Farmers’ Union.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 139, 22 June 1901, Page 4

Farmers’ Union.

The following is the platform of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, adopted at the first general meeting held in Auckland March 19th, 20th, and 21st, 1900. (1) Roads. —That the forfeiture of grants for roads, for non-expenditure before the appearance of the Financial Statement, be abolished; and that the Government be requested to give authority for grants for roads and bridges, etc., to be expended as soon as the Estimates have passed the House of Representatives. (2) Crown Lands. —That the value upon Crown lands be the actual value of a competent valuer, and not, as at present, the surveyor's value. Settlers on Crown lands be allowed five years’ occupation free. The old Homestead Act revived, especially with regard to the North. That bush settlers be allowed to sell the timber on then- lands, instead of burning it as at present. Settlers with right of purchase to pav same instead of rent as lease in perpetuity. All Crown leaseholders to have a clause inserted in their lease giving them the right to purchase at any time during then - lease. No land to be taken compulsorily while there arc native and Crown lands in the hands of the Government. That the Government also fell a chain wide on their side of all “ division ” fences between their lands and those of settlers. That the Government pay their half of all boundary fences and then charge the incoming purchaser or tenants of lands affected as taken up. (8) Native lands. —That the preemptive right of the Government be abolished, and the natives be allowed to manage and dispose of their lands, with proper restrictions ; and that after such right is recognised they shall pay rates on all lands they will not lease or sell. (4) Freights.—That every means be taken to reduce freights on produce to the lowest payable limit, so as to allow settlers to send produce etc., to market at a profit instead of at a loss as at present. (5) EqualProfits.—That the economical laws of the country be so altered as to raise the profits of the farmer to an equality with those of the other indutrial classes. (0) Cheap 'Loans to Farmers. —That some scheme bo devised by which farmers with good security can obtain temporary loans at low rates of interest and at short notice, to save the sacrifice of produce and stock as at present. (7) Practical instruction. —That practical farms be established In different parts of the colony under the control of a Board on which tho Presidents of the Agricultural Association and the N.Z. Farmers’ Union shall have a seat.