FARMERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 400, 26 April 1902, Page 3

FARMERS’ UNION.

A meeting of the executive was held yesterday morning, Messrs James Macfarlane (Chairman), A. 11. Wallis, T. W. Biffiam, C. J. Parker, aud Lissant Clayton (provincial secretary) being present.' Sir J. C. Ward, in reply to a communication from tho provincial secretary, stated it would be a source of satisfaction when ho would be able to declare the local railway line open. This, however, rested with his colleaguo, the Minister of Public Works. With reference to tho Minister’s visit to Ormond, he replied that he should be pleased to comply with the request to deliver an address if it would be possible to be present in the district. Tho Minister of Agriculture wrote, re the clearing of weeds off Government and Maori lands, that tho matter would be looked into. The general secretary of the Union wrote in reference to the coming conference of the Union, and asking a suitable date. In reply to Mr Parker, tho secretary stated his predecessor had not kept any proper account of their lists, but he himself could account for 400 members, and 500 was nearer the mark. He thought they would be able to make the required 1000.

The Chairman explained that the resolutions from tho executive would be put on the order list, and each brought up.

Tho general secretary wrote that a resolution had been passed at the Auckland provincial meeting that Poverty Bay district could be represented when 1000 members were enrolled, instead of tho 2000 for other districts.—Received. The secretary said the Auckland district had no right under the Union rules to have any au horiiv oxer them. The C.iainuan thought they should form themselves into a sep'uate district. Mr Bilham thought that the districts should be the provincial divisions.' The secretary said that would be too

large. This district was large enough, although the population was not large. In connection with the resolution of the Provincial Council of Auckland, their

treasurer, Mr Hilton Lysnar, was in Auckland, and at Mr Glass’s invitation had attended and moved the resolution in reference to tho 1000 representation

limit. The Chairman moved that sub-section 6, clause 4, be altered so that tho Counties of Cook and Waiapu should constitute a province for representation on the Colonial Conference. Mr Wallis seconded the motion, which was carried.* Mr Wallis said the Auckland Council had the idea that this district, being in the Auckland provincial district, came under them.

The Chairman thought they should not take any notice of the resolution. There would probably be no one from this district at the conference. Mr Parker said the Chairman was often down that way. It was considered that someone should be present.

The Chairman said that funds would not allow it, and the representative would have to go at his own expense. Ho suggested that in the case of no one from the

district being able to be present they should forward their resolutions by the delegate from another district. The Secretary said he had received the commission from the insurance company for business that had passed through his hands. This he would hand over for the benefit of the executive.

Members warmly appreciated this gene' rosity.

Mr Clayton explained that he had not taken the work up as permanent, but he hoped some day to see the Union in a position to have a paid secretary. The Secretary stated that ho had a suggestion from the secretary of the Patutahi branch that an office be opened in town, where the members could meet.

It was decided to leave this matter over till the subject of the proposed club was brought up. Such a club would entail a paid secretary, and the funds would not yet allow it. By present arrangements they got the room free. The secretary said no reply had baen received from the Chamber of Commerce regarding the Ministerial visit'. The Chairman thought they would not be troubled much by Ministers; Mr Carroll would likely be the only one present. The following resolutions received from the Gisborne branch for the Colonial Council to consider were confirmed:—l. That tho Clause in the Maori Councils Act, relating to tho registration of Boards is not compatible with the Stock Act, 1893, and is calculated to cause confusion, and should be amended. 2. That this Union considers all loans to local bodies should be relieved of the mortgage tax. 3. That this Union is of opinion that the ratepayers should have the appointment of at least one expert valuer to sit on the Assessment Court.

The Chairman proposed, it was seconded by Mr Wallis, and carried, “ That this Union will support and encourage substantial contractors to take Government contracts and competent men in preference to co-operative labor.” Mr Parker moved the following: “Considering the present depressed state of the grazing interests, the conference approach the Government to ascertain if they could see their way to reduce the land tax.” The motion was carried, and later on it was decided to submit it to the Conference. On Mr Lissant Clayton’s motion, it was resolved, “ That the Department should be urged to spend any surplus derived .from telephones in this district in erecting more telephones in Poverty Bay. It was decided to write, approving of the time fixed for the Conference, and to hold another meeting of the Executive on the last Saturday in May, at 10 a.m., to appoint a delegate to the Conference. Mr Clayton proposed, and Mr Parker seconded, “ That a Farmers’ Club be formed in Gisborne, the subscription to be ss, entrance fee ss, and that on 75 members being received, a provisional committee be formed and two rooms (already arranged for) be acquired at the Albion Hotel, on the terms and conditions already arranged.” The Chairman urged caution in starting such an institution. Previous attempts in. which he had been concerned in Gisborne were failures. Mr Parker did not think they would be able to keep the Union alive Without such a club.

Mr Bilham said tho Patutahi Union was not against the proposal to start a club. They were quite willing to join if private rooms were provided and ladies and other members of their families were allowed to make use of the room. After discusion, it was decided that Mr Bilham's suggestion be referred to the provisional committee, and, if advisable, a room for ladies could be obtained. Mr Bell, Birrell, Baird, Woodward, and Clayton were appointed a provisional committee to make the necessary arrangements and enrol members.