FARMERS' UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 412, 10 May 1902, Page 3

FARMERS' UNION.

[By Telegraph—Fross Association.] Invercargill, last night, At the Provincial Conference of the Farmers’ Union, which was well attended, the recommendations of branohes were •subjected, and those adopted will be sent to the Colonial Conference. Ite subscriptions, it was decided that 5s per annum cover subscription and entrance, the receipt to be a member’s ticket. As to insurance - It was decided that there, be a revision of the conditions of accidont policy, especially clauses 6 and Id and 80, and that branches may be formed with 25 members with the consent of the provincial executive, or that the powers and Btatus of the sub-branohes be more clearly defined. Fire insurance: It was decided that the Colonial Council endeavor to negotiate for a reduction of rates on country properties, and enter into an agreement with a suitable company willing to undertake to do so. A suggestion that workmen be compelled to insure themselves against accident was scouted and expunged. A motion to appoint a paid provincial secretary to visit each branch was approved, as against a proposal for paid agents or lecturers for each Uland. Valuations: The'NV' •• ”"" 1 objected to the last Prc" ,i .... v science's resolution that (government ap-’ point one assessor and the local body the other one, on the ground that the local hody was more interested in high valuations than the Government. It also suggested that the Farmers’ Union appoint an assessor, not the local body. The motion was negatived. A motion that the branch votes for and against be sent to the conference, and advertised, so as to obtain a better attendance of branch members- to prevent the executive or Union using influence to obtain a majority of votes, was carried. Valuers: It was resolved that Government be urged to appoint only men with an intimate knowledge of the value of farming lands, and of those of the district to which he is appointed. Strong objection was taken to the power of a supervisor to alter the Valuer’s assessment in his offico, the system being characterised as a scandalous abuse. It was further resolved that the Valuer should make known to the owner his valuation before he left the land. It was resolved to ask the Department of Agriculture to inspect dairy herds in autumn instead of spring, as at present. jj} 8 Cuafeneuse adjourned till to-morrow.