regard to both general and special rates."

Mr. O'Dwyer (the Bangiwahia. representative) said that neither the discussions nor tho proposals had dealt with the question his branch had wished, and he would therefore rather withdraw the remit, and have the question raised at a future time, when he might obtain a definite answer.

The president said that the Rangiwahia branch should have tabled a motion, and not a suggestion. Tho remit was withdrawn. The other proposal also was withdrawn in the meantime. LAND VALUATION. It was resolved that when the Valuation Department proposes to value any lands, for taxation purposes, the local body interested should be first notified, and that the owner of the land be notiiied of the approximate date when their land valuation woul.l bo made. LAND BOARDS. Mr. A. R. Mayo moved the following standing in the name of Feilding and Kangiwuhia: —"That all land boards consist of live members, two to be elected by tho Crown tenants, tho Government to appoint two, and the Commissioner of Crown Lands in each district to bo tho chairman." Makuri wished the following added:— "That members should be elected for three years instead of two years." Tho suggestion was adopted, and the whole motion carried without opposition. . LAND FINANCE BILL. Mr. O'Dwyer moved: "That branches assist members of the union who wish to take advantage of tho Laud Finance Bill with tho necessary.information as to the best means to obtain same." The motion was seconded by Mr. Moore, and carried. GKASSING BUSH TEACKS. Mr. E. Johnston Smith- moved: "That, where roads and tracks are cut through bush land, the Government or local body in charge of tho work shall cause the road line to be sown with good, clean, grass seed to prevent the spread of weeds, and as an assistance to travelling stock." The mover said that every season hundreds and hundreds of pounds of money were lost through stock suffering before they got to their destinations. Also the bare places were breeding grounds for noxious weeds. The suggestion would not entail the asking of a charity, as the Government would add what was expended to the cost of the property. Tlio'motion was carried. TIIE OOBGK ROAD. Mr. A. R. Mayo moved:—"That, seeing that the Gorge Road is a national road with no rateable property adjoining it. tho Government ):c asked to maintain it." It was objected by one delegate that the matter was one for the local bodies, but this was not generally agreed to. The motion was carried. RAILWAY MATTERS. Feilding's remit on railway matters was as follows:—"That tho Government be urged to give better facilities for trucking fat stock during the months of December, January, February, and March." This was carried. A motion by Palmcrston North was carried. >'u the following slightly amended

form:—"That this conference protests against the system now in vogue on the New Zealand railways whereby two or more furiners taking slock from any ono station (o any ono destination cannot combine to have a truck or trucks to sond them as ono consignment."

Feilding moved:—"That the railway should give a receipt for goods received at all stations where thorc is no official."

Mr. MacFarlane, of Woodville, gave inslanees of goods having been lost, and the losers getting no satisfaction. A lot of thieving was done at Hag stations.

The president: Jf thorc is no one there, how can they give a. receipt?

Mr. A. M'Cirogor: ]t would simply mean thai they would not deliver at all.

Sir. Nevins remarked that (he settlers who lived on tho 'railway did not want to put up with any inconvenience at all. The following proposal was also considered at the same timo in the form of an amendment:—"That tho present railway regulations, which decree that consignment for certain country railway stations will only be received on certain days of the week, are inimical to the best interests of country residents, and should be rescinded." Mr. Matheson said that if tho two proposals were linked together, ho would oppose them on the ground that he was ■not sure that they had enough evidence to say that the Minister was wrong. The amendment was lost, and the motion carried. COUNTY COUNCIL MATTERS. Mr. E. Johnston Smith moved:—"That members of county councils hold meetings annually at convenient places in their respective ridings to discuss county business with the ratepayers, provided that the cost of such meetings is paid by the ratepayers concerned, or that all county councils forward the county balance-sheet, with explanatory notes, to each ratepayer, as is now done in some counties." The mover stated that the idea was that county councillors should keep tho ratepayers posted in the policy which they intended to pursue. Mr. Barton, who supported the proposal, said that he had never seen the balancesheet of the county in which ho lived for 15 years. Mr. Ewen Campbell opposed the motion. It would be better to publish the balance-sheet a few times in the press than to send copies of the statement out to tho ratepayers, and, as regarded another point, it would bo better for the ratepayers to ro to the county than for the county to go to them. Mr. Nevins said that a ratepayers meeting was called every year. The president supported tho motion. The proposal was defeated. On tho motion of Ngamatapouri, it was resolved:—"That the boundaries of counties and ridings be adjusted to follow the linos of communication and of interest, instead of arbitrary lines on paper, as is often the case at present." HOSPITAL BOARD. A Palmerston remit was as follows:— "That the present system of electing representatives of tho 'Hospital Boards is most unsatisfactory, and that the old system of election be reverted to." It was contended that tho former system'was much better than the existing ono. The motion was carried. THE UPPER HOUSE. A Waikanae remit read:—"That the agricultural interest is most inadequately represented in the Legislative Council, and. that steps bs taken to have greater representation of the farming interest." This was carried. HARBOUR BOARDS. A Masterton remit was:—"That the present system of•• Harbour' Board elections is most unsatisfactory and expensive, and that the Government be urged to revert to tho system of election by local bodies." This drew a volume, of adverso criticism against tho system in vogue. Mr. H. Morrison said that the present system was wasteful and clumsy. He complained of tho extravagance and the waste of public money on a system which was cumbersome. It was a poor compliment to tho local bodies to say that they were not capable of selecting" a representative for tho Harbour Board. The.resolution was carried. THE DRAINAGE ACT. It was resolved that tho Drainage Act bo so amended as to allow rates to be struck on an acreage basis instead of on the capital valuo as at present. PURE SEEDS BILL. Ballnnco moved:—"That tho. Government bo requested to bring in a Pure Hoods Bill." The remit was adopted after several instances had been given of. tho introduction of noxious seeds in allegedly pure reed parcels. Californian thistle was particularly mentioned. RURAL TELEPHONES. Tho. following remit from Masterton was considered:—"That the Government be asked to subsidise the erection, o£ all rural telephone lines, and the cost of administrating rural tcleßnonos." A delegate drew attention to a-statement of tho Premier's to the offect that !:o had asked Parliament to agree to a preliminary vote of J'2ooo for the assistance of settlers who desired to erect rural telephones. Mr. H. Jforrison, who moved tho Mas-tM-ron remit, said that, in- his district (hero was a network of linos, am' the maintenance cost a great deal. Also, it cost a good deal to work the system. Tho motion was carried. Another remit on tho subject of rural telephones was the following, which was tabled by Masterton, and moved by Mr .\cvuis:-"That a reduction be made to telephone subscribers in cases whore more than one subscriber is using the same wiro." The remit was agreed to. POSTAL FACILITIES. Mr. Moore'moved-.-"That the inland mail contracts be altered eo as to five country settlers greater benefits. Telegrams should be included in tho term 'letters.'" Mr. Moore produced regulations which he saul showed that a telegram was not a letter. To his mind, a telegram was a very important letter. Mr. Niveiiß wanted to know why it rural people had what might bo termed a (ravelling post office in the mail contractor, that post olh'cc did not offer the same facilities as other post offices. Mr. Moore: A mail contractor can absolutely refuse to take a telegram from the postmistress to be delivered to us ' Tho motion was carried. Makuri also moved:-"That the price of private bags be reduced when delivered only twice a week; that, where possible settlors should get the benefit of rurai delivery." Mr. Moore gave an instance of where settlers were getting a daily dolivorv for £2 a day, tho others a weekly delivery but paying the same price. The Departmental reply to an agitation had been that the regulation was law, and they could not vary it. The regulations were made fifty years or so ago, and did not always fit the conditions of to-day. Mr. Nevins seconded. The president: The revenue will suffer between you two. Mr. Moore: 1 understand that the Government make ,£20,000 a year out of tho rural deliveries. The remits wore carried. SHEEP-WORRYING. Ngamatapouri moved:—"That the. executive committee be requested to strengthen I he hands of those members of Parliament who are trying to bring pressure on the Government to give farmers, whoso sheep are being worried by dogs, adequate protection." Waikanao moved: "That legislation be introduced making it compulsory that all dogs be chained up at nights To prevent tho worrying of sheep." The proposals were rejected. FARMERS ON JURIES. Tt was moved: "That tho system of appointing jurymen bo altered, and that, if called for one sitting of the court, they should bo exempt from attendance for at least six months." Mr. lialsillie said that the Supreme Court was now sitting in Pahnerston North. Tho names of the jurymen who served at this sitting were put back in (he ballot-box, and the jurymen wore liable for service at the following sitting of the Court. This was rather a hardship in a dairying district. If a man had sat on one case ho should not bo.liable for another following close at hand. Mr. J. Wiugate gave an instance of a

man who had that morning left his farm and his urgent work to obey a jury call. This man could not get anyone to lill his place, which was a serious thing in dairying. .Mr. Lynch opposed the remit. It (the jury system) was a'thing which had been fought for for years- by the democracy, and it was not a right tiling for anyone to forego his duly now because he' was likely to be occasionally inconvenienced. . The motion was carried. OTHER BUSINESS. When it came io the consideration of the remit by Ngamatupouri—"That the annual conference be not held until one month has elapsed from the timo of posting the agenda paper by the provincial secretary to enable the branches to discuss the remits that arc to be brought before the conference"—the president said that it was ;\ very difficult question, anil might require an allc-ration in the rules. If the matter was left to tho executive, the best would be ilono in the. interests of tho branches. As it was, matters were left as late, as possible. The matter was left to tho executive. COW-TESTING. Mr. T. Quirke moved: "That, seeing the great importance o! the dairy industry in Sew Zealand, it behoves dairy companies, A. and P. Associations, and branches of the union, to use every effort to foster and encourage cow-testing." Mr. yuirke said the full advantages offered by the State Department of Agriculture were not availed of by the farmers. The system could l:e furthered, too, through the schools, and by the formation of a utility herd book. Mr. Mnthescm said that the Department was sending a man to Eketaiiuna next month to speak on the subject of a cow-testing association. The motion was.cirriod. Mr. Quirke proposed: "That, in connection with the dairy industry, some system of herd and shed inspection is necessary, and that this conference recommends that the Agricultural Department and representatives of dairy-firmers confer as to the most suitable method of inspection." - ]£e said that there was great room for improvement m the industry at present. Jt was unfair f.h.it some men should ssnd uncleau milk to a factory. Mr. Morris, who seconded, said that it was of little use leaving the matter of circling with suppliers of dirty milk to anyone who could deal with it under the present system. Mr. MTarlane thought that there should, be some good system of inspection. Mr. Higgie regretted that the mover had said that cows with- bad udders and cancerous growths were milked. Mr. Ewen Campbell said that, at tho present time, bu'.ter people were a little spoon-fed, whereas tho meat-growers had to pay for everything they got. Now you propose that inspectors shall go round these dairies, and 1 should like to asK how the inspectors are to be paid. A member: A cow tax. ' Mr Campbell: Well, a cow-tax would ha" a 'fair and reasonable thing. He went on to sav that, unless they wore careful, they would have the inspectors thicker than ever the cows were. . Mr. Howie: We have the inspectors Mr Win"ate said that he abhorted inspectors-he detested them. If lie was in charge of a factory he would absolutely refuse to accept milk that was not fit What more inspection was needed.' , (Hear, hear.) Surely there were enough inspectors in this country already. Mr. Quirke said that, if the members had read the remit carefully, they would =ee that it was suggested that somo system of herd inspection was necessary. He thought that the farmers and the. Department should bo able to evolve something'suitable to all concerned. The motion was carried, with a ..low dissentients. COMMISSION ON DAIRY STOCK. Mr. Quirke moved:—"That this' conference is of opinion that the rate of commission (5 per cent.) on the sale oi dairy stock, whether by auction or private sale, is an excessive and an unjust tax on tho dairy industry." Mr. H'iggie said that, though he held no brief for the auctioneers, ho would state that dairy cows were sold separately while fat. stock could be sold collectively. Mr. Quirke, in his reply, said that Mr. Higgio's statement only applied to cleariii" sales. To such sales he (Mr. Quirke/ had not referred. He instanced private sales, where a man bought a whole herd in a. couple of hours, and the auctioneer, who had simply driven out, to the farm, charged 5 per cent, commission. Tho motion was agreed to. DUTIES ON IRONWARE. Mr. W. J. Birch moved:—"That this conference use its influence to protest against, any threatened increase in the duty on ironware as being prejudicial to the producers of the wealth of the Dominion." Tho .-notion was carrud. AN OLD ENEMY. Mr! Dalryiuple moved: "That the Minister for AgricuUme be urged to have experiments on a practical basis carried -but at oiio of the experiment farms, to find out, if possible, the best way of dealing with Calibrnian thistle and other r.eeds. The remit was adopted. IMMIGRATION. The following remit fronv Jlaknri was carried:—"That, on account of the scarcity of suitable labour, the union should support the 'Scdgwick immigration scheme,' and the Government be urged to assist suitable farm labourers." STALLION REGISTRATION. ' Marlon's remit: "That the Government be strongly urged to bring the Stallion Registration Bill before the House in the coming session"—was moved by Mr. Dalrymple, and carried, after discussion. A MISAPPREHENSION. ■Mr. Hart moved: "That this branch of tlic farmers' Union draw attention to tho difference of weight deducted on wool bales here, and that from Australian wool when being sold in England." ~..,, The mover said that, in Australia, there was no deduction-made, and his branch thought that it was an unfair thing to make it here. . . Several members expressed the opinion that the supposition of the Cjladstonis branch was nuirrect. Tho motion was withdrawn. THE' YEAR'S OFFICERS. Mr J. G. Wilson was nominated for the office of president amidst applause. Mr H. A. Nevins (To Nui) has been ncminatel as vi:e-presil?nt, and :ur. \\. T Birch as treasurer. The following have been nominated for the thirteen, seats on the executive:-H. Booth (Foilding , Mnthoson (Ekotahuna). Lwen Campbe 1 (Wansanui), Hockly (Hunterville , Escott Woodville). A.. Howie (Waverley) W K. Dalrvmplo (Marton), O. P. Lynch (Paekakarikl), John Morrison 'Hakonibd. Hugh Morrison. (Masterton), 1. Moss, D. Howie, and Quirke (Pahiat.ua); and Captain Hewitt' (Palmerston .North). DEFENCE MATTERS. •V number of interesting references to defence matters were made at the banquet hold in the evening.