FARMERS' UNION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1449, 25 May 1912, Page 14

FARMERS' UNION.

TARANAKI CONFERENCE. (By Telegraph.-Prcsa Association.) Hawera, Jlay 23, Tho annual Tnranaki provincial ccraferonco of tho Fanners' Union took place at Hawera to-dny. Mr. K. Lambie presided. In Jiis address, ho referred to tho loss tho executive sustained by tho removal from tho district of Mr. J". W. Jones Tho meagre way in which the union was supported left it short of funds, but lie hoped in future it would ho better supported. Ino return of four freehold members to the llouso was gratifying ( o t i, o U)lionj and it was n good deal duo to tho efforts ot the union that tho freeholder was where he was now. Ho hoped it would not be long beforo there would bo an agricultural college in Taranaki, turning out scientific, practical farmers. Although farmers escaped to a great extent from tne effects of trades unionism interference, sometimes they had been threatened, and in view of the manner in which Labour was organising, it behoved all farmers to unite and stand together. In politics tho union was not a party 'machine, and any political candidate- was only asked whether ho supported tlie union's platform, and never asked whether ho was a Government or Opposition supporter. Tho following principal remits were adopted for the Dominion conference:— That the Valuation of Lands Act bo so altered as to permit all improvements of whatever nature made to land, and also tho capital value on a five per cent, basis of any special rates paid on such land for roading, etc., being reckoned as improvements. That all Native lands shall bo placed on tho same footing for taxation purposes, both local and general, as land held by Europeans; all lands not required for tho Natives' own use to bo purchased by tho Government, and leased with ri»ht of purchase. That the Dominion executive bo asked to carefully watch any move in tho direction of obtaining increase of Customs duties on articles required by the farming community, and to protest against such increase. _ The conference also carried remits urging tho Government to encourage, in view of the scarcity of farm labour, the efforts of those who are making an organised endeavour to bring suitable labour to New Zealand; Mr. .Tames Davidson was elected president, Mr. A. Hunter vice-president, and Mr E Maxwell was appointed delegate to the Dominion conference.